![Contemporary Laundry by Tempus Design Studio Pty Ltd](http://web.archive.org./web/20160917140817im_/http://static.domain.com.au/domainblog/uploads/2016/08/01150517/Houzz.jpg)
Contemporary Laundry by Tempus Design Studio Pty Ltd
Author: Susan Oong
The modern laundry is a far cry from the poky lean-to that was the norm in our great-grandparents’ day. Today’s laundries are more likely to look like a visual extension of the kitchen, with sleek cabinetry, spacious benchtops and streamlined whitegoods; making them all the better to cope with the gigantic volume of dirty clothes that inevitably comes with looking after a busy family. For those looking to update their space, here are 10 lust-have ideas that could improve the functionality of your laundry.
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1. Use all available space
Nothing says functionality as well as fold-out furniture or flip-out ironing boards. There’s something charming about a little-used household item popping out from its well-conceived storage spot to avail itself for use.
In the Queensland home pictured above, the ironing board isn’t the only useful addition to the laundry. A rail used to hang damp clothing is also conveniently located. Tucked under cabinets but close to the sink, it’s likely to be in constant use.
2. Keep it organised
With children comes mess: muddy soccer boots, stained sports gear and dirty school uniforms are the obvious culprits. But dealing with this inevitable (and seemingly unending) load can be made easier with a well-designed system.
Having a dumping spot in the laundry for the worn sports and school gear means those items can go straight into the wash. While having more than one clothes hamper makes dividing dirty laundry into separate loads a cinch.
Browse a selection of laundry hampers online
3. Allocate a pick-up spot
Save yourself the added chore of putting away clean clothes by allocating a pick-up basket for the family. After it’s all freshly laundered and folded, the kids can be tasked with sorting out their own belongings. Having a set space not only for pick ups, but also for dropping off dirty clothes, will save plenty of time in the long run.
4. Add greenery
Let a little of the outdoors in when planning or updating your laundry. The addition of an indoor plant or two is the perfect way to decorate what is often a fairly plain and utilitarian space. The plants will also flourish there because a laundry is usually the room where there is the best light and ventilation. Try a maiden hair fern, which thrives on the humid air produced by the dryer, or potted English ivy for fast-growing greenery.
5. Create a spot for everything
I’m likely not the only one out there who adores having a spot for everything. Like many, I prefer a clutter-free look, so what appeals to me about this clever storage design is the ability to stow away items in a hurry when visitors drop in – even something as bulky as a laundry basket brimming with unfolded clothes.
Where to stash stuff in a hurry
6. Invest in a hoist
Because we’re all trying to be kind to the environment, it’s nice to give the dryer a break on wet days and use a clothes airer instead. They’re essential for delicate items as well as for clothing that is still just a little damp around the edges.
Of course, airers come in many designs, from the standalone clothes horse to the more elaborate drying drawers. One space-saving winner of a design is the drop-down clothes airer. When it’s not in use, it’s a simple action to hoist it up and out of the way.
Drying rack solutions for the laundry
7. Incorporate a laundry chute
For homes with a second floor, a laundry chute can be a great alternative to trudging up and down stairs with armfuls of dirty clothes. When designing or renovating your home, consider installing a chute from the upstairs bathroom or walk-in-robe. It can be tricky retro-fitting one, so it’s a good idea to add it into the plans when building.
8. Squeeze a laundry in anywhere
Even in the most compact of spaces, it’s possible to find room to incorporate a laundry. It’s not uncommon to find a washer/dryer combo tucked under the kitchen bench in apartments, but what about other under-utilised hidey holes? As long as you can run in a tap and a drainage pipe, a small-scale laundry could materialise in just about any spot. Think of the cavity under the stairs, or under a bench on the back deck.
How to squeeze a laundry in anywhere
9. Increase bench space
Having a small laundry with little usable bench space can be a challenge. One clever way to increase the available work area is to make must-have items multi-functional. This fitted sink cover that doubles as a benchtop extension is one smart solution to the problem.
![Galley Laundry photographed by Michelle Jarni](http://web.archive.org./web/20160917140817im_/http://static.domain.com.au/domainblog/uploads/2016/08/01151832/Houzz.jpg)
All members of the clan need to enjoy an updated laundry, even the family dog. In this Melbourne home, a pull-out pet bed was added in to the laundry design for the family’s pooch, who calls this part of the house home.Find a home design professional in your area