How to Design a Modern Laundry Room

How to Design a Modern Laundry Room

April 6, 2024

You’ve been dreaming of a modern laundry room ever since finding a new favorite find on HGTV. But how can you achieve that without breaking the bank? And more importantly, how can you achieve a modern laundry room without knowing where to start?

Let’s break it all down for you.

What is a Modern Style?

When we talk about modern style, we're talking about creating a space that's sleek, stylish, and oh-so-functional. Think clean lines, minimalism, and functionality all rolled into one. Let’s break these elements down a little:

Clean lines give a sense of order and harmony to a room, making everything feel well-balanced and put together. Specifically, it refers to a style characterized by straight, crisp, and uncluttered lines, with minimal ornamentation and focusing instead on the simplicity and elegance of the space. In furniture, this means things like straight-edged countertops and minimalist cabinetry.

modern laundry room with stacked washer dryer and gray closets

Minimalism, simply put, is getting rid of the excess stuff and decluttering.

And as far as functionality, this principle means every element in your modern laundry room design serves a purpose and contributes to efficiency, from smart storage solutions to high-tech appliances.

So, how do you blend these elements into a space you already have in a modern laundry room?

Necessities for the Perfect Modern Laundry Room

1. A Modern Color Scheme

First, let's talk colors!

For a modern vibe, think clean and contemporary, sticking to a neutral color palette with shades like white, gray, or beige as your base. Then, sprinkle in pops of bold colors like navy blue, emerald green, or mustard yellow through accessories like laundry baskets or wall art.

You can kick things up a notch while still staying modern by painting or wallpapering one wall in a contrasting color or pattern to add a splash of personality without overwhelming the room.

Or, you can lean into a monochrome design, playing with different tones of the same color can create a sophisticated look that ties everything together seamlessly.

2. Sleek Appliances (Washer & Dryer)

Look for modern washer and dryer sets with sleek finishes and fancy features like steam cycles and smartphone connectivity (not only because it’s sleek and modern, but because who doesn’t love a little extra convenience?)

Opt for front-loading machines, as they usually offer better performance and efficiency compared to their top-loading counterparts.

But if you’re short on space, definitely consider stackable units to maximize vertical space and keep things looking streamlined.

3. Functional Countertops for Folding

Think of materials like quartz or laminate that can handle the hustle and bustle of laundry day and maintain that sleek, modern laundry room look.

Drawers or shelves are perfect for stashing detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets, keeping your workspace that modern, clutter-free look.

Plus, to maintain that modern-function vibe, opt for a countertop that pulls double duty as a workspace for other tasks, like sewing or crafting.

modern laundry room with stacked washer dryer and wood cabinetry

4. Utility Sink

Utility sinks can easily look out-of-date and commercial if you let them, so choose one that fits the modern vibe of your space, with clean lines and a sleek finish.

Focusing on functionality is key here, going for a sink with a deep basin and durable material like stainless steel or composite granite. For an even more functional sink, look for ones with built-in accessories like a pull-down faucet or drying rack to make your life even easier.

5. Durable, Waterproof Flooring

Let's start from the ground up — literally. Your laundry room floor needs to be able to handle moisture and heavy foot traffic without breaking a sweat.

Opt for flooring materials like porcelain tile, waterproof laminate, luxury vinyl plank, or ceramic tile which are water-resistant, durable, and require minimal upkeep.

6. Drying Area

Install a retractable clothesline or drying rack to hang delicate items or garments that can't handle the tumble dryer. For a modern look, make it a sleek and simple design, so it doesn’t visually clutter the rest of the space.

If you’re working in a smaller space, consider heated drying racks, fold-down options or ceiling-mounted options.

modern laundry room with window

7. Adequate Ventilation

And above all else, remember ventilation, positioning your appliances near a window or a ventilation fan to keep things fresh and prevent moisture buildup. While it might not be an aesthetic tip, it’s important to ensure you’re keeping your beautiful design safe from fires.

In a modern design style, take advantage of natural ventilation by strategically positioning windows to allow fresh air to circulate and help dry clothes more quickly. And if your laundry room is on the humid side, consider adding a dehumidifier to keep your beautiful design staying fresh and clean for years to come.

8. Bins, Baskets, and Hampers for Organizing Clothes

Think wire baskets with clean lines or woven hampers with geometric patterns for a stylish and functional modern space. Once everything’s organized, you can sprinkle in some modern laundry room decor to add a little personality to the space.

Additional Tips for Designing a Modern Laundry Room

Prioritize Under-Cabinet Lighting

Install LED strip lights or puck lights underneath those modern laundry room cabinets to illuminate countertops and workspace areas. It’s functional and creates a warm and modern atmosphere.

You can find ones that are either motion-activated or phone-activated to make it easy to control and customize to your liking.

Get Creative with Hidden Storage

Remember all your storage options, like vertical shelving, sliding cabinets, or built-in closets. Bulky items like laundry hampers or cleaning supplies behind cabinet doors or within custom-built storage units to maintain that clean and streamlined look.

To lean in on the modern vibe, find seating and furniture that has hidden compartments to maximize storage capacity.

Partner With Closet World For Your Luxury Modern Laundry Room Design

Bring your modern laundry room ideas to life with our team of expert designers at Closet World! We’ll collaborate with your vision and help you every step of the way to elevate your laundry room to your modern dreams!