Utility Sink
If your budget allows, adding a utility sink in the laundry room can be a fantastic upgrade. “Utility sinks are great for pre-soaking and handwashing clothes, washing gross things that you don’t want in your kitchen sink, cleaning up from crafts, and, depending on the size of the sink and your animals, bathing pets,” West says. If space allows, she recommends an extra-deep basin sink and, if your budget allows, upgraded materials from the standard acrylic options, like a deep farmhouse sink.
Upgraded Appliances
The centerpiece of any laundry room, washer and dryer units do the bulk of the work, but also set the aesthetic tone of the room as well. Make them both high-performing and visually appealing with upgraded models. Opt for matching sets in fun colors or splurge for added features that can make laundry easier to do with better results.
Ample Storage
While laundry room storage is always a must-have, being thoughtful about the kind of storage you include (and how it looks) is how to achieve upgraded status. Consider built-in cabinetry with slide-out shelves or utilize baskets and bins to easily access everything. Don’t forget to utilize all available vertical space and incorporate deep and shallow storage areas. “Try to lay out the laundry room so that the majority of your storage is only as deep as needed for linens and cleaning supplies,” West says.
Upgraded Flooring
“Pretty flooring is often one of the best features of an inviting laundry room,” West says. “Since it’s a space closed off from the rest of the house, you can have a lot of fun with your floor color and pattern.” Whatever you choose, make sure it’s waterproof and comfortable underfoot. Luxury vinyl tile is a great option, and for a luxe laundry room upgrade, opt for radiant heat under ceramic, porcelain or stone tile.
Folding Area
“If you have space for a folding counter, I recommend it,” West says. “Even if you don’t fold your laundry in the laundry room, having a place to set down your laundry bin, or put the clothes as you pull them out of the dryer, is incredibly convenient.” While it’s tempting to put a folding space over a washer or dryer, you’re out of luck as most units are 39-in. tall compared to a traditional counter height of 36 inches. Another option is a separate folding table, or even a fold-down model that tucks away in tight spaces.
Drying Space
The laundry room is the ideal space for air drying all sorts of items. “If you’re handwashing sweaters, want to air out your kids’ soccer gear after practice, or have delicates you prefer to air dry, planning ahead will help keep you from having things hanging elsewhere in the house,” West says. She likes to add hooks for airing out sports equipment, a drop-down rack for drying delicates and a mesh, pull-out surface perfect for flat-drying sweaters. “Finally, consider a humidity-sensing vent, so you keep air circulating without having to remember to turn the fan on and off,” she adds.
Pet Cleaning/Storage Space
“If you have pets you need to bathe, this is a fabulous upgrade! Pet showers are usually built a couple of feet off the ground, so you can bathe Fido while standing comfortably,” West says. “It’s so much easier than kneeling over a low bathtub or fitting in the shower with your pup.” If you don’t have tons of space for a dedicated pet washing station, Hale suggests installing a large utility or farmhouse sink that can do double duty. The laundry room is also a great space to store pet supplies.
Luxury Finishes
Think stone countertops, radiant flooring, built-in cabinetry and high-end faucets or sinks when leaning into luxury laundry room upgrades. Sleek, built-in cabinetry can include fold-out ironing boards, laundry basket storage or drying racks. Radiant flooring adds comfort, while stone counters and high-end plumbing finishes bring a more upscale and design-forward appeal. “It’s a room we have to use but if you dread going in, no wonder you put off doing your laundry,” Hale says. She suggests adding finishes that “make you smile”, just make sure they can withstand the humid environment.
Laundry Chute
The laundry chute in my current home is such a game changer when it comes to getting laundry done. Instead of lugging a full hamper downstairs, dirty laundry sits a mere arms length away from the washing machine. If only they could make a reverse chute to get clean laundry back upstairs! “If you don’t have room for a chute, you could make a sorting station with different colored bins, as an alternative,” Hale says.
Maximize Lighting
We saved the best for last, as both experts cited lighting as their top laundry room upgrade. “The most important upgrade you can make is lighting,” Hale says. “I find it makes such a huge difference and contributes to the mood of the room. It’s also inexpensive and doesn’t require a renovation.” West suggests opting for “brighter lights in cooler light temperatures, so you can see stains clearly.” She also likes under-cabinet and over-sink lights as well for this utility space.
About the Experts
- Rebecca West is a former interior designer and author of Happy Starts at Home, a book full of exercises meant to help you figure out how to make your home work better for you.
- Shannon Hale is a personal organization expert and host of the YouTube channel Shannon Skip to My Life, offering home organizing and decluttering advice.
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