Designer Pro-Tips for Building a Luxury Laundry Room

Raise your hand if your laundry room has thus far existed as a “throwaway” space. In other words, an area of the home that’s been a bit neglected and isn’t exactly a joy to walk into—let alone a welcoming place to sort, fold, and hang. You’re definitely not alone. Designing a luxury laundry room is one of the top trends of 2022, and people are determined to swap their dreary for the luxury laundry room of their dreams. 

If you’ve toyed with the idea of designing your own luxury laundry room, you’re in luck. We spoke to a few interior designers who were happy to share their best tips on how to create the kind of space that might just make you excited to tackle the never-ending chore that is laundry. 

1. Try Some Fun Flooring

Laundry rooms are a great place to get a little bold with creative floor designs, such as intricate patterns or vibrant colors. It also helps ground the aesthetic of the room and naturally draws attention when you walk into the space. 

“Large tiles can make a room feel more expansive and smaller tiles can make a larger space feel cozier,” notes Sarit Marcus, interior designer and founder of Minted Space. “Materials also greatly impact the feel of a room. Travertine, porcelain, and cement tiles all have a unique aesthetic that creates a different mood.

Shop: Marcus recommends tiles from Arto’s Scirocco, which seamlessly blend sophistication with a fun flair. You can also try AllModern and TileBar.

2. Throw Down a Patterned Rug

If your budget (or energy) doesn’t allow for new flooring, then opt for a pattered rug, instead. 

“If the floor is tiled or has wood floors, an area rug will soften the room while adding personality and depth to the space,” says Anna Franklin, interior designer and founder of Stone House Collective. 

If it’s a luxury laundry room feel you’re after, she recommends going for a vintage design, which can help add some grounded elegance to your space. Franklin adds, “Select a rug that features the primary color of the laundry room, but also incorporates other colors to add the depth.”

Shop: Some of our favorite options include District Loom, Ambitious Home, and Etsy. For those who prefer to buy new, there are plenty of vintage-inspired—and modern designs—available, as well. Try Living Spaces, nuLOOM, and Ruggable.

3. Create an Accent Wall

There are so many different approaches to an accent wall. You could go for a single bold color, a painted pattern, mural, texture, or even wallpaper. 

“Accent walls aren’t just for the living room or bedroom. Add a feature wall with materials such as tile, shiplap, or board and batten, all of which can add warmth and can take your laundry room to the next level,” notes Ronda Lish, president and lead designer of Arizona’s D & R Design. 

Franklin agrees, saying that wallpaper offers a lot of bang for your dollar and time. 

“Installing wallpaper allows you to really create a design moment in an unexpected place, completely transforming the feel of a standard laundry room,” says Franklin. “If your laundry room is small and you want to make the space feel larger, you can use a vertically oriented print to draw the eye up. Or if your laundry room doesn’t get much natural light, select a cheery, light-colored print to brighten up a space. You can really have fun with it!”

Shop: To narrow down the choices for your updated luxury laundry room, try to match the accent wall to other elements in the space. Our pros recommend Chasing Paper and WallPops.

4. Invest in Excellent Storage

Even if your luxury laundry room looks magazine-worthy, it’s not doing anything for you if it’s not functional. Cue cabinetry, organizers, and shelving. And when you think about it, a high-functioning laundry room is the epitome of luxury.

Smart storage optimizes space, creates an efficient organization system, and creates a streamlined, seamless visual. 

“Laundry rooms typically become the go-to room for storage of cleaning products, household paper goods, and much more. Design custom storage that hides all the mess you want unseen,” says Marcus. “This includes designing a utility closet, hidden laundry bins, and custom cabinets to hide your appliances.”

If you do opt for custom cabinetry, work with a local contractor or designer who will ensure you’re optimizing your existing space. 

For those who don’t have the budget just yet to splurge on a custom design, you still have options. Franklin says, “Use decorative, aesthetically pleasing storage baskets or glass jars to store necessities like detergent, dryer balls, dryer sheets, and more. Storage baskets and jars will keep the look sophisticated and polished while keeping the shelves organized. Be sure to balance the baskets and jars with other fun styling tools in the space, such as houseplants or art.”

Shop: Some good options include Shoppe Amber Interiors and The Home Edit. 

5. Hang Some Statement lighting

Let there be light—but make sure it’s the kind of lighting fit for a true luxury laundry room. 

“Lighting is the jewelry of a room and installing an eye-catching light fixture is a great way to enhance your space,” says Franklin. “Chandeliers are known for making a statement when you step into a house—why not make a statement when you walk into your laundry room? Most people spend a lot more time in their laundry room than they do in an entryway, and creating a sense of sophistication, elegance, and class makes folding laundry a little more enjoyable.” 

Depending on your style, try light fixtures made from glass, crystal, or beading which embody a sense of luxury. Antique finishes—or true antique pieces—also offer a flair of heightened sophistication. 

Shop: Our favorite places to shop for lighting fixtures include Perigold, and Poly & Bark.

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