How to Transform Your Laundry Room (and Actually Enjoy Doing Laundry)

If you’re anything like me, the laundry room used to be a place I just rushed in and out of — usually carrying an overflowing basket, one sock already missing.

But after a few simple changes (and a few classic Kiwi DIY weekends that involved more snacks than tools), it’s now one of the most practical and surprisingly nice spots in the house.

Whether you’ve got a tight corner in your Auckland flat or a roomy setup in a South Island villa, here’s how you can turn your laundry space into something you actually want to spend time in. Yes, really.

Start with Storage That Works for You

First things first: declutter like you’re on a mission. If you don’t have much floor space, look up — vertical storage is your new bestie.

I added some rustic shelves above the machines for baskets, glass jars of pegs (because I’m fancy like that), and folded towels.

Tall cabinets are ideal if you want to tuck everything away and pretend your laundry pile doesn’t exist. Built-in hampers? Absolute magic. No more tripping over random socks in the hallway.

Create Functional Zones

Think of your laundry space like a tiny production line. Washing, drying, folding, storing — each needs its own little area.

I popped a rod above the sink to hang things that shouldn’t go anywhere near the dryer (looking at you, merino jumpers), and added a benchtop over the washer/dryer for folding.

If you’ve got front-loaders, this is a game-changer. Plus, it doubles as a place to hide the random stuff you don’t know where to put.

Add a Bit of Personality

Here’s where you get to show off your style. I went with floral peel-and-stick wallpaper — it cost less than dinner out and made a massive difference.

Don’t be afraid to splash on a bold colour either. I’ve seen friends go with deep navy or even mustard yellow, and it looks amazing, especially under good lighting.

Add a pendant light or under-shelf lighting and suddenly, laundry time feels a bit more like spa time (okay, maybe not spa, but close).

Combine Spaces Smartly

If your laundry shares space with your entryway or garage, make it multitask.

Hooks for jackets, a bench for taking off muddy gumboots, and cubbies for school bags or dog leads make everything smoother.

Especially in winter, when half the backyard seems to come inside with you — you’ll be glad you thought ahead.

Make Life Easier with the Right Fixtures

I will never stop singing the praises of a deep utility sink.

Whether it’s soaking stained uniforms, muddy rugby socks, or rinsing out paintbrushes after one of my more “creative” crafting attempts, it handles it all.

And a wall-mounted fold-down ironing board? Total win. It disappears when you don’t need it, which is… most of the time, honestly.

Bring It to Life

Add something living — a plant, I mean, not your neighbour’s cat. A snake plant or pothos is low-effort and actually makes the space feel fresher.

I threw down a washable rug too, partly for warmth and partly to hide the one tile I dropped a jar of coconut oil on.

And if you’ve got a little wall space, hang up something personal: a quote that makes you laugh, a framed tea towel, or your kid’s latest masterpiece.

Tidy It Up and Label Like a Pro

I went on a bit of a basket spree at Mitre 10 — no regrets. Matching bins and cute labels make everything look intentional, even if you’re just hiding a chaos of spare buttons and mystery cords.

Chalkboard labels are great if you like to change things up. And if your laundry is visible from the living room, consider hiding the machines behind a sliding barn door or curtain. Boom — instant glow-up.

So whether you’re battling with a broom-closet laundry in Auckland like Jess (who now somehow has a houseplant and an ironing station in there), or you’ve got space to go all out with built-ins and cabinetry, there’s always something you can do to make laundry less of a chore.

Grab a cuppa, crank some music, and let the transformation begin. Your future self — with clean socks and a smug grin — will thank you.