According to the recent 'Home Size Report' by CommSec, Australia is now building the biggest houses in the world. We are ahead of the U.S. in our preference for upsized abodes — you only have to look at the sprawling housing estates popping up on the city fringes to see this in action. 

However, in reality, many Australians currently live in apartments or older homes with more compact room dimensions. The global pandemic and rising house prices have also shifted Aussies' attitudes towards downsizing and living more minimally. Renovating is often preferred over upsizing or re-entering the housing market!

With thoughtful design and space planning, you don't have to compromise on convenience in a smaller home. At Balnei & Colina renovations, we believe a fully functioning laundry is a necessity that should be considered alongside any kitchen or bathroom renovation.

Every centimetre counts in a smaller laundry zone, whether you are working with a dedicated laundry room or a repurposed nook. In this month's B&C Home Journal, we share twenty bite-sized renovation tips on turning any small space into a fully functioning laundry. Enjoy!

The team at Balnei & Colina

 

Balnei & Colina | Bondi Laundry Renovation

Location & Layout 

1. In the renovation planning phase, it's important to be specific about how you plan to use the space and what you need to store. Write a list and share it with your Balnei & Colina laundry renovation expert to create a custom laundry design that perfectly matches your needs. 

2. Incorporating laundry appliances into your bathroom or kitchen can save space and your renovation budget, as the pipework, ventilation, and waterproofing are already sorted. 

3. A hallway cupboard or space underneath a stairwell can be transformed into a functioning concealed laundry with the right custom joinery, plumbing connections, and appliance selection. 

4. Hide your laundry in plain view with seamless custom joinery. Balnei & Colina can create a cabinetry solution with customised inserts that allow moisture to escape and air to circulate when your laundry doors are closed. 

Considering adding custom joinery to your home? Visit this blog to learn why it's worth the spend: Top 5 Reasons To Invest In Custom Joinery

5. Consider sliding or pocket doors to make the most of all available floor space. 

6. Create a flowing, cohesive look by matching the finishes of your custom joinery and surfaces to those of your kitchen and bathroom. 

 

Balnei & Colina | Balmain Bathroom Renovation

Image via Pinterest

 

 

Image via Three Birds Renovations

Storage 

7. Maximise your storage capacity by taking upper cabinetry to the ceiling.

8. The addition of tall, narrow cupboards will allow you to store items like mops and stick vacuums. 

9. A suspended drying rack or rail will allow you to hang and dry clothes without taking up any floor space.  

10. Keep open shelves looking tidy by stashing items in beautiful storage baskets.

11. Hide clutter and cleaning products behind cabinet doors for a streamlined and tidy look. 

12. Hidden laundry hampers are a great way to save on floor space. Underbench-hinged hampers or laundry baskets on wheels conveniently tuck away when not in use. 

 

Image via Homes To Love

Image via The Spruce

 

 

Balnei & Colina | Lilyfield Laundry Renovation

Appliances

13. A washer/dryer combo or front-loading model that can be stacked works well for laundries with a smaller footprint.

14. Front-loading models integrate easily under a benchtop, giving you a convenient surface for folding and sorting. 

15. Washers and dryers vary in size and functionality, so if you plan to purchase new appliances, it’s best to start your shopping research as you design your laundry layout and custom joinery. 

16. When selecting a machine, find out which direction the door opens so you can ensure it works in your laundry renovation design. Give yourself a clearance of at least one metre in front of the unit. 

17. A sink with a swivel tap will give you more flexibility and accessibility. 

Image via Decor Pad

 

 

Image via Pinterest

Lighting

18. Add windows or a skylight to boost the natural light levels and create the illusion of more space. 

19. Adding an external door with glass panels will also allow more daylight. 

20. For concealed laundries that are light deprived, consider automated LED lighting that switches on when you open the doors.   

 

Balnei & Colina | Laundry Renovation Sydney

Need help planning for a smaller laundry renovation? The renovation experts at Balnei & Colina Sydney can work with you from conception to completion.

Book a laundry design consultation today at 1300 450 320 or send us your project details via this contact form or book a call to discuss your laundry renovation project in more detail. You can also email us direct via info@balneiandcolina.com.au 

To keep up with the latest laundry storage solution trends, follow us on Facebook and Instagram or sign-up for our newsletter.

 

Image via Est Living 

Image via Adore Magazine

 

Image Credit: Amarot Design

 

Image credit: Parker Studio Design