What Should You Include in a Modern Laundry?

What should you include in a modern laundry? A well-designed laundry should make everyday tasks easier, with enough storage, practical bench space, sensible appliance placement, good lighting and somewhere to hang or dry clothes.

The best modern laundries aren't necessarily the biggest or most expensive. They're designed around how the household actually uses the room — from washing and folding clothes to storing cleaning products, baskets, brooms and everyday household items.

Before choosing cabinetry and finishes, think about functionality first. Here are the features worth considering when planning a modern laundry renovation.

Prioritise Practical Storage

One of the most important elements of a modern laundry is storage.

Without adequate storage, even a beautifully renovated laundry can quickly become cluttered and difficult to use.

Consider storage for:

• Cleaning products

• Vacuum cleaners

• Mops and brooms

• Laundry baskets

• Spare household supplies

• Pet items

A laundry that feels organised often starts with having designated places for everyday items.

Not sure how much cabinetry to allow for? Our guide to How Much Storage Does a Laundry Really Need? covers the storage zones worth considering before finalising your design.

Include A Functional Benchtop

A benchtop is one of the most frequently used surfaces in the laundry.

It can be used for:

• Folding clothes

• Sorting washing

• Storing baskets

• General household tasks

Many homeowners underestimate how valuable a continuous work surface can be until they no longer have one.

The amount of bench space required will vary depending on the size of the room and the needs of the household.

If space is limited, positioning front-loading appliances beneath a benchtop can create a useful work surface without requiring additional floor space.

Consider Appliance Placement Carefully

The washer and dryer are often the focal point of the laundry.

Common configurations include:

• Stacked appliances

• Side-by-side appliances

• Appliances beneath a benchtop

The best choice depends on available space, storage requirements and personal preference.

Appliance placement should be considered early in the planning process because it influences the entire room layout.

Deciding between the two? Compare Stacked vs Side-by-Side Washer & Dryer: Which Laundry Layout Is Best? to see how each option affects storage, bench space and accessibility.

Don't Forget Hanging Space

Many modern laundries benefit from having a dedicated area for air-drying clothes.

Depending on the space available, this may include:

• Hanging rails

• Drying racks

• Fold-down systems

Having a convenient drying solution can improve functionality and reduce reliance on outdoor clotheslines during poor weather.  Plan the location early so hanging clothes don't obstruct walkways, cabinetry or access to appliances.

Include A Laundry Sink

A sink remains one of the most useful features in a laundry.

It can be used for:

• Hand washing delicate items

• Cleaning household equipment

• Filling buckets

• General cleaning tasks

Even households that rarely use a laundry sink often appreciate having one available when needed.

Think About Tall Cabinetry

Tall cabinets are becoming increasingly popular in modern laundry designs.

They can provide storage for:

• Brooms

• Vacuum cleaners

• Cleaning supplies

• Bulk household items

Tall storage can help maximise vertical space while keeping the room tidy and organised.

In a smaller laundry, using the full height of the room can provide significantly more storage without consuming additional floor space.

Plan For Everyday Household Tasks

Modern laundries often serve multiple purposes beyond washing clothes.

Many households use the laundry for:

• Household storage

• Pet care

• Cleaning equipment

• Utility functions

Considering how your family actually uses the space can help create a more practical design.

A laundry should support your daily routine rather than simply look good in photos.

Lighting Matters More Than You Think

Laundry lighting is frequently overlooked during renovations.

Good lighting can make tasks such as:

• Folding clothes

• Sorting laundry

• Stain removal

• General cleaning

far easier and more enjoyable.

A bright, well-lit laundry often feels larger, cleaner and more functional.

Create A Space That's Easy To Maintain

Modern laundry design isn't just about appearance.

It's also about making the room easy to clean and maintain.

Simple design choices can help create a more practical space that remains functional long after the renovation is complete.

Homeowners should consider how surfaces, storage areas and layouts will perform in everyday use.

Flooring is an important part of this decision. Consider how the material will cope with moisture, cleaning, everyday wear and the conditions within your particular laundry.

Our guide to the best flooring for a laundry compares popular options and the pros and cons to consider before choosing.

Balance Style With Functionality

It's easy to become focused on trends and visual appeal.

However, the most successful laundries strike a balance between:

• Appearance

• Storage

• Workflow

• Durability

• Ease of use

A laundry that looks beautiful but lacks functionality can quickly become frustrating.

Good design starts with understanding how the room will be used every day.

The Best Laundry Is The One That Works For Your Home

There is no universal laundry layout that suits every household.

The ideal design depends on factors such as:

• Household size

• Available space

• Storage needs

• Lifestyle

• Budget

If you're working with limited space, see our 10 Small Laundry Renovation Ideas That Actually Work for practical ways to maximise storage, bench space and functionality.

What works perfectly in one home may not suit another.

This is why careful planning is often one of the most valuable parts of any laundry renovation.

Don't Forget the Practical Essentials

A beautiful laundry still needs the practical services that make the room work.

Before cabinetry is finalised, consider:

• Power points for the washer and dryer
• Plumbing locations
• Drainage
• Ventilation
• Appliance clearances
• Door opening directions
• Lighting and switches
• Access for future appliance replacement

These decisions are much easier to resolve before cabinetry, plumbing and electrical work are underway.

For a broader planning guide, see our Laundry Renovation Checklist: Where to Start before finalising your design.

Consider Your Budget Before Adding Extras

Modern laundries can include everything from custom cabinetry and stone benchtops to pull-out hampers, integrated appliances and specialised drying systems. But not every feature will provide equal value to every household.

Prioritise the features that solve a genuine problem in your current laundry before spending on upgrades that are primarily aesthetic.

If you're setting your budget, read How Much Does a Laundry Renovation Cost in Australia? for the main costs and potential hidden expenses to consider.

And before locking everything in, check our 10 Laundry Renovation Mistakes Homeowners Make for common planning issues worth avoiding.

Final Thoughts

A modern laundry should make everyday life easier, not simply look good. Practical storage, useful bench space, sensible appliance placement, hanging space, good lighting and easy-to-maintain materials can all make a significant difference to how the room functions.

You don't necessarily need to include every feature. Start with the way your household uses the laundry, identify what's missing from your current space and prioritise the features that will genuinely improve it.

The best modern laundry is one designed around the people who will actually use it.

About the Author

Laura Faulkner is the founder of Own Your Reno and AJM Bathroom Renovations. Drawing on experience from more than 500 completed renovations, Laura created the Own Your Reno series to help Australian homeowners plan smarter, avoid costly mistakes and renovate with confidence.