Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

Historic Takoma Park Victorian

Grossmueller's Design Consultants

Logan Square Redux Laundry

Lark Architecture

The opposite side of the bed loft houses the laundry and closet space. A vent-free all-in-one washer dryer combo unit adds to the efficiency of the home, with convenient proximity to the hanging space of the closet and the ample storage of the full cabinetry wall.

Piseco Lake Residence- Laundry Room

Phinney Design Group

Elizabeth Haynes

Myers Park Residence

Guthmann Construction

The built-ins hide the washer and dryer below and laundry supplies and hanging bar above. The upper cabinets have glass doors to showcase the owners’ blue and white pieces. A new pocket door separates the Laundry Room from the smaller, lower level bathroom. The opposite wall also has matching cabinets and marble top for additional storage and work space. Jon Courville Photography

Laundry Room

Atlas Moran Construction

Mont Albert

Jane Gorman Decorators & Developers

Bergsproduction

Small & Efficient Island Living

Sue Stubbs

Environment Architects

Hidden Laundry Room

Moehl Millwork, Inc.

Moehl Millwork provided cabinetry made by Waypoint Living Spaces for this hidden laundry room. The cabinets are stained the color chocolate on cherry. The door series is 630.

Master Suite Remodel, Washington DC

Finesse Design Remodeling

Kenneth M Wyner Photography

Wandsworth Bespoke White Traditional Kitchen

Brayer Design

Utility Cabinet - Photo: Nick Smith

Laundry Closet

Wexford Custom & Renovations, Inc.

Point West at Macatawa Park

Francesca Owings Interior Design

Point West at Macatawa Park J. Visser Design Insignia Homes

Galley White Country Kitchen

K T Highland, Inc.

This galley kitchen features soap stone countertops and sink, slate look porcelain tile, and a laundry room hidden in a closet.

Minneapolis Center Hall Colonial Addition and Classic Whole Home Remodel

Castle Building & Remodeling

This home was designed by Castle Building and Remodeling's Interior Designer Katie Jaydan.

Laundry Room

4th Avenue Carpentry & Construction

Laundry

Interior Design By Jo

This laundry is very compact, and is concealed behind cupboard doors in the guest bathroom. We designed it to have maximum storage and functionality.

From Pandora's Box to Jewel Box - Laundry Closet

McCabe By Design LLC

A semi concealed cat door into the laundry closet helps contain the kitty litter and keeps kitty's business out of sight. A Kitchen That Works LLC

Laundry Cupboard Design Ideas

Laundry designs seldom receive the attention they deserve, especially considering how often they’re used. A well-planned laundry, complete with built-in cabinets, a laundry sink, washing machine and clothes dryer, can serve many needs. It can help simplify your household chores; store drying clothes and cleaning products; and can even provide a spot for you to groom pets. Because of its hardworking, multipurpose potential, a laundry renovation is a worthwhile investment. Smart laundry designs have layouts that save you time and effort. For example, a washing machine and clothes dryer should be positioned next to one another or stacked, and laundry baskets and hampers should be within easy reach; while an ironing board should be stowed by a power point. Ample storage, bench space for laundry baskets and practical lighting are also essential. Browse the photos on Houzz for efficient laundry ideas, from layouts and storage to appliances, and strike up a conversation with the designers of your favourite laundry renovations. For more laundry ideas, browse the Stories section on Houzz.

How do I add storage to my laundry?

A combination of storage solutions is key to running an efficient laundry. Include shelves above or beside the washing machine to store washing detergent, softener and other cleaning products; and laundry bins for dirty clothes. Consider a custom-built cupboard for an ironing board, so it can easily fold out when you need it, or mount the ironing board directly to the wall or on the back of a door. A retractable clothesline is a handy addition to dry delicate clothes, while a clothes hanger mounted to the wall is ideal for hanging freshly pressed shirts.

What else can I use my laundry for?

Multipurpose laundry rooms or utility rooms can help save valuable space in your home. The laundry sink can be used to bathe your furry friends; your laundry cupboard can store sports equipment, gardening tools and umbrellas; and a spare nook can be filled with a desk and chair to create an office space while you wait for your load to finish. If your laundry is at the front of the house, consider using it as a drop station for mail, mobile phones and keys. Include a bench seat or stool, wall-mounted hooks for bags and a coat stand and it can even be used as a place to get the kids organised before you walk out the front door.

How can I decorate my laundry?

Laundries are usually filled to the brim with appliances and storage, so take advantage of your walls when decorating and use cheery paint colours or wallpaper to make doing the chores more pleasant! Fun signs, posters, murals and wall decals will also add character to the space. Think of your storage as decor, too – look for bins and baskets with decorative touches, and use brightly-coloured or patterned hangers.