The laundry is often the last room to get any love, but it's one you use almost every day. A well designed laundry saves time, keeps clutter out of the rest of the house and makes a boring job a little more pleasant.
Here are our favourite laundry renovation ideas for Sydney homes, from tiny apartment European laundries to full laundry rooms and mudrooms.
European laundries
A European laundry is a compact laundry hidden inside cabinetry, usually in a kitchen, hallway or bathroom. Close the doors and it disappears.
What it includes: washer and dryer (side by side or stacked), a small sink, benchtop and some storage.
Doors: bifold, sliding, pocket or standard hinged doors, chosen to suit the space.
Why it works: no need for a separate room, which is perfect for apartments and terraces in the inner city and Eastern Suburbs.
Things to plan: water supply, drainage, power, ventilation for the dryer and enough clearance to load the machines.
Plan around the washing process
Every good laundry follows the same steps. Design for each one:
- Sort. Pull out baskets or a built in hamper for lights, darks and towels.
- Wash. Machines at a comfortable height. Side by side under a bench gives you a folding surface.
- Dry. A dryer, plus hanging rails or a pull out drying rack for delicates.
- Fold. A clear stretch of benchtop.
- Store. Overhead cupboards and a tall cupboard for the ironing board, vacuum and mop.
Storage ideas
- Tall broom cupboards for the vacuum, mop, bucket and ironing board.
- Hanging rails under overhead cabinets for shirts straight out of the dryer.
- Pull out drying racks that tuck away when not needed.
- Open shelves for baskets and everyday items.
- A dedicated pet zone with a feeding station or bed tucked under the bench.
Benchtops and sinks
Choose surfaces that cope with water, detergents and heavy baskets. Porcelain, compact laminate and sealed stone are all excellent. A deep sink or tub is worth having for soaking, hand washing and rinsing muddy sports gear. Our benchtop materials guide compares the options.
Mudrooms and drop zones
In family homes, especially on the Northern Beaches and in the Hills District, combining the laundry with a mudroom near the back door is a game changer. Add hooks for bags, cubbies for shoes, a bench seat and somewhere for wet towels and sports gear. These spaces are built with custom joinery.
Floors and waterproofing
Laundries are wet areas, so the floor and the walls around the tub need waterproofing to the Australian Standard. Choose floor tiles with a little texture so they aren't slippery when wet. Read our guide to waterproofing in NSW.
Lighting and ventilation
Good lighting over the benchtop makes stain spotting and folding easier. Ventilation, whether through a window or an exhaust fan, keeps the room fresh and stops mould.
Laundry renovation costs in Sydney
As a rough guide, a European laundry in existing space typically costs around $12,000 to $20,000, and a full laundry room renovation around $18,000 to $30,000. Combining the laundry with a kitchen or bathroom renovation can save money because the trades are already on site.
Plan your new laundry
We design and build laundries of every size across Sydney. See our laundry renovations in Sydney or request a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much space do I need for a European laundry?
A compact European laundry can fit into a cupboard around 900mm to 1200mm wide if the machines are stacked, while a side by side setup with a sink and bench usually needs around 1800mm or more.
Can a laundry be moved inside from the back of the house?
Yes, in many cases. It involves new plumbing, drainage, power and ventilation, so we assess it during a consultation and explain the options and costs.
What is the best benchtop for a laundry?
Porcelain, compact laminate and sealed stone are all excellent choices because they handle water and cleaning products well. Quality laminate is a good budget option.
