Why You Should Prioritize Having A Custom Laundry Room In Your House

Let's be honest, doing the laundry may not be your favorite chore, but freshly washed clothes can make any day feel better. What makes laundry a struggle may be more than just a lack of motivation — it may also be the layout of your laundry room. House Digest spoke exclusively with Erika Dale, Interior Designer/Founder of Erika Dale Interior Design, about why you should prioritize having a custom laundry room in your home.

"The laundry room is one of the hardest working rooms in the house, so taking the time to customize the space to create a wonderfully functional space you actually want to be in is not to be underestimated," Dale explained. "When you personalize the storage and function of a laundry room, you create a space that supports a workflow that is perfectly tailored to you." Let's dive into the specifics you should focus on when crafting your perfect laundry space, as well as how budget plays a role.

When looking to customize your laundry room, it may be difficult to decide what to focus on and what you need in order for the space to work. Luckily, when House Digest spoke exclusively with Dale, she shared some essential tips to consider when creating your custom laundry space. "The most essential thing to consider is your family's unique laundry routine and needs," Dale noted, "Walk through an average laundry cycle, considering things like where dirty clothes are gathered, which products need to be stored, how many things generally end up needing to be hung up to dry, where the piles of clean clothes end up, and where you fold them. By addressing each aspect of your routine step-by-step, it will clearly set up your storage and needs." The key word here is "custom" — meaning the room should be customized to fit your specific requirements. 

Also, when the time comes to replace them, make sure that you choose a washer and dryer that is practical and will work for your family's needs. Check out a few different options before making your final purchase, considering the size and capacity, door and loading styles, energy efficiency, and more. And, learn how you're destroying your washer and dryer without even noticing, to prevent you from making these same mistakes.

Of course, with any project there can be some disadvantages. When creating your own laundry room, the biggest downside, according to Dale's exclusive interview with House Digest, is the cost of this project. She explained that, to many homeowners, an investment in this space may seem frivolous or unnecessary considering none of your guests will see it. However, creating a functional laundry room will make your week-to-week activities easier, and in her mind, that's a win. To put it simply, the money invested in your home doesn't have to only apply to areas that are guest-facing. 

There are, of course, ways to create a customized laundry room on a budget. Dale said, "If you are on a budget, there are incredible modular cabinet and wardrobe systems out there from affordable retailers like IKEA that allow you to create a fully customized setup, as well as choose a door front that matches the aesthetic of your home, creating a space that looks as great as it functions." And, you can always DIY some parts of design too! Check out these 30 ways to organize your laundry room as inspiration!