The Cabinet Solution That Hides Laundry Room Appliances & Makes A Space Functional

When automatic washers first came on the scene in the late '30s, they were often relegated to basements or other out-of-the-way areas, because early models were very noisy. As the machines evolved, so did home designs, eventually making space for the washer and dryer on the main floor. More convenient, yes; super aesthetically pleasing, no. Still, washing machines and dryers are now essential elements of our lives, and generally speaking, we've given them a space of their own. However, whether it's a corner of the garage, a dedicated utility room, or simply a closet, pushing them to the corners hasn't exactly solved the problem of the often unsightly machines and their associated clutter. There are, of course, ways to do it, and realtor @ErikSasko shared a TikTok video showcasing a clever design option that incorporates the machines into home decor by covering them with cabinets and a counter.

It's a straightforward concept, and it's not terribly difficult to implement in sufficiently sized spaces. Essentially, a box is built around the machines and an oversized cabinet door is added, along with a deep countertop. By matching the cabinet and door style to your personal aesthetic, you can create a perfect camouflage. It's an ideal solution if your machines are less-than-ideally located (in your kitchen, for instance), or if the goal is to get them out of the garage and into the house. Another fabulous benefit of this set up is that it actually creates usable counter space — perfect for organizing your laundry room by creating space for sorting and folding, for preparing food if it's in the kitchen, or even simply for adding personal decor touches. 

As counters go, one that hides your washer and dryer may prove particularly useful because it's extra deep. You could line the back with baskets to hold your softener sheets and dryer balls, and still have folding space. Or, if you're moving your machines to a more central area in your home like a kitchen or bedroom, the countertop could make wonderful decor space — perhaps for stacks of cookbooks and a vase full of baking implements, or a collection of candles and bouquet of flowers. Take your design to the next level and personalize it based on the way your home functions; maybe it would be useful to add a shelf low and on one side to hold the dog bowls. Or, add a chalk wall to one side so your toddler can doodle while you pair socks.

The faux cabinet design is, of course, certainly not ideal for every home's laundry. The size of the cabinet door may be unwieldy in small spaces, and closing your machines inside a wooden box could prove troublesome for repair people. Also, if you do loads of laundry (pun intended), you might find it annoying to open another door every time you need to access either machine (although a set of faux french doors in your cabinet camouflage could solve that problem). However, if cosmetic enhancement is your primary goal, budget friendly ideas for your new laundry area abound — from using strategically placed curtains to disguising your stackables as a pantry, a genius way to hide your washer and dryer. The solution that's best for you will depend on your space and your needs, but no matter which you choose, you'll be adding to your home's personal style.