The Most Underrated Room in Your Home
The laundry room is used almost every day, yet it’s usually the last room homeowners think about renovating. A well-designed laundry room saves time, reduces frustration, and adds real value to your home.
Layout Ideas by Space
Closet Laundry (3-6 sq ft)
Even a stacked washer/dryer in a closet can be functional:
- Stackable washer/dryer to maximize vertical space
- Shelf above for detergent and supplies
- Retractable drying rack on the inside of the door
- Bifold or pocket door to hide it when not in use
Small Dedicated Room (25-50 sq ft)
The sweet spot for most Fort Lauderdale homes:
- Side-by-side or stacked washer/dryer
- Countertop over the machines for folding
- Upper cabinets for supplies
- Utility sink (game-changer for hand-washing and pre-treating)
- Hanging rod for air-drying
Full Laundry Room (50+ sq ft)
Room to dream:
- Front-load washer/dryer on pedestals (built-in storage drawers)
- Full-length folding counter
- Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry
- Utility sink with pull-down faucet
- Ironing station (pull-out or wall-mounted board)
- Drying cabinet or hanging area
- Pet washing station (popular in Florida)
Smart Storage Solutions
- Cabinets above washer/dryer — keeps detergent, stain removers, and supplies organized and hidden
- Pull-out hamper system — built into cabinetry, sorts lights and darks
- Retractable drying rack — wall-mounted, folds flat when not in use
- Narrow pull-out shelves — fit between washer and wall for cleaning supplies
- Counter over machines — creates instant folding space (use a waterfall edge for a premium look)
Material Recommendations for Florida
- Flooring: Porcelain tile or LVP — waterproof and easy to clean (leaks happen)
- Countertops: Quartz or laminate — durable and moisture-resistant
- Cabinets: Plywood construction (not particleboard) — handles humidity
- Walls: Semi-gloss or satin paint — wipes clean, resists moisture
- Backsplash: Ceramic or porcelain tile behind the sink and machines
Cost Ranges
| Scope | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh (paint, shelving, organization) | $500 – $2,000 |
| Mid-range renovation (cabinets, counter, flooring, sink) | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| Full custom laundry room | $12,000 – $25,000 |
Costs don’t include new washer/dryer. If you’re renovating, it’s a good time to upgrade — modern machines use significantly less water and energy.
Design Tips
- Match the style to adjacent rooms — if it’s off the kitchen, use complementary finishes
- Good lighting matters — you need to see stains. Bright LED overhead plus under-cabinet task lighting
- Ventilation — ensure your dryer vents properly. In Florida’s humidity, a poorly vented dryer creates mold risk
- Floor drain — if possible, add one. It saves you from water damage if a hose fails
- Leave room for a pet wash — a raised tub with a handheld sprayer is hugely popular with Florida homeowners
Ready to Upgrade Your Laundry Room?
Contact us for a free estimate — even small laundry upgrades make a daily difference.
Ready to start your renovation project?
Call us at (954) 555-0123 or request a quote online.