The laundry room, often an overlooked space, presents a wealth of opportunity for stylish and functional design. Maximizing storage in your laundry room cabinets is key to maintaining an organized and efficient space. From sleek minimalist designs to rustic farmhouse charm, incorporating current design trends from both the US and EU can transform your laundry room into a space you actually enjoy spending time in. Let’s explore some innovative ideas for what to store in your laundry room cabinets.
Idea 1: Detergents and Cleaning Supplies
The most obvious choice, storing detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers, and other cleaning supplies in your laundry room cabinets keeps them organized and out of reach of children and pets. Consider decanting bulk supplies into clear, labeled containers for a streamlined and aesthetically pleasing look. Glass jars with airtight lids are a popular trend, offering both functionality and a touch of vintage charm. Incorporate woven baskets or metal bins to corral smaller items like dryer sheets and cleaning cloths. Popular color schemes for this approach lean towards clean and bright whites, paired with natural wood tones or pops of color like teal or navy, reflecting the current trend towards biophilic design.
Idea 2: Laundry Baskets and Hampers
Utilize cabinet space to neatly tuck away laundry baskets and hampers when not in use. Opt for foldable or stackable options to maximize space. Built-in cabinets with pull-out shelves can make accessing these items even easier. Consider using neutral-colored baskets that complement the overall design of your laundry room. Gray, beige, and white are popular choices in both the US and EU, reflecting a minimalist aesthetic. Adding a touch of personality with patterned lining fabric inside the baskets can add a subtle pop of color without disrupting the overall calm and organized feel.
Idea 3: Ironing Supplies
Designate a cabinet specifically for ironing essentials, including your iron, ironing board, starch, and wrinkle release spray. A pull-out shelf or a dedicated compartment for the ironing board can make setup and storage a breeze. Consider incorporating a small, built-in ironing board that folds down into the cabinet. This is a popular space-saving solution in European laundry room designs. Color-wise, consider incorporating metallic accents like brushed nickel or brass hardware to complement the appliances and add a touch of industrial chic, a growing trend in urban design.
Idea 4: Folding Station Supplies
If you have the space, create a dedicated folding station within your laundry room cabinets. This can include a countertop or pull-out shelf for folding clothes, as well as storage for items like hangers, clothespins, and garment bags. Consider incorporating a vertical drawer divider for organizing hangers by type. Open shelving above the folding station can display decorative items and add personality to the space. Warm, earthy tones like terracotta and ochre are gaining popularity in both the US and EU, bringing a sense of comfort and grounding to the laundry room.
Idea 5: Sewing and Mending Kit
Keep your sewing and mending supplies organized in a dedicated cabinet drawer. Use small containers or dividers to separate buttons, thread, needles, and other notions. A wall-mounted, fold-down sewing table can be a clever space-saving solution, particularly popular in smaller European apartments. Consider a bright and cheerful color palette for this area, such as pastel pinks, yellows, and greens, to create an inviting and inspiring space for creative tasks.
Idea 6: Linens and Towels
Store extra linens, towels, and washcloths in designated cabinets. Use shelf dividers to keep stacks neat and prevent them from toppling over. Rolling towels instead of folding them can save space and create a visually appealing display. Consider using natural materials like wicker baskets or linen-lined shelves to add texture and warmth to the space. Deep blues and greens, inspired by nature, are trending colors for linens, bringing a sense of tranquility to the laundry room.
Idea 7: Cleaning Tools
Keep brooms, mops, dustpans, and other cleaning tools neatly stored in a designated cabinet. Utilize hooks or wall-mounted organizers to maximize vertical space. Consider using clear, labeled containers for cleaning solutions to maintain a consistent aesthetic. Industrial-style metal shelving and cabinets are a popular choice for storing cleaning tools, reflecting the trend towards functional and utilitarian design.
Idea 8: Pet Supplies
If you have pets, dedicate a cabinet to storing pet grooming supplies, food, and toys. Use airtight containers to keep food fresh and prevent odors. Baskets and bins can help corral smaller items. Consider incorporating a designated pet washing station within the laundry room, with a pull-out sprayer and drainage system. Bright, playful colors like turquoise and orange can create a fun and dedicated space for pet care.
Idea 9: Light Bulbs and Batteries
Designate a drawer or shelf for storing extra light bulbs, batteries, and other household essentials. Use dividers to keep items organized and easily accessible. Label each compartment clearly to avoid confusion. Neutral colors like gray and white are a popular choice for this functional storage area, allowing the focus to remain on organization.
Idea 10: First Aid Kit
Keep a well-stocked first aid kit readily accessible in a designated cabinet. Use a clear container with labeled compartments for different types of bandages, medications, and other supplies. Consider adding a small mirror to the inside of the cabinet door for convenience. A bright red or white cabinet can clearly identify the location of the first aid kit in case of emergency.
Idea 11: Gift Wrap Supplies
Store gift wrap, ribbons, bows, and other wrapping supplies in a dedicated cabinet or drawer. Use dividers and organizers to keep rolls of paper neat and prevent them from unraveling. Consider adding a small gift-wrapping station with a countertop or pull-out shelf. Pastel colors or a bold geometric pattern can add a playful touch to this area.
Idea 12: Seasonal Decorations
Utilize cabinet space to store seasonal decorations when not in use. Use clear, labeled containers to protect delicate items and make it easy to identify what’s inside. Consider vacuum-sealed bags for bulky items like wreaths and garlands. Neutral-colored storage bins with festive labels can help maintain a cohesive look while keeping decorations organized.
Idea 13: Craft Supplies
If you enjoy crafting, dedicate a cabinet to storing your supplies. Use drawers, shelves, and organizers to keep everything neat and accessible. Consider incorporating a dedicated crafting area within the laundry room with a countertop or table. Bright and vibrant colors can inspire creativity and make this space more inviting.
Idea 14: Sports Equipment
Store smaller sports equipment like balls, rackets, and gloves in designated cabinets or drawers. Utilize wall-mounted organizers for larger items like skis and snowboards. Consider incorporating a designated area for cleaning and maintaining sports equipment. Durable and easy-to-clean materials like metal and plastic are ideal for this area.
Idea 15: Gardening Supplies
Keep gardening tools, pots, and other supplies organized in a dedicated cabinet. Use hooks and wall-mounted organizers to maximize vertical space. Consider incorporating a potting station with a countertop and sink. Earthy tones like brown, green, and terracotta can create a connection to nature in this space.
Idea 16: Paint and DIY Supplies
Store paint cans, brushes, rollers, and other DIY supplies in a designated cabinet. Use airtight containers to prevent paint from drying out. Consider incorporating a small workbench or workspace for DIY projects. Neutral colors like gray and white are a popular choice for this functional area.