How to Plan Your Laundry Design in Sydney: 6 Smart Steps to Follow

Planning a laundry design that fits your Sydney home and lifestyle can make a huge difference in your daily routine. Many homeowners struggle with cramped or outdated laundry spaces that slow them down and create frustration. Taking time to plan your laundry design carefully ensures you get a practical, stylish, and efficient space that meets your needs now and into the future.
This guide will take you through six smart steps to help you plan your laundry design with confidence. From understanding your space and lifestyle to choosing layouts, storage, materials, and avoiding common mistakes, these steps are designed to make your laundry work better for you.
Step 1: Know Your Space and Needs
Measure First
Start by taking accurate measurements of your laundry space. Note down the floor plan dimensions, locations of doors and windows, and the position of plumbing and power points. These details are crucial to avoid surprises during installation and to make the most of the space you have.
Understand Your Routine
Think about how you use your laundry. How often do you wash clothes? Will you need extra space for ironing, folding, or even washing pets? Knowing your routine helps you design a space that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
Step 2: Choose a Smart Layout
Galley layouts work well for long, narrow laundry rooms, making efficient use of limited space. L-shaped layouts suit corner installations and provide a good workflow. If space is tight, stacking your washer and dryer can free up floor area. European-style laundries are ideal for apartments or spaces combined with bathrooms or hallways, offering compact and functional solutions.
Sydney homeowners should also consider ventilation and noise control when selecting a layout, ensuring their laundry is comfortable and practical.

Step 3: Storage Makes All the Difference
Pull-Out Hampers
Overhead Cabinets
Open Shelves
Hidden Ironing Boards
Incorporate a fold-away ironing board to save space and maintain a clean look.
Tall Broom or Linen Cupboards

Step 4: Use Long-Lasting Materials
Moisture-resistant cabinetry is essential for Sydney laundries to prevent damage from dampness and humidity. Durable stone or laminate benchtops provide easy-to-clean surfaces that withstand daily wear and tear. Choose flooring that is simple to mop and maintain, ideal for wet areas. Soft-close hinges and drawers add durability and a touch of quality that lasts.
Step 5: Match Your Home’s Style
Coordinate your laundry cabinetry with your kitchen or bathroom to create a cohesive look. Decide between modern flat panel doors or shaker-style doors based on your home’s aesthetic. Add characters with splashback tiles that bring colour or texture to the space. Match your hardware and tapware finishes to complement your overall design.


Step 6: Avoid Common Mistakes
Poor ventilation can lead to mould problems, so ensure your laundry has adequate airflow. Insufficient lighting makes laundry tasks more difficult and less safe. Not providing a drying solution limits functionality. Lack of storage or bench space can cause clutter and reduce usability. Using cheap materials often results in repairs and replacements sooner than expected.
Why Sydney Homeowners Trust Waratah Kitchens
Waratah Kitchens offers friendly, local, and reliable service tailored for Sydney homes. Their custom cabinetry is built to last, using quality materials suited to the local climate. From design through to installation, they provide full project management, ensuring peace of mind with a 10-year warranty. Transparent pricing and trustworthy tradespeople make the renovation process smooth and stress-free.
Recent Laundry Renovation Projects
Whether you envision a bright, minimalist white laundry or a detailed design featuring shaker-style cabinetry, our laundry designers are ready to make your vision a reality. From spacious to compact laundry renovations across Sydney, we specialise in maximising every inch of your space. Below are some of our latest completed laundry projects.
Laundry Renovation Breakfast Point
Laundry Renovation Castle Hill
A Real Happy Owner
“Waratah Kitchens were exceptional.”
— Laura Toohey, Sydney homeowner
“They were easy to work with through the entire process for our laundry renovation. The builder and designer spent 2 hours with me a couple of weeks before installation to review all details and specifics of the space.
On the day of installation, all tradesmen worked efficiently, and the builder was present to ensure everything discussed was implemented. The follow-on tradesmen recommended were great. They even did a minor kitchen upgrade while on site. I would happily use Waratah Kitchens again.”
FAQs About Planning a Laundry in Sydney
How much space do I need for a laundry room?
While laundry rooms can vary in size, even a compact space of around 1.5 square metres can be sufficient if planned carefully. Clever design features like stackable appliances, pull-out hampers, and vertical storage can maximise functionality in small areas. It’s important to assess your laundry needs and available space so you can plan a layout that allows for essential tasks like washing, drying, and folding without feeling cramped.
Can I install a laundry in a bathroom?
Yes, it is possible to install a laundry in a bathroom, but it requires careful planning. Proper waterproofing and ventilation are critical to prevent moisture buildup and mould growth. Appliances should be selected to suit the available space, and plumbing needs must be addressed to ensure safety and functionality. Consulting with professionals, like Waratah Kitchens, can help ensure the laundry installation integrates smoothly without compromising the bathroom’s usability.
Do I need council approval for a laundry reno?
Generally, minor laundry renovations do not require council approval in Sydney. However, if your renovation involves significant plumbing changes, structural alterations, or electrical work, you may need to check with the local council. It’s always best to confirm requirements before starting the project to avoid delays or compliance issues. Waratah Kitchens can assist in navigating these regulations as part of their full project management service.
What’s the best layout for a narrow laundry?
For narrow laundry spaces, galley-style layouts are often the most efficient, placing cabinetry and appliances along two parallel walls to maximise workflow. Alternatively, stacking the washer and dryer units saves floor space, allowing more room for storage or work surfaces. Including vertical storage solutions and sliding or bi-fold doors can also improve accessibility and usability in tight spaces, making the laundry practical and comfortable to use.
How do I stop mould in the laundry?
Preventing mould requires a combination of good ventilation, moisture control, and regular maintenance. Installing an effective exhaust fan or ensuring windows open to allow fresh air circulation helps reduce humidity. Using moisture-resistant materials for cabinetry and walls limits damage and mould growth. Regular cleaning and keeping surfaces dry are also important. Planning these elements into your laundry design from the outset can save costly repairs and maintain a healthier home environment.
Should I get custom cabinetry or flat-pack?
Custom cabinetry is often a better choice for Sydney homes, especially where space is limited or layouts are irregular. Custom solutions maximise storage and functionality by fitting perfectly to your laundry’s dimensions and your specific needs. While flat-pack options are typically more affordable upfront, they may lack durability and flexibility. Custom cabinetry from experienced makers like Waratah Kitchens ensures a quality finish that lasts and adds real value to your home.
Can Waratah help with small apartment laundries?
Yes, Waratah Kitchens specialises in designing compact laundry spaces that don’t compromise on function or style. They understand the unique challenges of apartment living in Sydney, such as limited space and noise considerations. Through clever layouts, storage optimisation, and quality materials, Waratah creates efficient laundries that feel spacious and meet all your needs, even in the smallest of homes.
What’s included in Waratah’s full-service laundry reno?
Waratah Kitchens’ full-service laundry renovations cover everything from initial design consultation and custom joinery to project management and final installation. They coordinate all trades involved, ensuring timelines and quality standards are met. Their service includes sourcing durable materials, tailored cabinetry, plumbing, and electrical work as needed. This comprehensive approach reduces stress for homeowners and guarantees a laundry space that’s functional, beautiful, and built to last.
How long does a laundry renovation take?
Most laundry renovations take between one to two weeks once materials and appliances are ready. The timeline depends on the scope of the project, including any structural changes, custom cabinetry build time, and availability of tradespeople. Waratah Kitchens manages the process efficiently, communicating clearly with clients and ensuring minimal disruption while maintaining high workmanship standards.
What’s the average cost of a laundry renovation in Sydney?
The cost of a laundry renovation in Sydney varies depending on size, materials, fixtures, and scope of work. Waratah Kitchens offers competitive packages designed to deliver quality results without overspending. A typical renovation might include custom cabinetry, benchtops, appliances, plumbing, and finishes. Clients can expect transparent quotes tailored to their budget and requirements, ensuring excellent value and satisfaction.
Book Your Free Laundry Design Consultation Today
Ready to create a laundry space that fits your life beautifully and practically? Book your free design consultation with Waratah Kitchens today and get started on your Sydney laundry renovation.