Short on time and space? You’re not alone. For many busy households, the laundry becomes cluttered, cramped, and hard to manage. A smart layout with practical features can change how this space works for you. With the right storage, surfaces, and finishes, laundry makeovers bring order to chaos—without sacrificing style or function.
Rethink the Everyday Space
You don’t need a big laundry for it to work well. Start by reviewing the current layout. Where’s the plumbing? How wide are the walkways? A thoughtful design, even in a narrow corner or hallway, can make daily washing less of a chore. Many laundry renovations in Adelaide now focus on converting small, awkward spaces into user-friendly zones.
Choose Storage That Saves Time

Busy homes can’t afford clutter. Wall-mounted shelves, shallow drawers, and floating cabinets all help you use the space better. Group everyday items—like detergent and baskets—where they’re easiest to reach. Skip bulky furniture and go for smart storage instead. Built-in hampers are a great option too, especially when laundry piles up fast during the week.
Use Fitted Sliding Wardrobes for a Clean Look
In tighter layouts, hinged doors can get in the way. Fitted sliding wardrobes offer hidden storage without taking up extra room. They’re ideal for tucking away cleaning supplies, ironing boards or seasonal linen. For smaller homes or units, sliding wardrobes provide a clean, modern finish while keeping everything out of sight and off the floor.
Stack Your Machines the Right Way
Placing your dryer above the washer helps you make better use of floor space. Make sure they’re designed to be stacked safely and installed securely. The extra room underneath can be used for laundry baskets, folding space, or storage drawers. Many laundry renovations in Adelaide now include vertical appliance layouts for compact homes and units with limited floor area.
Keep the Surfaces Durable
Laundries are wet zones, so the surfaces must hold up to water, detergent, and frequent use. Look for waterproof flooring, splashbacks, and benchtops that resist heat and stains. Avoid glossy finishes that show smudges easily. A matte surface is easy to clean and suits most Australian home styles, from classic to contemporary.
Let the Light Do the Work
Good lighting helps the space feel open and usable, especially in windowless areas. Use a mix of overhead lighting and task lights under cupboards or shelves. Choose white or pale colours for walls, cabinets and tiles to reflect light and brighten up tight spaces. A well-lit laundry makes sorting and folding much easier.
Plan for How You Move
The way people move in and out of the space affects how well it functions. Avoid placing cabinets where they block access to the washer or dryer. In high-traffic homes, sliding doors or bi-folds work better than swing doors. In many laundry makeovers, flow is just as important as style—especially when space is tight and time is short.
Match Style With Use
Even a laundry can look tidy and feel well put-together. Choose a calm, neutral colour palette that matches your cabinetry or nearby rooms. Black tapware or soft wood tones can add detail without being distracting. If you're using fitted sliding wardrobes, match the finish to your benchtops or tiles for a more seamless look.
Tailor It to Your Routine
A well-designed laundry should match the way you live and work each day. For families, this might mean extra hampers or bench space. For couples, it could be compact appliances and a folding table. You don’t need a full renovation to improve function. Many laundry renovations in Adelaide focus on practical, affordable upgrades that fit busy routines.
Here’s What to Keep in Mind:
- Measure carefully before changing layouts
- Store essentials where they’re easy to grab
- Use vertical space with stacked appliances
- Choose water-safe surfaces that are easy to clean
- Let in as much light as possible
- Make movement through the space simple
- Match finishes for a tidy appearance
- Design for your daily routine, not just looks
Ready to Rethink Your Laundry?
A smart laundry setup can save time, reduce stress, and make your daily routine smoother. The right layout, storage, and finishes can turn even a small space into one that’s efficient and easy to use.
Get in touch with Hills Robes & Kitchens to start planning your renovation. Let’s turn your laundry into a space you actually enjoy using.