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32 Modern Laundry Room Ideas That Make a Timeless Statement

Merge style and function for a modern laundry room that makes a timeless statement. While the space needs to be practical, you can add many decorative elements to infuse the space with plenty of style.

Whether it's pretty storage vessels and open shelves that double as a display surface or wall treatments such as wallpaper and graphic tile.

Laundry room with gray cabinets and wood countertop

Interior Impressions

Learn how to create a laundry room whose design packs a punch for a space that makes the necessary chore more enjoyable.

  • 01 of 32

    Install Open Shelves

    Open shelves and closed cabinets in a laundry room

    Britt Design Studio

    Hang open shelves in a modern laundry room to allow for easy access to frequently used items and to add a decorative surface that breaks up a wall of closed cabinetry. Choose pretty storage vessels such as wicker baskets and glass canisters to store and display laundry essentials in an aesthetically pleasing way.

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  • 02 of 32

    Add a Pop of Color

    Green roman shade in a laundry room

    Britt Design Studio

    If you have a window in your laundry room, use it as an opportunity to add a pop of color and pattern in the form of window treatments.

    A Roman shade provides privacy, isn't as bulky as curtains can be, easy to operate, and is a great place to give the space some personality.

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  • 03 of 32

    Roll in an Island

    Laundry room with blue cabinets and a freestanding stainless steel island with marble top

    Whittney Parkinson Design

    Add extra storage and a folding surface in a modern laundry room with a rolling island. If you don't have the space or budget for a permanent built-in island, this is an excellent alternative that's more affordable and offers more flexibility.

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  • 04 of 32

    Eliminate Bulky Packaging

    Laundry room with light green and white cabinets and charcoal tile floor

    Whittney Parkinson Design

    Eliminate bulky packaging that clutters the room and doesn't match its color scheme. Instead, empty laundry products into safely sealed containers that help maximize space and look attractive at the same time.

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  • 05 of 32

    Go Natural

    Wood floating shelves mounted on black shiplap in a laundry room

    Kate Marker Interiors

    Warm up a modern laundry room with natural wood accents, whether it's through floating wood shelves or butcher block countertops.

    Opt for light woods for a contemporary feel or choose darker and reclaimed woods for a more rustic appearance.

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  • 06 of 32

    Get Creative

    Laundry items stored in a tray and baskets in a laundry room

    Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Kaitlin Green

    Turn laundry storage into a decorative element by using containers that have visual appeal.

    Corral items such as dryer balls in lidded glass canisters, use woven baskets for miscellaneous socks, and add a small bowl for loose change found in pockets.

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  • 07 of 32

    Say Yes to Classic Colors

    Laundry room with light blue cabinets and white subway tile backsplash

    Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Tramp

    A blue and white color scheme is a timeless choice for a laundry room. It's fresh and clean, looks great with a variety of hardware, from aged brass to polished chrome, and works with multiple styles.

    Regardless if your laundry room leans toward traditional or modern farmhouse style, everything will blend seamlessly.

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  • 08 of 32

    Extend Cabinets Up

    White cabinets in a laundry room with light peach colored wallpaper

    Cathie Hong Interiors

    Maximize storage space and eliminate dust that collects on the top of cabinets by extending them to the ceiling. Not only does this allow for extra shelves inside the cabinets, but it visually extends the ceiling and makes the room appear larger.

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  • 09 of 32

    Hang Modern Wallpaper

    Laundry room with beadboard on bottom half and wallpaper on top half of the wall

    Kate Marker Interiors

    If you're contemplating installing wallpaper in your laundry room but are put off by the cost, save money by using it on the top half or third of the walls. Instead, supplement a modern wallpaper pattern with classic beadboard wainscoting or another type of decorative wall treatment.

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  • 10 of 32

    Make a Statement

    Rectangular pendant light above wood island in a white laundry room

    Kate Marker Interiors

    A striking light fixture has the power to completely transform a room. Dress up a modern laundry room with a statement pendant light above the island to create a beautiful focal point and to add a bright source of light.

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  • 11 of 32

    Mix Open and Closed Storage

    Laundry room with closed cabinets and open shelf with baskets

    Interior Impressions

    Combine open and closed storage in a modern laundry room for both practical and visual reasons. Utilize upper and lower cabinets to hide clutter, keep certain laundry items out of kids' and pets' reach, and hold extra stock.

    Place frequently used things on open shelves and add a decorative component to them by intertwining functional items with laundry-themed artwork or potted plants.

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  • 12 of 32

    Bring in Rolling Hampers

    Rolling hampers in a laundry room under the countertop

    Britt Design Studio

    If space permits, reserve a portion of under-cabinet space for rolling hampers. Hiding them under a countertop will help keep the room neat and clutter-free while still allowing for quick and easy access on laundry day.

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  • 13 of 32

    Tile Your Walls

    Graphic wall tile in a laundry room with dark navy cabinets

    Whittney Parkinson Design

    A laundry room isn't just a purely utilitarian space; give it personality and create visual interest with a fun wall tile.

    Extend tile from the countertop to the ceiling for a modern take on wallpaper. Pair a busy wall tile pattern with simpler flooring and streamlined cabinetry to maintain visual balance.

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  • 14 of 32

    Choose an Unexpected Color

    Washer and dryer on a riser in a laundry room with pink cabinets

    Whittney Parkinson Design

    Add a dash of surprise to a modern laundry room with an unexpected paint color on the walls or cabinets.

    Here, a dusty pink adorns cabinets and wall paneling, softening the hardworking room and infusing it with plenty of charm.

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  • 15 of 32

    Opt for Neutrals

    Beige and white wallpaper in a small laundry room with greige cabinets

    Kate Marker Interiors

    For a timeless modern laundry room, opt for a neutral wallpaper that suits a number of color palettes and design styles.

    A neutral base offers longevity and flexibility and doesn't limit you if you choose to repaint your cabinets or switch out wall decor.

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  • 16 of 32

    Hang a Drying Rail

    Black pipe drying rail suspended from the ceiling in a laundry room

    Kate Marker Interiors

    Maximize function and bring in an industrial design element with a pipe-style drying rail. It provides space for garments to air dry or to be steamed and utilizes vertical space that often goes unused.

    Create an interesting backdrop behind the rail with a fun wall treatment such as shiplap, wallpaper, or tile.

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  • 17 of 32

    Utilize Doors

    Laundry closet with items stored on the insides of the doors

    Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Tessa Neustadt

    In a small laundry room, every square inch matters. Whether it's a tiny laundry room or closet, utilize the doors for extra storage with over-the-door racks and self-adhesive hooks.

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  • 18 of 32

    Install Butcher Block

    Butcher-block countertops in laundry room with green cabinets

    Jessica Nelson Design

    Modernize your laundry room with neutral countertops that pair well with a toned-down or bright color palette. Instead of standard stone, consider a butcher block countertop to add warmth and charm.

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  • 19 of 32

    Add Decorative Molding

    Laundry room with black cabinets and graphic floor tile

    JK Interior Living

    Small details such as crown molding on the ceiling or decorative molding on cabinetry instantly elevate a modern laundry room.

    Dress up builder-grade cabinets by adding decorative molding and opt for a dark paint color to accentuate the details for a custom feel.

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  • 20 of 32

    Consider Herringbone Pattern

    Laundry room with white shiplap walls, wood cabinets and gray herringbone floor tile

    Jessica Nelson Design

    Herringbone patterned tile is a classic design that works well in modern laundry rooms. Highlight the pattern with contrasting grout or let the grout blend with the tile color for a more subtle effect.

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  • 21 of 32

    Opt for a Dark Color

    Dark green-gray cabinets in a laundry room with beige backsplash

    Kate Marker Interiors

    Instead of a light and bright aesthetic, opt for a dark cabinet color that packs a design punch.

    Pair it with dark countertops and hardware for continuity and create contrast with a lighter backsplash or flooring. Install wall sconces or decorative pendant lights for an additional source of light that provides a soft glow to create a cozy space you won't mind spending time in.

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  • 22 of 32

    Create a Multi-Purpose Space

    Laundry room and mudroom combined

    Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Kaitlin Green

    A laundry room often plays double-duty and also serves as a mudroom or pantry. Create a neutral modern design that fits each of the functions the room serves, so that neither the laundry appliances nor shoe cubbies feel out of place.

    This can be done through continuous wall treatments, the same cabinets throughout the space, or repeated pops of color and pattern.

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  • 23 of 32

    Display Artwork

    Artwork above the sink in a laundry room

    Ashley Montgomery Design

    Treat the laundry room like any other space in your home and use artwork to add a decorative touch to the walls.

    Hang art directly on the walls, lean it on floating shelves, or rest a whimsical laundry-themed sign on the countertop to give the room a playful feel.

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  • 24 of 32

    Merge Style and Function

    Open shelves styled with laundry room essentials

    Ashley Webb Interiors

    Create openness in a modern laundry room with floating shelves for a less cluttered feel. Use decorative storage containers that are as pretty as they are practical, and continue the same design and color theme that you've used in the rest of your home.

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  • 25 of 32

    Bring Whimsy

    Laundry closet with blue and white wave wallpaper

    Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Tessa Neustadt

    Add a little whimsy to a modern laundry room with a fun wallpaper. Whether it features bright colors or a playful pattern, it's the perfect vehicle to carry style and personality, whether your laundry room is a large space or a tiny hallway closet.

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  • 26 of 32

    Choose a Warm Color Palette

    Laundry room with beige cabinets

    Ashley Montgomery Design

    If you want to switch things up and stay away from crisp white walls and cabinets that are often used in laundry rooms, choose a warm color palette of soft beiges, tans, and creams.

    The warm tones pair well with brass hardware, natural wood shelves and flooring, and wicker storage baskets for a timeless space that exudes elegance.

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  • 27 of 32

    Try Jewel Tones

    Laundry room with teal cabinets and gold hardware

    Interior Impressions

    Jewel tones have been a trending color theme and they're a fun way to infuse a modern laundry room with rich color and elevated style. Here, deep teal cabinets and brass hardware add a decorative, jewel-like finish.

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  • 28 of 32

    Set a Pattern

    Plaid pattern floor tile in a neutral colored laundry room

    Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Tessa Neustadt

    Don't overlook flooring when it comes to designing a timeless modern laundry room. Practicality is key since floors need to be as moisture-resistant as possible and easy to clean.

    However, there are plenty of ways to add style through floor tile arrangement, pattern, and colors.

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  • 29 of 32

    Choose a Moody Palette

    Laundry room with charcoal cabinets and dark subway tile backsplash

    Britt Design Studio

    Infuse a modern laundry room with drama by opting for a moody color scheme. Choose a deep cabinet color, pair it with matte black hardware, and echo the dark colors through the backsplash for visual continuity.

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  • 30 of 32

    Mount Farmhouse Sconces

    Laundry room with off white cabinets and a galvanized metal wall sconce

    Ashley Webb Interiors

    Mount a galvanized metal sconce on the wall to add a touch of modern farmhouse-style to your laundry room.

    Use black pulls and knobs on cabinets to tie in the sconce and opt for a different metal for sink hardware for a layered look.

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  • 31 of 32

    Take a Minimalist Approach

    Modern laundry room with gray cabinets and whimsical wallpaper

    Cathie Hong Interiors

    Take a minimalist design approach to keep a modern laundry room clean and clutter-free using flat-front cabinets, unobtrusive hardware, and subtle wallpaper.

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  • 32 of 32

    Hang Bold Wallpaper

    Laundry room with white cabinets, blue graphic wallpaper and rattan pendant light

    Casa Watkins Living

    A modern laundry room is a great place to experiment with bold wallpaper, since it's a private space that can easily be shut and is typically smaller in size.

    Have fun with bright colors and graphic patterns that make a statement and balance them out with simple cabinets and flooring.