When renovating a laundry room in Sydney, one of the key design considerations is how to combine open and closed shelving to achieve both style and functionality. Sydney homeowners increasingly want laundry spaces that are practical, organized, and visually appealing, blending seamlessly with the contemporary aesthetic of their homes. Balancing open and closed storage is a smart solution, allowing for easy access to frequently used items while keeping clutter hidden and maintaining a polished look.
1. Understanding the Benefits of Open and Closed Shelving
Open shelving is ideal for items that are used daily, such as detergents, fabric softeners, or laundry baskets. It provides immediate visibility and accessibility, which is essential in a high-use space like a laundry room. In Sydney homes where laundry areas can be compact, open shelves prevent the space from feeling too closed in or cramped, creating an airy, open atmosphere.
Closed cabinetry, on the other hand, hides less attractive items, such as cleaning supplies, ironing boards, or bulk laundry products, giving the room a streamlined appearance. It also protects items from dust and moisture, a key consideration in Sydney’s humid climate. By combining open and closed shelving, homeowners can strike a balance between practicality and aesthetics, ensuring the laundry remains functional without compromising style.
2. Planning Your Layout for Maximum Efficiency
The first step in combining open and closed shelving is to plan the layout according to the workflow. Laundry rooms should have distinct zones for washing, drying, folding, and storage. Closed cabinets can be placed under benches or above appliances to store bulky or unsightly items, while open shelves can be positioned at eye level for easy access to daily essentials.
For smaller Sydney homes, vertical space is crucial. Full-height closed cabinets paired with a few open shelves can make a compact laundry room feel larger while maximising storage. Pull-out hampers, stackable drawers, and sliding shelves within closed cabinetry can further enhance functionality without cluttering the space.
3. Choosing the Right Materials and Finishes
Material selection plays a significant role in both style and durability. Sydney homeowners often prefer cabinetry with moisture-resistant finishes, such as laminated or high-pressure laminate (HPL), which withstand the humid environment of a laundry room. Matte or textured finishes can reduce fingerprints and smudges, maintaining a clean, modern appearance.
For open shelves, solid timber, engineered wood, or painted MDF are popular options, providing strength and aesthetic appeal. Glass shelving is another elegant choice, adding a light, contemporary touch, but it requires regular cleaning to keep it looking pristine.
4. Integrating Appliances Seamlessly
Modern laundry rooms often feature built-in or panelled appliances, which can be integrated into the shelving design. For example, a front-loading washing machine and dryer can be stacked within closed cabinetry to save space, with open shelving above for detergents or baskets. This not only keeps the room looking streamlined but also creates a cohesive visual flow.
Some Sydney homeowners also incorporate multifunctional features, such as open shelving that doubles as a folding station or drying rack. Pull-out trays or sliding shelves within closed cabinets can house ironing boards or cleaning supplies, maximising functionality while keeping the room tidy.
5. Enhancing Style Through Open Shelving
Open shelves provide a canvas for styling the laundry room, making the space feel intentional rather than purely utilitarian. Displaying matching containers for detergents, labelled baskets, or decorative elements like plants can elevate the room’s look. Keeping a consistent colour palette across both open and closed storage helps unify the design, creating a modern, sophisticated aesthetic.
Sydney homeowners often favour neutral tones, such as whites, greys, and soft beiges, for cabinetry, paired with timber accents on open shelves to introduce warmth and texture. Accent tiles or a splashback behind the shelving can further enhance the visual appeal, making the laundry feel like a designed space rather than an afterthought.
6. Balancing Functionality and Accessibility
The ultimate goal of combining open and closed shelving is to optimise both functionality and accessibility. Frequently used items should be placed on open shelves within easy reach, while less frequently accessed items can be stored behind closed doors. Adjustable shelving allows flexibility, accommodating different sized containers or appliances as needs change over time.
Soft-close hinges on closed cabinetry enhance the modern feel and durability, while open shelves with sturdy brackets ensure that items remain secure. Including pull-out baskets or dividers within open shelving helps maintain order, preventing the space from looking cluttered.
7. Lighting and Visual Impact
Proper lighting is essential to highlight both the functionality and style of combined shelving. Under-cabinet LED lighting on open shelves improves visibility for tasks such as folding or sorting laundry, while also creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Accent lighting can emphasise decorative elements or highlight the contrast between open and closed storage, adding depth and visual interest.
Where possible, natural light should be maximised through windows or skylights, which brightens the room and complements the open shelving, making the laundry feel more spacious. In Sydney’s compact homes, this can make a significant difference in both the usability and aesthetic appeal of the space.
8. Professional Guidance for Sydney Homes
Successfully combining open and closed shelving requires careful planning, professional insight, and attention to detail. Engaging a licensed renovation expert ensures optimal space utilisation, compliance with local building codes, and long-term durability. Professionals can provide tailored solutions for awkward or limited spaces, such as under-stair laundry areas, and integrate features like waterproof cabinetry, energy-efficient appliances, and ergonomic layouts.
Additionally, professional guidance ensures that plumbing, electrical, and ventilation work is seamlessly incorporated into the design, so aesthetics do not compromise functionality. Sydney homeowners often find that professional planning allows for creative solutions, such as incorporating hidden ironing boards, pull-out drying racks, or bespoke storage compartments within closed cabinetry.
Conclusion
Combining open and closed shelving in a laundry room is both an art and a science. Sydney homeowners can achieve a modern, stylish, and functional space by carefully planning the layout, selecting durable materials, integrating appliances, and balancing accessibility with storage needs. Open shelves provide visual interest and immediate access to daily essentials, while closed cabinetry hides clutter and protects items from moisture.
By considering materials, lighting, workflow, and design consistency, a laundry room can evolve from a purely functional area into a stylish, efficient, and enjoyable space. Thoughtful integration of both open and closed storage ensures that the laundry room complements the overall design of the home while meeting practical needs.
For Sydney homeowners looking to renovate their laundry with the perfect combination of style and functionality, professional planning and high-quality finishes are key. To explore more ideas, designs, and expert solutions, visit www.mb9.com.au and discover how MB9 Australia Pty Ltd can transform your laundry into a practical, beautiful space tailored to your lifestyle.
Add comment
Comments