How to design cabinetry around appliances like washer and dryer? (Laundry Room | Cabinetry, Storage, Appliances & Fixtures)

Designing cabinetry around your washer and dryer is one of the most critical aspects of a functional and stylish laundry room renovation in Sydney. Whether you’re upgrading a small laundry in an inner-city apartment or reconfiguring a spacious family laundry in a North Shore home, smart cabinetry design ensures your laundry space is both practical and visually appealing. This guide covers key strategies to help you integrate appliances seamlessly with cabinetry, while also optimizing storage, workflow, and overall aesthetics.

1. Measure Twice, Design Once: Appliance and Cabinetry Planning

Before you start designing cabinetry, accurate measurement is essential. Sydney homes often have compact laundry spaces, particularly in terraces, townhouses, and apartments. Measure the exact dimensions of your washer and dryer, including height, width, and depth. Don’t forget to allow space for ventilation, hoses, and door clearance—front-loading washers need at least 50-70 mm clearance on each side for proper airflow, while top loaders require overhead clearance for the lid.

Consider whether your appliances will be stacked or side-by-side. Stacking is ideal for smaller laundry rooms commonly found in Sydney’s apartments and semi-detached homes, as it frees up floor space for additional cabinetry. Side-by-side placement allows for under-bench cabinetry and folding space, which is often preferred in larger homes on the North Shore or Eastern Suburbs where homeowners desire a more luxurious laundry layout.

2. Custom vs. Modular Cabinetry

Choosing between custom and modular cabinetry is a major decision. In Sydney, custom cabinetry is popular among homeowners who want tailored solutions to maximise every centimetre of their laundry. A custom approach allows you to design cabinetry that perfectly surrounds your washer and dryer, incorporating hidden storage, pull-out hampers, and dedicated spaces for detergents, cleaning supplies, and ironing boards.

Modular cabinetry, on the other hand, is cost-effective and easier to install. Many Sydney hardware stores and kitchen suppliers offer modular laundry cabinetry kits designed to accommodate standard washer and dryer dimensions. While modular units may be less flexible than custom options, they are a practical solution for straightforward renovations, especially in rental apartments or tight urban laundries.

3. Integrating Appliances into Cabinets

Hiding your washer and dryer behind cabinet doors creates a streamlined look, maintaining a clean, uncluttered aesthetic in the laundry. Consider the following strategies:

• Under-bench Integration: This is one of the most common configurations in Sydney’s modern homes. Appliances are installed under a countertop, which provides a continuous work surface for folding clothes or placing laundry baskets. Choose cabinetry with deep drawers or open shelves on either side for easy access to detergents and cleaning supplies.

• Tall Cabinet Enclosure: For stackable washer and dryer units, a tall cabinet can conceal both appliances while providing storage above or beside them. This approach is excellent for compact spaces like Balmain apartments or Surry Hills terraces, where vertical space is a premium.

• Pull-out or Sliding Doors: To optimise space in narrow laundry rooms, consider sliding or bi-fold doors that hide appliances when not in use. This is particularly useful in Sydney apartments with open-plan layouts, where the laundry may be integrated with kitchen or hallway cabinetry.

4. Workflow Considerations

Efficient laundry room design requires a logical workflow. In Sydney homes, where family routines can be busy, consider grouping appliances and cabinetry according to function. A practical layout often follows this sequence:

1. Sorting: Include pull-out bins or compartments for whites, colours, and delicates.

2. Washing and Drying: Appliances should be close to the sorting area, ideally under-bench or in a dedicated cabinet.

3. Folding and Ironing: Install a countertop above appliances or adjacent cabinetry to serve as a folding station.

4. Storage: Store detergents, softeners, ironing supplies, and cleaning tools in cabinets within arm’s reach but out of children’s reach.

5. Ventilation and Access

Proper ventilation is essential to prevent moisture build-up, which can cause mould and mildew in Sydney’s humid summers, especially in inner-west apartments. Leave sufficient space behind the washer and dryer for airflow, and consider cabinetry designs with slatted or louvered doors to allow passive ventilation.

Also, ensure plumbing and electrical connections remain accessible. Removable panels or hinge-mounted cabinet doors allow maintenance without dismantling cabinetry, a practical consideration for long-term use.

6. Material Choices for Laundry Cabinetry

Choosing durable, moisture-resistant materials is crucial for Sydney’s climate, where coastal humidity can affect cabinetry longevity. Popular options include:

• Melamine and Laminates: Affordable, easy to clean, and available in a variety of colours to suit modern or traditional Sydney home aesthetics.

• PVC or Moisture-Resistant MDF: Ideal for laundries that experience frequent splashes or high humidity.

• Timber or Painted Timber: Offers a high-end look for designer homes in Mosman or Vaucluse, but requires proper sealing to resist moisture damage.

For countertops above laundry appliances, stone, laminate, or stainless steel are practical options. Stone provides a luxurious, durable surface, while laminate is cost-effective, and stainless steel is resistant to moisture and easy to clean.

7. Maximising Storage with Clever Cabinetry Design

Laundry cabinetry should prioritise both storage efficiency and convenience:

• Pull-out Hampers: Keep dirty laundry sorted and out of sight.

• Tall Cabinets: Utilise vertical space for ironing boards, mops, and brooms.

• Overhead Cabinets: Store seldom-used items like seasonal detergents or cleaning supplies.

• Integrated Shelving: Open shelving or cubbies allow for easy access to everyday items.

Sydney homes often feature compact laundry layouts, so multi-functional cabinetry solutions that combine storage, folding surfaces, and appliance concealment are particularly valuable.

8. Aesthetic Integration

Laundry rooms no longer need to be purely functional spaces. Integrating cabinetry that matches your kitchen or bathroom design creates a cohesive look across your home. Neutral tones, wood finishes, and sleek handles can elevate a laundry’s appearance while keeping it practical.

In smaller Sydney apartments, consider using reflective surfaces or lighter colours to make the space appear larger. Open shelving with stylish baskets can add a decorative touch while maintaining storage efficiency.

9. Professional Design and Installation

Engaging a professional renovator ensures cabinetry is designed precisely around your washer and dryer, maximising functionality and aesthetic appeal. Sydney homeowners often underestimate the complexity of plumbing, electrical, and appliance integration. A licensed contractor can help avoid common pitfalls like insufficient clearances, poor ventilation, or cabinetry that interferes with appliance operation.

10. Cost Considerations

The cost of cabinetry around laundry appliances varies depending on materials, customisation, and appliance integration. Modular solutions in Sydney may start from a few hundred dollars, while custom cabinetry can range from several thousand dollars depending on complexity and finishes. Remember that investing in quality cabinetry increases durability and usability, reducing long-term maintenance costs.

11. Future-Proofing Your Laundry

When designing cabinetry around appliances, consider potential future upgrades. Washers and dryers may be replaced every 8-10 years, so designing cabinetry that accommodates a range of sizes ensures your laundry remains functional for years to come. Adjustable shelving, removable panels, and flexible cabinet widths allow for easy replacement of appliances without requiring a full renovation.

12. Sydney-Specific Trends

Sydney homeowners increasingly favour laundry rooms that combine style and function. Common trends include:

• Concealed appliances behind seamless cabinetry doors.

• Under-bench folding stations with integrated storage.

• High-gloss laminates or natural timber finishes that complement kitchen design.

• Multi-purpose laundries with space for pet washing or utility sinks.

Urban homeowners also value space-saving designs, while family homes in suburbs like North Shore, Eastern Suburbs, and Inner West often prioritise storage capacity and luxury finishes.

Summary

Designing cabinetry around your washer and dryer is more than just enclosing appliances—it’s about creating a practical, stylish, and long-lasting laundry solution tailored to your home. By carefully measuring appliances, choosing appropriate cabinetry, integrating workflow and storage, and considering ventilation and material selection, Sydney homeowners can achieve a laundry space that is functional, beautiful, and adaptable for the future.

For expert guidance and Sydney-focused laundry room renovation services, visit www.mb9.com.au to explore cabinetry solutions, storage optimisation, and appliance integration that transform your laundry into a functional and elegant space.