Designing a laundry room can often feel like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be! Leaving space above your laundry room cabinets opens up a world of design possibilities, allowing for visual interest, practicality, and a more spacious feel. This article explores twenty inspiring ideas for laundry room cabinets that don’t reach the ceiling, focusing on current trends in the US and EU, incorporating color palettes, and stylistic choices to elevate your laundry space from mundane to magnificent. Let’s dive in!
Idea 1: Purple and Gold Glam
Embrace a luxurious vibe with deep purple cabinets paired with gleaming gold hardware. This opulent combination is trending in both US and EU interiors. Consider a matte purple for a sophisticated feel, contrasted by brushed gold accents. The space above the cabinets can be used to display decorative baskets, gold-framed mirrors, or even a stylish hanging plant. This design works particularly well in larger laundry rooms, allowing the glamorous elements to shine. Consider incorporating quartz countertops in a complementary light shade, such as off-white or cream, to balance the richness of the purple and gold. In the EU, particularly in Scandinavian design, a similar approach might incorporate a slightly cooler purple tone, leaning towards lavender, with more minimalist gold accents.
Idea 2: Coastal Calm with Open Shelving
For a tranquil and airy atmosphere, opt for light blue or seafoam green cabinets. This coastal style is hugely popular in both the US and EU. Above the cabinets, install open shelving to display folded towels, baskets of laundry supplies, or decorative seashells. The open shelving adds visual lightness and makes the room feel more spacious. White or light wood shelving would complement the cabinets beautifully. Consider adding natural textures, such as woven baskets or a jute rug, to enhance the coastal theme. In the US, a brighter, almost turquoise blue is often favoured, while the EU might lean towards a softer, more muted blue-grey palette.
Idea 3: Rustic Charm with Reclaimed Wood
Bring warmth and character to your laundry room with reclaimed wood cabinets. The rustic aesthetic is a continuous trend across both US and EU markets. The natural variations in the wood create a unique and inviting feel. The space above could house a simple shelf for storage or decorative items. Pair the cabinets with butcher block countertops for a cohesive look. Consider adding wrought iron accents or industrial-style lighting to further enhance the rustic theme. The color palette is typically neutral, with variations in brown tones and subtle hints of grey or beige, fitting effortlessly into both US farmhouse and EU rustic styles.
Idea 4: Modern Minimalism with White Cabinets
Embrace sleek simplicity with white cabinets. This classic choice remains highly popular in both the US and EU for its versatility and ability to brighten even the smallest of spaces. Above the cabinets, leave the wall blank for a clean look or add a few carefully selected pieces of art. Consider minimalist chrome or brushed nickel hardware. Pair the cabinets with white or light grey countertops and flooring to create a cohesive and modern feel. This design style allows for flexibility in accessorizing; vibrant pops of color in towels or baskets can easily be incorporated.
Idea 5: Mid-Century Modern with Warm Wood Tones
The mid-century modern style is making a comeback in both the US and EU. Choose warm wood cabinets with clean lines and simple hardware. This design style often incorporates natural wood tones such as walnut or cherry. Above the cabinets, you could add a simple floating shelf or a vintage-inspired light fixture. Complement the cabinetry with a neutral color palette for walls and countertops. The clean lines and functionality of mid-century modern design easily blend into different décor themes. Muted greens, yellows and oranges, especially in textiles, are often featured in US and EU mid-century-inspired rooms.
Idea 6: Industrial Chic with Metal Accents
For an edgy and contemporary look, choose dark grey or black cabinets with metal accents. This industrial style is popular in loft apartments and modern homes across the US and EU. The space above can be used to display industrial-style lighting or metal shelving units. Exposed brick or concrete walls would complement this style perfectly. Metal accents on drawers and door handles, combined with dark countertops like granite or concrete, further emphasize the industrial chic look. Adding elements like open shelving units allows for the display of both practical items and decorative accessories that blend the industrial look with personal style.
Idea 7: Scandinavian Simplicity with Light Wood and White
Embrace the clean lines and functionality of Scandinavian design with light wood cabinets paired with white walls. This style is incredibly popular in both the US and EU for its calming and minimalist aesthetic. Above the cabinets, you could add open shelving for displaying plants or storage baskets. Consider adding natural elements such as a jute rug or wooden accessories. The color palette is primarily white, light grey, and various shades of light wood, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. In Scandinavian design, functionality is paramount; the space above the cabinets might be utilized creatively to maximize storage while maintaining an uncluttered appearance.
Idea 8: Farmhouse Fresh with White and Grey
Create a cozy and inviting laundry room with white cabinets and grey countertops. This classic farmhouse style is a favorite in the US and is gaining popularity in the EU. The space above the cabinets can be used to display decorative items, such as vintage signs or mason jars. Consider adding elements like open shelving or a small window to further enhance the farmhouse feel. The neutral palette allows for flexibility in incorporating pops of color through textiles, such as a floral rug or patterned towels. Checkered patterns are often a staple in farmhouse décor for both US and EU styles.
Idea 9: Two-toned Elegance with Black and White
Add a touch of sophistication with two-toned cabinets, combining black and white for a striking contrast. This contemporary design is frequently found in both US and EU homes. The black and white combination lends itself to both minimalist and more eclectic styling. The space above the cabinets could showcase metallic accents such as gold or copper hardware or lighting fixtures to create a focal point. Consider selecting countertop materials that complement this bold choice, such as Carrara marble for a classic look or a quartz countertop that mimics the texture of natural stone. This two-toned approach creates visual interest and is a testament to current design trends in both regions.
Idea 10: Bold and Bright with Teal Cabinets
Introduce a vibrant pop of color with teal cabinets. This energetic hue works well in laundry rooms of any size. The space above can be utilized to create visual interest with bright artwork or open shelves that display colourful containers for laundry supplies. Consider pairing teal cabinets with white or light grey countertops for balance. This option provides a visually appealing contrast and aligns with the current trends for bold and saturated colors in interiors across both the US and EU.
Idea 11: Earthy Tones with Green Cabinets
Bring the outdoors in with earthy green cabinets. This tranquil color promotes relaxation and complements many décor styles. The space above offers an opportunity to introduce natural materials like woven baskets or potted plants. Neutral-toned countertops, such as beige or light grey, complement the green effectively. Both US and EU interiors are increasingly incorporating natural elements into their designs, making this a highly relevant choice.
Idea 12: Monochromatic Simplicity with Grey Cabinets
Embrace a calming and sophisticated atmosphere with grey cabinets in varying shades. This monochromatic approach is currently very popular in minimalist interiors worldwide. The use of different shades of grey adds subtle depth and texture without overwhelming the space. Consider using a lighter shade of grey for the upper cabinets and a darker shade for the lower cabinets. The space above the cabinets could be left empty for a minimalist look or used to add small, well-chosen decorative elements. The uniformity creates a sense of calm and serenity in the laundry room.
Idea 13: Navy Blue Sophistication
Create a classic and sophisticated laundry room with navy blue cabinets. This versatile color works well in both traditional and contemporary settings. The space above the cabinets can be used to display nautical-themed accessories or other decorative items that coordinate with the space. Pair the navy blue with white or light grey countertops for a clean and balanced look. This color is a consistently popular choice across the US and EU.
Idea 14: Warm and Inviting with Orange Cabinets
Introduce a cheerful and energizing atmosphere with orange cabinets. This bold color choice can be paired with neutral-toned countertops and walls for balance. The open space above the cabinets offers an opportunity to further inject warmth into the space with the use of soft lighting and textured accessories. Orange is making a comeback in interior design, reflecting a trend toward warmer tones that create a welcoming and inviting environment.
Idea 15: Black Magic
For a dramatic and modern look, opt for black cabinets. This choice creates a bold statement and works particularly well in well-lit spaces. The empty space above allows for the integration of dramatic lighting, creating a focal point above the laundry area. Pairing this bold color with white or light grey countertops balances the look effectively. Black is a timeless colour choice that adds sophistication and elegance to any space.
Idea 16: Statement Hardware and Open Shelves
No matter what color you choose for your cabinets, make a statement with unique hardware. This can be achieved by using bold colors, unusual materials or strikingly different designs. Open shelves above the cabinets add extra storage while further highlighting your hardware choices. This is a popular choice for both US and EU homeowners who want to inject their personality into their laundry space. Functionality and style are equally emphasized.
Idea 17: Integrated Storage Solutions Above Cabinets
Maximize space by incorporating integrated storage solutions above the cabinets. This can include custom-built shelving, drawers, or even a hidden storage area. This maximizes storage and makes it easily accessible while retaining a neat appearance. This practical design addresses storage needs often seen as a limitation of non-ceiling height cabinets. Both US and EU trends favour solutions that combine functionality with aesthetic appeal.
