The laundry room is often an afterthought in home design, but it doesn’t have to be. With clever design, you can turn this functional space into a stylish haven while seamlessly concealing those unsightly laundry room hookups. This article explores 22 design ideas for hiding laundry room hookups, blending functionality with modern aesthetics.
Sliding Panel Doors
Embrace minimalism with sleek sliding panel doors that effortlessly conceal the laundry hookups. These doors can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, glass, or metal, allowing for a customizable look. Opt for a simple design and a neutral color palette like white, gray, or black to create a clean and contemporary aesthetic. In the US, sliding barn doors are particularly popular, often crafted from reclaimed wood for a rustic touch. Across the pond, European designers favor more minimalist sliding doors, often made from lacquered wood or sleek aluminum, reflecting their penchant for clean lines.
Custom Cabinetry
For a truly bespoke look, consider custom cabinetry that seamlessly integrates with your laundry room design. A cabinet with a shallow depth can be built around the hookups, allowing easy access while hiding them from view. In the US, custom cabinets are often painted in bold colors like navy blue, emerald green, or terracotta to create a statement piece. European trends lean towards more understated elegance, with custom cabinetry painted in muted tones or finished with natural wood veneers.
Built-in Shelf Unit
Create a functional and stylish storage solution by incorporating a built-in shelf unit around the laundry hookups. The shelves can be used to store laundry supplies, cleaning products, or even decorative items. Open shelves offer a modern, airy feel, while closed cabinets provide a more organized look. In the US, open shelving is gaining popularity in laundry rooms, with homeowners embracing the minimalist aesthetic. European design often utilizes a mix of open and closed shelving, creating a balance between functionality and visual appeal.
Concealed Folding Doors
For a compact and space-saving solution, consider using concealed folding doors to hide the laundry hookups. These doors fold away neatly, maximizing space and offering easy access when needed. In the US, folding doors are often used in small laundry rooms, with homeowners opting for white or light wood finishes to create a sense of spaciousness. European design leans towards more sophisticated finishes, such as frosted glass or wood with metal accents, adding a touch of luxury.
Arched Doorway
Add a touch of architectural elegance to your laundry room with an arched doorway leading to the hookups. This design element adds visual interest and creates a sense of grandeur. In the US, arched doorways are often paired with traditional design elements, such as crown molding and wainscoting. European design favors a more minimalist approach, using simple arched doorways with clean lines and neutral colors.
Murals or Wallpaper
Create a focal point in your laundry room by using eye-catching murals or wallpaper to visually distract from the laundry hookups. Bold patterns or nature-inspired scenes can create a sense of excitement and hide the less appealing elements. In the US, murals are becoming increasingly popular in laundry rooms, with homeowners using them to add a personal touch to their spaces. European design often favors wallpaper, with geometric patterns and botanical motifs being popular choices.
Decorative Storage Bins
Utilize decorative storage bins to conceal the laundry hookups. These bins can be placed on shelves or in cabinets, offering a stylish way to store supplies and hide the unsightly connections. In the US, wicker baskets and woven bins are popular choices, adding a rustic charm to the laundry room. European design favors more minimalist storage options, such as sleek metal bins or fabric storage boxes in muted tones.
Curtains
Add a touch of softness and elegance to your laundry room with curtains. Hang them from the ceiling or a curtain rod, creating a dramatic drape that hides the laundry hookups while adding a touch of privacy. In the US, sheer curtains or linen curtains are popular choices, allowing for a light and airy feel. European design often features heavier curtains, such as velvet or brocade, adding a touch of opulence.
Wall-Mounted Folding Table
Maximize space in your laundry room with a wall-mounted folding table that can be used for folding clothes and hiding the laundry hookups when not in use. This is particularly useful for small laundry rooms where space is limited. In the US, folding tables are often made from wood or metal, with a simple, minimalist design. European design leans towards more elegant options, such as folding tables with sleek metal frames and glass tops.
Open Shelving with Decorative Accents
Embrace the open shelving trend and use decorative accents to disguise the laundry hookups. Place potted plants, baskets filled with towels, or decorative boxes on the shelves to create a visually appealing arrangement. In the US, open shelving is often paired with farmhouse-style decor, using reclaimed wood and metal accents. European design favors a more minimalist aesthetic, with open shelves being used to display sleek, monochromatic storage containers and decorative objects.
Laundry Room Island
Create a functional and stylish center point in your laundry room with a laundry room island. The island can be used for folding clothes, storing supplies, and hiding the laundry hookups behind closed cabinets or drawers. In the US, laundry room islands are often made from wood or butcher block, with a rustic or industrial design. European design favors more modern options, such as islands with sleek metal frames and countertops made from quartz or granite.
Wall-Mounted Drying Rack
Incorporate a wall-mounted drying rack to create a functional and stylish storage solution for laundry. The rack can be used to dry clothes and also serve as a visual barrier, hiding the laundry hookups behind it. In the US, wall-mounted drying racks are often made from metal or wood, with a minimalist design. European design leans towards more elegant options, such as drying racks made from chrome or polished steel.
Basket Storage
Use baskets to store laundry supplies and to create a visually appealing display that hides the laundry hookups. Wicker baskets, fabric baskets, or woven baskets are popular choices. Place them on shelves or in cabinets, adding a touch of texture and color to your laundry room. In the US, woven baskets are often used in laundry rooms, adding a rustic charm to the space. European design favors more minimalist storage options, such as fabric storage baskets in muted tones.
Mirrors
Mirrors are a great way to create the illusion of space and distract from the laundry hookups. Hang a large mirror on the wall behind the hookups, reflecting light and creating a sense of depth. In the US, mirrors are often used in laundry rooms to add a touch of glamor. European design favors more minimalist mirrors, with clean lines and simple frames.
Art Prints
Create a gallery wall with art prints to visually distract from the laundry hookups. Choose prints that complement your laundry room’s style and add a touch of personality to the space. In the US, abstract prints and nature-inspired prints are popular choices. European design often favors more minimalist art prints, with geometric patterns and abstract shapes being popular choices.
Window Treatments
Window treatments can be used to create a sense of privacy and to visually obscure the laundry hookups. Roman shades, blinds, or curtains can be used to add a touch of style and functionality to your laundry room. In the US, light-filtering blinds are often used in laundry rooms, allowing for natural light to filter in while providing some privacy. European design often favors more decorative window treatments, such as Roman shades or curtains with intricate patterns or embellishments.
Lighting
Lighting can be used to highlight the positive aspects of your laundry room and to downplay the laundry hookups. Use task lighting to illuminate the work areas, and ambient lighting to create a more inviting atmosphere. In the US, recessed lighting is often used in laundry rooms, providing a clean and modern look. European design often favors more decorative lighting fixtures, such as pendant lights or chandeliers.
Furniture
Add furniture to your laundry room to create a more functional and stylish space. A folding table, a small dresser, or a bench can be used to provide additional storage and seating. In the US, furniture in laundry rooms is often chosen for its functionality and durability. European design favors more stylish furniture, such as vintage dressers or antique benches.
