A fresh spin of functionality

As homes and lifestyles evolve, the humble laundry is seeing something of a design revolution. Today, it’s a transitional space where practicality meets innovation. It’s increasingly serving as a bridge between outdoors and in – somewhere to reset and bring order to chaos. It's where wet become dry, clutter becomes tidy, and functionality no longer sacrifices style.

To explore the latest trends and innovations redefining this essential space, we caught up with Landmark Homes Christchurch & Canterbury New Homes Consultant Amanda Coster.

No longer hidden away in a dark corner of the garage, laundry spaces are being embraced for their potential to make everyday life more practical and enjoyable. Amanda says it’s all about creating a room that works for your lifestyle. 

"Homeowners are seeing the potential of the laundry zone as a space that can take some of the stress and hassle out of running a household. It’s all about combining smart layouts and practical placement with clever storage and a few stylish touches.”

Amanda says the trend toward mudroom-laundry hybrids is gaining traction, thanks to their ability to offer a multifunctional solution for busy households. 

“We have quite a few clients asking for mudrooms,” Amanda says. “It’s a space where the family can come in with their football boots or dirty workwear, hang up their bags, and clean up before heading into the main part of the house. Some homeowners even add a toilet with external access – perfect if you’ve got a pool and don’t want people dripping water through the house!”

Although traditional separate laundries will always be a popular option, new home builders are increasingly opting for bespoke layouts tailored to their lifestyles. This shift in focus has opened the door to some truly creative thinking, with homeowners designing laundries tailored to their unique needs and routines. 

For Landmark client Tracey Watson, this meant designing a laundry as an extension of her scullery, positioned near the kitchen and garage to create a functional ‘service zone.’ 

“I wanted access from the garage so that when I get home and I’ve got stuff to carry in like groceries, there’s somewhere to put it that’s not in the middle of the kitchen or living space,” she says. Her laundry isn’t just for washing clothes; it’s a practical transition point for keeping the main living areas clutter-free.

Another standout example is the Matthews family’s home, where practicality was key. “Their whole brief was about convenience,” Amanda explains. “They wanted to get out of the car and have a space where they could drop groceries in the scullery on one side and take muddy shoes or gear to the laundry on the other. It was all about creating a space that fits their lifestyle perfectly.”

For older homeowners, positioning the laundry at the home’s entry offers added benefits. “Sometimes it’s good to have a space near the car where you can sit, take your shoes off, and get sorted before heading into the main part of the house,” says Amanda.

The return of the laundry chute

In larger homes, laundry chutes are making a comeback as a convenient addition. 

“A recent one we added to a multi-level home was cleverly designed to be hidden behind a tiled wall in the upstairs bathroom,” Amanda shares. “You push the tiles, and a drawer pops out. Drop your clothes in, and they go straight down to the laundry below. In a very big home, it just makes sense!”

The drying cupboard

Amanda highlights the drying cupboard as an example of how technology is enhancing functionality. 

“You can hang clothes, shoes, or sports gear inside, and with a small eco-panel heater and an extractor fan, they dry quietly and efficiently,” she says. “It’s perfect for delicate fabrics or when you just don’t want the wear and tear – or expense – of a tumble dryer.” It also means you’ve got the ability to keep damp items neatly tucked away behind closed doors, making it a stylish and practical choice for modern homes.

A splash of light 

Design elements like splashback windows are also bringing a touch of sophistication to the laundry. 

“Instead of a tiled splashback, you have a window that brings in beautiful natural light and gives you a connection to the outdoors,” Amanda says. “It makes the space feel bright and inviting, which is so important in a room you use every day.”

Storage that works for every budget

Storage is another key element in modern laundry design, with options to suit different budgets and lifestyles. 

“Overhead and full-height cupboards are a great way to maximise space and keep everything neat, but they can be expensive if you’re going for higher-end finishes,” says Amanda. 

For those on a tighter budget, simple shelving is a cost-effective option that still offers plenty of functionality. Wall-mounted hooks or pegboards can add extra storage for items like cleaning tools, reusable bags, or even laundry baskets. Pull-out hampers or stackable bins can also help keep things organised and easy to access without taking up too much space.

When planning a new home, it’s worth giving your laundry some extra thought early on. Here are Amanda’s top tips for creating a laundry that’s both practical and enjoyable:

• Plan ahead: Start thinking about your laundry early in the design process. Consider appliances, storage needs, and layout from the outset to make sure the space suits your lifestyle and doesn’t become an afterthought.
• Choose the right location: Avoid placing the laundry next to bedrooms to minimise noise, or if that’s unavoidable, use soundproofing measures like thicker walls or more insulation to reduce disruption.
• Make the most of small spaces: In compact areas, hallway sliders can hide a laundry while keeping it easily accessible, making the most of the available space.
• Combine functions: Placing the hot water cylinder in the laundry is a practical way to save space and keep plumbing efficient, while also freeing up storage in other areas of the home.
• Think long-term: Future-proofing your laundry design means considering how your needs may change, whether that’s growing families or creating a space that’s accessible and practical for years to come.
• Create a space you’ll enjoy: Add natural light, stylish finishes, and thoughtful touches to make the laundry a room you don’t mind spending time in.

Inspired to create a laundry you’ll love?

If you’re planning a new build, now’s the perfect time to reimagine your laundry. The team at Landmark Homes is here to help you design a space that seamlessly combines practicality and style. 

Get in touch with your local Landmark Homes consultant today to start creating a laundry that works beautifully for you and your family.