What To Do When Updating Your Laundry

A beautiful, practical new laundry can help wash away the washing day blues.

Don’t put it off any longer. Take our tips on what to do when updating your laundry and go get yourself a new laundry that’s so good you’ll be looking for excuses to put another load on.

Deal With The Practical Components First

We know you’re excited about choosing colours and fittings. Even though they’re important, you have to work out things like your budget, layout, storage options and appliances first.

Budget

We’re not budget experts but we know enough to know you need one. On a scale of budget to fancy you could be looking at $5,000 to $25,000 for a laundry upgrade. Plan your budget before you do anything else.

Layout

If possible, try to save time and money by keeping electrical and plumbing services where they are. If that layout really isn’t working for you, seek the advice of your electrician, plumber, designer or builder to find out the most economical way to make changes.

Plan for plenty of storage and workspace, including a tall cupboard with power points in it if possible. Measure things out. Allow enough room to open cupboards and appliances and to manoeuvre full laundry baskets.

Appliances

Now is a good time to upgrade your appliances or at least plan for the appliances you want to have down the track. If your family is growing, you may need a bigger washing machine and dryer. Allow space for them in your new plan.

Front loader washing machines get our tick of approval for being more energy and water-efficient, plus they are known to be gentler on your clothes while cleaning them better. However, they’re not always the most suitable option depending on your space and mobility needs. If you do go with a front loader, the best recommendation is to have your washer and dryer side by side. That allows for more work or storage space above them, and it’s easier for moving things out of the washing machine and straight into the dryer. It also looks more stylish and saves you from the hassle of safely mounting your dryer to the wall.

Waterproofing

Laundries must be waterproofed in Australia. That includes the floors and the walls up to 150mm. By law you must get a professional to waterproof the space if you are changing your flooring or splash back.

Let Functionality Define Your Style

Once you’ve worked out what you need, it’s finally time to bring your vision to life. Of course you want your new laundry to look beautiful but remember at the end of the day the laundry is a practical space. You’ll appreciate your upgrade more if it serves to make your laundry tasks easier rather than prettier.

Laundry tub

Choose laundry products that stand the test of time. This is the underlying theme of our Buying Guide for Laundry Tubs and Taps . There are plenty of other spaces in the house you’d rather upgrade again before the laundry, so rather than skimping on quality because it’s ‘just the laundry’, look for long-lasting quality that you can set and forget.

When it comes to the laundry tub, think of how durable you need it to be. Your laundry tub might be more prone to scratches and bumps if you wash pets or sports equipment in it or use it as a drinks chiller for parties. Keep all your expected uses in mind and choose a finish, shape and size to suit.

Tapware

Laundry tapware can be just as beautiful as the tapware in your kitchen and bathroom. In fact, customers often choose laundry tapware that matches their kitchen or bathroom products. Make sure you think about the type you need as well as the look. Remember to turn to our Buying Guide for Laundry Tubs and Taps for the proper run down of your tapware options.

Don’t forget your washing machine stops. In older laundries, these tend to be visible taps on the wall. Rather than forking out to have them moved, simply replace them with stylish new tapware to match the tapware at your tub.

Cabinets

Scrap the old rusted and warped laundry sink and cabinet combo. That’s an order! You can do better! That doesn’t mean you need to splurge on custom joinery. Modern all-in-one laundry cabinets are stylish and practical, coming in different colours and finishes. Do make sure you measure your space and appliances accurately, and do make sure it suits your plumbing configuration.

Colours

Laundries are typically small spaces, so light, neutral and natural tones for walls, floors and cabinets are recommended. Introduce colour and your own personality through your tapware and décor.

Styling

The last thing to do is add some flare to your laundry. One of the best ideas is a high open shelf that you can put a plant or candle on. It won’t intrude on functionality, but it will lift your spirits when you’re stuck in there doing the chores.

Summary

You may know Tradelink as your local kitchen and bathroom specialists, but laundries are also definitely in our wheelhouse. We have a huge range of laundry sinks and tubs , tapware and laundry appliances . Plus, our specialists are available to help you maximise functionality, style and storage for your laundry upgrade.

Arrange a consultation online or in-store, or simply visit one of our showrooms for advice. We have more than 100 showrooms in Australia so there’s sure to be one close to you.