At Last – Laundry Renovations Are Having Their Moment!
Designline Kitchens & Bathrooms has always championed the humble laundry. Traditionally, this is one of the most shunned rooms in the home, yet it’s an almost non-stop workhorse that we believe deserves more interior design TLC. While washing, drying and sorting may never be glamorous, the latest laundry trends for 2026 are transforming this once-overlooked space into something far more functional, stylish and genuinely enjoyable to use. Some Sydney homes are even seeing the laundry rival the bathroom as a new household sanctuary.
If you’re planning a laundry renovation in 2026, this guide shares the latest looks, layouts and materials to make the most of this space and turn it from beige to beautiful.
Contact our Sydney interior experts for a free design measure and quote.
(02) 9772 1067 Contact Us
1. From Modest Mudroom to Multipurpose Must-Haves
Australian laundries are no longer a one-trick pony!
They’ve evolved to deliver solutions to many home and lifestyle needs. We’re seeing this space adapt to all sorts of extra-curricular activity, including:
- Post-walk pet showers, baths or DIY grooming stations
- After-school mudroom for smelly gym trainers, school bags and hats
- Crafting areas (forget the third drawer down, you can now have an entire area dedicated to gift wrapping and art making)
- Office nooks – it turns out some people like to work with the white noise of a washer or drying working away in the background!
Top tip – pocket doors, sliding panels and simple screens can help configure a room, give it flexibility, and also keep certain things hidden when not in use.
2. Sustainable Laundry Solutions
The environment matters in every Australian home, and thoughtful sustainable laundry design and planning can make a real difference. Just some ideas include:
- Recycled benchtop materials
- Low VOC cabinetry
- Capturing grey water for use in the garden
Top tip – small upgrades like efficient tapware, quality appliances and smart layout choices also contribute to bigger long-term savings and green wins.
3. Dedicated Drying Areas
Sydney is synonymous with sunny days and beach lifestyles, but the reality is that it rains a lot here!
Innovative and purpose-built drying areas are therefore a much-welcomed addition to 2026 laundry trends. A simple solution might be hanging rails between shelving, or a wall-mounted rack. However, more Australian laundries are turning to actual enclosed drying cupboards or nooks. Think Northern hemisphere ski lodge rooms dedicated entirely to drying après-snow gear. Not only is this modern laundry design idea efficient, it uses less energy than a dryer.
Top tip – an enclosed drying nook or cupboard only works well if humidity can escape, so include proper airflow or a quiet extraction fan to prevent damp smells and moisture build-up.
4. Purpose & Practicality Reign Supreme
One of the things we love about laundry trends in 2026 is the careful consideration that goes into everything.
There’s no slap-dash approach or adhoc make-do. Planning brings practical storage solutions and harmony to everyday tasks. Examples include:
- Fold-away hanging racks
- Pull-out laundry baskets
- Slide-out detergent shelves
- Hideaway storage for mops, brooms and bits and bobs
Top tip – everyday detergents, baskets and hanging options should sit front and centre, with rarely used items stored higher or deeper.
5. Statement Pieces
2026 laundry design trends are bringing elegance to effort and wow into work.
Statement splashbacks have become a thing, and we love them. Why leave all that creative flair to the kitchen alone? Lux hardware is also starting to make its presence felt – think leather handles and brushed brass tapware. And the iconic Belfast sink is proving to be as practical as it is charming.
Top tip – whenever possible, specify a deep and large basin (such as a Belfast sink) for the laundry. It is worth its (very considerable) weight in gold for all kinds of tasks, including hand-washing delicates.
6. Trending Laundry Room Colours in 2026
A plain white laundry is very much behind us.
Modern laundry renovations in Sydney are seeking inspiration and serenity from earthy, warm palettes. Some stand-out laundry room colours for 2026 include clay, dark or silvered greens, deep blues and soft pinks.
Top tip – natural light is often limited in many laundries, so paint swatches on the wall and view them across the day to ensure your chosen colour still feels warm, calm and inviting.
Contact Designline to Bring Your Laundry Trends in 2026 to Life
At Designline, we love bringing modern laundry trends to life. That said, it’s our exacting standards, trusted trades and durable materials that ensure your laundry not only looks contemporary today, but works hard for decades to come. It’s also important to remember that not everyone cares for trends! On the contrary, many clients prefer to go with what they want rather than what’s in fashion. Either way, we’re here to see your laundry dreams come to life.
Speak to our team about how we can blend the latest 2026 laundry ideas with what you love and what your home truly needs.
(02) 9772 1067 Contact Us
FAQs About Laundry Design Trends in Australia for 2026
What Are the Biggest Laundry Design Trends in Australia for 2026?
2026 laundry trends embrace purpose. There’s a place and carefully planned function for every part of this room, be it dedicated drying areas, zones for different tasks, or user-friendly features such as pull-out baskets and hideaway hanging racks. The Australian laundry is also fast becoming a multi-purpose area that caters to cleaning and grooming your pet, serving as an arts and crafts nook, and even providing a small home office set-up. Sustainability, maximum lighting and aeration remain important in this hard-working space.
How Can I Future-Proof My Laundry Design?
Start by prioritising flexibility, durability and smart planning. Begin with a layout that can adapt over time. This might translate into adjustable shelving, generous power access, and multipurpose zones that can shift between drying space, storage, pet care or mudroom functions as your household needs change. Choose long-lasting materials like moisture-resistant cabinetry, quality hardware and durable benchtops that can handle heat, humidity and heavy use. Prioritise good ventilation (natural or mechanical) to not only aerate your clothing, but to also protect your cabinetry and appliances. Allow space for larger or upgraded washing machine or dryer down the track. Finally, plan for modern conveniences such as task lighting, integrated hampers and hidden storage, so the room stays functional and clutter-free no matter how your household evolves.
About the Author – Jackson Mikhael
With over two decades in construction and a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Designline owner Jackson Mikhael brings unmatched expertise to every project. As a licensed builder and carpenter, Jackson serves as Head Project Manager while specialising in innovative bathroom and laundry design. His hands-on approach means he’s equally comfortable conceptualising your dream renovation as he is rolling up his sleeves to make it a reality. For ten years, Jackson and his Designline team have delivered exceptional results for clients through genuine craftsmanship and personal dedication.
