While the kitchen is considered the hub of the home and is often the recipient of high-end finishes and appliances, today’s laundry rooms are becoming more stylish and getting a bigger piece of the home renovation budget. In older homes, remodels often include upgrading the basement laundry facilities or carving out space on the main living area that will accommodate a washer and dryer. In new construction, it is common to find a main floor or second-floor laundry room (sometimes both!).

basement laundry room
A tidy basement laundry goes a long way in helping a home stand out from the competition. Here, a crisp paint job, easy maintenance flooring, a folding station, and accent shelving help present a welcoming spot for an often dreaded chore.
bright basement laundry room
Things as simple as paint and a fresh rug can go a long way to perk up a basement laundry room.
stylish laundry room
Attractive storage and a bench are incorporated in this room that serves double-duty as laundry and mudroom. This is a highly coveted scenario with many home buyers.

Other laundry room trends include incorporating a drop zone or mudroom to tackle backpacks and shoes. Family pet(s) take priority in some laundry areas that include beds and/or pet washing stations.

laundry room with consideration of pets
Catering to the furry family members, this laundry room includes a pet washing station and pet bed.

A recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) showed that 68% of moderate-income buyers and 69% of high-income buyers prefer having the clothes washer and dryer on the main floor instead of in the basement or the garage.

laundry tucked into a closet
When downsizing, homebuyers often turn to ranch homes because they prefer living on one floor. Carving out space in an existing closet for a laundry room can be a great option in a single-story home.

It is important to think about what upgrades will increase your home’s value and which make sense if you are planning to stay put for a while. You don’t want to over-improve, but having a bright and well-organized laundry room can help a home hum.

Want to see more laundry room ideas? Visit our Laundry Room board on Pinterest. If you are considering updating your own laundry room and want input on ROI, give us a call.