What started as a purely functional utility space quickly became a standout feature of this Hawthorne home. The original laundry was tired, dimly lit, and lacked the warmth and cohesion found throughout the rest of the property. The homeowners wanted a space that looked sharp, worked efficiently, and felt just as considered as any other room in the house. Our renovation aimed to bring this often-overlooked room up to standard with high-end finishes, functional upgrades, and an aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the rest of the home.
Before: The Problem with the Old Laundry
The original laundry at this Hawthorne home was purely utilitarian. Practical, but far from inspiring. Outdated brownish grey cabinets, a mismatched bench and splashback, and minimal lighting made the space feel cold and disconnected. The off white floor tiles and flat panel finishes added to the dull, uninviting look. With just a single tub and limited storage, the layout wasn’t working for the homeowners’ daily needs. Most of all, the room lacked cohesion and personality, like it was a forgotten corner of an otherwise well-designed home.
Project Details: How We Transformed the Laundry
The homeowners wanted a laundry that was as visually polished and highly functional as the rest of their home. The goal wasn’t just better storage, but a space that blended thoughtful design with everyday practicality.
Modernising Aesthetics
We replaced the dated grey cabinets with crisp white shaker-style joinery, adding matte black handles for timeless contrast. The new textured splashback tile brought subtle character while reflecting light to brighten the space. Under-cabinet LED strip lighting added a soft glow and lifted the overall look, giving the laundry that high-end finish the client was after. Choosing the right flooring is just as important in laundries as in bathrooms, so we selected a soft stone-look tile that grounds the space beautifully while complementing the cabinetry and finishes. The result is a calm, cohesive palette that feels fresh and refined.
Functional Upgrades
To improve layout and usability, we installed a matte black undermount sink with coordinating tapware and reconfigured the lower joinery to house a front-load washer and dryer side-by-side. The overhead cabinetry was also upgraded and extended to run all the way to the edge of the room, eliminating dead space that existed in the original layout. The result is a neater, more integrated finish with extra storage.
Enhanced Lighting and Ambience
Soft strip lighting beneath the overhead cabinets added a warm glow, enhancing the mood of the room while gently illuminating the bench space. We also replaced the original door with a sleek black-framed glass design, giving the space a more contemporary feel and allowing natural light to filter through during the day.
Challenges Faced
The biggest challenge in this project was improving the workflow within a limited footprint. The original layout wasn’t making the most of the space. It felt disconnected, with gaps in storage. Every element needed to be reconsidered to create a smoother, more functional routine for the homeowners. We also had to coordinate plumbing updates to suit the new joinery and ensure everything, from the undermount sink to the washer connections, fit seamlessly into the new layout. We made sure that all plumbing work aligned with local plumbing requirements. Overall, this renovation focused on bringing order, clarity, and intention to how the space is used.
Get a Free Laundry Renovation Quote
Love what you see? Let’s bring the same level of style and function to your laundry. Get in touch for a free onsite consultation! We also handle renovations across the Brisbane southside, including bathroom renovations in Carindale.
Call today for a free onsite quote!
