The Ultimate Laundry Room Makeover: 10 Affordable Upgrades for a Stunning Transformation
/We first shared this post back in March 2024, but we've given it a full refresh—with updated info, new tips, and even more value to help you plan with confidence.
Let’s face it—laundry isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. If it were, spa brochures would feature photos of people folding fitted sheets instead of soaking in eucalyptus steam rooms. But here’s the truth: your laundry room doesn’t have to be the most neglected, soul-sucking space in your house. In fact, with the right upgrades, it can become one of the most functional, efficient—and dare we say, beautiful—rooms in your home.
Whether you’re folding mountains of toddler onesies, hiding from your in-laws behind a pile of towels, or just trying to keep the chaos contained, this post is for you. We’re walking you through 10 smart, affordable upgrades that can turn even the saddest little laundry corner into a hard-working, head-turning, joy-sparking space.
Ready to make laundry suck less? Let’s dive in.
1. Let There Be (Better) Light
Most laundry rooms come with a single ceiling fixture that flickers like it’s haunted. And when you’re trying to see if that shirt is stained or just damp in weird places? You need good lighting.
Upgrade to bright, energy-efficient LED pot lights. Bonus points if they’re on dimmers—because folding clothes at 11 p.m. doesn’t require full stadium brightness.
If pot lights aren’t in the cards, consider a flush mount fixture with a wide light spread or even an under-cabinet LED strip to brighten your folding space. The brighter and more inviting the space, the less likely you are to throw a laundry basket in and run away.
💡 Pro tip: Look for fixtures with adjustable colour temperature so you can avoid that harsh blue light and instead choose something warmer and more natural.
2. Add Storage That Works (Not Just Looks Good on Pinterest)
You don’t need a designer label on your detergent jar for your laundry room to feel functional and fabulous. What you do need is storage that actually solves problems.
Upper cabinets are great for hiding supplies you don’t want out on display (or that your cat insists on knocking off shelves).
Open shelving can look great if it’s tidy and thoughtfully styled—but it takes effort to maintain.
Deep drawers are ideal for laundry pods, dryer sheets, and lint rollers.
Freestanding shelving units work wonders in tight corners or basement setups.
And don’t forget about pantry-style cabinets for storing oversized items like bulk detergent or backup linens. One of our clients keeps a stash of gift wrap, extension cords, AND board games in theirs. Why not?
👚 Think of your laundry room as a utility hub. The more it can hold and organize, the less chaotic the rest of your home feels.
3. Say Goodbye to Wire Shelves
Those builder-grade wire shelves? Functional, yes. Stylish or practical long-term? Not so much.
They sag, things fall through the gaps, and they make your whole room feel unfinished—like it’s still waiting to be renovated. Replacing them with solid wood, MDF, or custom cabinetry instantly makes the space feel more intentional and tailored.
Plus, solid surfaces give you the option to:
Display bins or baskets without tipping
Stack towels without indenting them with shelf marks
Store smaller items without things falling into the abyss
If custom cabinetry isn’t in the budget, even DIY floating shelves can make a world of difference—and yes, we can help with that too.
4. Upgrade Your Flooring Without Breaking the Bank
Flooring in a laundry room takes a beating. Between water spills, muddy boots, pet paws, and the occasional sock that fuses with the dryer sheet and becomes sentient… your floors need to be tough.
One of the most cost-effective and attractive solutions? Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT).
It’s:
Water resistant
Durable
Easy to clean
Stylish (yes, even the budget lines)
From wood-look planks to stone-look squares, there’s something for every taste and price point. And it’s a DIY-friendly option if you’re feeling adventurous.
If you have a concrete basement floor, even a simple paint-and-seal job or large washable area rugs can create a cleaner, more polished look on a budget.
5. Add a Folding Counter (Your Back Will Thank You)
If you’re currently folding laundry on top of your washer and dryer—while also dodging buttons, detergent spills, and that rogue sock—you’re missing out.
A countertop across your machines instantly provides a clean, flat workspace. It doesn’t need to be quartz or fancy—laminate or butcher block works great.
Even if your machines are stacked, you can still:
Mount a drop-down wall-mounted counter
Add a freestanding utility table with storage underneath
Use a folding table on wheels that can be moved when not in use
Your spine and shoulders will thank you. And let’s be real—it’s also a great spot for hiding from your kids for five minutes while you “fold.”
6. Install a Hanging Rod or Drying Rack
Every laundry room should have a spot to air-dry delicates, swimsuits, or that shirt you only remembered to wash at 10 p.m. the night before an important meeting.
A few options:
Install a rod between two cabinets (great for hanging shirts straight out of the dryer to avoid wrinkles)
Use a wall-mounted accordion-style drying rack that folds flat when not in use
Hang a ceiling-mounted pulley system if you’re really tight on space
Add a tension rod inside a tall cabinet if you want something hidden
🎽 We once had a client request two separate rods—one for clothes and one for hangers. That’s next-level laundry dedication.
Want to see how we turned one North Whitby couple’s cluttered laundry room into a bright, stunning space with custom cabinetry and a cobalt blue farmhouse sink? It's one of our favourite transformations—because it shows what’s possible when function meets joy.
7. Upgrade Your Sink (Yes, It Matters)
That wobbly plastic tub sink that came with your house? It’s not doing you any favours.
If you hand-wash items, rinse muddy boots, clean paintbrushes, or even bathe the dog in your laundry tub, it’s worth upgrading to a more functional and attractive utility sink.
Options include:
Stainless steel utility sinks (sleek and tough)
Ceramic farmhouse-style sinks (yes, even in the laundry room!)
Deep laundry-specific sinks with built-in washboards or high backs
Pair your new sink with a pull-down faucet sprayer, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
🧽 One of our past clients splurged on a cobalt blue ceramic sink, and it became the showpiece of the room—proof that laundry spaces can be just as beautiful as they are functional.
8. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Paint
If your laundry room walls are still "Contractor Beige" or "Builder’s White (and not in a good way)," it’s time to grab a roller.
Paint is one of the most affordable ways to transform a room—especially a small one like this. Choose light colours to reflect light and make the space feel bigger and cleaner.
Popular laundry room paint colours:
Soft grey with cool undertones
Pale mint or blue for a fresh, airy vibe
Classic whites (like Cloud White or Chantilly Lace)
Dusty sage green for a touch of spa-like calm
Or go bold on one wall. A pop of navy or mustard can turn a blah box into a mood-lifting space that makes laundry almost bearable. Almost.
9. Smart Storage for Everyday Chaos
This is where function really shines. Consider this your permission slip to Marie Kondo your laundry zone.
Think:
Tilt-out bins for dirty clothes
Labeled baskets for dryer balls, lint rollers, or “found in the wash”
Magnetic strips for scissors, stain pens, and mini tools
Pegboards or slat walls for hanging mops, brooms, or even a charging station
Want to get really fancy? One client had us install a pull-out ironing board built into a drawer. Another had a built-in charging drawer for their cordless vacuum. There’s no such thing as “too organized” in a room like this.
10. Add a Touch of Personality
This might be the laundry room’s biggest upgrade—and it doesn’t cost much at all.
Hang up art that makes you smile. Add a cute quote (“Alexa, do the laundry.”). Install a mini chalkboard for notes. Display your detergent pods in glass jars if that floats your boat. Add a tiny plant or a scented candle to make it feel less sterile.
You’re in here more often than you’d like—it should feel like part of your home, not a storage closet for stress.
🖼️ Design tip: Personality doesn’t mean clutter. A few intentional items go a long way.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Laundry Room Work for You
At the end of the day, the laundry room isn’t just where socks disappear—it’s where everyday life happens. And the easier and more joyful you can make that experience, the better your whole home will feel.
For more inspiration and ideas, explore some of our blogs below:
The Ultimate Guide to Avoiding 10 Laundry Room Renovation Mistakes
10 Ideas for Your Laundry Room Renovation to Make Doing Laundry Less of a Chore
8 Budget Friendly Ideas to Renovate Your Laundry Room
17 Beautiful Laundry Rooms to Inspire You
At Multi-Trade Building Services, we’ve helped homeowners across Durham Region transform their laundry rooms from chaotic and cluttered to calm, clean, and (yes) even beautiful. Whether you’re ready for a full renovation or just need help installing a few smart upgrades, we’re here to help you love your home—one load at a time.
📞 Contact us today to start planning your laundry room makeover. We’ll handle the heavy lifting… and you can finally stop tripping over the broom.
