Why Laundry Rooms Deserve a Design Glow-Up

It wasn’t long ago that laundry rooms were treated like an afterthought—if they existed at all. Tucked into basements or awkward corners, perhaps hidden behind closed doors in a kitchen or random hallway, they were the domain of mismatched socks and detergent bottles, buzzing machines, a potential build-up of lint, and little else. These weren’t rooms—or spaces—you lingered in. You entered with a basket and left as quickly as possible.

But somewhere between the rise of open concept living and Pinterest, the laundry room began to evolve. Today, homeowners want more than function—they want beauty, intention, even joy. They want a place where drudgery feels like anything but and instead becomes aspirational. And for a growing number of Cape May residents, laundry rooms have become small but mighty spaces where good design matters.

At The Cabinet Shop, a family-run design firm serving the Cape May area since 1991, that shift is something their team has seen firsthand. Founded by Joe and Kathi DiCicco, The Cabinet Shop originally operated out of a showroom at the Rio Grande Airport. The business moved to their current location in Cape May Court House in 2001 and has worked with homeowners across the region to reimagine kitchens, baths, and yes—even laundry spaces, rooms where good design is now as essential as clean clothes.

We spoke with Office Manager Marcie Russell, who gathered insights from designers Tedd Russell, Rick Russell, and Corey Ralston—each of whom brings firsthand experience with how laundry rooms are evolving to meet both form and function—about what today’s homeowners are asking for, how design priorities have shifted, and the small details that make a big difference.

 “Laundry rooms have become a space that is not only about functionality but beauty and tranquility,” they explained. “A well-designed room is a collaboration of space versus functionality.”

Designing for Real Life

While no two laundry rooms are exactly alike, many Cape May homes share a common trait: limited square footage. Whether you’re renovating a historic home or modernizing a compact beach house, every inch matters. That’s where thoughtful cabinetry and storage design can make a real difference.

According to The Cabinet Shop team, homeowners are thinking beyond basic washer-dryer setups. They’re asking for oversized basin sinks to handle everything from hand-washing delicates to rinsing sandy beach towels—and even bathing the family dog. Countertops for folding, clothing rods for air-drying, and tall cabinets that hide away mops, brooms, and cleaning supplies are becoming must-haves.

There’s also a growing trend toward dual-purpose functionality. In older Cape May homes that may lack closets or storage space, the laundry room often picks up the slack—serving as a linen closet, mudroom, or seasonal catchall. And for homeowners who rent out their spaces part-time, laundry rooms can double as secure storage zones for items not needed by guests.

Small Space, Big Style

Functionality aside, one of the most exciting things about modern laundry room design is how much fun homeowners are willing to have. The Cabinet Shop team noted that people are more adventurous with color, pattern, and finish in these spaces than they might be in a kitchen or living room.

“Clients seem to be taking more risks with colors in cabinets, the walls and floors than they normally would with a larger space like a kitchen,” they shared. “Like any space, flooring plays a large role, as it’s usually the most seen.”

From bold cabinetry hues to patterned tile or wallpaper, laundry rooms are no longer beige boxes. In fact, their compact footprint often makes them perfect for design experimentation. Floating shelves that display art or objects, glass cabinet doors with interior lighting, and other “wow factor” touches are popping up more frequently—lending charm and personality to even the most utilitarian of spaces.

When a laundry room is located near the kitchen, some homeowners prefer to match the cabinetry style to create cohesion between rooms. Others use it as a place to break the mold, a playful accent room where design rules are more flexible.

Making It Work for You

Of course, the best laundry room is one that works for the people using it. That’s something The Cabinet Shop takes seriously when designing any custom space.

They often ask clients how they plan to use the room beyond laundry. Will it be a place to clean paintbrushes after art projects? To rinse off pets? To store seasonal gear? These insights shape everything from cabinet layout to sink size. They even take height into account—because a high shelf that looks great on paper won’t be helpful to someone who can’t reach it.

For homes with big families, designers sometimes incorporate two washers and dryers that can keep up with volume. For pet owners, large sinks or built-in grooming areas can be tailored to make bathing furry companions easier. And for everyone, thoughtful storage is key.

Tilt-out hampers, rollout trays, and tall pantry-style cabinets help make the most of tight footprints. These features not only increase functionality—they also make the room feel more polished and purposeful.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

For all the possibilities, laundry room design comes with its own set of challenges. The Cabinet Shop team cautions against installing cheap or poorly constructed cabinets, especially in spaces where heavier items may be stored. Durability matters, and it’s worth investing in cabinetry that can handle daily wear.

Another mistake? Forgetting the finishing touches. Crown molding, for instance, can go a long way toward making cabinetry feel built-in and intentional. The details matter, and they add up to a space that feels finished, not forgotten.

So where should you splurge, and where can you save? The team suggests focusing your budget on quality cabinetry that you love to look at every day. Functional upgrades like rollout trays can also be worth the investment, offering both convenience and long-term satisfaction.

The Takeaway

For many homeowners, the laundry room still isn’t the first space that comes to mind during a renovation—but maybe it should be. When thoughtfully designed, it can become a small sanctuary of order and calm. It’s a room you’ll visit often, and it deserves more than leftover paint and mismatched shelving.

In the hands of experienced designers like those at The Cabinet Shop, even the most utilitarian spaces can be transformed into something that feels personal, practical, and yes—beautiful.

And really, who wouldn’t want to fold their towels under soft lighting, surrounded by colors they love, in a room that’s finally earning its place in the design spotlight?