The laundry room is the one room where you spend a lot of time, often doing something you don’t really enjoy.

It doesn’t have to be a boring or dull room, it’s fairly easy to make it bright, pleasant, and even cheerful!  Most important though, it has to be functional.

First of all, lighting is critical. No window? Make sure you have a good light source with a bright LED bulb – you don’t want to miss any dirty stains.

A light paint colour is also important, make it cheerful and clean. If the room is small and you have the option to stack the washer and dryer, then go for it. Free up floor space for hampers or laundry carts.

Anywhere upper cabinets can be mounted, add them in and make them white. Nothing keeps a laundry room neater than hiding cleaners and detergents behind closed doors. If there is no room for cabinets, opt for floating white shelves with baskets or plastic colourful bins for hiding stuff. The baskets/bins should all match and be the same size.

Need hanging space? I have a chrome shower rod in my laundry room above the washer and dryer, I couldn’t live without it! Also, consider white, wire interior closet racking for storage and hanging space.

Harbour City Kitchens on Keating X Rd. is a great place to find all kinds of cabinet and storage options. They have a huge selection of door styles, can accommodate all sorts of budgets and manufacture locally.

Capital Iron is a handy stop to find baskets, plastic bins, organizing solutions, LED bulbs, and décor items. They also carry Cloverdale Paint so finding a cheerful colour will be easy.

With a little planning, all that time washing dirty socks can easily be pleasant.

Sheri Peterson has been an interior designer for 22 years in Victoria. She designs for commercial, residential and hospitality clients.