Interior designer Clare Palisi thinks laundries are often overlooked in our homes – sometimes even turned into storage/junk/working rooms. When you stop to think about it, we often spend as much time in this room as we do the kitchen or bathroom, so why not make it something special?

Sadly, I enjoy doing the laundry. Call me weird but I like piling dirty clothes into the machine and voila, they come out clean. It really is a modern marvel. I’m sure my grandmother would agree. Make the time you spend in your laundry even more enjoyable and special by turning it into a room worth an enjoyable visit, not just a space for another boring household chore.

HERE ARE MY FAVOURITE WAYS TO TRANSFORM THE LAUNDRY
Paint it
I know it sounds obvious but sometimes we forget the laundry is a room at all and it ends up looking somewhat like a shed. Just going to the trouble of painting and patching up the walls is a great start to a lovely laundry. Once the walls are finished, you can add extra shelving and storage as needed – and don’t forget the final touches of wall art or a decorative feature.

Organise it
This is paramount in such a busy room and, like any other workroom, storage is a must. Choose a mixture of open and closed containers. It’s always nice to be able to hide away cleaning bottles and the iron but give yourself the opportunity to display some of your laundry wares. If you can afford the space, make room for an open clothes-hanging area where you can hang shirts and other items to be ironed or aired. Also add high and low storage units. If you can, keep a clear bench space, essential for folding and organising all your beautiful Add pretty details The washing basket, soaking bucket, peg basket and the laundry detergent are all so boring, but if you choose cleverly these necessities can be gorgeous additions to your laundry. Try Howards Storage World for a lovely metallic range of country-style laundry items, including a peg tin, soap tin and soaker bucket. For washing baskets, keep it natural with a cane or bamboo-style one, then simply add a floral or chintz liner and your look is complete.