In this custom new build, the laundry room has been one of the spaces where early planning decisions have proven valuable. After refining the layout and improving circulation, we carefully considered our approach to designing custom laundry room cabinetry to create a storage system tailored to how our clients envision using the space.
For this family of four, their priorities were clear: they must have ample concealed storage, a folding surface that’s both spacious and easy to reach, and a layout that encourages their children to help with daily chores. Just as important, they wanted a system that would prevent laundry and supplies from piling up on the floor. Each cabinetry decision grew out of these needs and shapes the room to support their routines rather than work against them.
Because we were able to revisit this layout early, we increased clearances in front of all cabinetry to 4 feet. That small adjustment in clearance allowed us to organize the cabinetry into two main working zones. One wall is set up for soaking and pretreating at the sink, while the opposite side is anchored by stacked appliances and a long counter that’s just right for folding.
Integrating Storage Into Each Zone
At the sink wall, we designed the base cabinetry to conceal everyday cleaning supplies while keeping them easily accessible. Nearby drawers are sized for small essentials like clothespins and sewing kits, while the smaller base cabinets provide practical storage for vacuum attachments and dusters.
On the opposite wall, stacking the washer and dryer was both a functional and a layout decision. By going vertical, we freed up uninterrupted base cabinetry for a generous folding counter set at standard height. This keeps the surface comfortable for adults while still accessible for children learning to help with daily routines. Full-height upper cabinets extend storage upward to make the most of this smaller space.
Beneath the folding counter, we integrated two extra-large pull-out laundry carts directly into the base cabinetry. These carts give dirty laundry a dedicated place to live, which is often half the battle in keeping a hardworking room organized.
Above the counter, a long drying rod stretches nearly the full length of the wall. Upper cabinets provide storage for everyday laundry supplies, while the extra-deep cabinets above the stacked appliances are intentionally designed to accommodate bulk household goods and paper products. These items require generous storage but do not need to be accessed everyday which makes this placement both practical and purposeful.
Together, these zones create an intuitive workflow with hanging storage above, work surfaces at the center, and sorting below.
Choosing the Hardworking Cabinetry Details
The cabinetry throughout this laundry room is semi-custom with intentional modifications made to support this family’s specific needs. Off-the-shelf configurations would not accommodate integrated pull-out carts, the extra-deep upper storage, or the precise alignment we were looking for.
We selected inset construction with a slim Shaker door profile paired with slab-front drawers. This combination feels rooted in traditional craftsmanship while maintaining a clean and restrained presence. It also offers the durability and ease of maintenance that a hardworking laundry room requires.
Rather than layering on additional ornamental details, we allowed proportion, paneling, and inset construction to carry the design. Given the existing architectural elements, restraint felt more appropriate than embellishment. The result is cabinetry that feels integrated into the home and built to last.
Where Early Planning Really Pays Off
At this point in the process, the benefits of early planning start to take shape in ways you can see and feel. With clear zones, thoughtful storage, and careful attention to proportion, the cabinetry is ready to support this family of four. In the next post, we’re sharing how our material selections build on this foundation to add warmth and textural depth.
This laundry room is just one piece of the Orchard Drive Project series. You can read more about the early planning stages and behind-the-scenes details for this custom new build home in the posts linked below.
