Laundry room perspective in color with a stacked washer and dryer and long folding counter

For this custom new build in Denver, the laundry room offers a clear view of how early decisions influence how a home works day to day. We gave this space the same attention as any main living area, taking time to understand how the family actually wants to utilize it and implement the details that would make their routines easier.

Right from the start, we knew the space needed to offer plenty of work surface and storage while still feeling open and accessible for kids. That goal shaped everything from the way we adjusted the footprint to the choices we made about cabinetry and materials.

Laundry Room Design Planning

A before and after image of an existing laundry room floor plan and a newly proposed laundry room floor plan

We started by looking closely at the original floor plan to see where the layout was making daily tasks harder than they needed to be. When space is tight and work zones aren’t clearly prioritized, it’s tough for more than one person to work in the room at once. By making a few small adjustments to the footprint and reorganizing the layout, we improved the flow, carved out dedicated spots for folding and hanging, and added space for sorting and pre-treating laundry – all while keeping the home’s overall structure intact.

key constraints in an existing floor plan for a laundry room including tight circulation and limited storage
improvements made to a laundry room floor plan in a custom new build including a larger door and folding counter

Once the layout felt right, we focused on cabinetry that would really support how the family envisions using the room. The space is organized around two main work areas: one by the sink for pretreating and clean-up, the other built around the appliances and a long folding counter. Storage runs both up and across the walls (making room for everything from daily essentials to larger household items), and pull-out carts give dirty laundry a place to land without getting in the way. The goal was always to let the cabinetry fit into the family’s routines – not force them to adjust to it.

Working Out the Cabinetry Details

stacked washer and dryer laundry room elevation with pull out laundry carts
a laundry room elevation showing an apron front sink in front of a window

When it came to materials, we wanted the room to feel durable and refined. A warm, neutral palette helps the cabinetry and paneling read as a single element. Details like soapstone counters, polished-nickel fixtures, and terracotta floors add just enough texture and depth to this smaller space. Rather than adding ornament, we let proportion, craftsmanship, and honest materials do the work so the space feels both practical and lasting.

A 3d laundry room rendering with soapstone countertops and terracotta floors

Together, the layout, storage strategy, and material palette form a laundry room that functions with ease and fits naturally within the home’s broader character.


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.

Small laundry room interior planning with improvements including increased clearances and folding counter depth
laundry room elevation showing a stacked washer and dryer
Laundry room rendering with neutral walls and terracotta floors

Laundry Room Design Planning: The Orchard Drive Project

Studio Sessions

April 6, 2026

April 6, 2026

About Mabel Lane 

Mabel Lane Interiors is a residential interior design studio working with clients during the early stages of new construction and renovation. We specialize in interior planning, design development, and material selection to help clients move forward with clarity before key decisions are finalized.

Our work is guided by a belief that the most beautiful homes feel gathered slowly over time. We design thoughtful, lived-in spaces that support daily life and the small routines that make a house feel like home.

If you are planning a new build or renovation and would like guidance early in the process, we would love to connect.