Laundry ideas - choose a flatpack laundry design

Although traditionally popular for kitchens, laundry ideas such as a flatpack laundry can provide your space with plenty of storage solutions. Designed to fit any space, the flatpack design comes in a huge range of colours, materials and finishes.

Unlike a custom-designed laundry, laundry ideas like this won't cost a fortune because you do all of the assembly yourself.

Michael Caminer of Smart Pack has noticed that people are devoting more attention to this once-neglected area of laundry ideas. "There's definitely been an increase over the past 10 years in people spending money on getting the laundry to match the kitchen," he says.

Is it difficult to install a flatpack laundry?

This is an easy task with a flatpack system, as the same components are used for both rooms, allowing you to select matching surface finishes, benchtops and cupboards.

Laundry ideas like these can also offer a huge saving on a professionally designed job.

What finishes are available for my laundry?

Today's flatpack systems also incorporate the same laundry ideas and finishing touches as the more expensive, custom laundries, such as self-closing drawers and doors, giving them a luxurious feel.

Although they are relatively simple to install, as the components are all pre-drilled and require only simple tools, Michael says that some experience or ability is required. "If you've never done any home-handyman sort of stuff, it's not the place to start. But you don't have to be an expert; you just have to feel comfortable about tackling something."

Michael's suggestion for the best material to select for a laundry is laminate. "It's the best value for money - it's cheap, it comes in thousands of colours, and if you look after it, it'll last for 25 years," he says.

What kinds of extras can I use?

Optional extra laundry ideas are also available to make the time you spend in the laundry a little easier. "We have things like a flip-down laundry basket, pull-down clothes racks and an 'ironing centre' with a fold-out ironing board."

And selecting a flatpack system can be relatively simple, too. For instance, Smart Pack now has an online tool that allows you to play around with different finishes and components and view a 3D model of your intended design. But before you begin you will need some information about your laundry, such as the location of doors, windows and plumbing outlets.

Contact an interior designer in your area to explore laundry ideas and find out how you can install a flatpack laundry in your home: