In European architecture-inspired homes in Sutherland Shire, euro laundries and half-baths are relatively common.
But what actually is a half-bath? Put simply, it’s the smaller bathrooms you might find in apartments or downstairs floors, consisting of a toilet and sink basin, but no shower or bath. And what’s a euro laundry? Well, in Europe, washing machines are normally tucked away in kitchen corners, or sometimes in a small utility room, rather than having an entire room reserved for laundry.
So if you have one or both of these areas in your home, making the most of these tight spaces is important, and if you’re wondering how to maximise your euro laundry or half-bath, then you’re in the right place.
Here’s our guide on how to maximise your design for these small spaces, and create functional, aesthetic rooms that feel a lot bigger than they are.
Start with high-quality furnishings
When space is limited, make sure you’re using it well. Choose water-resistant building materials like high-quality plywood panels with stronger glue bonds for your storage shelves and racks. This will provide you with a more stable structure for your half-bath or euro laundry design that can withstand everyday use in damp or humid conditions. Use non-oxidising metal for your plumbing fixtures that won’t rust or corrode when wet.
In tight spaces, replacing old or broken interiors will be a lot more difficult to do without removing everything else to access them, so invest in robust structures, materials and furnishings from the outset to avoid this problem. If you’re really short on space, you could consider installing an integrated sink and toilet. Don’t worry! It’s completely hygienic, and actually more environmentally-friendly than a standard model. Clean water comes out of the tap for you to wash your hands with, which is then recycled into the toilet cistern.
Opt for compact designs for large items, like your washing machine and sink basins. If your washing machine will be stored behind a cupboard, make sure it’s smaller than the cupboard door before you install it!
Utilise vertical space to maximise storage
Not everything needs to be stored on the floor, or tucked away in a drawer. For decorations and items that are small and aesthetically pleasing, consider hanging them from narrow shelves.
Stack your dryer on top of your washer, and use open shelving to further save space by eliminating the need to open cupboard doors. Use racks or hooks to store hand towels. The less you have on or just off the floor, the less cluttered your small bathroom, half-bath or euro laundry space will feel.
Sufficient ventilation is key
Whether you have a small shower or just a sink in your half-bath or euro-laundry, steam from hot water and general moisture and vapour can get trapped more easily in a smaller room, with less surface area to escape to. Make sure you have a window that can be easily opened to ensure proper ventilation and prevent damp and mould growing in your bathroom or laundry area.
If this isn’t possible, look for integrated ventilation systems that turn on automatically with the light-switch or can be set on a timer to keep up a clean air flow.
Use light to give the impression of more space
Even though your space is small, it doesn’t need to feel cramped. A compact half-bath is there primarily for people to freshen up, and this can be achieved with minimal space without the feeling of being in a dark and dingy offcut of the house.
Use mirrors, sky lighting and large windows with frosted glass (for privacy) to create the impression of a larger space, by lighting it up. And let’s not forget, it’s much easier to do your makeup, preen your hair or generally check out your charming good looks in a room with sufficient and stylish lighting.
Be bold in your aesthetic designs
It may seem hard to wrap your head around, but having a smaller room in your home actually creates ‘more space’ for creative interior design choices. This is because whoever walks into the room won’t be overwhelmed by a waterfall of bright colour, intricate patterns on the wall, or a bright rug taking over the floor, simply because there’s less of it in terms of surface area.
So if you’re keen to experiment with detailed, vivid or unusual wallpaper patterns or paint choices, your half-bath or euro laundry spot is a perfect place to make a striking statement.
Create an interesting ambience
Hang wall art and small decorative objects in your space to give it a bit of life. After all, laundry rooms never were that exciting. If you’re getting rid of the designated space altogether, distract from the hums and whirrs of your washing cycle with a compelling painting, or even an artistic expression painted by your little Picasso.
You can add plants, including fake foliage that can stand high levels of humidity, to bring some vibrancy and colour into your half-bath or euro laundry space. Mood lighting and scented candles will also help to make an atmosphere that invites a brief moment of relaxation.
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Rather than seeing your euro laundry or half-bath design project as a tiny space that is all too tempting to neglect, view it instead as an exciting challenge, and an opportunity to be playful in your interior styling, whilst minimising clutter and excess mess. After all, it’s actually easier to keep a small space clean, since there’s physically less places for items to pile up.
Follow our design tips to create a room that does what it needs to and more, by offering a smart storage solution for your essential laundry and bathroom furnishings, whilst adding a touch of panache to your overall home decor.
