Aside from Kitchen Week, laundry, mudroom and hallway (aka hell) week is one of the biggest on The Block. With a jaw-dropping 25 spaces to present to the judges, the contestants overcame a series of obstacles to deliver stunning spaces that are sure to appeal to buyers come auction day. Brimming with mudroom and laundry room ideas, step inside each house to discover each room in more detail.
House 1: Tom and Sarah-Jane Score: 26.5 Place: 2nd
Throughout The Block 2022, the judges have applauded Tom and Sarah-Jane for their design choices and finishes and this week was no exception. Walking into their mudroom Neale Whitaker praised the choice of the bold navy Sierra Oxford Matt paired with Patina Brass Mesh Inserts. “It’s such a luxurious layering of finishes. It’s homely and it’s luxe but it’s also highly functional, he said. My god I’d love this in my home.”
Awash with natural light, Tom and Sarah-Jane’s laundry is a chic and calming space. Echoing their kitchen, the couple selected Sierra Oyster Matt doors, pairing them with Brushed Antique Bronze Knob handles for a classic and timeless look. The galley-style layout provides plenty of storage as well as folding space on Caesarstone Arabetto benchtops.
Tall broom cupboards feature alongside under-bench laundry cabinets, while touch-catch wall laundry joinery sits above the sink and tap. Laundry day is a breeze thanks to a washing machine, clothes dryer, and drying cabinet, all from Asko. The internal storage accessories are the unsung heroes of this space, with Tom and Sarah-Jane including four Wire Laundry Baskets, plus Inner Drawers to double the storage within. The addition of LED Strip lighting ensures that washing can be done night or day, as well as highlighting the beauty of the joinery and tiled splashback.
Perfect for country living, their mudroom showcases a dramatic yet warm palette. Darker cabinetry has been selected with navy Shaker-style Sierra Oxford doors with Patina Brass Mesh Inserts creating a modern country aesthetic. The continued use of Caesarstone Arabetto benches and Brushed Antique Bronze Knob handles connect this room with the rest of the house, in particular the kitchen and laundry. The judges loved how Tom and Sarah-Jane had selected to use “complementary but contrasting” coloured cabinetry in a Shaker-style profile to distinguish the two zones since they are part of the same space.
While effortlessly stylish, this mudroom ticks all the boxes design-wise. A wealth of storage is on offer with generous cupboards providing space to store items including shoes and bags. The seating area is another must-have, and the addition of the Arched Pet Bed is a stroke of genius with a series of drawers nearby providing space for pet bowls, food, and other essential items for the four-legged members of the family.
Laundry Hardware, Surfaces and Appliance Details
- Laundry Cabinetry: Sierra Oyster Grey Matt
- Laundry Benchtops: Caesarstone Arabetto
- Laundry Handles: NEW Brushed Antique Bronze Knobs in Matt Finish 22-M-39, Touch Catch Accessories: Laundry Wire Baskets, Inner Drawers, Federation Capping
- Laundry Appliances: By Abey. Supplied by Appliances Online
- Laundry Sink: By Asko. Supplied by Appliances Online
- Tap: By Abey. Supplied by Appliances Online
- Lighting: Warm LED strip lighting
- By contestants: Tiled splashback, hanging rail
Mudroom Hardware and Surfaces Details
- Cabinetry: Sierra Oxford Matt with Patina Brass Mesh Insert, Oiled Legno Chalk
- Benchtops: Caesarstone Arabetto
- Handles: NEW Brushed Antique Bronze Knobs in Matt Finish 22-M-39, Touch Catch
- Splashbacks: Tiles by contestants
- Accessories: Arched Pet Bed, Laundry Wire Basket
- Lighting: Warm LED Strip lighting
House 2: Rachel and Ryan Score: 25 Place: 3rd
Coming off their win from Living & Dining Week, Rachel and Ryan were excited to continue to bring their fresh, modern style into their home. Drawing inspiration from some of the finishes in their kitchens such as the slim-Shaker Cora Amaro Matt cabinetry with Solid Brass Knob and pull handles in Dull Brushed Nickel, the pair also mixed things up a little. This was seen through the bold Caesarstone Primordia benchtops and brick-look floor tile- both of which the judges loved. “It does make me wish we’d seen this in the kitchen, said Darren Palmer. They could have won!”
Rachel and Ryan delivered a laundry design layout that balances style with substance. The washing machine and clothes dryer, both from Euromaid, have been placed side by side, producing a generous Caesarstone Primordia benchtop above. Slim Shaker-style Cora cabinetry in Amaro has been used throughout, with Solid Brass Knob and 160mm Solid Brass Bar Pull handles providing the perfect level of contrast and glamour.
Laundry design ideas abound in this space. Here, storage is king, with tall linen cupboards framing a large window which brings in plenty of natural light. A bank of cupboards sits below the window, some containing internal drawers, allowing easy organisation of various laundry and cleaning essentials. Open shelving breaks up the banks of joinery while providing the perfect space for displaying styling décor.
Mirroring the neutral colour palette of the laundry, the mudroom is as practical as it is stylish. Rachel and Ryan selected Cora Amaro cabinetry with Solid Brass Knob and 160mm Solid Brass Bar Pull handles, both in a Dull Brushed Nickel finish, creating a seamless look between their laundry and kitchen.
The galley-style design has been divided into two zones. A seating zone, with open storage under a bench seat, provides easy storage of boots and shoes. On either side sit broom and linen cupboards, providing ample storage. Opposite, the inclusion of the Samsung Air Dresser as well as more tall storage, including a tandem pantry, ensure that this mudroom is an important addition to the home.
Together, these elements all came together in a space that the judges loved from the finishes, colours, and appliances, Shaynna Blaze declaring that the room is “Heaven”. “Buyers are going to love this stuff, added Scott Cam. Despite your issues finishing this week, the judges think that your home is really unfolding as a contender for one of the best houses on The Block!”
Laundry & Mudroom Hardware, Surfaces and Appliance Details
- Cabinetry: Cora Amaro Matt
- Benchtops: Caesarstone Primordia 40mm
- Handles: NEW 35mm Solid Brass Knob in Dull Brushed Nickel 34-M-42, NEW 160mm Solid Brass Bar Pull in Dull Brushed Nickel 45-M-54, Touch Catch
- Splashbacks: By contestants
- Accessories: Laundry Wire Basket, Inner Drawers, Black Hanging Rail (within cabinetry)
- Appliances: Euromaid and Samsung, Supplied by Appliances Online
- Laundry Sink: By Abey. Supplied by Appliances Online
- Tap: By Gessi. Supplied by Appliances Online
- Lighting: Warm LED Strip Lighting
House 3: Ankur and Sharon Score: 23 Place: 4th
“Drama” and “House 3” seem to be two phrases that go hand in hand at the moment and while the judges were conflicted about how they felt about Sharon and Ankur’s hallway they were in perfect agreement about the success of their laundry and mudroom zone. Shaynna’s face lit up upon entering the room, describing it as a “dog’s paradise” in reference to the built-in dog bath.
Indeed, it’s not often a laundry includes a tiled pet bath, yet this is the case in Sharon and Ankur’s impressive laundry room! Spanning a generous 7.5 metres, the large laundry room layout ensures style, storage, and functionality are all achieved in spades. An organic and earthy scheme has been evoked with a mixture of Shaker-style cabinetry in Sierra IV Dry Sage and Sierra Alabaster, with open shelving in Nordic Oak. The inclusion of Caesarstone® Empira Black countertops and Black Timber Bar with Copper Leg handles tie the space to their main kitchen while adding a modern touch.
The pair opted for a series of base cabinets and placed Samsung laundry appliances side by side, creating an expansive bench perfect for sorting and folding clothing. Hidden behind joinery, two laundry hampers sit next to the sink, while a broom and linen cupboard have also been included. The Samsung AirDresser completes the luxe space.
Sitting across from the laundry, a simple yet effective mudroom is the perfect addition to the home. Providing a wealth of storage due to Nordic Oak open shelving above the seating area, the design also includes space for hanging clothes behind Sierra Alabaster doors plus under-bench storage for footwear. Being placed within the same area as the laundry ensures that the homeowners will be able to keep the rest of the house clean.
The judges clearly loved the laundry and mudroom space, their score reflecting their thoughts about the hallway. As Darren said of what Ankur and Sharon had created “This is the balance of everything, where they made that sweet spot of being courageous and of interest, but also saleable.”
Laundry & Mudroom Hardware, Surfaces and Appliance Details
- Cabinetry: NEW Sierra IV Dry Sage Matt, Sierra Alabaster Matt, NEW Nordic Oak Woodgrain
- Benchtops: Caesarstone Empira Black 40mm
- Handles: Black Timber Bar with Copper Legs 15-K-98, Touch Catch
- Accessories: Laundry Wire Baskets, Black Hanging Rail, Federation Capping
- Appliances: By Samsung. Supplied by Appliances Online
- Sink: By Oliveri. Supplied by Appliances Online
- Tap: By Oliveri. Supplied by Appliances Online
- Lighting: Warm LED strip lighting
- By contestants: Splashback, Wall Panelling, Pet Area
House 4: Dylan and Jenny Score: 27 Place: WINNERS
It’s hard to believe that tradie couple Dylan and Jenny haven’t had a win this season, but the look of sheer delight on their faces when they realised that they have clinched the win this week was priceless! All three judges loved what the pair had created in their hallway and there was even more to love in their laundry and mudroom. Shaynna loved the inclusion of two sinks, Neale loved the Dry Sage Sierra IV cabinetry and Darren loved how the spaces connected to the butler’s pantry. “It feels really coherent, really complete,” he stated.
An exciting addition to House 4 and worthy of being on any home tour, Dylan and Jenny have designed a winning laundry that ticks all the boxes. Echoing the colour palette of their kitchen, the room showcases Freedom Kitchens’ new Sierra IV cabinetry which features a 40mm rail door profile for a contemporary take on the classic Shaker look. The Dry Sage colour of the doors marry perfectly with Oak Woodgrain exposed shelving, Caesarstone Riverlet benchtops and matte brass handles. Warm LED Strip lighting illuminates the tiled splashback and joinery.
Spanning a generous 4 metres, the cleaning portion of the large laundry room layout consists of a sink and tap, wall cabinets, Samsung appliances and a span of countertop, perfect for folding and sorting clothes. Within the floor cupboards 3 Laundry Wire Baskets and Inner Drawers provide plenty of laundry room storage and easy organisation. Opposite, banks of tall cabinetry make space for storing items such as brooms, mops, and ironing boards, as well as shelving for linen, and room for a Samsung AirDresser.
Flowing on from the laundry, Dylan and Jenny’s mudroom has been designed to be the perfect place to enter and exit the home. With plenty of space to store shoes, bags, coats, and the like, the design also includes another sink and tap, ideal for washing off muddy boots after being out in the countryside! Sierra IV Dry Sage and Oak Wood joinery, a Caesarstone Riverlet bench and Hampton Wide Cup Pull and Round Knob in Matt Brass handles evoke the ease and charm of the Farmhouse style.
A wealth of storage has been achieved with the inclusion of wall and floor cabinets on both sides of the galley-style layout. The seating nook is a stylish and practical touch, with open cubby holes beneath the bench which can be left open or filled with pull-out baskets. There’s even concealed hanging space for coats, plus a cupboard for TV data items.
All the judges agreed that these spaces will greatly appeal to buyers and that they add a lot of value to what is already a stunning home.
Laundry & Mudroom Hardware, Surfaces and Appliance Details
- Cabinetry: NEW Sierra IV Dry Sage Matt, NEW Oak Woodgrain Benchtops: Caesarstone Riverlet 40mm
- Handles: NEW Hampton Wide Cup Pull in Matt Brass 96mm 12-M-34, NEW Hampton Round Knob in Matt Brass 32mm 12-M-36
- Splashbacks: Tiles by contestants
- Accessories: Laundry Wire Baskets, Federation Capping, Inner Drawers
- Appliances: By Samsung. Supplied by Appliances Online
- Sinks: By Blanco. Supplied by Appliances Online
- Taps: By Blanco. Supplied by Appliances Online
- Lighting: Warm LED Strip Lighting
House 5: Omar and Oz Score: 20.5 Place: 5th
The boys in House 5 had endless hurdles to overcome this week, failing to get across the finish line due to a series of unfortunate events. Dubbing it ‘Shut Down Week Omar and Oz kept working until the end but last nights episode could only give the judges a hint of what they were trying to achieve with their laundry and mudroom combo. However, we can now share the finished rooms which are another wonderful addition to this modern and glamourous home.
Light and bright, Omar and Oz’s laundry ensures washing day is a breeze! A large window above the sink and tap offers plenty of natural light and a pop of greenery against the Shaker-style Sierra joinery in Matt White. The boys opted for Touch Catch doors for a sleek handleless look, while the choice of Caesarstone Riverlet benches add to the overall neutral colour palette. Warm LED Strip lighting brings warmth to the space, highlighting the beauty of each finish the pair have selected.
The U-shaped design of the room allows for a plethora of storage options, ranging from cabinets, soft-close drawers, and linen and broom cupboards. The boys have considered every inclusion that a laundry might need which is reflected in two Laundry Canvas Hampers and even smaller details such as the drawers placed beneath the appliances to allow for easy sorting of clothing. The V-ZUG washer, dryer and Refresh Butler complete the design.
The mudroom connects directly to the laundry, a logical choice that allows muddy clothes and shoes to be placed straight into the sink or washing machine upon entering the home. The showpiece of the all-white colour scheme is Freedom Kitchens’ new Matt White Perforated Metal Inserts within the Shaker-style Sierra joinery in White Matt. The design consists of seating area with storage below for footwear, two tall cabinets for storing coats as well as space for bags.
Laundry & Mudroom Hardware, Surfaces and Appliance Details.
- Cabinetry: Sierra White Matt, NEW Matt White Perforated Metal Inserts
- Benchtops: Caesarstone Riverlet 40mm
- Handles: Touch Catch
- Splashbacks: Caesarstone® Aluminous 12mm Porcelain
- Accessories: Laundry Canvas Hampers
- Appliances: By V-ZUG. Supplied by Appliances Online
- Sink: By Blanco. Supplied by Appliances Online
- Tap: By The Galley. Supplied by Appliances Online
- Lighting: Warm LED Strip Lighting
