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In Seal Beach, Orange County, a new home infused with natural stone and an eclectic sensibility was built to accommodate a family of six. Though every room features accents of color, the home’s first-floor laundry room—one with a lot of use due its proximity to the beach—stands out as an immersive color experience.
“While a laundry room is typically overlooked, it can become a surprise element as an accent point in the house,” says Long Beach–based studio Soko Dai’s principal and cofounder, Linette Dai, who designed the home in its entirety. “Doing laundry is a mundane chore for most, especially if you have four kids, so we wanted to create a space that would evoke a sense of fun and cheerfulness.”
The inspirational springboard for the room—a European modern aesthetic with graphic pop art elements—was informed by the client’s appreciation for pink and mustard. “Since she does most of the laundry for the family, we wanted this space to be a treat for the eyes,” Linette says. The playful palette was used for color-block glass tiles and coordinating paint tones that flow from floor to ceiling and back down the other side. The end result is an all-encompassing three-dimensional experience. “When you walk in, it’s like entering into a jewel box,” Linette adds.
The space was also designed to be highly functional. White cabinets with black edges and slim handles contrast to the bold use of color and help maintain a clean, crisp look that’s cohesive with the washer and dryer. Stone countertops for folding and a handwashing station with a black faucet tie into the natural stone seen throughout the house. (Both help create “an earthy sentiment that keeps the overall style of this home by the beach grounded,” Linette says.) Circular Muuto knobs offer another whimsical touch. “Rather than using standard hooks for hanging, we went with the Muuto [option] for a practical and playful approach,” Linette says. “We mixed the colored ceramic knobs with the oakwood knobs to maintain the earthy element that echoes throughout the rest of the house.”
Creating a laundry room that feels like a retreat instead of a drag is achievable. Here’s what you need.
