The laundry isn’t a room that many guests will spend time in, but it’s still nice to have a stylish and functional laundry space for your own benefit. If yours is anything less than this, it might be time for a laundry renovation. But don’t panic! It doesn’t need to be expensive. Laundries are wet areas, meaning they require a professional tradesperson such as a plumber for any structural changes. After that, it’s up to you to get creative with your spending money. With this in mind, see our tips below for how you can renovate your laundry on a budget.

1. Budget for what you need

There are certain items every laundry needs, including:

• Washing machine
• Dryer
• Drying rack
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Sink
• Shelving for detergents, stain removers and laundry additives.

These items can be expensive, so you should spend some time shopping around to get the best deal on them.

2. Add a new sink

If you merely want to dip your toe in the renovation pond, a new sink is a great place to start. There are some beautiful sinks that will elevate the space without breaking the bank, and you can pair your new sink with a new faucet for an extra punch. Easy to clean is a must-have requirement, and ideally you want a deep sink for soaking clothes and hand-washing delicates. The quality should be good enough to withstand corrosion from laundry chemicals and moisture.

3. Switch out lighting

A cheap, easy and instantly transformative change in your laundry can be lighting. This is because lighting can change the mood, look and vibe of your laundry with very little spending. Lighting in a laundry doesn’t need to be sterile, and warmly illuminating the space will make it much more inviting. This can easily be achieved using energy saving downlights and flush mounts. You may also consider under cabinet lighting, long ceiling lights and track lighting.

4. Retrofit cabinets

Instead of getting brand new cabinets, retrofit the insides of the ones you already have. Install wire laundry bins for managing dirty and clean laundry, and add other upgrades such as extra drawers, shelves, or even storage for any pet items. The more storage solutions you have in your cabinets, the more bench space you’ll have to sort clothes.

5. Replace the benchtop

Most modern benchtops are available in lacquered wood, laminate, engineered stone or even marble, and a contrast shade or material can make for a great visual feature against an all-white laundry. Choose a budget-friendly granite laminate to add interest to an otherwise plain space. Whatever style you choose, make sure the material is impervious to moisture.

6. Stack or group washers and dryers

If you have limited space, consider installing a stackable washing machine and dryer. Alternatively, opt for a pair of front-loading appliances fitted beneath a workable benchtop. This will free up the area around the sink and will create a designated dry area for folding and sorting clothes. Extra space could be just what your laundry needs with no need to spend money on updating cabinetry and shelving.

7. Hang artwork

Adding artwork to your laundry immediately elevates the space and makes it feel like a true living area. Choose artwork that reflects your personality so you feel comfortable in the space. You might also consider going bold in the laundry, or doing something fun like wallpaper. The laundry is a great place to try something you haven’t felt brave enough to try in the main living areas, and there’s plenty of artwork out there that won’t blow your budget.

8. Lay a rug or runner

Laundries often feel cold and sterile; a forgotten zone that you dump your clothes in. By putting down a stylish rug or runner, you take the first step to warming the space up and making it feel more inviting. If you live in a location that gets cold in winter, you’ll be especially appreciative of your new rug. Just like artwork, there’s plenty of rugs and runners available at a good price.

9. Include greenery

In wet spaces like the kitchen, bathroom and laundry, greenery is a must. Plants bring a sense of nature, and one show-stopping plant in the corner or a cluster of smaller plants on a shelf can make a huge difference to the feel of your laundry room. Check out these ideas for plants at a god price and you’re almost guaranteed not to kill.

Cheap as chips tricks

Without major works and construction, these tips can completely transform your laundry space into something you love. Don’t have enough in your budget for even the smallest of changes to your laundry? Make your dream laundry a reality with a personal loan from SRG Finance. Short-term loans can really make life simpler, especially when used to simplify a space you need to spend a lot of time in. A same day personal loan offers up to $3,000. Apply today.