3. Built-In Sorting Systems
Designer: Erica Peale Design
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Size: 108 square feet (10 square meters); 9 by 12 feet
Homeowner’s request. “The homeowner wanted a more functional, well-organized space with dedicated storage for laundry and cleaning supplies,” says designer Erica Peale. “Previously, the room lacked proper laundry hampers, causing baskets to pile up on the floor, and there was no storage for linens or cleaning supplies, leaving the space cluttered. Painted a jarring orange, the room felt anything but inviting.”
Peale uses Houzz Pro software to help run her business. “We use Houzz for website hosting, 3D floor planning, project library and client reviews,” she says. “Houzz is an invaluable tool to help with our projects.”
Storage strategies. “Thoughtful design transformed this laundry room into a highly functional and organized space,” Peale says. “Open cubbies were created to house rolling laundry hampers, keeping them accessible yet neatly tucked away. Pullout drying racks add convenience for air-drying garments, while custom cabinetry provides ample storage for cleaning supplies, detergents and household linens. Additional features such as adjustable shelving, a built-in ironing board, concealed waste bins and dedicated folding surfaces ensure everything has a place, making daily laundry tasks more efficient and enjoyable.”
Other special features. “The custom cabinetry was painted in a soft, soothing spa-like blue, (Sherwin-Williams’ Stardew), bringing a calm and refined feel to the space,” Peale says. “Large-format 12-by-18-inch travertine floor tiles ground the room with warmth and texture, while a polished marble 1-inch hexagon backsplash adds a timeless, elevated touch. Floating shelves with brass ceiling-mounted brackets introduce both style and function, complemented by brass cabinet hardware that adds warmth and subtle contrast. A full-size utility sink enhances everyday usability, while Steele Canvas laundry baskets provide an efficient system for separating whites, darks and dry cleaning.”
Designer tip. “A key design approach we recommend is choosing a softer, more restful color palette and prioritizing closed storage to minimize visual clutter,” Peale says. “Layering a mix of textures and varying sheens not only reflects light throughout the space but also creates depth and visual interest, transforming a functional room into one that feels calm, polished and intentional.”
General contractor: Connor Bentley; wall paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore
25 Home Design Trends Defining How We’ll Live in 2026
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A family
Location: Vienna, Virginia
Size: 256 square feet (24 square meters)
Designer-builder: Winn Design + Build
Before: Heavy traditional-style white cabinets stopped short of the ceiling and didn’t provide the storage the family needed. An abundance of stainless steel appliances overwhelmed the room, while a dated, busy tile backsplash created visual clutter. Dark granite countertops along the perimeter and a lighter granite on the island also felt out of step with the homeowners’ goals. They did want to keep the white oak flooring and have it refinished. “It continues into adjacent rooms,” says design-build pro Michael Winn.
The sink on the right and the rangetop on the back wall worked well but the left wall felt disjointed. A cramped grouping of wall ovens, a hulking microwave and a toaster oven sitting on the countertop crowded an awkward run of cabinetry. “They also had a workstation there that ends up for most people being a gathering space for papers,” Winn says. “We did away with that and cleaned things up.”
The large stainless steel refrigerator also made the cooking area feel tight. “To the left of that was the pantry closet,” Winn says. “It was a step-in pantry that simply consisted of deep shelves, so things would get lost in the back.”