3 min readNo matter the size of your home, having a dedicated spot for laundry is a practical necessity. But that doesn’t mean you need to dedicate an entire room to your washer and dryer. Interior designer Carly Shafiroff recommends creating a “laundry speakeasy”—a custom built-in featuring a countertop and pocket cabinet doors that conceal the appliances when they’re not in use.
“I truly believe a hidden laundry area works in almost any home. It’s a myth that you need a giant, dedicated room to have a functional, elevated laundry space,” Shafiroff tells House Beautiful. “With intentional millwork, smart storage, and concealed appliances, even a small nook can feel luxurious and efficient.”
The result is a laundry setup that blends seamlessly into the rest of the home, resembling custom furniture rather than a purely functional utility area. It’s also a smart way to maximize your floor plan, freeing up valuable square footage for spaces you may prioritize more, such as a larger bathroom or a dedicated home office.
The Broad Appeal of a Laundry Speakeasy
Grand laundry rooms fit well into many homes and lifestyles, but Shafiroff says to consider whether that approach truly works for your house and family. If not, a laundry speakeasy may be the solution you’re looking for.
“The appeal lies in how we actually live. Laundry is a necessary function, but it doesn’t need to visually dominate your space,” Shafiroff explains. “When appliances and sorting zones are concealed, you maintain clean sightlines, architectural harmony, and a sense of calm. Especially in open-concept or high-traffic areas.”
She adds that a hidden laundry allows your home to feel elevated and uncluttered, even when life is happening behind the scenes. You still get full functionality, but it reads as cabinetry or a beautifully integrated moment rather than a utility zone.
How to Design a Laundry Speakeasy
For example, the laundry speakeasy pictured here lives in a home on a small lakefront lot where the footprint was tight. “As a second home designed for entertaining, the clients prioritized generous bedroom spaces, which meant there wasn’t a traditional spot left for a laundry room,” Shafiroff says. “The only logical location was a closet at the top of the stairs, but there was nothing interesting or inviting about that solution. So, instead of hiding it away as an afterthought, we chose to open it up and make it intentional.”
The result was a bespoke built-in that feels like a true design moment versus an afterthought or compromise. The space functions beautifully when in use, but then transitions easily into a spot to mix a drink, make coffee, or place decor.
Shafiroff has revisited the laundry speakeasy approach numerous times with clients whose floor plans range from compact blueprints to homes of over 4,500 square feet. For the latter, she actually worked in two fully built-out versions with custom cabinetry, folding spaces, drying areas, and dedicated storage.
Pro Tips for Building a Laundry Speakeasy
If the idea of a laundry speakeasy seems like a solution in your home, consider this advice from Shafiroff.
Focus on Utility
Start by thinking about how you actually use the space versus just how the appliances fit. “Hidden laundry only works well when it’s truly functional, so plan for storage, folding surfaces, ventilation, and access before worrying about the pretty millwork,” Shafiroff says.
Hire a Great Cabinetmaker
The best cabinetmaker can maximize every inch of your space while delivering a completely customized look. Custom millwork, hidden storage, smart pull-outs, and concealed appliances help turn a tiny spot into something surprisingly functional.
Make It Look Good
Shafiroff says to “not be afraid to design something that feels like furniture.” When your laundry speakeasy feels intentional rather than improvised, the result reads as high-end instead of makeshift.
