The Laundry Room as a Full Fledged Part of the Home Story
Interior photography: Nicole Castillo
A laundry room is usually a purely utilitarian space, hidden behind closed doors, devoted solely to household chores. Nicole Castillo, a Chilean photographer based in Sweden, decided, however, that this room deserved the same attention as the rest of her home. The result is an interior that serves as an intimate record of memories and proves that even the most mundane tasks can be accomplished in a beautiful setting.
“We wanted the laundry room to be a continuation of our home, not a forgotten, separate room. It should convey the same sense of intentionality, quality materials and emotional depth as the rest of our interiors,” explains Nicole.
A bit of Chile in a Swedish home
Nicole naturally gravitates towards colours and materials that bring back memories of her home in Chile. Although, as she emphasises, she loves Sweden and is happy here, she consistently strives to bring a piece of her homeland into her immediate surroundings. The design is a tribute to her roots and personal history – each element carries its own meaning.
The unique texture of the Coral model fronts evokes memories of her grandfather’s workshop and the furniture he hand-carved. They bring warmth and soul to the interior. The stainless steel countertop, meticulously crafted by Studio LF50 (Nicole’s husband’s studio), is the “Swedish layer” of the design – clean, functional, and refined in every detail. The checkerboard floor recaptures Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago de Chile, a place Nicole passed by every day on her way to school.
Nude Oak: Breath and Peace
The choice of Nude Oak for the cabinetry was a deliberate one – Nicole wanted a tranquil space that would offer visual respite and not grow stale over time. The subdued wood tone brings a quiet elegance into the space – undramatic, yet consistent and soothing.
“In a utility room, where activities are repetitive and often performed after a long day, this sense of calm is essential. Nude Oak acts as a grounding element. It makes the space feel clean, composed, and harmonious.”
Why does this finish change the character of the interior?
■ Balance: Nude Oak tones down the expressive fronts in the Coral model.
■ Order: This shade introduces a sense of order and clarity, but as a wood, it doesn’t feel sterile or cold.
■ Relaxing for the eyes: The quiet elegance of this colour creates a soothing space, completely transforming the experience of daily chores.
A New Definition of Homework
Before the renovation, the laundry room was simply a place for a washing machine and folding clothes which was often moved to the living room, adding to the sense of chaos. Today – it’s a dedicated space.
“Separating these areas made a huge difference. Laundry is still a chore, but now I enjoy it. A well-designed space doesn’t change the fact that it’s work, but it changes how we feel about it,” says Nicole.
Nicole’s laundry room is a space that celebrates everyday life, combining a respect for craftsmanship, a contemporary design and the most beautiful childhood memories.
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