Laundromats may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about engaging hospitality or retail design. In today's world, with the increasing popularity of at-home or in-building washer-dryers, Laundromats have become somewhat retro. However, there are still some pretty cool and unique Laundromats out there that are worth mentioning. One example is the Metal Pop Up Laundry at the Museum of the Paris Mint, designed by Rodolphe Parente. As part of the 2017 AD Interiors exhibition, this luxury laundry room followed the theme of functional Art & Matter. It incorporated bespoke elements such as a metal 'carpet', made from colorful high gloss metal fragments and enamel lacquers.
The laundry appliances were anything but standard, with a washer embedded into a terracotta-colored ridged wall and an ironing board complete with its own overhead light. The interior of the space was brightly colored, standing in contrast to the stark white laundry items on display, including t-shirts hung from an L-shaped corner rack and more items crumpled in the washing machine. These unique Laundromats prove that even mundane tasks like doing laundry can be turned into an enjoyable and visually appealing experience. With their attention to detail and design, they challenge the perception of Laundromats as boring or outdated spaces. Plus, with amenities such as in-house coffee bars and quirky designs like a mermaid tail, these Laundromats offer more than just a place to wash clothes. So, the next time you find yourself in need of a trip to the Laundromat, why not seek out one of these design gems? They provide a fresh and exciting take on a commonly overlooked typology, elevating the mundane task of laundry into an experience worth enjoying.
