I'm a bit of a design snob when it comes to packaging. I judge a book by its cover, olive oil by its dispenser, and detergents by demeanor. Perhaps it stems from studying graphic design, or maybe it comes with a passion for interiors, but it's definitely a factor I consider with every purchase.
And the one thing I find that can put even the most elegant laundry room ideas to shame is unsightly laundry products. I love the idea of leaving my detergents on display, as if running my own chic laundromat for a party of one, but it's tough when there are plastic zip bags and brash bottles queuing on the shelves.
Enter: the 'design detergent', an emerging product trend I've been keenly tracking. But, why is this idea coming to the fore? "The last trend in how we displayed products like laundry detergents was the 'decanting' phenomenon, however, I'd say that for some people, that idea is a little twee and time-consuming — it looks like you've got too much time on your hands," says Livingetc's editor Hugh Metcalf, "which is the antithesis of the 'hustle' culture that's been so prevalent of late. However, we still want the signifier that our discernment, and even design-eye, extends to all areas of home, even somewhere as hidden away as the utility room."
With that in mind, I took it upon myself to find the most good-looking design detergents around and landed on twelve stunning examples of laundry room ingredients that will make taking on this chore a little more exciting. Here are my favorites!
Size: 946 ml
Perfuming your clothes with notes of bergamot, amber, and vanilla, DedCool's vegan-friendly Dedtergent 01 'Taunt' fashions cool minimalism in the best way.
Size: 473 ml
I've been a fan of Courteney Cox's Homecourt laundry collection for some time now, and this sleek Neroli Leaf Laundry Concentrate is a standout choice.
Scent: Tui & Kahili
Small laundry rooms need extra consideration when picking detergents, and the Everyday Launder from Ashley & Co. is both compact and chic.
Size: 500 ml
Kinfill already made our cut for designer-approved cleaning products, and here it is again, looking just as stylish as ever.
Size: 1000 ml
If you prefer soft packaging to rigid bottles, then Kit & Kin's Eco Laundry Liquid is simple but stylish and fragrance-free, too.
Size: 800 ml
'It' girl of the detergent space, Tallow + Ash's Date Night Laundry Shampoo is laced with the scent of cherry liqueur and almond to emulate Tom Ford's Lost Cherry.
Scent: Wild Juniper + Bergamot
Sometimes all you need is to swap your plastic laundry bottles for a pretty frosted glass, and Kair's Signature Clothing Wash does so in style.
Format: Powder
When organizing your laundry room, if you're prioritizing counter space, these slim Signature Eco Wash Detergents by Clothes Doctor are a metallic no-brainer.
Size: 1 l
Zara Home's White Jasmine Detergent is a no-frills product that will instantly make your laundry space look clean and curated.
Size: 500 ml
Known for its popular 'Not A Perfume', Juliette Has A Gun's Not A Detergent is equally enticing in fragrance and packaging.
Scent: Jasmine + Green Tea
M&S knows how to make even the most boring products look and smell great. Case in point, this earthy Non-Bio Laundry Liquid.
Size: 375 ml
If you want to have fun with your clothes' perfuming in the wash, then SOAK's Pineapple Laundry Soap is like a tropical cocktail of detergent.
Now that your laundry room products are as gorgeous as your space, the next step is to sort your tidying kit. And our guide to designer-approved cleaning tools is the place to look.
