Smart Storage & Design Ideas: The Block 2025 Pantries, Laundries & Mudrooms

In one of the biggest weeks on the show so far, The Block turned the spotlight on the hardest-working rooms in any home: pantries, laundries, and mudrooms. From seamless pantry designs to clever small laundry ideas and family-friendly mudrooms, each team- with the help of Freedom Kitchens- delivered thoughtful spaces that make everyday living easier and a lot more stylish. With only half a point separating first and second place, these rooms are sure to inspire!

Read on to discover how these spaces were brought to life.

House 3 – Britt & Taz

Score: 28

Place: WINNERS

Walk-in butler's pantry with open shelves and storage space
U-shaped laundry with sink and tap by a window, stacked laundry appliances and neutral cupboards
Neutral coloured laundry room with tall cupboards
Mudroom with seating bench and storage cupboards and drawers
Walk-in butler's pantry with open shelves and storage space
U-shaped laundry with sink and tap by a window, stacked laundry appliances and neutral cupboards
Neutral coloured laundry room with tall cupboards
Mudroom with seating bench and storage cupboards and drawers

Pantry Ideas That Maximise Storage & Style

Bouncing back from last week, Britt & Taz were once again at the top of the leader board, even earning a 10 from Shaynna! Their pantry feels like a secondary kitchen, with Shaker-style cabinetry in Caribou Oak Woodmatt and Winter Wheat Smooth, Dekton Avorio surfaces, and Brushed Nickel handles. Smart storage solutions, a Häfele quartz sink, stainless-steel tap with vege sprayer, and LED strip lighting complete the polished design. This entire room delivers plenty of cupboard space and pantry ideas that impressed the judges. “The best inclusion in this entire space is the shallow shelf,” declared Darren. “Now that I see that, of course, that’s the way it’s supposed to be.”

Stylish Laundry Room with Smart Layout & Hidden Storage Solutions

Designed as a stand-alone space, the laundry continues the neutral palette seen within the pantry, which Marty noted, “feels very classy, sophisticated, and also very timeless.” Practical inclusions such as pull-out hampers, a broom pantry, and a hanging rail maximise usability. A Häfele sink and stainless-steel tap make the space easy to work in, with LED strip lighting ensuring brightness. “I love the planning in here of having all this bench space,” said Darren. “Look at the use of this Dekton up that wall- it’s so expansive and expensive!”

Mudroom Must-Haves: Functional Bench Seating & Everyday Storage

Another great addition to House 3, the mudroom combines symmetry with practicality. Ample storage for coats, boots, and everyday items sits alongside a built-in bench with custom cushion, while LED downlights create a functional and welcoming transition space.

All three judges loved the rooms Britt and Taz presented this week. “Everything that they’ve done feels like a home- a highly functional home”, said Shaynna. “It blows my mind the quality, energy and love that they’ve put into this. This home has my heart!” Seems they believe House 3 could be the front runners come Auction Day- let’s see if they’re correct! 

Featuring:

  • Cabinetry: NEW Cora Winter Wheat Smooth, NEW Cora Caribou Oak Woodmatt
  • Handles: NEW Touch Brushed Nickel Bar (38-D-56), Touch Catch
  • Benchtops & splashbacks: Dekton Avorio 20mm by Cosentino
  • Accessories: NEW Hettich AvanTech YOU drawers, NEW Hettich Cutlery Trays with Spice Tray, Knife Block and Foil Roll Holder, NEW Hettich Non-Slip Matts, Häfele Ninka Pull-out Bin, Pull-out Ninka Laundry Hamper, Häfele Tandem Side Broom Pantry, Häfele Silver Hanging Rail
  • Lighting: Häfele Warm LED Strip Lighting, Häfele Warm LED Down Lights
  • Sinks: By Häfele. Quartz Sink with Drainer Board in White
  • Taps: By Häfele. Goose Neck with Vege Sprayer in Stainless Steel
  • By Contestants: Cushion & Wall Panelling (mudroom)

House 2 – Han & Can

Score: 27.5

Place: 2nd

Warm white walk in butler's pantry with cleaning area, open shelving, and gold handles and tap
Pantry storage with oak shelving, shaker-style cupboards and gold handles.
Laundry room with washing machine, clothes dryer, hanging rail and white Shaker-style cabinets.
Mudroom with bench seat, storage and gold handles and hooks.
Warm white walk in butler's pantry with cleaning area, open shelving, and gold handles and tap
Pantry storage with oak shelving, shaker-style cupboards and gold handles.
Laundry room with washing machine, clothes dryer, hanging rail and white Shaker-style cabinets.
Mudroom with bench seat, storage and gold handles and hooks.

Pantry Ideas That Blend Storage, Style & Smart Design

Coming in at second place by only half a point, there’s a lot to love about Han and Can’s spaces this week! Their pantry is both glamorous and functional, with two distinct zones for storage and food preparation. The warm palette of Esme Amaro Smooth cabinetry, Nordic Oak Woodmatt shelving, and Brushed Gold handles is elevated with Dekton Taga benchtops and splashbacks. Darren was quick to note the functionality of the pantry design. “It’s not just a walkway, it’s a visual and functional connection to the kitchen,” he explained. “The fact that we’ve got the toaster, kettle, the coffee machine and they all match with all the lovely gold detail- it’s really nicely considered!”

Organisation is maximised with Hettich AvanTech YOU drawers, spice trays, and non-slip mats, while a white Häfele quartz sink and gold goose neck tap add a refined finish. LED strip and Flexi lighting highlight the decorative cabinetry, ensuring the space feels both practical and polished.

Small Laundry Room with Big Functionality & Flair

Continuing on from the pantry, the laundry room uses the same Esme Amaro Smooth cabinetry and Dekton Taga benchtops for a unified look. Thoughtful touches include pull-out laundry baskets, a hanging rail, and a linen cupboard for added storage. The washing machine and clothes dryer have been placed side-by-side, allowing a generous countertop above for folding and sorting laundry. “The colour palette is very luxe! It feels expensive and this laundry is exactly what you want for a working laundry in a family home,” smiled Darren. It has lots of storage, you’ve got all the bench space you could want and hanging as well! Shaynna agreed, saying that this is a laundry you want to spend time in!

Mudroom Storage Solutions for Everyday Family Living

The mudroom is square in layout, offering both seating and tall cabinetry in a brilliant mudroom storage solution that keeps clutter hidden. Esme Amaro Smooth cabinetry, Brushed Gold handles, and a custom cushion bring warmth and comfort, while Häfele LED downlights make the space practical for daily use.

Featuring:

  • Cabinetry: NEW Esme Amaro Smooth
  • Internal shelving: NEW Nordic Oak Woodmatt (pantry)
  • Handles: NEW Touch Brushed Gold (38-D-58), Volpato, Touch Catch
  • Benchtops & Splashbacks: Dekton Taga 20mm by Cosentino
  • Accessories: NEW Hettich AvanTech YOU Drawers, NEW Hettich Cutlery Trays, NEW Hettich Spice Tray, NEW Hettich Plate Holder, NEW Hettich Non-slip Matts, Häfele Ninka Bin, Pull-out Canvas Laundry Baskets
  • Sinks: By Häfele. Quartz Sink Single Bowl in White
  • Taps: By Häfele. Goose Neck Mixer Tap with Pull Out Sprayer in Gold
  • Lighting: Häfele Warm LED strip lighting, Häfele Flexi LED, Häfele Warm LED Down Lights
  • By Contestants: Hanging Rail (laundry), Cushion (mudroom)

House 4 – Sonny & Alicia

Score: 26.5

Place: 3rd

Pantry storage tall cupboard in Oak Shaker-style cabinetry with bronze bar handles.
Pantry with open shelving in timber-look joinery and vertical strip lighting,
Laundry with oak and navy blue cabinetry, hnaging rail, laundry appliances, and sink and tap.
Oak timber look mudroom with arched pet bed.
Pantry storage tall cupboard in Oak Shaker-style cabinetry with bronze bar handles.
Pantry with open shelving in timber-look joinery and vertical strip lighting,
Laundry with oak and navy blue cabinetry, hnaging rail, laundry appliances, and sink and tap.
Oak timber look mudroom with arched pet bed.

Smartly Combined Pantry and Laundry Room That Maximises Every Inch

Sonny and Alicia cleverly combined their pantry and laundry into one multifunctional zone. Baltic Blue shaker-style cabinetry which featured heavily in their main kitchen has been used sparingly alongside Nordic Oak Woodmatt, allowing the oak to define the space. Xeron Cascade Gold benchtops by Cosentino bring durability and elegance, finished with Choco Bronze Knurled Bar handles.“Sonny and Alicia always do beautiful textures,” smiled Shaynna. “We have the beautiful flooring, the beautiful cabinetry, gorgeous handles and then these taps!”

The design includes side-by-side washer and dryer, an integrated fridge, Hettich drawers and trays, and Häfele laundry storage accessories, all illuminated by warm LED lighting. A Häfele quartz sink with a gold-look tap completes the highly functional space.

Mudroom Ideas That Combine Practicality and Personality

The mudroom strikes the perfect balance between comfort and practicality, featuring built-in storage and a bench seat softened with a custom cushion. Open shelving beneath the bench provides easy shoe storage, while Häfele LED lighting adds a functional glow.

The space also includes a dedicated pet bed zone in Savannah Clay Natural cabinetry. The curved design of the pet bed immediately caught the judges’ attention, with Shaynna exclaiming, “Oh how cute, a little doggy area!” Marty also praised the subtle pink undertones of the new Savannah Clay Natural joinery. “I really like the colour and the choice of cushion- this works beautifully and delivers the storage you need.” 

Featuring:

  • Cabinetry: Sierra IV NEW Baltic Blue, Sierra IV in Nordic Oak Woodmatt (laundry/pantry), Newbury Savannah Clay Natural (mudroom)
  • Handles: NEW Touch Choco Bronze Knurled Bar (38-D-60), Touch Catch
  • Benchtops & splashbacks: Xeron Cascade Gold 20mm by Cosentino
  • Accessories: NEW Hettich AvanTech Drawers, NEW Hettich Cutlery Trays with Knife Block and Foil Compartments, NEW Hettich Non-slip Matts, Häfele Black Hanging Rail, Pull-out Wire Laundry Baskets, Häfele A-BIN3
  • Lighting: Häfele Warm LED Strip Lighting, Häfele Flexi LED lighting
  • Sinks: By Häfele. Quartz Sink in White  
  • By contestants: Tapware & cushion

House 5 – Robby & Mat

Score: 25.5

Place: 4th

Pantry with oven and open shelving Shaker-style Nordic Oak cabinetry with bronze handles.
Kitchen pantry with timber-look open shelves, floor cupboards and a white benchtop.
Small laundry with stacked washing machine and clothes dryer, storage space and sink and tap.
Timber-look mudroom with seating bench, drawers and green tiles.
Pantry with oven and open shelving Shaker-style Nordic Oak cabinetry with bronze handles.
Kitchen pantry with timber-look open shelves, floor cupboards and a white benchtop.
Small laundry with stacked washing machine and clothes dryer, storage space and sink and tap.
Timber-look mudroom with seating bench, drawers and green tiles.

Walk In Pantry With Functionality and Style in Every Shelf

Robby and Mat’s walk-in pantry is both practical and refined, pairing our new Sienna Shaker-style kitchen cupboards in Nordic Oak Woodmatt with Dekton Pietra Kode Nebu surfaces. The mix of open shelving and closed cupboards balance display and storage, illuminated with LED strip lighting.

Organisation and pantry storage is enhanced with Hettich drawers, cutlery trays, and non-slip mats, alongside a Häfele sink and tap in Gun Metal. The result is a warm, textural space that feels both functional and stylish and is brimming with pantry ideas.

The judges were particularly impressed with the layout and features of the pantry, notably as one of only two houses to include a fridge in the Butler’s Pantry. Shaynna was quick to point out how seamlessly everything worked together: “We have a fridge, freezer and then we have a pantry. So, you can open the fridge, and you can put things on this bench here.”

Small Space Laundry Room That Makes a Big Difference

Discreetly hidden along the corridor behind bi-fold doors, Robby and Mat’s laundry is a clever showcase of small laundry ideas. Compact yet efficient, it features a stacked washer and dryer, sink, and wire laundry baskets ensure the modest footprint works hard. The judges had mixed feelings about the compact design but agreed that the bi-fold doors could be removed to help with the functionality of the space. 

Practical Mudroom Design With Hidden Storage and Style

Robby and Mat’s mudroom features ribbed Verity doors to create texture and warmth. A bench with drawers provides practical shoe storage, with open shelving above for everyday organisation. Bronze Rail Pull handles and LED strip lighting complete the look. 

Featuring:

  • Cabinetry: NEW Sienna Nordic Oak Woodmatt, Verity Nordic Oak Woodmatt (mudroom)
  • Handles: NEW Touch Bronze Rail Pull (55-D-71), Touch Catch
  • Benchtops & splashbacks: Dekton Pietra Kode Nebu 20mm by Cosentino
  • Accessories: NEW Hettich AvanTech Drawers, NEW Hettich Cutlery Trays with Knife Block and Foil Compartments, NEW Hettich Non-slip Matts, Häfele Ninka Pull-out Bin, Laundry Wire Baskets
  • Lighting: Häfele Warm LED strip lighting, Häfele Flexi LED lighting
  • Sinks: By Häfele. Linen Finish sink in Gun Metal (laundry), Farmhouse Sink in White (pantry)
  • Taps: By Häfele. Gooseneck With Pull Out Sprayer in Gun Metal

House 1 – Emma & Ben

Score: 22

Place: 5th 

Butlers pantry with open shelves, shaker-style walnut timber-look cabinets and bench space.
Butlers pantry with open shelves, shaker-style walnut timber-look cabinets and bench space.

Butler’s Pantry & Laundry Room That Redefine Functional Luxury

Emma and Ben created a warm and welcoming pantry and laundry by combining cabinetry in New Sienna Toasted Chestnut, Hawthorn Smooth shelving, Copper Bronze Knurled Bar handles, and Dekton Rem benchtops by Cosentino. Darren was quick to praise their colour selections. “It’s a beautiful colour palette with the Toasted Chestnut and Hawthorne (cabinetry) and these two colours playing out in the tile,” he said. “It’s such a lovely, considered palette.”  

 Emma and Ben combined their laundry design and pantry into one cohesive, multifunctional space which maximises function and storage with Häfele inclusions such as a linen-finish sinks, Gun Metal goose neck taps, Ninka bins, laundry baskets, and a black hanging rail, which Darren said was placed in the perfect spot in what would otherwise be a dead corner.

The raised washer and dryer with pull-out shelves make laundry tasks more convenient and was a big hit with the judges, as well as Scotty Cam who declared it ‘genius’. “This is something that I’m definitely going to be taking home and replicating in my place!” said Marty. 

Smart Mudroom Storage for Busy Family Living

In the mudroom, Emma and Ben kept things practical yet polished. They installed built-in bench seating with shoe cubbies underneath and tall cupboard space for hanging bags and coats – a clever mudroom storage solutions ideal for busy families. The palette stayed consistent here too, tying in the oak cabinetry and black hardware from the pantry and laundry. 

Featuring:

  • Cabinetry: NEW Sienna Toasted Chestnut
  • Open Shelving: NEW Hawthorn Smooth
  • Handles: NEW Touch Copper Bronze Knurled Bar (38-D-59)
  • Benchtops & Splashbacks: Dekton Rem 20mm by Cosentino
  • Accessories: Häfele Black Hanging Rail, Häfele Ninka Bins, Laundry Wire Baskets, Elevated Washer & Dryer
  • Lighting: Häfele Warm LED strip lighting, Häfele Flexi LED to Decorative Opens
  • Sinks: By Häfele. Linen Finish Single Bowl in Gun Metal
  • Taps: By Häfele. Goose Neck Mixer Tap with Pull Out Sprayer in Gun Metal

Ready to create the best kitchen, pantry, laundry and mudroom on your block with Freedom Kitchens?

Book your free design appointment today and turn your vision into a reality or download our Designer Range Catalogue for more inspiration.

Photography: Marcel Aucar

Styling: Bree Flack