Laundry Rooms. We often see so many of them by accident. Let me explain what I mean. We started a new clients home today.  Most of the home is changing structurally but as we walked past the laundry room, Mrs. looked at me and said, “This is such a disaster. I feel like I can never get organized in this room. It stresses me out to do laundry in my own home!”

 

 

We get it. The laundry room is really no different than a kitchen or bathroom. You want it to be a space that is pretty or fun but more importantly, it has to be extremely functional.   Basically, the corner stones for any interior designer.   The laundry room is no exception as this space is bar none the workhorse of the home.

 

Ideas That Can Make Your Laundry Room Work for You . 

For example, we all know that the washer and dryer is the absolute but what about the other items that will make your life simpler? Are you a person who irons?  How about a built-in ironing board that will save on space and hide some ugly? What about hand washables? A sink and an area to hang the items you do not want to go through the dryer are staples in most laundry rooms these days. There are so many options for laundry spaces – pull down or slide out racks take up a fraction of the space while providing a lot of value to the room.

 

 

 

Also, storage for supplies: detergent, extra cleaning supplies, household items such as lightbulbs, batteries, furnace filters, etc. All the stuff that isn’t “fun” becomes more so as it is organized and accessible. Never again will you wonder if you can change the batteries on little Jeffrey’s or Reese’s toys!

 

Not Your Usual Focal Point In A Room, Definitely The Heart of The Space. 

Let’s break down some items in the laundry room starting with the washer and dryer.  The big question is front loader or top loader? Especially if you have never purchased one before. There are so. many. options! Let us help you narrow it down a bit.  If you think you want front load washers and dryers, they are more expensive but in the long game they give a more quality clean and also tend to be more energy and water efficient.  They also give you more features to accommodate all fabric types and soil levels while spinning water out more efficiently which makes trying time shorter. Top loading machines are more affordable to start with, however not as cost efficient in the long run.

Top loaders use more water and electricity and you cannot wash as many clothes at a time  due to the agitator. Agitators have changed over the years but they still take up space.  If the top loader is for you due to preference (they can be smaller and more budget friendly) check out the ones without the full agitator. You can get more clothes in for less water and power. A couple of other things to know: front loading machines are sealed so tight to prevent leakage , you need to leave the door ajar after your wash load until the inside dries. If you are limited on walk space or this simply annoys you, a front loader may not be your solution.

On the flip side, with the front loader, cabinets can be a placed closer to the top of the machine while top loaders require more room for doors to open and thus the shelves and cabinets must be installed higher. If you are limited on space, you may consider stacking the washer and dryer . Just be sure that it is made to do that – there are special fixtures that you need to ensure safety and equipment integrity . An appliance professional may be required to hook up these power house appliances if you are uncertain about things like gas, water, venting or electrical .

 

Have Four-Legged Family Members? Design the Laundry Room for them, too! 

What about an area for the pups? A laundry room is a great place to have a pet washing station along with other pet-friendly features, especially if it is located by a back or side entrance. A pet-washing station is great for washing off mud, lake water or that mysterious smell your dog just rolled in. Usually, it is all surfaces that can be wiped down so if your fur-baby squirms or shakes? No harm done. The plumbing is already there so a shower hose makes things easier and you can keep her shampoo and brushes right there. Also, some towels to dry her off (you could spoil him and put it in the dryer while you shower him off- I bet they settle down a little quicker. Who doesn’t love a warm towel?) We see spaces built in for pups to rest as well, with undercabinet crates that are beautiful and spacious.

 

 

 

As we mentioned, incorporate an area for hangups, whether they come from the washer or the dryer. The days of hanging clothes on the outside line are more than likely a thing of the pas. Putting warm clothes fresh the dryer on a hanger not only makes putting them  away a breeze for everyone but also keeps wrinkles to a minimum later on.

 

An area for hand washables is another great feature and a little sink can prove it self invaluable. I bet you find yourself utilizing it for all kinds of things like filling dog bowls, watering plants and washing little hands.

 

Organize, Organize, Organize! The Laundry Room should feel ready to work . 

We also like a spot for vacuums, mops, dusters, all the tools that most are never quite sure where to store. If you are starting from scratch, make sure to add an outlet so you can recharge cordless vacs! You can even do this in a little closet or cabinet if you want it to look pretty while providing a lot of function. Starting to run low on room? Look Up. If space is limited, stop thinking horizontally and try going vertical.

Stacking your appliances was one example. Extending shelving to the ceiling, and using wall space for rods and baskets will help you achieve the laundry room of your dreams, even in tight quarters. A shelf that pulls out for folding and can push back in is simple and functional. A rod that can retract to hang clothes on sounds simple but goes long on function and a little step stool are features that can make short work of the mundane task.

 

 

 

What we see all over the design world for Laundry Rooms That Are Working Overtime. 

Some other trends we are seeing definitely make life easier and laundry quicker. For example, multiple washers and dryer’s in one laundry room.  When you have a bigger family or a lot of sports gear,  multiple level washer and dryer areas for bedrooms that are on different floors . Think first floor master bedrooms. Who wants to haul laundry up and down the stairs all the time? Also, a washer and dryer area off the pool or lake for towels and wet clothes make it more fun to swim and have pool parties.

Laundry carts to roll in the soiled and roll out the fresh anywhere makes life a bit easier. Add baskets that make presorting loads a breeze, a spot for drycleaning to be ready to take in one spot and a drop zone with storage is a great place for coats, shoes etc. Storage for crafts, gift wrapping or package mailing as well as extra extension cords and chargers can be helpful. The biggest thing is to know all the ways you want to make this space work for you.

Pretty tile, or cabinets with a pop of color or maybe a window that can open and let fresh air in are all design elements that can make the space more pleasurable to be in.

 

 

 

 

OK, not everyone can put a slide in their home leading down to the laundry room and mudroom, but the idea is something to embrace. And, when we are brainstorming, why not bring a little fun to your space, whether it’s through color, pattern, accessories or a slide. You could always call it a “laundry shoot.”  The uplifting effect will spark much-needed joy during your next washday.

 

Last but not least, why not install a small area for a computer, tablet or TV and charging station for your phone. Good lighting instead of those horrible flourescent lights that used to be the end all be all of utility rooms make the space better.  Add a chair and a beverage cooler and all of a sudden, the laundry area becomes a day spa. Either you will have everyone insisting on doing the laundry or they will avoid the space (to avoid the work) and you can have quiet time with a cold drink!  Personally, this is where I would keep the good chocolate! We told you we can help.  Go get some Tide and make a day of it!

Laundry is something that has always been and will always be a part of life. Embracing it with practical and pretty organization keeps life easier and just makes doing it more enjoyable.

 

Creatively Yours,

 

Kimberly and Andrea