Laundry Rooms. We often see so many of them by accident. Let me explain what I mean. We started a new client’s 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 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 one of the workhorses of the home.

 

Ideas That Can Make Your Laundry Room Work for You . 

We all know that the washer and dryer are the absolute neccessities 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. 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 past. Putting warm clothes fresh from 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 presoaking for spots, filling dog bowls, watering plants and washing little hands.

Definitely The Heart of  A Laundry Room. 

Every room has a focal point. A fireplace. A bathtub. A hood and range. In the laundry room it is the washer and dryer. We are always on the hunt for the best appliances (this is a current conversation in our home and we would love it if you weighed in!) so we won’t advise on this. However, as far as the design and build goes, a few pointers. 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. In oppposition, if walkways are limited, you definitely need to think about where the door will swing open. This is always something to think about if you plan to stack appliances or if you are placing somewhere small like a laundry closet. *

 

 

What else would be beneficial in your laundry room?

I rememeber, my grandparents called this space the “utility room.” Now, as a parent, I understand why! So much more than laundry alone, clients use this space for  storing cleaning 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 a toy or flashlight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

We also like a spot for mops, dusters, all the tools that most are never quite sure where to store. Starting to run low on room? Look Up. If space is limited, stop thinking horizontally and try going vertical. Place things like extra cleaning supplies and light bulbs up high as you will not need these as frequently.  Keeping items that you need often such as laundry pods, dryer sheets and extra hangers within easier reach can make life easier when your hands are full. We can give you lots of ideas but the key is to design it

 

 

 

Laundry Rooms 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.

 

 

Think outside of the box – the laundry basket.

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. Personally, I have a dutch door in my dream house file!

 

 

 

How far you go is up to you.

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.

 

Add some 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. (Well, that might be a stretch but you see where I am going here.) 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 so you might as well make it enjoyable!

 

Creatively Yours,

 

Kimberly and Andrea

 

*Please note, and we have to say this because, well, you know it has happened if we have to excplain it! “An appliance professional may be required to hook up these power house appliances.  You should call a professional when working with things like gas, water, venting or electrical .”