HOW TO DESIGN A LAUNDRY ROOM
Laundry rooms are an essential part of the home; it is where clothes come out clean, and the random boxes with odds and ends are stored. While almost all homes have one, it is safe to say that there are many who wish they had a better, more functional laundry room. It is meant to be a productive area of the home. Some of the things that have made the wish list are:
- Lots of lighting
- Sink for rinsing and soaking
- Ample storage
- Drying area for both hanging and flat drying
Even though it is a working room, there is no reason why it can’t be attractive and functional at the same time. Before getting started on that long-awaited renovation, let’s go over what should be included and considered in your laundry room design to guarantee it will be a space that serves multiple purposes and gives you the benefits you need.
Location
Upstairs or downstairs? This is a good question that deserves serious consideration and comparison. Will you be more likely to do other things downstairs, like being in the kitchen while doing your laundry? If the answer is yes, it would probably be best to have it there so you can check on it and change the loads. Are the kids more likely to bring their dirty clothes to the laundry room if it is conveniently near their bedroom? If so, it might help avoid messy clothes piles if it’s located upstairs. There are pros and cons to both, and ultimately, it will be up to you which one will work best for your lifestyle. Some have also recommended doing two laundry rooms, which are other great options, especially if you are a large family.
Sink
Many laundry room designs include a sink because of all the added benefits. If you can upgrade your laundry room with a sink it can be a great move to do it. Having a sink nearby makes it easier to hand wash those delicate items or scrub out or soak the difficult stains like grass, dirt, and grease. Placing the sink to the left of your washing machine will make it easier to directly transfer soaking laundry without making a mess or dripping water. Watering your plants or cleaning up after a craft session is also a breeze. Incorporating a sink into your laundry room will enable you to take care of the little messes quickly and easily. If you are limited on space just keep a cover for your sink handy and cover it up when not in use. A sink can become a vital part of your laundry room routine and also make your life a whole lot easier when dealing with those tough stains and excess dirt. Read more tips and ideas from HGTV here.
Flooring
Since the laundry room can potentially encounter moisture, either from dripping clothes laid there to be washed or from a leak in the machine, waterproof flooring is a must.
Besides moisture resistance, here is a list of things to keep in mind when choosing flooring material:
- Stain-resistant since a lot of dirt will make its way around this room
- Impact-resistant due to the high traffic and scratches left by appliances if they move
- Durable, so it will outlast the appliances
- Easy maintenance for you
One of the best and most popular options is ceramic tile because it is durable and has many beautiful designs that will last. There are several options when choosing which one is best suited for you, such as natural finishes and chemical resistance. There should also be some thought given to the actual floor space available to you as it is inevitable for laundry baskets to sit there while waiting to be washed and having sufficient space to move around matters as no one enjoys being in a crowded space. Taking the time to map out your needs will ensure you get exactly what’s right for your family.
Lighting
This is often overlooked in the laundry room design phase but is important. If the area is located in a space without a window or merely in an oversized closet, lighting can be limited, making it hard to see the stains or rips. While natural light is the best option, it is not always possible, so what other choices provide the best lighting for you?
- Under-cabinet lighting
- Canned lighting
- Track lighting
Incorporating extra light into your laundry room design means less strain on your eyes as well. Under-cabinet lighting works well to eliminate the bothersome shadows that occur when sorting and folding laundry on the countertop. Canned lighting is great for direct spots of lighting that can be directed at dark corners or add a little extra boost above the washer and dryer. These additional sources of light mean no stain goes unseen or rip unnoticed. Plus a well-lit area makes for better vibes which we all know is a must for the laundry room.
Cabinets
Cabinets provide more than just a convenient place to put the essentials like detergent and dryer sheets; they also allow you to have extra storage for odd items or provide a place to air dry certain clothes. The type and amount of cabinets you need will be determined by the size of your laundry room and the style of washer and dryer you choose. For example, if you have top-loading appliances, then you need to leave space between them and the doors to make sure you can still open them.
The organization is key to any space, including the laundry room. By incorporating cabinets with built-in roll-out hampers, you can easily sort your clothes by color and have the loads ready to go instead of having messy piles all over the floor. You can add a fold-out drying rack that lets you air dry certain items without getting in anyone’s way. Adding a large cabinet means storing your mop, broom, and other cleaning supplies neatly away instead of tucked behind a door. Planning what you want to go into the space will help you pick the right size and layout for your cabinets.
Built for you
By creating a space that is suited to you and your lifestyle, you can take the chore out of laundry. It should be a place where you can easily accomplish your goals instead of dreading each load. Of course, each layout is different, meaning that a specific design is needed to reach your maximum potential for you, which is why custom is a great option. Our designers have years of experience that can help guide you through the process and assist you in finding the layout that is best suited to your needs. Browse our gallery online or visit our showroom to tour our cabinet displays, and let’s get started on getting you that perfect laundry room that you will enjoy working in.
