I suppose if I had to choose an area in which to place all of my “resolve,” I’d work on cutting down clutter and getting more organized. I can’t function in chaos. I like things to be neat and tidy. (This is why my husband and I have separate home offices. I get heart palpitations just going into his office to borrow a stapler.) Messes mess with my Chi. Chaos blocks my concentration and makes me less productive. Not just in work but around the house too. I have a point. I promise.

 

I came across an interesting statistic: The average American family does 400 loads of laundry a year. FOUR HUNDRED! That’s a lot of time spent sorting, swiping the stain stick, adding fabric softener and folding! It got me thinking. Remodeling the laundry room may not be among your top requests, but wouldn’t it be far more pleasant to carry that proverbial load in a good-looking, well-organized environment? Focusing on those often dim, dank and unwelcoming spaces could make a real difference in your client’s lives. Plus, laundry equipment is becoming more attractive. Clunking white metal boxes have been replaced by purr-quiet machines that come in ruby red or cobalt blue. These new-and-improved appliances deserve to be surrounded by custom cabinetry and first-class features.

 

Today’s laundry room is migrating from the isolation of the basement and becoming more integrated with main living areas. When you think about that 400-load statistic, it just makes sense, right? Who wants to hide away in the cellar? It’s bad enough you have to deal with the laundry let alone do it in a dungeon. A properly planned, pleasant utility room can be a complete housekeeping area that simplifies household chores.

 

So, amp up the workout or cut out carbs, if you must. But also try out these ideas when improving utilitarian space.

 

Kitchen cabinets work just as well in the laundry room, especially those with specialty storage options such as lazy Susans and pullout organizing baskets. A wide pullout spice rack makes a great storage area for stain treaters and detergents. Tilt-out bins commonly used for storing recyclables in the kitchen are a great way to separate lights and darks. We’ve all seen the hang-on-the-door ironing board. But what about one that is drawer-mounted and pulls in/out for space-saving convenience?

 

Laundry room cabinets don’t have to be boring. Anything that works for the kitchen or bath can help transform a stagnant work area into a space that’s downright attractive. Flat-front doors and drawers with slim brushed-silver handles create a clean, minimalist look. Furniture-style cabinetry with a distressed-paint finish gives the laundry room a suitably rustic appeal. Instead of a bank of base cabinets, try assembling a custom mix of open and closed storage. Raised-panel cabinetry with bin-style pulls and a farmhouse sink create high-style cottage charm. Top the wall cabinets with a cornice that coordinates with the woodwork to tie the cabinetry into the architecture and emphasize the room’s height. Instead of wall cabinets above a washer/dryer niche, try shelves concealed by frosted glass doors. It provides all of the necessary storage but gives the room a more open feel.

 

Now you don’t. There are several options for concealing your wash area instead of showing it off. Sleek sliding wood panels can hide anything from full front-loaders or small, stacked washer/dryer. Go sans handles for a truly minimal look. Slide the doors closed, appliances and accessories disappear! You can hide the entire room or area, or just conceal the appliances within the laundry room itself. A specially built niche gives the opportunity to raise the appliances to a custom height. Include bi-fold doors to conceal the washer/dryer — a great option for keeping a clean look.

 

Getting technical, why not go one step further to make your laundry workspace even more appealing? Mounting a small flat-screen TV means no more hitting the pause button while you swap machines, iron or fold. After all, it would be a shame to miss all those ads for the new-and-improved Ab-Roller!

 

What’s your favorite tip for designing a family-friendly and functional laundry area? Email me at holly.berecz@me.com