Over the past few years, I have noticed the spaces allocated to laundry are getting smaller and moving up! Instead of dedicated laundry rooms in basements, many suburban and urban homes feature laundry closets, in upstairs hallways, just off master bedrooms, or bathrooms. Below are some tips to keep in mind when planning to upgrade the laundry space in your home.
A traditional laundry closet is shown, typically seen in bathrooms, garages and basements all over suburbia. The top loading washer and front loading dryer are common pair, along with the shelf storage above it. The front loading dryer allows for space to fold fresh clothes, while the wire racks allow for hanging items, essential for air drying delicate or hand washed items.
This is a modern take on the traditional laundry closet. First, the top loading machines are used, which are becoming more common in new or remodeled homes. The space saved from stacking the two machines allows the side of the closet to be used for storage. Shelves are spaced wide enough apart to hold a laundry basket and large washing detergent bottles. And the step stool is handy in allowing the shorter members of the family to reach the higher dryer. Only items missing are folding space and hanging space for delicates.
Another storage closet, this one with cool pocket doors, and the bonus – the cabinets! The cabinets are a great way to cut the visual clutter of laundry and stain detergent bottles and allows folding space for newly dried clothes. Still no space for hanging clothes, at least not from the angle of the picture.
The last modern laundry closet and it seems to have it all! Takes the modern conveniences of the top loading appliances but puts them side by side. This allows a great folding, and holding space on top of the appliances. The cabinet and rack above give the closet the total solution – space for hanging items AND a place to hide laundry detergent clutter. And the icing on the cake -– the cool blue color of the appliances. It’s a winner!
One tip to make your laundry space more comfortable is to use an anti-fatigue or memory foam mat in front of your washer and dryer. This helps tired feet while you sort and fold. Here are some of my favorite options.
I hope these tips are helpful when planning to upgrade your own laundry closet and remember to ‘keep it clean!’
All images from Houzz.com
Written by:
Roslyn Ashford
Professional Designer & Stager, www.rarooms.com
