You may not love doing laundry but you don’t have to hate doing it if your laundry room is designed for efficiency and nods toward upbeat visuals. Do everything you can to prevent your laundry room from becoming a catch-all room or the place you throw things when unexpected company knocks on the door or you’re running behind for the dinner party that hasn’t completely come together. Okay, let’s be real. Go ahead and throw a few things in there, close the door and put on your biggest Welcome, glad you’re here smile!
Let’s start with colors. Too many people opt for beige or gray walls because they’re easy choices. But why not choose a color that makes you feel good (or as good as you can while doing a necessary but not-so-glamours chore.) Bare walls are boring. And we’re trying to do everything we can to jazz up your laundry room. So, hang a couple pieces of colorful art.
Shelves or cabinets with doors? The choice is yours, but remember that open shelving can look cluttered. Cabinets are easy hide-aways for detergent, fabric softeners, stain removers, an iron, brushes and lint rollers. White cabinetry looks clean and fresh against most any wall color. Spiff up the cabinet doors with pewter, chrome or colorful knobs. Add a pull-out shelf for folding laundry and you’ll wonder how you ever did without it. Or, if you have a front-loading washer, you might consider placing an easily removable countertop (in case you need to get behind the appliances) over the washer and dryer for folding clothes right out of the dryer.
Install a folding rack from the wall to hang lingerie or small items you may not want to put in the dryer or for those you want to hang immediately after removing from the dryer so they don’t wrinkle.
Don’t forget to make room for a place to store the ironing board so it’s easy to reach. Also, having a small one that drops down can be a quick solution for small, last-minute ironing.
If you have room, install a small sink for hand laundry. You’ll use it more than you think you would.
Have separate containers for dirty whites, colors and delicates. Baskets are a common choice, but they can hold odors and can snag clothing. If using baskets, they should have removable, washable liners. Toss in a dryer sheet to reduce odors.
Have we forgotten something? Not a chance. We’re saving the best for last: washers and dryers.
Choosing a washer and dryer used to be so simple. One appliance washed and one dried. Like other appliances, washers and dryers have come a long way. They actually make doing laundry easier and more efficient and give you loads (we couldn’t resist!) of choices.
There’s something for everyone. Do you need a high efficiency washer, maybe with a steam cycle or internal water heater? What capacity do you need for your family? (Before you go too far in your selection, check your available space and the width, height and depth of each model you’re considering. Top load or a front load washer? There are good reasons for either. And, there are washer/dryer combinations that may suit your needs. Don’t forget to check the energy efficiency of each appliance. It’s important for your wallet and the environment! Whoa, you say? Too much information, too many choices? Before you’re buzzing with confusion, come talk to us. We’ll guide you through your choices and help you make the decision that’s right for you.