Laundry Room Renovations
Did you know the average family in America does 8-10 loads of laundry every week? That’s well over 300 loads a year and an average of 4.5 hours a week doing laundry! Now if you're anything like me, this is time dreaded. Chores are a part of life and we all need clean clothes to wear, so how could you make doing laundry not only bearable, but enjoyable? That's what I would like to share with you today, some different ways and tips on how you could transform your laundry room into one that is functional and stylish. More often than not you can find a laundry room near the back of the house, maybe next to the garage. Maybe it's a little more outdated than the rest of your house, after all it is an easy place in your home to neglect when thinking about remodeling. But remember how much time is spent doing laundry? How much less of a headache would this chore seem like in a beautiful laundry room? Go ahead and call me a dreamer, but could it even get the kids to do their own laundry?
Appliances
Appliances are the most important aspect of a laundry room, that's what they're for. The type of appliance one chooses to put in their laundry room greatly affects the space and it's worth thinking about different options and how they would work for you. The two most common types are top loading washing machines and dryers, and front loading washing machines and dryers.
Top Loading Washing Machines and Dryers
Comfortable for taller people
Works well with floating shelving
If it breaks or can’t drain, it’s easier to pull the clothes out.
Front Loading Washing and Dryers
Comfortable for shorter people
Can be placed next to one another or stacked
Allows space for counter top space above appliances
Storage
After you have an idea on what type of appliances you'll be using you can now think about the other important aspect of your laundry room- storage! Having thoughtfully designed storage throughout your laundry room can drastically improve functionality within the space, making the process easier and faster.
When considering storage there are many options such as wall-mounted cabinets, hanging racks, vertical cabinets, and as I mentioned before, floating shelving. Each has their own benefits so it's important to think about your specific needs and how you plan on using your laundry room. Vertical cabinets work great in laundry rooms with front loading appliances where organization is key. Floating shelves are perfect for showcasing decorations or having quick access to detergent for those loads of laundry when you're running late. Do you air dry clothes? If so, consider incorporating a clothes rack into your storage. One of my favorite ways to increase functionality and utilize the space is having built in hampers within the storage system.
Work Area
Having a work area in your laundry can make all the difference. Countertops are the most common and a great option for a work area. With materials from butcher block to granite, having a countertop in your laundry room will provide you with utility while also looking amazing. If you have front loading machines that are side by side, putting a countertop over them can be a good way to incorporate all the components you need within a smaller space. You can also have countertops above cabinets or even a floating countertop. This is also a good place to put a sink if you have decided to do so.
Style
Now that you have thought about the functionality of the space, what are some ways to add style and make it an enjoyable space? One great option is including a statement wall, contrasting from the other walls in the room. A statement wall draws attention and can be anything from a different paint color, a wallpaper, tile, and many other options. Similarly, a floor statement can be a unique and stylish way to add personality to the space. Laundry rooms can sometimes feel a bit stuffy or too enclosed. Adding a plant on a window sill or in the corner can be an easy way to brighten the mood within the space. And if you don't have a green thumb, a fake plant does just the same!
Hopefully with this information you are one step closer to having a laundry room that is more functional and stylish, making the chore of laundry a little more bearable! If you’re ready to start designing and building your new laundry room to make this chore a joy to do, contact Ethos Construction today to get started.
