How to Design a Home Laundry Room

If you are like most Americans, you average about 400 loads of laundry every year, which adds up to a lot of time spent in the laundry room. Laundry rooms often are in the basement---getting you stuck there, as well. With a little creativity, you can upgrade your laundry room to a functional and beautiful space that won't leave you cringing when your kid comes home from a school field trip to the local swamp.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide where you want your laundry room. Making it easily accessible---so you aren't trudging up and down stairs with loads of clothes---is important. Find a room or area where the noise of the washer and dryer is not going to be bothersome.

2. Figure out your plumbing, electrical or gas needs. A washer and a dryer can't be put anywhere. They need hook-ups to the utilities. Consult a local contractor to find out where lines can be used to accommodate electricity, gas, water and drainage.

3. Consider a room with a window. Natural sunlight will not only brighten your laundry room and mood, but it also will provide better lighting for sorting clothes and spotting stains.

4. Give yourself lots of room. If you have been stuck in a small laundry room, you know it is difficult to sort and fold clothes. Give yourself ample counter space or include floor space for a table.

5. Install shelves or cabinets near your washer and dryer to hold your laundry detergent, stain remover and fabric softener. Keeping everything close at hand will make your job much more efficient. You may also want a larger cabinet to house your ironing board and iron.

6. Include room for clothes to air dry. Air drying clothes can save special fabrics and electricity. Install a removable clothesline or purchase a folding drying rack.

7. Choose durable building supplies. If painting, choose an oil-based paint that is mildew resistant. Use a tile floor that will stand up to scuffs and scratches. Make sure shelving and cabinetry hold up to heavy bottles of detergent.

8. Make your room multitask. If you don't have enough space to devote to a laundry room, consider making it function as multiple rooms. An area for crafts, a mudroom, a sewing room or an office space are good ways to share the space.

Resources

• Multipurpose Cabinetry

[flowersinmylife]

on 11/24/2009 Good thinking. It would certainly make doing laundry much pleasanter.Thanks.