Does it seem like your hamper is always full and the washing machine is running constantly?
You may not be imagining it. Laundry Butler for You, a California-based wash, dry, and fold service, says the average household washes 50 pounds of laundry a week and 6,000 articles of clothing every year. Families with children at home are doing laundry most often, and those with pets may find there is ample laundry to wash as well.
With so much laundry being generated, homeowners may want to consider paying extra attention to the space in the house where their clothing is being cleaned. Laundry room renovations may not top homeowners’ priority lists, but it may be time to give these rooms another look.
ASSESS YOUR EQUIPMENT
If your appliances are aging, a laundry room renovation can start with an investment in new appliances. New models have large-capacity loads, tend to be energy efficient, and could have innovative features that fit laundry lifestyle. Purchasing front-loading models also can free up design space, as you can install a counter directly above the units, saving room for other items like drying racks.
DETERMINE YOUR NEEDS
A laundry room need not be limited to laundry only. Many homeowners make large laundry rooms catch-all spaces that can serve as utility or mud rooms, pantry overflows, or off-season storage areas. Consider the functions you want the room to serve and include those ideas in your designs.
ADD NATURAL LIGHT
If possible, include a window in your laundry room. Natural light can help make the room more enjoyable. It also can help you identify stains on clothes that need to be addressed and make it easier to find matching items like socks.
CONSIDER A UTILITY SINK
Many washing machines drain out directly to waste pipes in the floor or wall, but you can opt to have them empty into a utility sink. This sink also provides a convenient place to hand-wash items, clean tools or paintbrushes, or store items that perhaps you do not want to bring into a bathroom or kitchen sink.
INCLUDE SOME FLAIR
This utilitarian space need not be boring or bereft of design elements. Mirror your home’s style in the laundry room, and include wall hangings, plants, accent items, and even task lighting. Play up certain features with a bold floor tile or brightly colored walls.
Updating laundry rooms can be a great way to make doing laundry more enjoyable and efficient.
-Metro Creative Connection
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