Freshen Up Your Laundry Room

Dreaming of the perfect laundry room…

By Jen Hinesman

I want clean laundry. Actually, I want the Laundry Fairy to come in and do my my children’s laundry . . . No questions asked! Until my Laundry Fairy arrives, I’ll settle for a super functional laundry room. The following renovations are on my laundry list.

Front-Loading Washer/Dryer

Yes, I want the ability to wash twenty-five pairs of jeans at the same time, just like the commercial shows. My choice is a matching pair of white appliances—white is timeless and fresh—with a counter above so the laundry detergent doesn’t make a mess on my nice new machines. I like to use a maple butcher block (IKEA has a good option) because it’s cost effective and resilient. But if space is limited – then stacking the washer/dryer is an option we use frequently in our projects.

Folding Counter

The higher counter over the washer/dryer is an excellent height for folding—no more backaches as I fold laundry on my bed. I also like to mix-and-match materials, such as white Corrian at the main counter and butcher block at the raised counter over the washer/dryer.

Utility Sink

If your space allows, there is nothing better than a utility sink for those nasty stains. The drop-in models with a self-rim (that edge that laps over the counter) are a good option in a utilitarian space like the laundry room.

The advantage of a drop-in sink is that you can use a laminate counter. I know—laminate counter! But laminate is a great cost-saving option in the laundry room, and it has a ton of super fun colors. You can also use an undermount sink for an upgraded look. Add a sink tap with a pull-out sprayer, and you’re in stain-fighting heaven.

For this client we designed for all members of the family…including their dogs!

Open Shelving

Open shelving allows for flexibility—storage for laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, etc.—and I can actually reach the shelves when mounted over a front-loading washer/dryer. Open shelving in a base cabinet is also handy for storing laundry baskets.

Forgiving Flooring

Tile is the obvious choice for a laundry room floor, but Marmoleum is my personal favorite. Marmoleum is a sheet product, so there is no grout to clean, and it is resilient, comfortable to stand on, durable, and comes in fantastic patterns and colors.

Built-In Ironing Board

My ideal laundry room would have a nice built-in ironing board (Note thin wall cabinet on left side is an ironing board!). Wall mounted ironing boards are amazing for small spaces, as the small board folds out of the wall and includes room for iron storage. The board is contained in a door panel that can be painted to blend in with the wall color.

Wall Color

Keep the wall color light and fresh—just like all of your clean laundry. 

Are thinking about possibilities with your laundry situation? Call us at 734-221-1550 or fill out our contact form. We'd love to start the conversation!