The Unseen Workhorses of the Home
Laundry rooms have long been the unsung heroes of the household – the quiet workhorses dutifully powering through endless cycles, yet often overlooked in the grand scheme of home design. But as architects and homeowners alike seek solutions to align with modern living patterns, the humble utility room is finally stepping into the limelight, demonstrating the fluidity and adaptability of architectural design.
According to interior designer Kristina Phillips, “Laundry rooms are the workhorses of the home, yet often receive the least amount of attention. Doing laundry is a necessity, but it can also be visually enjoyable.” And she’s not the only expert thrilled to see laundry rooms getting the recognition they deserve.
As the lines between function and form continue to blur, the utility room has emerged as a space ripe for innovation and creativity. Whether you have a spacious dedicated room or a compact laundry closet, strategic design choices can transform this oft-overlooked area into a hub of functionality and style.
Locating the Laundry: Striking the Right Balance
The best location for the laundry room may depend on a variety of factors. As Jay Kallos, SVP of architecture at Ashton Woods Homes, explains, “In a two-story home, the question of whether to place the laundry room upstairs or downstairs boils down to whether you want the facilities closer to the kids’ mess or near the heart of the home so it is easier to switch laundry loads during a busy day.”
Traditionally, the laundry area is located on the same floor as the primary suite, but this can easily run contrary to the dynamic of a bustling household – especially with children prone to creating a mess a floor above their parents. Kallos suggests an alternative solution: “The laundry room can be located near the primary suite and include a back door into the primary closet. This allows homeowners to easily shuttle clean and dirty clothes between the washer and dryer and their spot in the closet.”
However, as Natalie Rebuck, principal designer at Re Design Architects, points out, “Ideally the laundry room will be on the main level and is tucked back in a corner somewhere to hide the mess – depending on the space, some people might just have room for a laundry nook while others might be able to have a full room but it of course needs to be near plumbing and somewhere that hopefully doesn’t radiate too much sound throughout the home.”
Interior designer Grey Joyner in North Carolina goes a step further, expressing her preference for a laundry room that’s close to the master bedroom. “This ensures that you are not going up and down stairs or going all over the place to do or retrieve laundry,” she explains.
Flooring for Function: Choosing the Right Surface
When it comes to flooring, the utility room requires a durable, water-resistant surface that can withstand the occasional spill or leak. Rebuck recommends porcelain tile, which “comes in a lot of design choices and is water and stain resistant.” However, Joyner prefers hardwood for its finished, traditional look, provided the rest of the home has hardwood floors.
Bamboo is another option, and interior designer Kristina Phillips explains that it is a nice material that keeps the wood look throughout the home. Phillips also endorses ceramic tile as a “pretty yet functional look.”
Multipurpose Masterpieces: Embracing the Mud-Laundry Room
The “mud-laundry room” is one of the Houzz’s hottest design trends, as the concept of a multi-purpose utility area has gained popularity. Kallos explains that this type of space can “cater to varied family needs beyond just doing the laundry,” such as incorporating craft spaces, studios, or sculleries.
Cathy Cherry, founder and principal of Purple Cherry Architects, echoes this sentiment, noting that “laundry rooms can be used for a variety of activities. It can also be used for dog washing, storage of cleaning supplies, et cetera.”
However, it’s important to carefully consider the balance between these additional functions and the primary purpose of the laundry room. As interior designer Bianca Ecklund in Hermosa Beach, California, points out, “Do you need to concentrate while crafting and if so, would the noise from the machines be disruptive? Also, would you prefer to spread all of your crafting items on the table – and if so, would this take up valuable space that you need for folding clothes?”
Optimizing the Space: Functional and Efficient Layout
Regardless of the size of your laundry room, storage is essential. Rebuck says the laundry room is a great place to store cleaning supplies and a back stash of toilet paper and paper towels. “I add as much storage to laundry rooms as possible in the form of pull-out cabinets and shelving above the washer and dryer to make the most of the space,” she explains.
Joyner also recommends having enough space to hold your laundry detergents, stain cleaners, and other essentials. “Be sure the laundry room has plenty of space to hang clothing – whether it needs to air dry or the items just came out of the dryer so you can hang them immediately to lessen the chance for wrinkles,” she adds.
In addition to storage, proper ventilation is crucial. Moreira recommends installing exhaust fans or windows to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.
The Devil in the Details: Customizing for Convenience
It’s the little touches that can make a laundry room more functional or aesthetically pleasing. Christopher Grubb, an interior designer and founder of Arch-Interiors Design Group, suggests using taller hardware to add drama and installing exhaust fans, especially for clients who are sensitive to smells.
Moreira also recommends investing in energy-efficient washers and dryers to reduce utility costs and environmental impact. Exploring smart technology options, such as remote monitoring, scheduling, and notifications, can further simplify laundry tasks and improve efficiency.
Embracing the Aesthetic: Making Utility Rooms Inspiring
Just because it’s a utility room doesn’t mean it can’t be visually appealing. Grubb suggests infusing personality with a fun wallcovering or artwork, while Rebuck recommends adding wallpaper or a punch of color to make the space inviting.
Ecklund emphasizes the importance of adding color and texture with a fun wallpaper, beautiful window treatments, cabinet finishes, and even tile to create a visually striking and personalized laundry room.
Conclusion: Elevating the Everyday
As the utility room continues to evolve, homeowners and designers alike are recognizing the profound impact that a well-designed laundry space can have on everyday life. By prioritizing functionality, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal, the humble utility room can become a sanctuary of sorts – a place where the mundane chore of laundry is transformed into a seamless and even enjoyable experience.
Whether you’re in the midst of a renovation or planning a new build, ABC Home Renovation can help you navigate the complexities of designing an efficient and inspiring utility room. Our team of experienced designers and architects will work with you to create a customized solution that meets your needs and elevates the everyday.
