The laundry area is one of the dirty secrets that we all have to bear with. Increasingly, the appliances we use aren't much of a secret anymore; they are coming out of hiding and moving into the heart of the home and up front into our living spaces.
The challenge is now to integrate it well so that, while functional, it is aesthetically pleasing. But as we design our spaces we want them to be pretty, but also functional. Very often we just look for space for our washer and dryer. But a well-functioning laundry is so much more.
1. Machines. Yes, we need a washer and a dryer and they should be in close proximity to each other so we can easily take the clothes from the washer and place them in the dryer. You must also consider how the doors of the machines open. You would not want to have to go around an open washer door to get the clothes into the dryer. Remember also, that the washing machine normally completes its cycle before the dryer does. (Increasingly I am seeing that some opt to have 2 dryers to speed up the process.)
2.Hand washing. Not all items should be machine washed – even on the gentle or hand wash cycle. Some actually prefer to hand wash certain delicate items, so, ideally you should have a sink to accommodate hand washing. I recommend that the sink be as deep as possible with a tall faucet. This will make using a bucket easier and the larger capacity sink works best for larger items or quantities without the risk of overflows.
3.Hanging. Even though we have dryers, we will need some hanging space, especially if we do some hand washing. We will also need hanging space for clothes that we put on hangers right out of the dryer. Do not forget to also make allowances for hanging the clothes that you have ironed and consider space for drying items (like sweaters) that may need to be dried flat.
4.Ironing. Cater for an ironing board and/or press. It can be built in or free standing; your press can be placed on a convenient counter top. Have some storage for folded items waiting to be ironed and have hanging space for clothes just ironed. If you iron your bed or table linens, have an appropriate space (such as a countertop) for folding and resting them after they are ironed.
5.Counter space. I find having clear counter space for folding very important. You will use it to fold items after ironing and coming from the dryer. I am able to skip ironing if I am able to fold the clothes well immediately after they exit the dryer.
6.Storage. Have bins, a shelf or cupboard for your detergents, softeners, bleaches, spray starch, etc. If you have children, ensure you have a child safe lock or keep them stored at a safe height. Again, for convenience, store these items close to where they will be used. This will help you keep the place tidy, you will be more organised and the laundry process will be more streamlined. You also need storage for your ironing board and iron.
7.Sorting. You sort your clothes before laundering them. I can remember my Mom instructing me to separate the whites from the coloured and the darks. Most people sort their clothes in 3 sets. I have developed a hybrid – lights, brights, whites and nights (darks). Whatever your method, I suggest that you provide baskets or bins, whether built-in or separate, and have your family put their clothes in the appropriate bins. I have found that it is easier to see when you have enough for a full load.
8.Lighting. Nothing could make you feel like you are doing "penance" like doing laundry in a dark space. If you do not have the luxury of an abundance of natural light, light the space well. Place lighting under the cabinet where you do your folding and have good task lights where you iron and where you sort the clothes.
9.Colour. Use a nice cheery colour scheme that's fun or evokes feelings of being 'clean' or around water; whatever translates to you. Some like crisp blues and soothing greens while others prefer bright, vivid colours. Just do not treat the laundry room as an afterthought. Remember, you want to feel great when you have to be toiling in the space. If the laundry is part of another space such as your kitchen or family room, the décor will be part of that of the overall room. Integrate the laundry attractively into the space. It should be polished and not look like an afterthought.
10.Entertainment. Take the drudgery out of doing the laundry. Have a small radio, piped music, or a TV in the space. Have some company while you do the laundry! You'll love it!
