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Laundry Makes a Clean Break With Its Own Room
Laundry rooms are often a luxury nowadays, but a washer-dryer nook in a kitchen, office or hallway will help you sort things out
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With the recent downsizing trend, homeowners are looking for fresh ways to make the most of their home's square footage. As a result, the laundry room (which was once considered an absolute necessity) is changing. Instead of a designated room for laundry, smaller homes are benefiting from having the washer and dryer in nooks. These nooks can be located within side or back entryways, in hallways and even in closets. The addition of a countertop and open shelving makes them fully functional.
Another spin on the spin cycle involves incorporating the washer and dryer into a multipurpose room, such as a mudroom, an office or a family room. Built-in cabinetry keeps this look tidy and livable. And where square footage is at a bare minimum, stackable units can be squeezed into tight spaces. They work especially well in bathrooms and kitchens, hidden behind floor-to-ceiling doors.
When all else fails, turn to creative cover-ups. Barn doors, hanging fabric and pocket doors can all be used to conceal your dirty laundry.
Another spin on the spin cycle involves incorporating the washer and dryer into a multipurpose room, such as a mudroom, an office or a family room. Built-in cabinetry keeps this look tidy and livable. And where square footage is at a bare minimum, stackable units can be squeezed into tight spaces. They work especially well in bathrooms and kitchens, hidden behind floor-to-ceiling doors.
When all else fails, turn to creative cover-ups. Barn doors, hanging fabric and pocket doors can all be used to conceal your dirty laundry.
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This small laundry nook is made functional with a beefy countertop, which comes in handy for sorting and folding. A pendant light and windows make the space feel larger and airier.
by Joel Snayd
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Located just off a side entrance, this laundry nook is practical for dropping wet swimsuits and beach towels. Placing the washer and dryer near an exterior door keeps dirt and grime from being tracked through the rest of the home. A countertop and open shelving above the appliances add workspace and storage.
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In this small home, a short hallway is the perfect place for the washer and dryer. An inexpensive DIY plywood countertop provides a spot to drop dirty clothes and laundry baskets. Locating the laundry nook near the sunroom and backyard makes hanging clothes out to dry a breeze.
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| This multifunctional space serves as a mudroom, a seating area, an office and a laundry space. The built-in bench, desk and cabinetry keep things tidy and neat while preserving traffic flow. |
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| The designer of this basement family room cleverly incorporated the washer and dryer into a corner of the room, avoiding the need for additional interior walls, which would keep the underground space from feeling bright. Hidden behind bifold doors and under a counter, the machines are disguised well. |
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| Including a laundry area within a mudroom is a great option for active families. Stacking the washer and dryer behind floor-to-ceiling doors is a great method of disguise. |
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Stacking the washer and dryer on top of each another in a small bathroom optimizes floor space. Using frosted glass doors to hide the laundry area keeps light bouncing around.
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When square footage is at a bare minimum, try placing a stacked washer and dryer unit within cabinetry in the kitchen. A smaller matching cabinet above the laundry cabinet takes the built-in feature to the ceiling for a cohesive look.
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Make room for laundry in the kitchen by concealing a stacked washer and dryer combo behind pantrylike doors.
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| Here's another view of the same kitchen. The floor-to-ceiling doors are designed to mimic the cabinetry for a flawless look. |
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Swinging barn doors give this hidden laundry closet a unique look that fits in nicely with the rest of the home's rustic aesthetic. Open shelving above the washer and dryer allows for plenty of storage.
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The washer and dryer in this laundry-office combo space are concealed under a countertop and behind hanging pleated fabric. Simply slide the fabric "doors" to the side to access the laundry.
by Tervola Designs
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Pocket doors slide open to reveal the washer and dryer in this hallway. Close 'em up for a seamless look.
Tell us: How do you keep from airing your dirty laundry for all to see?
Browse laundry room designs
More:
10 Great Laundry Room Ideas
Tell us: How do you keep from airing your dirty laundry for all to see?
Browse laundry room designs
More:
10 Great Laundry Room Ideas
Ideabook published on April 9, 2012.
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We've also had washing machines in small cabinets out on the patio (in warm climates) and an all-in-one machine in a large front-hall closet. It was a quiet unit and there was plenty of storage/hanging space. Loved that we could start a load of laundry before work in the morning and it was clean and dry when we got home.
I would say ideally, laundry feels right to me near the back entry/mudroom to a house and having designed many mudrooms, I would recommend NOT stacking machines unless there is plenty of folding/stacking space nearby.