Hi all. I think I just have reno fatigue. I managed to do all the rest of our project fairly decisively (at least for me, LOL) but we put the back utility area off until we were done with the kitchen & great room. Now we are ready to pick that back up again and I feel unable to figure it out. Its not a tiny space, and yet I cannot configure it the way I'd like. I was actually ready to gut the entire space and start from scratch, but we are back to the original footprint. We flipped our floor plan when we built, but didn't think to address the laundry pair, so for 30 years the washer has been on the wrong side of the dryer. I want to flip them at least. And, as tempting as it is, I don't think we can swing relocating them anywhere else in the room. The room below has a finished ceiling, so we'd prefer not taking it down - although the utilities are located directly below the toilet and sink, so it's not entirely impossible. I did manage to pick out the floor tile. I finally found a very convincing Belgian bluestone in porcelain. 12x24. I've been waiting on our tile guy to make time for us, but it should be any day. Which is giving me anxiety because IF we decide to move any water or gas, now would be the time to do it.

So, as it stands right now I've decided to forego a custom riser for W&D and I'm not going to stack them because I'm too short. We never had any cabinetry, but only a big coat closet with bifold doors that was constantly spilling out because there was just no organization for cleaning supplies, et al. I also used the closet for my drip dry. I think I am going to mount a hanging Sheila Maid rack over the W&D or in the middle of the room. I want to get rid of the fiberglass tub and have a nicer sink with countertop. That area is about 48". I can't decide between a small sink base + open space for a wheeled laundry truck, or bases all the way to the wall. That space next to the tub could also hold a small tall cabinet, but I'd rather have the counter space. I'm not sure if I want upper cabinets, but if I do I think I want them to be shorter so I can put a small hanger rail underneath (though I don't know if I need it with the drying rack.) On the opposite side of the room where we took out the closet I need to have a big pantry type cabinet for all those cleaning supplies, etc. We also need room for the cat boxes, so I think I'm just going to split that in half and although I may regret not having a coat closet, I could put a rail over that open space in the future. I'm not a fan of open shelving because the room is dustier than most. We do have a small hall tree/bench as you walk in the garage door, and seasonal coats have a home in a large closet in the basement. I wish I could put an exterior door to the backyard, but there's nowhere to move the heat vent.

I'd love fresh eyes on this to see if I've missed any potential improvements before the floor gets put down. Oh - we are going to use the floor tiles for base - probably 3" or 4" strips with metal cap. I think I am ok doing cabinetry after the base goes on. It's not as critical as a more public room like the kitchen. Unless you think otherwise. Here is the clip from our blueprint. I've faded the details, but left them visible enough for you to see the original layout. Second image is what I will likely do. I'm thinking KraftMaid or something from Lowe's. Also going to change pedestal sink to small 24" vanity, I think. I'll post photos soon.