Previously a forgotten and neglected area of the home, the laundry room is coming into its own. Rather than settling for plain white walls and utilitarian floors, homeowners are turning these utility rooms into spaces that they can actually enjoy. Here are the top trends that are popping up around the country.
Enclosed Cabinets
The open shelves of the past are giving way to functional and attractive cabinets where you can store detergents and other supplies. If you have front-loading machines, then consider adding a countertop that will span across the tops of both machines and provide you with an additional workspace.
Gadgets Galore
The kitchen and garage don’t have the market cornered on gadgets. Slide-out ironing boards make it easy to touch up shirts. Collapsible drying racks that fold back into the wall are an ideal choice. Storage bins that your washer and dryer can sit on provide you with additional storage space while making it easier to do laundry.
Upscale Materials
You may have fond memories of the basic linoleum that graced your mother’s laundry room, but it’s time to embrace more upscale materials. Builders like Alair Homes are now opting for ceramic tiles on the floors and even around the backsplashes.
Extra Storage for Linens
The laundry room is a natural space to store those linens that aren’t used on a regular basis. Use open shelves, cubby holes, or enclosed cabinets to keep them neatly stored and ready for use.
The Island
If you’re building a custom home, then go with a large laundry room where you can add storage and an island. You can immediately fold the clothes and have family members retrieve them right from the laundry area.
Sinks
There was a time when the utility sink also served as the drain basin for a machine, but most homes now are built with dedicated drains for the washer. However, the sink is still a smart choice for pre-treating clothes, hand washing items, and quick cleanups.
The Pet Care Center
The laundry room is actually a pretty natural choice for a pet care area. You can have a dog washing station added, and it provides an out-of-the-way spot for the cat litter box.
Decorate the Walls
This room may be dedicated to working, but you can still dress up the walls with your family name, a favorite picture, or some whimsical wooden signs. You’re going to spend a fair amount of time in this room, so you might as well make it more enjoyable.
Clever Placement
Modern builders are taking the laundry out of the basement and putting it where you need it the most. This can be the main floor or the second floor where the bedrooms are, but it’s sure to make your life easier either way.
Go Bold
The laundry room won’t be the center of attention for guests, but it’s still a room that you’re going to spend a good deal of time in. For that reason, you should go bold with the colors and design options to turn it into a room that you’ll enjoy.
Take your laundry room and turn it into an amazing place. With these trends, you might actually look forward to washing some clothes and even folding them.