Spotlight on laundry rooms

Provided by Networx.com

What's big in 2015 is an area of your home that is actually very, very small. Fabulous and functional laundry rooms are hot right now. Makeover what you have, or create a dedicated space out of a few square feet of your home. The important thing is that your laundry room should be a pleasant place to work at an often unpleasant chore.

Creating a Laundry Room

All you need is a teeny slice of space to build a beautiful laundry. Steal an extra powder room or even an unused corner of a bedroom or mudroom, if you have to. By the way, the opposite is possible, too -- if you are short on ahem facilities in your home, add an extra toilet (and a door latch) to your laundry room.

If you are simply revamping your existing laundry room, it's a very doable DIY project. The moment you start thinking about adding a laundry sink or moving fixtures, pipes, and appliances out of their former configuration, however, you are going to need a good remodeling plumber.

Your Washer and Dryer

"Tuck them away," proclaims one school of thought. Conceal your washing machine and dryer behind charmingly patterned fabric (which complements the curtains at your window, if you're lucky enough to have one in your laundry room) or inexpensive IKEA cabinet doors, stained or painted to your taste. "Put them on display," advise others. Today's laundry machines are handsome enough to show off, in sleek stainless steel, candy apple red, or luxe black. Is a new washer not in your budget right now? Rev up the one you already own with a coat of paint and some sealant. Stack the washer and dryer to clear out much-needed space, but check first with the manufacturer to make sure it's okay.

The "Other" Basics

In addition to your washer and dryer, there are a few other "must haves" that you'll need to make up a functional laundry room. Those are a sink for hand washing and spot treatments, good task lighting, a laundry basket or two, storage shelves, plus space for hanging delicates. Additional handy accessories: a folding counter (much easier on your back than folding on a bed); wall hooks; an ironing board; and an upright cupboard for stashing brooms, mops, and the like. A laundry chute or hamper on wheels will help you deal with one of the most complicated aspects of home laundry -- actually getting the dirty clothes to the laundry room, rather than the bedroom floors.

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Spotlight on laundry rooms