take this with a grain of salt :) I'm not a proffessional LOL but can you move the sink to the far left (away from the door) to clear open counter space? Are you bathing your dog in there as well? If you don't need the under the counter space about about leaving it open for dog dishes and food container? The space on either side of the w/d seem like they are wasted spaces. What about smooshing them to one side to open it up for better use of space? Think about what your putting what where and the best uses of space. I think a dutch door is an awesome idea.

Don't worry, I posted this because I was aware of the wasted space!

I definitely want one, possibly two floor to ceiling cabinets. In fact, since we don't have 'lockers' (I purposely avoided this concept), I even thought about doing several floor to ceiling cabinets.

I thought about putting the washer dryer closer to the wall (near the door) since they won't be in heavy use, and putting the sink on this wall, with a hanging rack above for drip-drying bathing suits. But, I also kind of want a counter near the sink because this is where we will be feeding the dog.

Maybe put a floor to ceiling cabinet on the wall with the washer-dryer, slide the sink down, have some counter space, and another floor to ceiling cabinet? Or, just make the one near the washer dryer extra big (two doors)?

Not bathing the dog in here, he is too big, and thanks for the compliment on the dutch door - it was my idea!!!

I would personally want the sink right next to the washer. that way if you have to soak items, or even a quick rinse, the drips wouldn't make there way onto your floor!

Since your dog would probably be more comfortable with a door he can see through, why not something like this:

Ripped out of magazine years ago. Did not use idea in new home, but did something similar recently at DD2's new home to corral dogs when she is not home. DH built a swing-out half door with wire and plexiglass.

No real thoughts here but I would suggest something I ripped out of a magazine recently for dog food storage . . . I will be incorporating it into my laundry room also. It was just a simple pull out trash can for dog food but I found some with lids that open when pulled out (by rev-a-shelf maybe)? We don't have pest problems but for some reason I would feel better if there was a lid. They come in double trash pull outs also if you have multiple pets. I have also seen stainless steel ones with removable stainless lids.

Although our dog room will be our mudroom (perhaps with a dutch door also - still thinking about it), I will be filling the dog bowl in the laundry across the hall as it has water access also. . .

Also, as far as the space under the stairs goes, those things can be huge (likely at least 6 feet deep). I might consider putting a door on that under the stairs space and putting the dog bed in the open area next to it with a dutch door. You could do your broom closet under the stairs and have ample room for vacuum cleaners, buckets, mops, cleaning supplies, extra rags and old towels (which I store in a laundry basket), etc. My parents have one and it is wonderful . . . they also store the cushions for the patio furniture in there off season, as well as a folding table and chairs. . . tons of room! They have a narrow shelf along one side for cleaning stuff (furniture polish, floor wax, floor cleaner, brass cleaner, upholstery cleaner - all the stuff you accumulate) with a broom and mop holder under it. The other side has the vacuum cleaner and the carpet cleaner with plenty of room to walk between.

I have never thought a cabinet broom closet would be big enough for me, and your laundry is not too big as it is. . . . that would be taking up lots of space!

Also, I have a great cordless Hoover Platinum vac which I use multiple times a day (for multiple kids and dog), so I would want a broom closet where I could have a plug for the charger for that (which I highly recommend!!!)

I was thinking about putting the dutch door as the main door - not on the door under the stairs - but this thread has really gotten me thinking on uses for that space under the stairs!

You are right, athensmom, it is a lot of space to devote to a sleeping area for a dog, when he would be just as happy sleeping anywhere in that room. I love the idea of utlizing that space more efficiently. I also love the idea of putting his dog food in one of those pull out trash sets, with a lid.

So - if I put the dog in the room at night, where would I put him (he is a large golden retriever)?

It looks like there is a lot of space under the stairs which is not being utilized and that your architect has created a room instead of leaving the whole area open? Am I right? You could leave the area to the right as a closet with doors and leave the area to the left (under the stairs where it starts to slope down a little) for the dog maybe? My parents under the stairs closet (and mine) goes back under the landing. You have to stoop to get back there but it is a fine place for things you don't use often, like card tables, etc.

Even if not at full ceiling height, it would be tall enough for the dog and for you to get back there to clean the bed, etc.

It is a little hard for me to picture what he has drawn so I may be totally off base!

Ummm... I responded to this thread once earlier, but it's not showing up. So I'll try again.

Have you considered stacking your washer and dryer? What I would do is stack the WD and put to the left of the sink. Then to the right of the sink I would make a drip dry hang area. I would use the entire area under the stairs closet for storage and broom closet. That would leave an entire wall of counter on the left hand side of the laundry room which would be great for folding and organizing the pool towels, etc. I would leave a section under the counter open for the dog bed. The rest of the cabinets could house a pull out bin for dog food and a stack of drawers for storage, especially pet related stuff like heartworm medicine, etc.