Before I answer any other questions, have you considered stacking the W/D? I find the stacked configuration quite convenient. The washer is low, so if you don't want stacked I'd recommend pedestals which would make a countertop higher.

Once you chime in on these issues, I'll take a look and see if I can offer any suggestions for you!

Given the machines' depth and that window's width, the obvious option for stacking would be where the picture is on the 8' west wall. They would be a straight visual shot from the kitchen, just beyond the pellet stove and TV, and I am not especially keen on that sight line.

Considered risers, and discussed ergonomics with DH yesterday. We prioritize staying limber and flexible as we age, and for now the bending/squatting seems a good thing. Same thinking has me keeping my cups and glasses on the highest shelf in the kitchen- short friends can't even reach them, LOL. Re: risers, DH concluded: "So you say now these machines last 10, 15 years? Next set then maybe we'll raise them." I agree. And I really like the simplicity of a continuous 8 foot counter, especially if I lose a bit of that to a sink.

Oops, *but* a sink couldn't be set into a removable counter for machine access, so...there's a problem...raising the machines *would* allow logical segementing of the counter with a sink in the stationary part...hmmmm.

Back to stacking, maybe 2' of cubbies for baskets by window, 2.5 W/D stack and 3.5 folding counter? (Existing counter is 3'9"). Have to ditch both uppers......hmmmm.

Or, leave tub and washer as is, tuck dryer next, then cabinet(s). 6' removeable counter over that stops at tub. Center the wall cabinet over W/D with open shelving to sides....hmmmmm.

All above options preserve the critical utility closet and chase.

It does help to talk this through.

OK, great! Now you're getting into the details that are so important in design. Could you possibly draw me a floor plan with locations of doors, windows and utilities? Also wall sizes of course.

Here is a drawing, but hard to see my notes:

And this one is closer view, but still not too legible. I made the main numbers larger:

The link below takes you to one that I did not resize so you can read the small print for utility notes, etc.

Thanks! Have fun with it!

Here is a link that might be useful:

I'm working on it....

How hard would it be to move the heat register to the wall where the sink and desk area is now?

I think, if possible, your best bet would be to put them side by side under the window, if you can move that heat register or otherwise accomodate it by moving the W/D away from the wall. I'd get rid of the upper cabinets on the sink wall and put a large tall pantry-style cabinet where the desk/picture is. That could accomodate all your cleaning products. I'd get rid of the laundry sink and instead run a counter in an L over top of the W/D and going around to end at the large cabinet. The countertop would have to be narrower across the sink wall. I'd put the sink into this countertop, about the center of it would work well. You could have open storage below the narrow countertop for rollout units for trash, laundry, etc. Above the counter you could have cabinetry, I'd leave a space above the sink to add a rod between the wall cabinet and the storage cabinet, so you could hang things to drip dry into the sink.

The larger, deeper countertop above the W/D would be perfect for folding. You could keep the wall cabinet by the light switch/kitchen door if you wanted, or replace it with open shelving for laundry supplies.

The view from your kitchen would probably be of the storage cabinet, and possibly a bit of the sink but it would be a nicer sink than the current utility one, so I think it would be OK even if it was on view a bit.

Anyway, here's a couple of pix, HTH!

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Evaperconti,

Thank you so much!! Another set of eyes really helps. What you suggest would be great cost wise, as I think all the plumbing, electric and dryer venting could stay as is. Very very helpful.

I do still need that chase by the kitchen wall, but it could be small. And I'm thinking the 7.5 long extra deep counter is plenty room for folding, etc. I could put a sink or tub next to the washer and utility closet opposite like so:

The pluses are mimimal rerouting of utilities, nice sight lines from kitchen and garage entrance. Minuses are the odd chase and the washer opening the wrong direction and the soffits and upper cabinets seeming a little off with no base cabinets below.

Maybe there's a way to have utility closet in the corner at the kitchen wall, the dryer under the window and the washer on the west wall, close to where it is now??

And maybe I should admit that the existing closet being behind the door is maddening and there might be a way to fix that as well...

My head is spinning. I can't even get my pix to resize right...Time to sleep on it.

Thanks again.

Hey, you want a chuckle? I have some vintage laundry ads (with pink washers, since my laundry room is that retro pink color) and one of them is for a Whirlpool/RCA washer....WITH SUDSAVER! It's advertised to allow you to use hot, FILTERED suds safely! It shows a picture and everything. Too funny!

Sucked under by a tsunami of work lately.

Yeah, sudsavers! I try to explain to people that it is for reusing your wash water in another load, and the universal response is eeewwwwwwww!!

And get this. This house was built in 1988! Not the 50's. I think they got one of the last ones made!