Zelmar, if you check back, try reducing the amount of detergent you're using. When we started using our new washer, it was vibrating something fierce, to the point where DH called in a service person to make sure nothing was amiss. The guy checked the washer by putting in a couple of towels that we had just washed, and running them thru a cycle. Without adding any soap, they still lathered up! I have to admit, it was a bit of vindication for me, because DH *always* puts more than what the product calls for (he just doesn't trust those darn new fangled machines and low suds detergents!) LOVE all these great laundry rooms, BTW - wish we had the space to do some of these nifty things. We used marmoleum as flooring and just love it. Kelleg, I'm very partial to that shade of green, but even if you don't win the cabinet colour battle, it would be fun to introduce it through other decorative elements (green laundry baskets?) Eliz

Let's see: 1) Really sit around the whole room -- in every chair and seat. Look. Look. and Look Again. How do you want the room to feel? Warmer? Cooler? More Open? More Cozy? b) Really write down any issues with the room at this point ... seating for how many? tables? shelving for storage? Is the room too dark (or have dark corners?) too light? c)HOW do you want the room to work for your current needs? TV? Reading? Conversation? 2)Measure Everything. And write it down. Really. Measure the room, walls, windows and doors. AND hallways -- too many folk have bought a wonderful sofa/armoire/shelves -- only to find that their perfect item won't fit through the front door or down the hallway! :) 3)Start collecting inspiration photos from all kinds of sources. Really examine photos -- and decide WHAT and WHY something takes your eye .... color? shape? texture? arrangement? 4)Find a starting point. Usually start with a larger item -- like a sofa. Then decide on your needs for additional seating options -- chairs? loveseat? 5)Keep an eye on your local stores -- and search your local Craigs List. 6)Find the next item -- usually a rug or additional seating. Choose one -- and then -- look for the other one. 7)Once the main items are in place -- look again. What tables are needed? 8)Lamps. Lamps. Lamps. Table ones. Standing lamps. Always have lighting options! :)

For your two chairs, I highly recommend Bradington-Young's Marietta swivel glider tub chairs. I did their customer's own material option but they do have lots of fabric and leathers to choose from. I ordered the chairs from a local furniture store that carries that brand. Everyone that sits in the chairs loves them. My husband is tall and above average in size and thinks the chairs are the most comfortable ones in the house. The chairs have a smaller profile look but they are plenty roomy. I was so happy to see that when Bradington-Young made my chairs that they did a perfect job on pattern matching the fabric. The chairs were a bit expensive but well worth it in my opinion Here they are

DD2's laundry room is also the entrance to house via the garage. She did not want to see W/D all the time, so DH made the top (also panel to hide water cut off, etc) and I sewed her a skirt. The top and small back are paint grade plywood. The back can quickly be removed during an emergency to cut off the water. Cabinets were original to house, but she painted. Counter is high, and lip across front hides the curtain rod. She kept saying she wanted to put something on top (tiles, laminate, etc) but the paint is easy to keep clean. Cats food/water is there now. I'm like you, have front loads now, but plan to have top loaded or stacked front loads in next house (depends on room). I had a dark basement laundry "area" for 20+ years, so when we were designing our current home I always said "pretty laundry room." It is pretty and it is functional, but I am only getting older and bending down (or getting on the floor) to do the laundry will not be in my future.