As you have them, I prefer option 3 ,,, with option 1 coming in a very distant second and I would omit option 2 (that one doesn't work for me at all). I would definitely put in a counter top, regardless of the option. My issue with option 1 (and to a lesser extent 3), is the lack of space between the top of the counter and bottom of the upper cabinet. For me, a little more than 1 ft is not enough space for that area to be functional. I'd shift the cabinets higher (since you have 2 feet of unused space up above). At least, in option 3 you can set a laundry basket in the middle and have it be accessible. But even my smallest laundry basket wouldn't fit in the space between the upper cabinets and the w/d. Even if you don't use laundry baskets, I don't think there is enough space for that area to be functional for say piling a stack of clothes and folding them. Even if you air fold directly out of the dryer and just stack on the counter, 13" or 14" is not a lot of space. I would shift up the upper cabinets (and use a step stool to access them) as this would provide me with more counter area, but that's just me. I have a rod over my W/D too, but I don't use it. Because anything hanging on it would be in the way, as I also prefer to use the space over my W/D to fold. I use a valet bar on the wall opposite the W/D, so anything hanging is out of my way. A suggestion, it might sound silly, but you might want to use tape and cardboard boxes (or whatever) to mock up your proposed plan in your existing space to see if it'll work for you. Good luck!!

Yes, there are many of us with this issue. My old laundry center was in the kitchen in a closet with a bifold door. The new FL set would not fit behind the doors so I took them off altogether. The machines don't stick out of the closet, just past the doors. They look better than the doors, too, so it worked out fine. Some people move the doors if they can, use a curtain, or, like me, leave the machines in the open.

We haven't got to the stage of actually deciding how the "access panel" will look. Luckily, ours will be hidden by the door to the room when it is open. When door to room is closed, panel will be near the edge of the room, kind of like in a corner. But in discussing it a bit this morning, I did hear that because there are so many different "spots" needing access, perhaps a door with a piano hinge? Since the access will only be needed at most, once in six months for the gas dryer vent and the others, hardly ever at all unless special circumstances, I think I would prefer a large neat thin panel screwed to the wall, maybe 60 inches vertically by 32 inches wide. Screws being the type that can easily be removed and won't strip easily. Then I might cover the thin panel with a mirror. We have a much smaller thin 'access panel' we got from Home Depot for the plumbing in the master bath that is accessible when bedroom door is closed. I have a bar with hooks that I use for hanging things temporarily (not the neatest look but is good place for "gently worn" clothing) that covers the panel nicely. Depends on what you prefer seeing, a rack of clothes hung or an access panel. Would like to hear what you are thinking about. I did a google search of "access panel" in google images. Lots to look at, may take me a while. So still thinking - contractor is working on other parts of room now. We may have a couple of weeks to figure the access panel out.

Your likes and desires sound reasonable to me, if you have the room for these items. Plan for the future too, for flexibility. Is venting through the roof, code? It will be very hard to maintain. Have you thought of the new heat pump dryers or condensing dryers? they don't need venting. People are liking them for their clothes. I have a pull out ironing board and it is ok, but there is some areas that are not clear of drawer mechanisms and catch on fabric or cord. Be sure to have it oriented to be able to iron in the direction you like to iron. Mine is set up for a left handed ironer, because that is the only option I had. I tried to avoid it and looked at several options with a variety of styles. I use it rarely. It has been useful, but a real ironing board is way nicer. The rotary irons fold up fairly compactly. You could create a spot for it, once you know the dimensions of the iron. I have an old Iron Rite and it is LARGE. It goes into my spare bedroom. I like using it. I wished I could afford a Miele. I may someday. I would take pencil to paper, and draw to scale your space. See how your items fit into your space. Look at the washer specs to find out how and where it is recommended to place a front loading machine. My Miele states it is best at a load bearing wall. That is were I have mine. Do the same with your dryer. There are venting regulations and length recommendations regarding runs. If you have yours in the roof, it might be that you will have to have an auxiliary inline fan. But I don't really know much about dryers.