Thanks for responding! Yes, we will have a top loader. I am thinking that framing up a small closet under the stairs will be the way to go for the vacuum and brooms, etc. The space to the left of it can be lower shelves with one set of drawers and space for hampers. To the left of the dryer, i think we can do some open shelves, or stash a drying rack or something. We can do a hanging rack on the left side of the room, maybe a single upper shelf over the washer/dryer/sink side. I am not sure what the simplest thing will be for the door for the closet under the stairs. It will be just shy of 60" tall. Can we just cut down a regular door? I am sure our contractor can help with that question. Good point on offsetting the ironing board- I would not have thought of that. Thanks for the input!

;) The "base cabinet" on the plans isn't set in stone. Really the only things unmovable at this point are the washer/dryer and electric panel behind the exterior door (on the same wall as pocket door). I'm leaning towards cabinets above w/d, a handing rod with bench below, and a broom/vacuum closet next to it with shelves or cabinet above. Maybe a retractable drying rack above the bench? What do you think's a comfortable width for the bench? 18" doesn't seem wide enough--though only one person will sit at a time.

Look at adjustable wire shelving racks -often called metro shelving - there are literally dozens of brands and combinations of height, depth and width. Consider 72" tall and 18 or 24 " deep by whatever width you feel would be comfortable. If on casters, you can roll it out of the way as needed for cleaning. Your preferred product might come with 5 shelves in the tallest size, but you don't have to install all of them; one shelf may go unused in order to give you a wide gap between a folding shelf and hanging space on the top. My daughter found this to be a great solution for her cramped laundry room. As an example:

Wow! Thank you so much, everyone for your help! I was just telling DH that the dryer vent needs to be replaced and the openings cleaned... thank you! Quantity of supplies - I'm sure it's because he can't see whats already there. And, who needs 5 different kinds of carpet cleaner? Got the trash can ready! I do use the laundry sink frequently enough that I would miss it. Thanks for the suggestion on replacing the sink. Makes sense. There are dog cleaning supplies in rolling bucket under the sink. LOL Planning to start measuring for the tall cabinets over the W/D and over the new sink. Painting - thanks. That was a fun project, back before we moved in and the room was empty. The laundry room door stays firmly closed at all times. It's my least favorite room in the house for obvious reasons.