12 Features To Have You Wishing Every Day Was Wash Day

June 1, 2010
Comment21
Click "Embed" to display an article on your own website or blog.
It’s wash day here at Houzz…and we are about to make doing the laundry a whole lot more fun! Did you know the average American family does 400 loads of laundry a year! Wow! That’s a lot of washing, drying, ironing and folding!

Pick up any current home design or renovation magazine and you’ll quickly find that laundry rooms aren’t just places to wash clothes anymore. Instead, they have grown in size, gradually morphing into multi-usage rooms where you are likely to find potting shelves, muddy shoes, pet bowls and televisions. Yep, televisions…where else will you watch your favorite “soap operas.” (Hee, hee) Glad you guys can’t throw tomatoes through the computer!

Laundry rooms have definitely changed for the better. No longer are they the purely functional, not-so attractive spaces they once were. Whenever I think of the laundry rooms of yester-year, I can’t help but picture the scene in the movie, Home Alone, where Kevin is forced to venture into their dark, foreboding basement to retrieve his freshly-laundered clothing. If you are embarking on a laundry room addition/renovation, here are 12 ideas to take the fear out of facing those 400 loads of laundry...
Contemporary Laundry Room by The Container Store Custom Closets
The Container Store Custom Closets
1. Chief Laundry Washer gets to pick the color scheme for the laundry room...no matter what that color might be. Even if it makes you dream of cotton candy...especially, if it makes you dream of cotton candy! :-)
Contemporary Laundry Room Contemporary Laundry Room
2. Sorting is down right fun when you can practice your hoop shots. Don't forget, towels on the left, whites in the center and bright colors on the right...or else it's pink underwear for everyone!
Contemporary Laundry Room The Container Store > Platinum elfa Laundry Center
3. Think storage and convenience! Keep detergent, bleach, and fabric softener within easy reach. Baskets/containers are great for clothespins and wayward socks. Don't forget a trash can...it comes in handy for throwing away old dryer sheets and that fuzzy "blanket" the dryer makes.
Traditional Laundry Room by c3d design
c3d design
4. A sink is a fabulous feature in any laundry room. I use mine for rinsing out paint brushes and for filling up watering cans and pet bowls. Also, it really comes in handy for the occasional detergent spill.
Contemporary Laundry
5. A nice big table for folding clothes is definitely a luxury item in most laundry rooms since they require a good bit of space. But what a great feature to have, if you do have the room.
Eclectic Laundry Room by House to Home
House to Home
6. Now here's something that won't take up much space...a wall-mounted holder for your iron and ironing board. What a great way to keep them up and out of the way when not in use. Note the drying rack...another terrific feature to squeeze in if you have the wall space.
7. To ensure the ironing board stays up on the wall as much as possible, consider a hanging rod for shirts and slacks that could easily wrinkle if not hung right away.
Traditional Laundry Room by User
User
8. This may be my favorite laundry room accoutrement of all...a television! I'm not a big t.v. watcher, but clothes will almost iron themselves when you're watching your favorite show or movie.
Eclectic Laundry Room Laundry Room
9. Your laundry room will be "loads" of fun with a touch of whimsy here and there. If there's one room in your home where you can let your hair down and have some fun...it's the laundry room. Have at it!
Traditional Laundry Room by User
User
10. Lighting plays such an important part in any room. Why not enjoy a little soft lamplight in this space, too. During parties, I will often use the island in my laundry room for refill items. Lamplight would be so nice for those extra runs to grab more sodas and such. Yep, I'm totally stealing this idea!
Traditional
11. If you happen to have a sunny window in your laundry space, plants will make the room feel extra cheerful. Imagine this room minus the luscious greenery...just wouldn't be the same.
Eclectic Laundry Room
12. Have fun with the decor! Add a touch of nostalgic memorabilia as a reminder of how far wash day has really come!

I think even Kevin would enjoy retrieving his clothes from these wonderful laundry rooms. :-)

Please share...what's your favorite must-have feature for the laundry room?
Comment21
Sponsored
First Space

Custom Kitchen & Bath Designs for Everyday Living in Columbus, OH
Our goal is to create high-quality housing in emerging neighborhoods while empowering the communities that we... Read More
Sponsored

News From Our Partners

Related Products

Shelly Swivel Bar Stool, 26"
Shelly Swivel Bar Stool, 26"
$175
The Draper Dining Chair, Gray, Velvet, Gold Base (Set of 2)
The Draper Dining Chair, Gray, Velvet, Gold Base (Set of 2)
$280
Ariella Ovale Glass Pendant Lamp
Ariella Ovale Glass Pendant Lamp
$70
Florence Swivel Counter Stool, Buttermilk
Florence Swivel Counter Stool, Buttermilk
$109
24" Solid Steel Heavy Duty Invisible Hidden Floating Shelf Bracket
24" Solid Steel Heavy Duty Invisible Hidden Floating Shelf Bracket
$40
White Mid-Back Executive Chair
White Mid-Back Executive Chair
$181
Comments (21)
See 18 more comments
Thank you for reporting this comment. Undo
PRO
Between Naps on the Porch
Amethyst, check out thsese two links... You could use a pretty curtain to scoot across in front of the washer and dryer to hide them in a powder room. (see link below)
https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/pictures/laundry-rooms/cabinet-wall-img~d5710d7c0be89695_9-1000-1-b9691c1.jpg" src=" https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/laundry-rooms/cabinet-wall-img~d5710d7c0be89695_1000-1-b9691c1-w240-h276-b0-p0.jpg" data-pin-no-hover="true" width="240" height="276" onmousedown="preventImageDrag(event)" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false" oncontextmenu="PhotoContextMenu.show(event,53111);return false;"/>
cabinet wall · More Info

Or, if you go with a stacking set like in this link below, you could have a louvered door that closes to hide them when not in use.
https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/pictures/laundry-rooms/laundry-room-img~96417fc70b487f94_9-1000-1-08b31e0.jpg" src=" https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/laundry-rooms/laundry-room-img~96417fc70b487f94_1000-1-08b31e0-w240-h240-b0-p0.jpg" data-pin-no-hover="true" width="240" height="240" onmousedown="preventImageDrag(event)" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false" oncontextmenu="PhotoContextMenu.show(event,39084);return false;"/>
Laundry Room · More Info

:-)
   
Thank you for reporting this comment. Undo
User
Laurel - surprises me too about the pedestals. Just had the hubby build some for me (at a fraction of the price of the ones you can buy with the set) and it's awesome not to have to bend over to change the laundry over! Plus, he built them at just the level we wanted so we could still use the tops of the machines as a counter AND he notched them so that the dryer vent, power cords, etc, can run behind and the machines can go flush against the wall - more space now!!
   
Thank you for reporting this comment. Undo
PRO
Jan McQueen
This is a small condo so space is at a premium. However, with new front loading washer & dryer we were able to add a nice countertop. This countertop is not only used for folding laundry, but also a staging area for guests to put their suitcases and use this room as a changing room. The only color was on the wall (periwinkle blue)and made this small room look inviting. Additional storage was added to the walls above the washer & dryer.
3 Likes    

Related Stories

Kitchen Makeovers Kitchen of the Week: Beer, Shuffleboard and Pizza Bring the Fun
By Jeannie Matteucci
Entertaining features and a warm industrial style create a lively atmosphere in this revamped Craftsman bungalow space
Full Story
Trending Now The 10 Most Popular Bedrooms So Far in 2024
By Becky Harris
Feather your nest in style with inspiration from Houzz readers’ most-saved bedroom photos
Full Story
Working With Pros Which Pro Should You Hire for Your Project?
By Laura Gaskill
Find out whether you need a contractor, an architect, an interior designer or another professional for the job
Full Story
Bathroom Makeovers Bathroom of the Week: Accessibility and a Relaxing Vibe
By Becky Harris
A design-build firm uses universal design principles when expanding a family bath
Full Story
Housekeeping How to Clean Your Windows and Keep Them Streak-Free
By Leslie Reichert
Try these tips, tricks and tools to wash your windows so they’re crystal clear
Full Story
Entryways The 10 Most Popular Entries and Mudrooms So Far in 2024
By Suzanne Ennis
Get ideas for storage setups, color schemes and special details from the most-saved entry photos so far this year
Full Story
Kitchen Design 30 Bold and Beautiful Range Backsplashes
By Suzanne Ennis
Get ideas for eye-catching tile and stone backsplashes inside stove alcoves and behind cooktops
Full Story
Porches Porch of the Week: Catching a Breeze in Austin, Texas
By Becky Harris
The new screened-in space has a beautiful fireplace as a focal point and includes lounging and dining spaces
Full Story
Landscape Design Before and After: 4 Landscapes That Bring Resort Style Home
By Marianne Lipanovich
Stunning fire pits, luxurious pools, elegant entertaining zones and other relaxing spots give these yards vacation vibes
Full Story
Trending Now The 10 Most Popular Home Offices So Far in 2024
By Julie Sheer
Get inspired by these stylish workspaces where designers pair comfort with practicality
Full Story
| ABOUT | CAREERS | MOBILE APPS | PROFESSIONALS | BUTTONS | BRANDS | SELL | Terms |
Privacy & Notice
Houzz Inc. © 2024