Creating a Stylish and Practical Laundry Room with a Built-In Steamer

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Laundry rooms have long been the unsung heroes of the home, often relegated to the background while other areas receive more attention. However, with the rise of modern design trends, laundry rooms are now being recognized as spaces that can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. In this article, we will explore how to create a stylish and practical laundry room, with a focus on incorporating a built-in steamer.

Location: The Key to a Functional Laundry Room

Before diving into the design elements, it's crucial to consider the location of your laundry room. The ideal location depends on your lifestyle and the layout of your home. Some homeowners prefer their laundry room near the bedrooms, while others find it more convenient next to the kitchen where everyone tends to congregate. Noise is also a significant factor; if you're sensitive to sounds and prefer doing laundry at night, it might be wise to place the washer and dryer away from bedrooms.

In Europe, it's not uncommon for washer-dryers to be located in bathrooms. This setup can be practical as it eliminates the need for waterproofing and plumbing. However, this may not be a popular choice in many parts of the world due to space constraints and aesthetic considerations.

Practical Considerations

Once you've determined the best location for your laundry room, it's time to think about the practical aspects. Here are some key considerations:

1. Space Optimization

Laundry rooms come in all shapes and sizes, from compact closets to spacious basements. Regardless of the size, it's essential to maximize every inch of space. Interior designer Manuella Moreira recommends arranging appliances in a way that facilitates a smooth workflow. Position the washer and dryer side by side or stack them to save space, and include a countertop or folding station for sorting.

2. Utility Sink

A utility sink can be a game-changer in a laundry room. It provides extra space to rinse out messes, whether it's from arts and crafts, pets, or cleaning. Joyner, who has a utility sink in her 100-year-old house, uses it almost daily for tasks like cleaning off her boys' baseball pants after a muddy game.

3. Lighting

Lighting is another critical component of a well-designed laundry room. Bright overhead lighting helps catch stains you might otherwise miss, while under-cabinet lighting adds an extra layer of functionality. Interior designer Rebuck emphasizes the importance of nice, bright lighting in a laundry room.

Design Elements

Now that we've covered the practical considerations, let's delve into the design elements that can transform your laundry room into a stylish and functional space.

1. Built-in Steamer

A built-in steamer is an excellent addition to any laundry room. It not only refreshes your clothes but also adds a touch of elegance to the space. The LG Styler steam closet is a popular choice among interior designers. This steam closet can be integrated into your laundry room layout to provide an efficient way to refresh garments, pillows, plush toys, and more.

2. Cabinetry

Cabinetry plays a significant role in both functionality and aesthetics. While some homeowners prefer stained wood cabinetry for resale value, many designers recommend painting the cabinetry to freshen up the look. Interior designer Regan Baker suggests blending dark stainless steel appliances with lighter color palettes like beiges and pastels to create a glam spot for folding and ironing.

3. Storage Solutions

Storage is essential in a laundry room to keep the space organized and clutter-free. Closed storage is often preferred over open shelving as it is more hygienic and reduces visual clutter. The Williams sisters recommend using closed storage to keep lint and debris from sorting out of sight, which also helps keep cleaning materials safely out of reach from children.

4. Ample Wall Space Utilization

Utilizing wall space is crucial in small laundry rooms. A wall-mounted drying rack, drop-down ironing board, or fold-away table can help keep the floor clear and make the most of available space. Interior designer Shavonda Gardner added personality to her Sacramento home laundry room by using wallpaper and machine-washable rugs and curtains, which also absorb sound from noisy machines.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you create a stylish and practical laundry room:

1. Incorporate Second-Hand Materials

Incorporating second-hand materials and accessories can add character to your laundry room without breaking the bank. The Williams sisters suggest scouring Craigslist for usable goods like tiles for a backsplash or lightly used garment racks and shelves.

2. Make the Most of Your Wall Space

Any empty wall space should be utilized with accessories like wall-mounted drying racks or fold-away tables. Jerome’s laundry room renovation included a hidden folding table designed to look like art, which maximized the narrow space available.

3. Add Personality with Bold Colors

Laundry rooms are great places to experiment with bolder colors or patterns. Adding personality with wallpaper or unique hardware can make the space more enjoyable. Interior designer Lisa Frantz engineered her space with textured cast glass on pocket doors to bring light into a long dark hallway while providing privacy.

4. Hide the Machines

If you want to create a seamless look in your laundry room, consider hiding the machines. This can be achieved by placing them behind cabinets or using a design that integrates them seamlessly into the room.

Example Layout

To illustrate these concepts, let's consider an example layout for a stylish and practical laundry room:

1. Location: Place the laundry room near the bedrooms or kitchen for convenience.
2. Built-in Steamer: Incorporate an LG Styler steam closet to refresh garments efficiently.
3. Cabinetry: Paint the cabinetry in a light color to freshen up the look and blend with lighter color palettes.
4. Storage Solutions: Use closed storage to keep lint and debris out of sight and keep cleaning materials safely out of reach from children.
5. Wall Space Utilization: Install a wall-mounted drying rack and a drop-down ironing board to maximize available space.
6. Lighting: Use bright overhead lighting and under-cabinet lighting to ensure visibility and functionality.
7. Utility Sink: Include a utility sink for rinsing out messes and other cleaning purposes.
8. Additional Touches: Add personality with bold colors or patterns through wallpaper or unique hardware.

Conclusion

Creating a stylish and practical laundry room is more than just a necessity; it's an opportunity to enhance your home's functionality and aesthetic appeal. By incorporating a built-in steamer, optimizing space, using practical design elements like utility sinks and ample storage solutions, and adding personality with bold colors or patterns, you can transform your laundry room into a space you'll actually enjoy spending time in. Whether you're working with a small closet or a spacious basement, these tips will help you create a laundry room that is both efficient and beautiful.

References:

• Forbes – "How To Incorporate The 2024 Laundry Room Trends In Your Home"
• Food52 – "Expert Tips for a Laundry Room That's Efficient (& Beautiful)"
• Chris Loves Julia – "Reveal: The Long-Awaited Modern Colonial Laundry Room"
• ELLE Decor – "26 Laundry Room Ideas That Are Fresh and Functional"