Your Guide to Designing an Efficient and Aesthetically-Pleasing Laundry Room
Modern laundry rooms are no longer the utility rooms they used to be. They have found their way from the backyard shed or the underground floors to the house. Whether it’s a hidden gem in the hallway cupboard or a whole room next to your bathroom, a laundry room can be a very useful workspace.
Having a beautifully designed laundry area can turn repetitive and boring daily tasks like washing into fun-to-do chores. A laundry room can make your life a lot easier in terms of providing an optimised workspace and storage. If your original interior design doesn’t have space for a laundry room, maybe it’s time to reconsider the idea and build one. And, if you’re not satisfied with how your existing laundry room looks, you can always transform it with a little renovation. From deciding on the location to buying laundry tapware, here is everything you need to know about building a practical yet beautiful laundry room.
Set the Location
The location of your laundry room can make or break how often and well will you use it. Why is this so? Because the location is crucial for easy accessibility and that’s what makes having a separate utility room so appealing. What’s the most convenient place in your home for building a laundry room? Here are some ideas.
For Smaller Spaces
If you don’t have enough space for a separate room, consider including a separate laundry area in an existing space, like an under stairway space that’s not been used, or a corner in your bathroom. You can go European style and incorporate it in the kitchen. What may seem like a strange spot for someone, for others, can be extremely useful. So, do whatever works best for you.
For Bigger Homes
If you have the space, don’t hesitate to pay your full attention to it by turning a whole room into a laundry area or building a new one. If you can locate it near to your bathroom or kitchen, that would be great. If not, don’t stress out and make it wherever you can. Just make sure you have the space for everything you need, so you can do all your chores there, without having to go to the other end of the house often.
Optimise the Layout
How you will lay all the appliances is very important for optimising your laundry workspace. How do you layout a laundry room? Consider how you will use your laundry and what items you will store. Design your space to save time while working, not having to double handle everything. And, if possible, streamline the washing, drying and folding process to save time.
Ensure there is enough space to move around safely and comfortably, considering the workflow. Elevate the appliances to reduce bending and crouching. Positioning your washing machine between your sink and laundry baskets will allow you to transfer clothing directly between these areas. Positioning the dryer next to or above the washing machine reduces unnecessary movements.
If you use an air-dryer or a rail to hang wet clothes, make sure to leave space for it. An easily accessible ironing station can be very useful. Making it wall mounted can save you a lot of space.
Carefully Choose Your Laundry Tapware
Laundry tapware plays a significant role in the laundry room’s usability. That’s why you need to choose carefully. You’re probably asking yourself ‘How do I choose a laundry tap?’ By considering the same factors you did with bathroom and kitchen taps: you look for both style and functionality and water efficiency.
Functionality
Having laundry is all about practicality and functionality. That’s why the first thing you want to look for when buying laundry taps is functionality. Search for a model that will make soaking large clothing items, washing your pet or scrubbing dirty boots easy and possible. In addition to a deep laundry sink, a high spout can do wonders. Gooseneck spout designs and pull-down sink taps can be lifesavers.
Another thing to consider is whether you want a laundry mixer tap or split tabs. Mixers are the most popular choice, as they’re much more practical. But, if you’re going for a more traditional look or simply prefer split taps, you should go for it. A pull-down mixer tap or an extendable tap faucet can be pricey but they’re totally worth it, as you can guide water exactly where you need it.
The last thing to consider is your water pressure. You can avoid splashing by investing in adjustable flow rate taps if you have a high-pressure system.
Style
With new appliances and layouts coming to light, the design of laundry taps has changed from simply functional to wildly aesthetic. While trends change a lot, focusing on a general themed look can be both practical and fitting. Buying the same style of tapware for all of your rooms can create a cohesive look that brings amazement to your and your visitors. You can create such a perfect look by picking a tapware collection for the entire home.
Water Efficiency
Checking how water-efficient the laundry tap you want to buy is can save you money on your water bill and benefit the environment. According to Australian regulations, every tap needs to be assessed and given a WELS water rating label. WELS is a government program to give customers important information regarding a product’s water efficiency and helps them make informed decisions. It includes a star rating out of six. The more stars, the more water-efficient the product is.
Laundry Tub or Kitchen Sink?
When designing a laundry room, many people think that mounting a stainless kitchen sink will be enough. While this is true, laundry tubs are much deeper and wider. This can easily make the laundry tub one of the most used appliances in your home. You can use it for pre-soaking your clothes, easy garment maintenance or keeping your beer and drink bottles cold.
Opt for a deep, large basin that you can put almost everything in. Make some storage space around it to have your cleaning agents within reach of your hand. Another tip is to make your laundry sink hidden with a benchtop, so you can make the best out of your laundry workspace.