Mud and laundry rooms
. Teal Appeal Designer: Kristi Hopper Location: Dallas Size: 60½ square feet (5.6 square meters) Homeowners’ request. “This homeowner needed a larger laundry room to care for her elderly rescue dogs that she takes in and loves so dearly,” designer Kristi Hopper says. “We took space from the garage and added it to this laundry room to accommodate a sink, large counter space and a refrigerator for pet medications.” Main feature. “We needed this space to be pretty, since it’s seen from the main area of the home,” Hopper says. “This client’s love of color was met with the whimsical light fixture, deep teal
Sink Savior Designer: Jason LaGorga of DesignCrossover Location: Needham, Massachusetts Size: 70 square feet (6.5 square meters) Homeowners’ request. As part of a larger construction project, the owners wanted to relocate their basement laundry room to an area upstairs. And “while they wanted the laundry room to be functional, they didn’t want it to be sterile and boring,” designer Jason LaGorga says. Main feature. “The deep reproduction farmhouse sink was a must for laundry and gardening,” LaGorga says. Other special features. “By using a simple subway-format tile on the floor in a herringbone pattern, we were able to introduce interest and visual movement in the space without breaking the bank,” LaGorga says. “A crisp blue-green cabinet color against a warm wall color brightens the space without being overpowering.” Designer tip. “Making spaces serve more than one function, no matter how large the home, is critical,” LaGorga says. “This space functions as a laundry room, gardening center and, maybe in the future, a dog wash hub.”
Farmhouse Fresh Shaker-style cabinets, a vintage-style sink and a soft color palette give this San Francisco laundry room classic farmhouse style. The designers at KBG Design elevated the look with a stunning textured backsplash tile that reflects the light. The clever compact layout functions well thanks to a folding counter on top of the appliances and a drying rod over the sink.
Soaking Sink A laundry room sink is so handy for soaking stained clothing or hand-washing delicates. Noelle Interiors included a large farmhouse sink with wall-mounted faucets to fit right in with the transitional style of this Los Angeles laundry room. Cabinet paint: Outer Space, Dunn-Edwards Paints
Mudroom-Laundry Combo Washers and dryers are often part of multifunctional spaces, and on first-floor spaces, a laundry and a mudroom are often mixed. RW Anderson Homes crafted beautiful and functional built-ins in this Seattle home for organizing outerwear, bags and shoes, and included a bench and a large sink for hand-washing or working on stains. The white Shaker cabinetry, dark wood shelves and bench, and brick-like tile floor create a farmhouse feel.
A new glass cube that serves as a side entry is a sign that style surprises await inside this Seattle Tudor-style home. Artist Mattie Iverson, who lives here with her young twin daughters and their labradoodle, had a clear vision for a remodel that would preserve and highlight the best aspects of the original home while freshening it up in an artistic, family-friendly way. She assembled a local design team that included DeForest Architects (architecture), NB Design Group (interiors) and Lockhart Suver (contractor). The remodel was a mix of decorating (including new paint, furniture and built-ins) in some rooms and complete renovations of the bathrooms, basement and attic. “Mattie had a vision of creating a place for her family to experience and create art and to appreciate and reinterpret history,” architect John DeForest says. “She always has a creative approach to parenting and lifestyle, and this led to playful ideas in the design of her home.” The redesign team was careful to preserve and honor original elements such as stained glass windows, carved wood columns, ceiling tracery, light fixtures and the rooms’ classic proportions. But a lighter, more minimalist color palette t...
The glass mudroom entry was the only addition to the house, which was built in 1915. “We agreed that it should be a modern and minimalist contrast to the original architecture,” DeForest says. “It provides a convenient entry from the driveway, boasts a view of Elliott Bay and brings light into the north side of the house. And it also serves a practical function, as the original house didn’t account for all the shoes, backpacks and outdoor gear that go with modern family life.” A simple rack makes a minimalist version of a coat closet, helping to maintain the open views. Ottomans provide perches for putting on and taking off shoes, and indoor plants blur the lines between inside and out. “Mattie loves plants and wants her girls to be in touch with growing things,” DeForest says. “One of them has a ‘responsibility cart’ full of growing things to care for.”
Storage. Providing enough storage for this busy weekend home was the biggest challenge for the designers. Although they put upper cabinets above the washer and dryer, they opted not to install any upper cabinets in the rest of the space so they could have lots of windows. Instead they put lower cabinets along two walls and brought in two tables. Cleaning and picnic supplies can be stored discreetly in the lower cabinets, while blankets and tablecloths are displayed on the natural wood table. The blue table has a little storage space in the drawers, and the family likes to use the top for folding laundry. Pro tip. Think about your biggest priorities and then design from there. “Don’t be afraid to limit wall cabinets in order to max out windows and natural light,” Yoakum says. “The laundry room may become one of your favorite rooms in your home.”
Farmhouse-style design. Although this is a new home, the homeowners wanted it to feel lived in. The build and design team stuck with traditional farmhouse materials and then used a mix of antique furniture and new distressed pieces to furnish the home. Color accents are introduced through furniture and accessories, but everything is subtle so it won’t compete with the natural environment outside the windows. Traditional six-pane windows highlight the barns, donkey area and river on the property while ushering in natural sunlight. “By having a neutral, bright palette, you tend to look past the room and are automatically drawn to the colors of the outside,” says interior designer Emily Yoakum. Sink. The laundry room also serves as the mudroom and general storage space for the family. A sink makes the area more functional when cleaning up after a busy day outside or hosting events. The team chose concrete for the sink because it creates contrast to the subtle color palette and natural materials. “People should consider natural elements if their space has a lot of man-made or new products,” Yoakum says. “This always adds to the story of the space as well as the interest.” Counter....
Overhead clothesline. This laundry room in Stockholm, Sweden, contains a feature that is very practical for winter weather: clotheslines placed overhead to enable several rows of clothing to air-dry. This overhead line setup is common in Sweden and Switzerland. Clotheslines typically hang down from the ceiling low enough so you can reach the line and attach clothespins to secure laundry. Alternatively, you can place items on the lines using hangers, as this image shows. The radiator on the left, under the window, can blast some heat to help clothes dry faster. Some homes even have fans mounted to help the air circulate.
Custom drying rack. Designer Carly Visser created this laundry room for parents with two young kids. The space features custom drying racks specifically for baby clothes and small items, which can be laid across the bars to air-dry. If anything has to be hand-washed, the farmhouse sink next to the washer and dryer can be used.
Pet-washing station. A laundry room is a great place for including pet-friendly features, especially if your laundry area is by a back or side entrance. A pet-washing station like the one pictured here is handy for washing off mud, lake water or that mysterious smell. OR HUMAN WASHING STATION BEFORE ENTERING HOUSE?
Air-dry. Even with ventilation, laundry rooms can get pretty stuffy. This San Francisco space gets around that with a Dutch door to let in breezes and views. While this room does include a dryer, taking some pieces out early to air-dry saves energy and provides a natural freshness that dryer sheets can’t quite copy.
Mudroom entry: The mudroom entry connects the kitchen and the door to the garage. It provided 43 extra square feet for Alton to make the most of. She used the same wood on the bench seat that she used on the china cabinet’s countertop. “There are so many hard surfaces in a kitchen, it’s good to get some wood in there for warmth,” she says. Pro tip: Alton prefers to create cubbies off the floor for shoes. “Shoes tend to mess up the floors all around them. It’s easier to wipe down a raised cubby,” she says.
Margot Hartford Photography Save Email Laundry Room: Blue-and-White Bliss Designer: Dina Bandman Interiors If you think washing your clothes or your dog is a chore, this laundry room created by designer Dina Bandman may change your mind. The blue-and-white room features hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper, a window treatment from Lee Jofa and porcelain tile floors from Country Floors.
Apostolou used 270-degree hinges on the laundry closet to allow the doors to fold in half and then back, so they don’t get in the way. Rather than relocate the bathroom closer to the master bedroom (which does not have an en suite bath), the couple chose to keep it at the back of the second story. Why? Because a building code in Toronto allows homeowners to have up to 100 percent glazing on the non-street-facing portion of their home. Taking advantage of the ability to employ enormous windows resulted in a bright space that seems far bigger than its square footage.
A custom wood barn door spray-painted in a calming ocean blue color complements but also breaks up the expansive shiplap walls in this Charleston, South Carolina, beach house. A painting purchased at a local home store and an entry table balance the other side of this long, narrow wall while also reinforcing the coastal theme. In this high-traffic area of the house, rustic white European oak flooring with a hand-scraped texture hides scratches and scrapes. The Guest House Studio, which was hired to help finish the house, reports that the floors have stood up well to the homeowner’s puppy. Table: Restoration Hardware; wall paint: Extra White, Sherwin-Williams; barn door paint: Yarmouth Blue, Benjamin Moore; E.F. Chapman Darlana four-light 13-inch polished nickel light fixture: Visual Comfort; wood flooring: Riverstone collection in Danube, DuChateau
Light, beautiful wood stands out in this Nantucket, Massachusetts, entry, via both the white oak wood floors and the custom barn doors made from reclaimed barn boards. The doors have been left unfinished and feature hardware by Rustica Hardware. A vintage kilim rug and midcentury George Nelson light fixture add playful details in a tastefully curated way. Kilim rug: vintage, Kilim.com; wall paint: Sea Salt, Benjamin Moore; wood floor finish: Rubio Monocoat in custom color
This compact and efficient Midwest mudroom off the kitchen features useful storage pieces in timeless finishes and colors. V-groove wood walls contrast the dark wood stain of the built-in bench and storage cubbies. Black hexagonal tiles are a classic style, but their oversized dimensions modernize the space. A built-in bench provides a convenient place to remove muddy shoes, while hooks can hold leashes and coats. A tray underneath the bench stores shoes. Additional items can go in the storage cubbies.
This mudroom in Minneapolis gives the homeowners room to spread out, with multiple walls of hooks and storage cubbies keeping everything tidy and out of sight. Resilient flooring in a herringbone pattern ties all of the colors of the room together while also adding a focal point to an otherwise neutral space.
This contemporary mudroom addition provides a traditional home in Cincinnati with storage, a laundry area and a built-in workspace. The white color of the built-in storage pops against the cedar wall. Hooks, shoe cubbies and wicker baskets help to keep items organized and out of the way. Porcelain tile floors pick up the gray color of the storage baskets and the walls beyond. Floor tile: ColorBody lightly polished porcelain tile in Midnight; Satellite 2¼-inch light fixture in natural brass finish: Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.
Next to a kitchen. Part of an open-plan space, but designed to be concealed when not in use, the laundry can be incorporated adjacent to the kitchen. Thanks to matching cabinetry, it becomes almost invisible once the doors are closed, but the easy opening action means that the laundry can be accessed when needed. Note the clever use of a window within the laundry to allow extra natural light to stream into the room. A simple white color scheme with natural tones matches the kitchen and dining table for a cohesive finish.
In a shared space. Because laundries and bathrooms go so well together, a good approach is to design one large room with both areas inside. Here, the laundry maximizes space, with a stacked washer and dryer, and storage above and below a small laundry sink. On the other side is a bathroom with shower and toilet. The laundry sink doubles as the bathroom basin.
In a nook. Many homes have a nook, be it a place to store correspondence or sit for a cup of coffee. Because laundry areas can be designed to be compact, the idea of one in a nook is clever. Here, mesh doors open and slide back into the surrounding cabinetry so that they are out of the way when the laundry is in use. The mesh doors can be closed while the washer and dryer are in use because air can flow easily through the area without creating condensation inside the cabinet. Since the doors are almost opaque, shutting them hides the functionality of the space.
In a hallway. Good planning has created space in this corridor for a side-by-side washer and dryer with hanging racks above. A traditional door that opens out to access the laundry area would not have worked in the narrow hallway, but a sliding barn-style door does the trick. When closed, the door is almost invisible within the architecture of the home, which is just what the owners wanted.
In a bathroom. Laundries and bathrooms are both wet zones, so it makes sense to combine these rooms when space is tight. To keep from interrupting the calm, relaxing nature of a bathroom, it’s customary to conceal the laundry in some way — in this case, behind bi-fold doors. The door profile is in keeping with the contemporary style of the bathroom, yet it is simple enough that it doesn’t stand out as a feature. Simple shelves above and drawers to one side allow the homeowners to keep laundry items close by.
Create some order. A bit of organization can really help you feel on top of things. A good project for the fall is to set up some proper shoe and boot storage, to keep that mucky footwear off the entryway floor. I’ve found that the more complicated the system, the less likely my family is to use it, which is why I especially like the looks of the simple wall-mounted boot rack shown here.
Lockers with a rustic charm blend right into this California home’s entryway. In the mudroom, the kids can stuff their coats into their locker made from reclaimed wood, then shut the mesh door before washing up for dinner. No style is lost, but a lot of organization is gained.
Style conscious. Most people think of big metal lockers that slam with a thundering crash, but that’s not always the case. Lockers are what you want them to be. Blend them into your decor by using materials and colors that match the rest of the home’s style, such as these painted maple and plywood cabinets that were made to hug the existing rock wall.
The lack of doors also means that parents don’t have to worry about smashed fingers. If you do want areas to hide supplies, install a few cabinets high above little heads.
KannCept Design, Inc. Save Email No doors, no problem. For little hands, open-front cubbies make mornings a breeze. Kids can find their boots, backpacks and books without any help. Plus, with a custom coat of a favorite paint, your little guy or gal will start each day on a colorful note.
A new hallway created off the garage allowed space for a powder room and this new 5-by-11-foot mudroom that helps the family stay organized as they go in and out. Lockers for each of the four children hold jackets, caps, schoolbooks and other personal items, while cubbyholes hold baskets for smaller items to help the kitchen stay free from clutter. Drawers store clean socks. “It’s so wonderful; before we had, like, 30 pairs of shoes at the front door constantly,” Jenny says.
10. Workspace. With such a light and bright laundry room, who wouldn’t want to work here? Tile floors, raised-panel cabinets, marble counters and a beautiful window make this U-shaped laundry space as functional as it is beautiful. Ample cabinetry provides storage for linens and laundry essentials, while desk drawers make a convenient place to stash frequently used papers and office supplies.
9. Sink. Whether you regularly hand-wash delicate items or simply need to scrub out stains from time to time, having a small sink in the laundry room is a feature that makes a lot of sense. Double (or triple) your reasons for including one if the laundry is also in the mudroom, for washing hands, or positioned near a messy craft area, for post-project cleanup.
8. Counter topper. Topping a side-by-side washer and dryer with a counter is a useful feature that puts what otherwise would be wasted space to work. Use the counter to sort and fold laundry, and to keep necessities like detergent and stain remover within easy reach. A shiny tile backsplash, mint green accent wall and framed black-and-white photography work together to create a laundry area that would be a pleasure to spend time in.
7. Folding island. A spacious laundry room-mudroom combo is on the wish list of many big families. This multipurpose room adjacent to the kitchen holds the washer and dryer, reclaimed wood cubbies, and a vast island for sorting and folding laundry (with tons of storage below) that can also be used for spreading out school or craft projects. Small details, like raising the washer and dryer to allow room for a drawer underneath, make use of every bit of space.
6. Glamorous details. Custom built-in cabinets, a shiny tile backsplash, an undermount sink, chic laundry baskets and even a crystal light fixture find a home in this luxe laundry space, elevating everyday chores. Smart extras include a smooth surface for folding clothes, small upper cabinets for storing supplies, and sleek containers for emptying pocket contents and stashing clothespins.
5. Ample storage. A combination of shelving and cabinets provides the best of both worlds when it comes to laundry room storage. Keep spare laundry baskets and fresh towels within reach on the open shelves, and stow cleaning supplies and other necessities out of sight behind closed doors. A tile accent wall, long counters for folding clothes, and a hanging rod and high shelf above the sink add even more function.
4. Patterned tile and color blocking. This laundry room manages to squeeze in two top trends: a gorgeous patterned tile floor and color-blocked walls. On the tiled wall, basic subway tile is arranged with white tile on the upper section and black tile below; on the adjacent wall, the effect is repeated, but with paint. The black-and-white tile on the floor ties the scheme together and adds big style to this compact space. Other thoughtful space-saving features packed into this laundry room include the wall-mounted ironing board, stacked washer and dryer, petite utility sink and open shelving.
3. Bold color. Since the laundry room tends to be one of the smallest spaces in the house, why not have a little fun with it? This one is painted a vibrant shade of blue, and a mirrored backsplash above the sink lends even more brightness and light.
2. Convenient placement. Putting the laundry in the mudroom, as shown here, or in a nook off the kitchen is a popular choice when the location is handy. And when you use quality finishes, like the sleek black built-in cabinetry surrounding this set, your washer and dryer don’t need to be hidden away.
1. Farmhouse style. Farmhouse style continues to gain traction all around the house, and the laundry room is no exception. In this space, which tops our list, a wood ceiling and weathered shelving add rustic warmth to a hardworking laundry room. Smart details like an over-the-sink hanging rod and easy-to-clean tile floor (but with the look of wood) make laundry tasks easier and more beautiful.
Details matter. This space’s Dutch door and natural light are what dreams are made of. Consider every element of the room and make it special. By doing so, you’ll transform folding laundry into a chore you just might learn to love.
Paint your cabinets. A coat of paint goes a long way. It’s also an easy way to update your laundry room without having to do any remodeling.
Match the rest of the house. If your home’s theme is open and clean, mimic that look in this space as well. A cohesive theme throughout unifies even the smallest of spaces. Making a match is as easy as finding inspiration in the decorating you’ve already done.
If you don’t have a window to dress, perhaps there’s an open-shelving situation that could use a little drapery. Bring in pieces that are more commonly found in your living room to prove that this room is just as important. Picking a sharp and intentional palette also drives that thought home.
Pet-washing stations. More and more new construction and renovations incorporated convenient places to give Buddy and Bella a bath. A handheld shower head makes it so much easier. A design element worth noting here is the use of the same material on the floor and around the tub, which provides continuity.
Ironing cabinet. Another great way to save space is with an oldie but goodie, the ironing board cabinet. If you live in an older home that retains a lot of original features, you may even have one built into the wall. The board folds up and out of the way. I’ve always admired these — none of that dragging around and folding and unfolding of that cumbersome free-standing board.
Pullout folding surface. This clever built-in offers the best of both worlds: a solid wall of cabinets for storage and a hidden countertop for folding.
Integration with the bathroom. By combining a bathroom and laundry room, both gain more space and a luxurious open feeling. These clever architects found a way to tuck the washer and dryer behind cabinet doors and added an adjacent folding shelf.
Counter over machines. One of the perks of having a front-loading washing machine is the opportunity to add a counter right over the washer-dryer set. It’s a functional space saver when dimensions are tight.
Natural light. Rather than stuffing the laundry room into a closet-sized space in the middle of the house, designers are moving it to spots where the laundress-laundry man can enjoy the view out a window.
Mudroom-laundry room mash-up. The great thing about this combo is that when someone comes in muddy, you can have them strip down to their skivvies and toss the dirty clothes right into the washing machine. The counter space comes in handy for folding as well as getting organized or unloading when exiting and entering.
Farmhouse style. A comfortable feel was also popular in laundry rooms this year. Here, the brick floor and fabric tucked behind chicken wire on the cabinet doors create a relaxed country style.
Barn doors. Style extended even beyond the laundry room itself, with accents like sliding barn doors at the entry. When a laundry room is this beautiful, though, you’ll want to keep that door open, which is why we also saw many French doors and salvaged doors with windows that kept the view open.
High design. At first glance I thought this was a photo of a lovely kitchen. Homeowners and designers approached laundry rooms like any other room in the house, outfitting them with beautiful floors, tiles, paint colors, hardware, cabinets and more.
Reconstruction Often a laundry room or laundry area is located next to a bathroom, as they both need access to the home’s main plumbing lines. If this is the case in your house, consider opening the wall between the two rooms to create one luxurious bathroom.
Sliding Doors A sliding door is a great solution for concealing a hallway laundry station where a swing-out door would block traffic flow. Expect to pay about $900 to $2,000 for the door, track and installation.
Curtains You don’t necessarily need built-ins to hide a laundry station. A suspension rod (the type that’s often used to hold a shower curtain) and a few pretty drapery panels will elegantly hide your appliances, giving the laundry area a dreamy softness without much investment.
Here, a low cabinet hides side-by-side washer and dryer units. A custom cabinet like this will likely cost a few thousand dollars, but you can re-create the look yourself by removing the back of a large media cabinet and sliding in the machines.
Special features: A French door brings in natural light from a large window in a laundry room. Open shelving and hooks allow family members to grab things quickly when they’re in a rush. Drawers on the bottom keep things organized and uncluttered, while classic hardware adds timeless style. Plan of attack: “When you’re starting from scratch, so to speak, you have the ability to imagine all sorts of possibilities, then put them on paper and watch them take shape,” Jung says. “In that process though, it helps to know your potential clientele: Who will buy this house? What will their needs be? We try to put ourselves into the shoes of those who will live in our homes, and then the plans take shape.” Why the design works: The mudroom connects to the garage and laundry room. It’s used daily by the homeowners, who pass through it on their way out — and when they arrive home at the end of the day. It’s a great landing area for backpacks, shoes, coats, work bags and the like.
Having no mudroom in Minnesota, where snow is an issue for much of the year, can be quite a problem for a family of five. “The kids would all come in the back door of their home and spread all of their things on the floor of the family room they were entering,” designer Jim Scott says. The homeowners desperately needed a place to store boots, hats, jackets and backpacks. Special features: A counter for charging mobile phones. A chalkboard for messages. Junk drawers. Baskets for scarves, mittens and hats. A walnut bench, V-groove wall paneling and a porcelain tile floor for durability and style. Heated floors to warm feet and help dry boots. Schoolhouse lights, face-frame cabinetry and crown molding for nods to traditional style. Why the design works: The mudroom opens into the kitchen and center of the home. “This allows for groceries to come easily into the house as well as allowing guests to bypass the kitchen and move into the more formal spaces,” Scott says. Designer secret: “Heated floors were a very nice addition,” Scott says. “We used a tile that will wear very well and hide all of the grime that gets tracked inside. Using stained wood tops on surfaces that will be abused...
Other special features. “We have a place for everything,” Hopper says. “We made a space specifically for the laundry basket that this client already owned, and a stepladder compartment. [We also added] a deep sink to accommodate the needs of her dogs, and the fabulous white backsplash that ties everything together from the countertops to the beautifully painted cabinets.” Designer tip. “Stacking the washer and dryer made this room possible, because it allowed us to have the extra space we needed,” Hopper says.
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