Sexy Laundry Rooms and a Tip for the Wash

I made a wild prediction last year that laundry rooms would be the next kitchens of home design. You know, a room that gets lots of love and attention. A place we can pretty up in order to enjoy a chore that is great for our families but boring and never-ending. My theory is if you can make it pretty, you might just get it done.

Only time will tell if my prediction is accurate, but here are a few gorgeous laundry rooms to inspire... plus my best SIMPLE tip for actually getting the wash done.

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My numero uno room. I love how this one can be tucked behind closet doors. I love the counter on top of the front loaders (I have front loaders and it would be so helpful to have a counter--in fact, that may be my xmas present from my crafty dad...). I love the bar for hangers. But most of all, I LOVE that backsplash. Lots to love in a little space.

BHG

My fondness for first floor laundry rooms is well-known. I especially like this one that has been incorporated into a kitchen. This plan is not for everyone, but I think it is enormously handy. Check out the link, which is from an article on "13 Ways to Make Laundry Day Easier."

Martha Stewart

Stacking your washer and dryer is a great way to save space, and can usually be accomplished with front loaders. This room is great because of the pull-out tray between the two machines, as well as the ample shelving nearby and coordinating baskets. I also like the sinks. A sink in your laundry room is a necessity for pre-treating stains or hand-washing, and these pedestal sinks are an attractive alternative to the big, old industrial sink. (Of course, for whomever buys my current house, you can definitely live without a sink in the laundry room. Trust me.)

Hendel Homes

Another beautiful option for stacked machines is this set-up behind vented doors. You could also use louvred shutters or cabinet doors with caning... The sky is the limit.


Now for my best tip: I pre-load the washing machine with a batch of clothes. It is so simple it's almost embarrassing. But this one tip helps me to get the laundry done when it's convenient for me--not when I think I should be doing laundry, which always results in delayed loads.

And... check out Casey's post about a Suzanne Kasler-designed laundry room in this post today.

Don't let your laundry room become a laundry tomb!!!