Lovely Laundries with Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute: A laundry that is as practical as it is pretty requires careful planning and considered design decisions.
The following are some key points to discuss with your designer when creating a new laundry space.
Location and space
The laundry’s location may be set in stone, but if you have an opportunity to relocate the space, consider your laundry habits.
• If you’re into energy saving and prefer an old-school air dry, proximity to the clothesline may be the most critical factor.
• Highly fragranced washing detergents can emit an overwhelming odour that may not work well with food preparation and consumption. If your laundry is close to the kitchen, keep this in mind.
• If the laundry will be located near living or sleeping spaces, consider soundproofing measures to buffer the noise from appliances.
• And finally, you’ll want to consider the National Construction Code requirements for room heights. Your designer will be able to give you more information about this.
Workflow and layout
The laundry layout should accommodate an efficient workflow with a logical order for washing, drying and folding. You may wish to iron or steam clothes in the laundry room too, so make sure you ask your designer to allow for this if it’s on your wish list.
• Place the washer and dryer near each other to simplify the task of heaving heavy loads of washing from one machine to another.
• Storage, storage, storage: What will you want to store in the laundry? Linen, washing detergents, cleaning supplies, clothes baskets, pegs and more will need a suitable home. What else will you need to access or store in this space?
Appliances
Select energy-efficient and appropriately sized washing and drying machines. Front-loading machines are generally more water- and energy-efficient and can be stacked to save space. Always refer to the appliance manufacturer’s installation instructions – non-compliance could void your product warranty.
Ventilation
Provide adequate ventilation to prevent moisture and odours from accumulating. Install an exhaust fan or openable windows.
Lighting
Install bright, task-specific lighting to ensure good visibility when sorting and folding laundry, and include ambient lighting for a pleasant atmosphere.
Flooring
Choose durable, easy-to-clean flooring that will withstand water and frequent foot traffic.
Future-proofing and accessibility
A skilled designer will help you plan for future needs, like accommodating a growing family, adapting to reduced mobility, or even replacing old appliances with new machines.
For more information, visit Kitchen and Bathrooms Designers Institute
