Saturday, January 9, 2010

Lately the more we talk about the future kitchen and all the demo that comes along with it (which we will do ourselves... okay, okay I'll be honest. Which Sean will do himself), not to mention the costs that come with it, we are starting to feel a little apprehensive. One way to do a mini dry-run is to do the laundry room. To make our vision come to life it will require moving water lines, outlets and light switches, new lighting, floors and cabinets, and knocking out a wall. It sounds like a lot, specially for such a small room, but it is a high traffic room that needs to be functional and work as smoothly as the kitchen should. So we want to do it right.

Currently this is the layout of the room:

This is the main wall where all the laundry is handled. I HATE the distance between the washer and dryer. I know it is common in homes built in the 80's and 90's but it is just far enough that I have to put it all in a basket to move from the washer to dryer. MAJOR PAIN!

By moving the washer and dryer together not only does it make it faster and easier to do laundry, but I also have the option of a floor to ceiling stack of cabinets once the washer moves under the window. It also struck me last week to completely rip out the closet. We are the type of people who end up shoving dirty boots and shoes in the bottom and gloves and hats up top. Our coats are really the only thing that stay organized so I would prefer to do a bench with a wall of hooks behind. I think this will be easier to manage since it is so visible, plus it will be nice to have some seating.


The proposed stack of cabinets also gives us the luxury of doing a solid counter top over the washer and dryer for folding. With open shelving as well we really end up getting much more functionality out of the same amount of space.

Because I am sooooo enthralled with the idea of a bench and overhead hooks and perhaps even built-ins, I have been keeping tabs on some eye candy for inspiration.
Which one do you like best?

59 comments:

Krystal Wight Armstrong said...

I love your plan to reconstruct that room, it looks like the perfect solution. I think the one long counter over the appliances is one of the best parts. I also love your ambition and dedication to making sure you do it right the first time and really make it the best working space for your needs, rather than compromising for price and keeping something that won't work.

I think the first one is ideal, with the nice bench room, & the cushion is even better! I don't love the second setup but I do like the idea of the racks for the shoes so they don't get a surface dirty, but dirt might fall through the slats anyway, so maybe they're not as great as they seem? Something like the bottom two seems right, but also a little closed in...which is probably from the over-head and side cabinets. So I'd leave those out but just have an open (floating) shelf or two, up higher if you need more places to put stuff that doesn't hang. The glasses shelves look like a boutique and not a home, but the ceiling-high shelf in that shot is better than the cabinets closing in around the bench area (and those striped bench seats are great).
So basically, I love your long wall bench idea with hooks on the wall above, and shoe space underneath, and maybe one long floating shelf pretty high (but reachable) above the bench. I like the airy, wider open, free-flowing feeling of a room, and not a tight low-hanging space. But you're clean white style would undoubtedly do just that anyway :)

Also, if you don't mind, I'm curious- did your husband already have special construction training and/or experience in life before you two started doing your home renos? I'm wondering how much of a leap it will be for my eager & willing husband and I when we buy our first home.
Thanks and Good luck!

Mary said...

Hi Holly! Love the new layout of the laundry room. It does seem to fit a young family of "today" better than the 1980s version. How great that you have a window above where the washer will go, the natural light will be fantastic! I give my vote to the last picture for the "cubby" area in place of the closet. I like the the shoes are a little hidden, since those always become a mess...and you have some closed storage up high, which is a great use of space. Can't wait to see it finished! ~mary~

Krystal Wight Armstrong said...

PS- I'm really sorry for how freaking long that comment was (I had no idea till I saw it 'published'!) Hopefully you'll only take it as a compliment to how engaging your blog is! <:-}

Pretty Little Things for Home & Life said...

The last two are my favorites for structure and practicality, not for color.

Clare said...

For my family I'd probably choose the second picture, because we don't tend to sit down very much as we come in or go out, but we do drop everything as we come in. In our house the bench would probably serve as a clutter spot, whereas the cubbies would give a spot to drop all our stuff (bags, backpacks, wallets, purses, shoes), not feel bad about it, and find it again as we exit.

Anonymous said...

I think the first one or the second to last are the likeliest ones I would pick for myself, but they're all very nice. Hope the project goes well for you guys!

Patricia said...

I like the closed cabinets above all the way to the ceiling in the last picture. I don't like the second picture nearly as much as the others. The first picture is probably my favorite. Good luck with your new laundry. oh, and make sure the height of the countertop is comfortable for you to do some folding. The tall cabinet next to the w/d will be great for mops,iron,etc!

Rachel said...

Oh wow! Eye candy is right. I like them all so my opinion is no help at all. I hope you keep us up to date with how it's going. I can't wait to see the final outcome.

Country Gal said...

Lots of choose from...but this farmhouse gal always go with something white and beadboard with cubbies or hold baskets (woven or metal)...the last photo has the neat feature of keep the shoes (dirty ones and all) near the floor where the dirt should stay...easy to "kick" them into their proper places with that style. Can't wait to see which style is YOURS...Good Luck! Oh, and the neat blue you used on the chair....happen to remember the name/brand. Thanks much. D.

Randi said...

Hi Holly...Theres something I like about each picture. From the first one I like the idea of a bench seat with a drawer or two down low to catch all the stuff that you need on the way out the door, but don't really want in sight. In the 2nd one, actually I don't really 'love' anything about it. It just looks tidy in the pic...not in real life I bet. 3rd one I like how the bench seat goes along both walls. And it looks like maybe the lids lift up to put bulky stuff. In the 4th one I like that there are doors to keep certain stuff out of sight and hooks for the stuff you don't. And finally, I love the character of the last picture. I love white cabinets, but I have to say there really is something about a painted cupboard. Since it's the first thing you see coming in the door after at the end of the day you just need something to make you smile...

Amanda said...

Considering our laundry room is small, cramped, also where the "pantry" is, and sans access to the garage... I'd take ANY of these. My fave though, is the fourth one. That beadboard and wainscotting is beautiful and keeps the messes, that so easily fill a laundry room, out of sight. I think our laundry room is low on our list of projects to tackle but man am I looking forward to the potential it has after seeing these lovely photos.

Becky said...

The Rex Brown one gets my vote. I like the closed cabinets in addition to the hooks so you have ample space for the extra coats that are sure to be needed.

Call me crazy, but I have to say that I never ever use my laundry room counter top for folding laundry--I prefer to do it on the sofa. Am I the only one??

However, I do use my laundry counter to store all the comings and goings--things that need to be returned to the store/library, or delivered to a friend. I find that this greatly reduces the clutter in my kitchen and other more public areas, and it is really easy to keep it under control.

Melissa said...

I love the last 2, the closed cabinetry is ideal for all those extras that really add up over time.

DustyLu said...

Great plan! Looks good. The new flow seems better. A bench would be perfect. lulu

okdoki said...

So, my laundry room is actually in a corner in my husbands garage. I put down a nice 5x8 rug in front of it and told him, "This is my space. You have the entire rest of the garage to put your things and make a mess and I won't bother you if you leave my space be." Does that ever work? However, If I could have any one of those pictures, my first choice would be the first picture, but I see some things from the second picture that I would incorporate. Like in the second picture, the shoes sit on a rack, that could be really helpful with wrangling dirt. I would tile under the shoes so that the mud and dirt and yuckies would be easily cleaned up.

Rayia said...

I love the new layout!

Jen @ RamblingRenovators said...

I like the second to last picture best. The mix of open hooks & cubbies and closed storage is very functional (plus, the closed storage will be great for those off-season items!). As well, the closed portion could mimic the closet in the laundry area, giving the space a very finished and pleasing look.

Debra Lea said...

I love #1 and #4...looks like your laundry room is going to be great! We are in the same boat as you...we want to do our kitchen and have decided to tackle the laundry room first for practice!

Jen said...

I too am into bench seating and hooks & open lockers for outdoor stuff mud part off laundry room and useful storage pull down or hanging or places for all the laundry detergent etc. All of these inspiration pics have attractive elements. and I adore the pet bowl holder in the last picture :) I am sure you will create a timeless beauty.

dedeetsyshop said...

I LOVE the 2nd one and the last one! So exciting!

Anonymous said...

I like the last one best- there's a bench for sitting/storing bags etc if necessary, cupboards above for storage and heaps of room for shoes. Not so keen on the colour though.

Acorn + Archer said...

So hard to choose, they all offer such great ideas!

This may be a silly question, but have you thought about moving the dryer to the middle and leaving the washer where it is? You could probably just buy a longer exhaust for the dryer and not have to move the plumbing. Just an idea! Can't wait to see how it turns out!

~Grace Happens~ said...

Hi holly! Just wanted you to know that my husband did our ENTIRE house by himself, including the kitchen in 30 days! We had a deadline to move in 1 month, so that was the reason for the rush. I'd love for you to stop by my blog, in hopes to give you and your husband a glimmer of hope that it can be done, AND most importantly on a budget:) I can't wait to see what you do with the laundry room. You have such amazing taste! Here's the direct link to our kitchen reno if you'd like to see:) http://nameisgrace.blogspot.com/2009/12/kitchen-reveal-part-i-before-and-after.html

xo
grace

MrsKBJ said...

I really like the 4th one! Lots of little places to store and organize.

Dear Lillie said...

LOVVVVVVVVVVVVE your blog!!!

Suburban Stitcher said...

I like the rex brown picture...with the white cabinets and built in bench. It sort of combines the hooks and cubby look with some closed storage too. Good luck deciding!

X said...

My vote is for the second last one!

J @ The Look 4 Less said...

Wow, those inspiration photos are absolutely gorgeous! I think the first one is my favorite, but the second is nice as well! Can't wait to see what your finished product will look like.

Unknown said...

Hi Holly,

I discovered your blog and can't get enough.

I, too, am all about using the space the best way possible when redesigning an area. I am not sure which way your garage door opens to the inside or the dimensions of the space but I wondered if you've considered moving the washer/dryer to the other wall and adding a small sink. A great bank of upper cabinets could be above that area for storage.

I would then add a bench area under the window and extending the hook wall to the garage door. You would then have a beautiful floor to ceiling cabinet to see when you glance through your hallway. This cabinet could be additional storage for coats and boots that aren't being worn at the time.

Just a thought....

Anonymous said...

I am so jealous! I can't wait to have a mudroom/laundry room like this one day. I like the locker style and all the white in the second picture, plus the navy and white striped bench in the third picture. So beachy and welcoming. :) Hooks on the wall for guests are a must too. Can't wait to see your progress!
-Lisa

Unknown said...

I like picture #4 and would add baskets instead of the round wicker balls:)

Gale said...

I LOVE the last pic of the shoe shelf under the bench. I have a 27 year old daughter that just moved back in after living in Hong Kong for 2 years. I'ld forgotten about having 12 pairs of shoes sitting
by the back door so would definately vote for the shoe storage. I just found your blog and was sucked in by the adorable pics of Wren. Appreciate every minute with her (even the crying whiny days) because they grow so fast. Even though I am a lover of dark furniture, I do have some chipped pieces that would look fantastic painted white, plus I want to help my daughter and son-in-law with their fixer-upper so NEED to buy an air compressor. Will come back often

Amy said...

I like number 1, 3, and 4! I too drool over pictures of entry ways like this, and have several saved to my "wish list" file! We have no space for this in our current home, but I have told my husband that it is an absolute requirement for our next house!

I can't wait to see how your's turns out!

Lisa said...

I like the last one because there is a TON or room for shoes. We have a kind of similar set up and I am always amazed how many shoes and boots we need to accommodate for a family of three people. Whatever you do, make sure you have room for all of them, umbrellas too!

Melissa Marie Head said...

Can't wait to see how it turns out. I love the first and last option. Good luck.

Amy said...

We just remodeled our laundry room over the summer. Not the this extent, but we got front loading washer and dryer and added a counter on top. We love it, especially the counter!

As for the inspiration pics, I love the first on the most, but I like the last one too. Im sure anything you decide on will look lovely!

Simple Sage said...

You're plans look great! I used to design kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms and it makes me so happy when people sit down and draw things out to scale. That folding counter will be wonderful to have. Also, I love the bench idea, the lat picture is my favorite, that bench just needs a cushion! Good luck with the reno!

Amber said...

very excited to see this come togerher!

Anonymous said...

This is a gret plan you and your husband are working on. I love the wall and hooks with the olive green color!! Adorable!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Holly,
I love your idea of moving the apliances close together. My suggestion would be to move the dryer closer to the washer and not the washer closer to the dryer. You may have reasons that we don't know about to do it this way though. But I thought that by moving the dryer you don't have to relocate the piping or the drain, just get a longer cord and vent. Then you can have your floor to ceiling cabinet on the other side. Just my two cents!
As far as the after, I love the last two pics. Still give you a little room to sit but much more functional storage.
Thank you for sharing!
Jannet

Unknown said...

Something is really drawing me to that first photo!

Heidi said...

I like the washer and dryer next to each other under a counter. Then you can add a cute curtain to pull across making the area look that much neater and cleaner.

Wendy said...

Love those benches...but especially the last one! Can't wait to see your finished room!

Seagrass Interiors said...

HI Holly!
First wanted to say I LOVE your blog! I recently went on a vacation in the mountains and spent a, probably embarrassingly long time blogging. I discovered your blog and read the ENTIRE thing front to back! HA! You do an incredible job! Anyways, I love your new plans for your laundry room. Your open shelves above the washer/dryer are so fitting for your house (I can see apothecary jars with detergent and a little scoop : ) I think photo #3 the best. Thanks for the always incredible eye candy!

New Reader,
Melissa

Ampersand Design said...

Love the new layout for your laundry/mudroom.

One thing I would probably check is can you open your washer and dryer side by side? ie is one left opening and the other right opening? This will make it a lot easier for you to unload from the washer into the dryer and may determine which one goes where.
Otherwise you will have to unload into a basket first. Some appliances, the door can be switched from left to right also.

As for which option, if it's just family using that entrance into the house, I say go for practicality. I don't love the look of pic 2 (especially the phrase on the wall), but the fact that the area for shoes allows dirt, snow to melt and drain freely is a plus. Also it doesn't restrict the height of shoes able to placed like the last 2? pics do. It's probably the most functional of all the pics.

Overall I love the look of 1,4 and 5, but if a seated area is not a priority, go for number 2.

The Painted Home said...

love these pics..great inspiration. we are in the process of finding a new home. and i've already decorated one in my head that i liked. i want the laundry rm in your pick with galvanized steel on the back wall. can't wait to see your finished look. good luck :)

Miss Obara said...

I've actually had both. The hooks w/the shoes under w/shelf above and now we have the "cubbies/lockers". By far I love the cubbies/lockers. Each person has there 'own' space. Ours actually has a cabinet above, the hooks in the middle and enough room for a seat in each cubby and shoes under. It also has an additional bench seating on one end which gives room for calendar/memo board above. It works out great!

Ashley said...

I love the new plan! The second to last picture is my favorite, love all the storage.

Jameil said...

they're all beautiful in their own ways. i'm between the first pic and the last pic. the first pic i love the bench (cushion absolutely necessary-- and changeable!) but there's too much stuff on it. i can see myself walking in and that being the first time i sit in my house all day and wanting to just take a moment. pillows out! maybe 1. but i was also wondering about a bench w/coat hooks over it for that same reason. so you have to lean back on coats when you sit on the bench? hmmmm... good & cute theory but i wonder how it works in practice. i like the last pic b/c i love to see my shoes laid out like that but it's not going to work if you live in a cold weather clime & wear boots.

Britlee said...

I Adore that idea! I think my favorite inspirations are the first and the last ones.

Randi said...

Hi Holly!!

I just thought you might want to check out BHG Remodel mag...March 2010. It has some great pics for mudrooms. :)
Randi

Rebecca said...

I love your laundry room plan!!! I agree a counter space for folding would add so much more function to that space! And I love the look of a mud room with built-ins and hooks for coats, cubbies for boots! I like all the inspiration photos except the one with the sunglasses on the wall lol! But I honestly have to say that I have NO DOUBT yours will look 10X better than any of those inspiration photos!

Emily Call said...

Love them all, but for some reason the colors in the first one draw me in. Can't wait to see how yours turns out.

MrsKBJ said...

Hi Holly,
I was just letting you know I was reading Bower Power and Katie gave you nice shout out. Not sure if you are a reader of hers.
http://allbowerpower.wordpress.com/2010/01/11/a-goodwill-eye/

Can't wait to see your laundry room transformation!!

Oh, I won a $75 lisa leonard blog contest. I fell in love with her jewelry ever since I saw it on your blog. I picked the fly free necklace. I can't wait to get it!!

Melissa said...

Just for looks, I love the first one the most. But #4 is definitely the most practical. Our neighbors built lockers in for their three teenage kids several years ago, and I've heard it's the best money they ever spent. Can't wait to see how this goes!

alice in wonderland said...

I don't know if someone else already suggested but I thought of moving the dryer left and not the washer right b/c when you look down your hallway into the room the cabinets will look nicer/less cluttered than the countertop/dryer... it will depend on plumbing/venting issues I know but that's what I thought of... I liked another readers response of hanging a curtain under the counter as well for covering up the appliances... all the photos have fabulous ideas, I prefer the ones with a bench for sitting and shoe storage underneath. Even for your daughter, it's nice to have a place for her to sit while you help with her shoes and when she gets bigger to know where her shoes go, backpack, etc...

Ani said...

I love love love that last one, most functional, design is important but in a functional room like that, function is more important...

I like your ideas for the new design too.. looks great!

sunnysblog@gmail.com said...

My friend Kathleen has lockers/cubbies/hooks that look like the 2nd photo down but there's a place in the middle for kids to sit to take off their boots, etc. before storing their backpacks, coats and shoes in their own cubbies/lockers. I admire the set up every time I visit Kathleen!

Good luck!!

Lauren said...

#1 or the Last one!
Love checking out your blog for ideas!

 
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