The laundry room is one of the most used areas of a home and yet, is usually one of the most poorly designed. As an afterthought,it is tucked away in a basement, crammed into a closet or combined with other areas that don't work well together.
As you consider the location and design of your laundry room, above all else, be practical.
Traffic Flow
My laundry area is in a hallway leading to the downstairs powder room. Not only is this inconvenient, it is a safety hazard as we step over piles of laundry and baskets on the way to the powder room. And, I have the extra effort of keeping the area looking neat for guests. Always locate your laundry area away from often used traffic paths whether in the garage, basement or living area.
Keep Dirty Laundry Close At Hand
Why not place the laundry room near the largest source of dirty clothes? Perhaps not just your teenager's room, but all of the bedrooms. If your home is a split-level or multi-story, a stacked washer/dryer can easily fit in small spaces and save many, many steps up and down stairs. It's also a great way to help children be responsible for their own laundry.
It Seemed Like a Good Idea At the Time
The kitchen is the hub of most homes. So why not put the washer and dryer in the kitchen? It may seem efficient but laundry rooms produce high amounts of humidity, dust and lint. You don't want this near food preparation areas anymore than you want food and grease near your nice, clean clothes.
The bathroom seems a logical spot for a washer and dryer - dirty clothes and water. But unless you like relaxing in a bath while gazing on dirty laundry and waiting in line until all of the clothes are folded, you should probably rethink your idea.
You should also resist including the laundry area in a multi-purpose room. Humidity and noise don't mix well with other activities. If the washer and dryer must be part of a larger area, consider installing insulated walls to confine the work area.
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