September 5, 2019

Inspired by KBTribeChat’s recent discussions, a few weeks ago we talked about mudrooms – one of the main “sister spaces” that often is tied into a larger renovation. The other add-on redesign we often see is the laundry room, a space that is definitely up-and-coming when it comes to the design industry. No longer is it just a utilitarian space; the laundry room now can also serve as a craft room, a gardening center or simply a more relaxing and beautiful place to do chores. 

This week’s KBTribeChat covered all of its potential – from the most important amenities to include today to where this room will head in the future. Here are some of the highlights we picked up on:

Evolution Over the Decades

• According to the NAHB, the laundry room is now the most-wanted home feature.
• The room is now often placed near the bedrooms, even if they are on the second floor. 
• It can also be part of the mudroom or an extension of the kitchen area.
• Much more than washing clothes happens in laundry rooms, including sorting, stain treating, folding, ironing, etc.
• Technology has been integrated into the laundry room, making chores easier and more convenient. (Whirlpool Corp.)
• Laundry rooms are adapting to become more comfortable.

Most Important Amenities

• A compact, built-in ironing board
• A shelf for supplies
• Counter space for folding and other chores
• Hampers for dirty laundry
• An air-drying station
• Ample lighting to address stains
• Non-slip flooring
• A TV or big windows to look at while doing laundry
• A well-equipped washer and dryer!

Top Load vs. Front Load

• Front-load washers offer a contemporary look with front controls in easy reach. 
• In living-in-place scenarios, people tend to lean toward front-loading machines.
• It often is based on square footage – a tight space needs a stackable front load.
• Front load tends to be more space saving and energy efficient.
• Top load tends to be more inexpensive and have agitators.
  

Making the Most of a Small Laundry

• Add storage to place baskets, detergent and other products, freeing up space to separate clothes going in the wash. 
• Using compact or stacked washers and dryers can be a good solution to smaller spaces. (Whirlpool)
• A base pull-out with differentiating hampers for darks and whites saves room otherwise taken by bulky baskets that are not built in. 
• Use every bit of space that you can and include elements like shelving, baskets and hanging areas.
• Lots of storage options!

The Future of Laundry Room Design

• Homeowners will increasingly look for efficient laundry rooms with features that save them time and effort.
• The laundry space will continue to merge with other areas.
• Smarter machines offer more options to help us clean better and more efficiently.
• There is a trend for more multi-functional laundry rooms.
• Laundry design is headed towards more simplicity, minimalism, open-space and lightness.
• Laundry appliances are starting to become as quiet as possible.
• Purposeful technology will adjust to common behaviors, activating shortcuts and solutions.

Join next Wednesday’s KBTribeChat by searching for #KBTribeChat on Twitter at 2 pm EST.