Remodeling Idea for a Laundry Room

Basic Planning

• Measure your laundry room and draw out a floor plan. Note where the plumbing fixtures are, the existing lighting and the electrical outlets. Measure your washer and dryer and draw them in. Now you know how much space you have available for storage and workspace.

  List what bothers you about your current space. Is the lighting bad? Is the room cramped or inefficiently arranged? Is the flooring in bad shape, or the paint an awful color? Write it all down.

  Next, list the ideas you already have for improvements. Include the smallest things, such as "build a shelf for detergents and cleaners," all the way up to huge projects like "install a skylight." Your budget, time available and building codes will determine which ideas you can implement, but you don't want to forget any of them while you're exploring the possibilities.

Do the Laundry

• Make efficient laundry processing your first priority. Sorting, washing, drying, folding, ironing, mending and transporting clean and dirty clothes and linens are the main jobs involved. Counters are needed for some of this work. A fold-down ironing board (built into the wall, or mounted on the wall) is space-efficient and convenient. A sewing machine or mending basket will make that mending more likely to happen.
  Install a hanging rack, so you can hang clothes coming out of the dryer right away. Those needing ironing will need less pressing if they're hung up while they wait. The rack is also a good place to hang clothes that need to drip dry.

Do More

• Add a utility sink to make your laundry room capable of many extra tasks. Hand washing delicates, washing babies and puppies, rinsing garden produce or muddy boots, and cleaning flower pots are just a few of the jobs made easier by a tough, roomy sink conveniently located. Make sure it has a spray nozzle.

  Include as much storage as possible in your remodel. If you can't build in cabinets and drawers, make simple shelves and use baskets and canvas boxes to store recyclables, wrapping paper and supplies, flower arranging items, craft supplies or whatever collection of tools and equipment need a designated spot in your home.

Make it Inviting

• Grab a paint chip folder at your local hardware store. These include ideas for color combinations that work well together. Decide on a color scheme and paint your laundry room.
  Add curtains, pillows and artwork that complement the scheme. Storage baskets, ironing board covers and even irons are available in fashionable colors to keep your décor coordinated.
  Revamp the lighting if your laundry room is dim. Upgrade fixtures to accommodate brighter bulbs, or add more to brighten murky corners. Add a small television or stereo to keep you company, and a good chair in which to rest a minute while that load finishes.