Tips On What To Include When Remodeling a Laundry Room

The laundry room is one of the most heavily-used areas of the home, and yet is regularly neglected by interior designers. Often, these spaces are cramped and awkward, using left-overs from other rooms that make them unpleasant to visit and inconvenient to use. Investing in a laundry room remodel is a great way to improve its functionality and appearance, making your life easier and your home more beautiful. At Degnan, we tell clients that including a laundry room remodel as part of your kitchen or bathroom redesign -- when you will already have contractors and professionals on your property -- is a great way to get more benefit from your remodeling dollars. 

The Washer and Dryer

A laundry room remodel is a great time to update your appliances. Front-loading washers and dryers have become more popular than top-loading types because they are more energy efficient and have a larger capacity. However, these models are often quite low to the ground and can require uncomfortable bending and lift to retrieve heavy loads of laundry. If you are looking for a more ergonomic option, consider buying a pair that is mounted higher, or have your existing pair installed on top of a custom cupboard or storage surface to make them easier to reach while standing.

The Laundry Room Sink

A big wish-list item for many people’s laundry rooms is a deep-basin sink. These special sinks make it easy to soak dirty clothes, scrub at difficult stains, and hand-wash your valuable delicates. A sink basin of 11 inches or more will maximize your workspace and minimize your risk of splashing or spilling. A pull-out spray faucet provides added convenience and functionality. When installing a deep-basin sink, you may want to elevate it above the standard 36” countertop height. A deep sink installed at a low height could create issues with bending and reaching.

The Storage

Many people’s laundry rooms are not just for laundry but serve as a kind of all-purpose storage area. Whether it’s cleaning supplies, linens, or just those odds and ends that don’t have any other home, maximizing your storage space as part of a laundry remodel is a smart choice. Consider using open shelving, which encourages cleanliness and creates added convenience, as you don’t have to move around full, heavy laundry baskets just to get the cupboards open.

The Countertops

Adding to or remodeling your countertop space is a great way to maximize the functionality of your laundry room. For this area of the home, go for a durable countertop surface, such as quartz, that can withstand frequent use as well as detergent and bleach spills. Also, if you are thinking about adding a folding table or laundry room island, consider building this feature at a lower-than-standard height. Folding laundry, especially large items such as sheets, towels, or blankets, requires physical movements that are somewhat difficult to perform at the standard countertop height of 36”. Choosing a folding surface somewhere in the 30-34” range may be more comfortable and ultimately better for your back and shoulders.

Built-In Ironing Board

Installing a hinged ironing board in your laundry room solves the old problem of having to drag a heavy ironing board out of the closet every time you need to set it up. A wall-mounted unit can provide maximum convenience in minimum space. If you have the ability, recessing your hinged ironing board directly in the wall creates an even smoother and more unobtrusive look. If you’re lacking in wall space, there are some models of ironing boards that can even be recessed inside of a drawer.

Is space at a premium?

You might be pleasantly surprised to discover what can be done with a laundry closet. Stacked machines can sometimes be retrofitted into a hallway or pantry closet area under certain circumstances. Better yet, a closet space that is penty deep from front to back can handle full-size front load machines. Consider ordering the risers or having risers built from cabinetry components. A shelf above can provide linen storage or cleaning supply storage.

These are just a few of the many options available to you as part of a laundry room remodel. If you’re thinking of remodeling your laundry room, consider the functionality you need most as well as the aesthetic style you’re going for. At Degnan, we can work with you to create the space that’s right for you.

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 7/30/2018.

About Degnan Design Build Remodel
Since 1981 Degnan Design Build Remodel has provided home improvement and construction services to customers throughout Greater Madison, Wisconsin. Our goal is to WOW you with a "Designed For Your Life" solution using a process that will transform your home into a beautiful living space, delivered on time, and on budget. We are known for our communication, respectfulness, and a commitment to our customers and our community. Contact us to speak with one of our designers about your home improvement project.