Design Notes
The laundry room. Most would agree that this is among the essentials in a home; after all, who wants to haul their clothes to a laundromat? Many things should be considered before new construction or even a remodel, including:
- Will the laundry room be upstairs or downstairs?
- Planning for more than one laundry room?
- Will it be used as an additional storage area?
- Will it double as a mudroom?
- What kind of flooring works best?
We will answer these and a few other things you should consider before starting your laundry room project.
Laundry Room Upstairs vs Downstairs
This is a common question and a valid one. With most bedrooms upstairs, it makes sense to have the laundry room nearby for convenience. No more lugging the loads up and down; it eliminates the need for hampers in each room, freeing up closet space. No laundry room on the first floor adds more square footage, perhaps a mudroom, for other areas.
There are, however, some advantages of having the laundry room on the main floor. If there is ever a plumbing issue or major leak, this could lead to significant water damage or flooring issues later. Also, if laundry day is the same day you do all your other household chores, it might be more efficient to have it downstairs because it saves time running up and down to check on a load. There are several other areas in the home where a laundry room can be placed, including near the kitchen, a hallway closet, or even the garage. It is always best to consider your lifestyle to determine which location will work best for you. In some homes, we see more than one laundry room, one upstairs and one downstairs. This option is great for families with more children or even multi-generational homes.
What To Store In The Laundry Room
The laundry room is not only an essential space, but also a versatile one. Detergent, dryer sheets, stain removers, and bleach are among the top items stored inside this room, but that is not the limit. This area is a great place to store extra towels, paper products, bags (shopping, trash, or plastic), and even those appliance manuals. Cubbies, decorative storage baskets or bins, and rolling carts are several ways to maximize storage in your laundry room.
Laundry Room Combo
Design trends are shifting, and people are looking to maximize space by combining rooms, so the laundry room has been built to meet this demand. A mudroom combined with a laundry room can be a great area. As the family enters the home, they can drop off any dirty clothing, eliminating any major messes. This is also a logical spot to have the dog feeding area or even the litter box, both of which prevent your guests from seeing the dirty side of your pets. A small pet bathing area can be added, making it convenient to wash the dog and then dry it with the towel in the washer. There are a few other combinations, including a pantry or bathroom. Be sure to consider what matters most to you and your family’s needs.
Greenbrook DesignColor is always a fun element in design, one that can affect the mood or change the style of the room. Each company’s choice is beautiful and offers a variety of options for everyone. Don’t be afraid to try something new, you never know, but you may like it so much it will become the new favorite in your home.
Walker WoodworkingA new year means new opportunities to accomplish what’s been on your to-do list, including that home renovation. As we prepare to move into the new year, let’s discuss some of the design trends that are being predicted by those in the interior design world.
The right light can do much more than just illuminate a room. It can create a more inviting atmosphere in the room and give the illusion of a larger space. When selecting lighting for your home, there are multiple factors to keep in mind, such as size, amount, and placement. Since it is an essential part of designing an area, we thought it would be helpful to share five key considerations when selecting your lighting.
Walker WoodworkingOne of the main questions asked during the design meeting is what color the owners want for their kitchen cabinets. Were they looking to do a natural wood or a color instead? While many will opt to do the wood, many enjoy adding a splash of color to their kitchen or mixing and matching. It is a great way to break up the area and create a focal point, but with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? While it is up to you in the end, there are three colors that have stood out for some time and will most likely continue to do so. White, gray, and blue remain high on the selection chart, so let’s talk about these popular colors and why they may be the right fit for you.
Walker WoodworkingWhile the kitchen was often viewed as the place where food was merely prepped and served, it has transitioned into a command center as people gather to talk or enjoy a snack while getting some work done. Layouts have slowly shifted to accommodate this change, which has produced the open concept. This floor plan allows families to stay connected even when they are doing things in different areas of the home. While not as popular as it was in the 1990s and early 2000s, many families still choose this floor plan because of their desire to stay close to their family and guests. Today, we want to discuss the open floor concept, the elements that make it up, and if it is the right fit for your family.
Greenbrook
Greenbrook Design