Tips for Designing a Laundry Room

Americans spend an average of eight hours a week in doing some loads of laundry. Usually, the laundry room is designated in an unfinished space, away from the life of the home. If you’re like most homeowners who keep a laundry room in the basement, some of the issues you deal with are about design, function, sufficient counter space, and better lighting. But you can move the setup into a versatile layout to help bring your wash-and-dry space closer to the hub, allowing you to balance your laundry task and other chores.

Whether you have a laundry room tucked away in the basement or a decked out space, there are a lot of ways in which you can improve its role in your home. The good news is that you can make any laundry room more appealing and free from clutter. Here are smart ideas for a better laundry experience:

Layout an efficient laundry room

Just like in the kitchen, the laundry room layout should provide an efficient and comfortable work space. According to professional organizer and Whirlpool laundry room designer Clare Kumar, the ideal laundry room consists of four zones: a prep area, wash-and-dry section, folding area, and finishing center. Map out a space where you can set up an ironing board with easy access to electrical outlet.

Choose durable surfaces

Consider installing a countertop over the washer and dryer to make the best use of space in the laundry room. Make sure to leave enough space for the machines to move without hitting the counter. You can install wood blocking to support the counter so it won’t be resting on the machine.

Any of the countertop surfaces that can be used in the kitchen or bath will look great in the laundry room. Countertops made of quartz, solid surface, and natural stone are all good choices. Smooth surfaces will allow you to clean up spilled detergents and fabric softeners easily and prevent snags when folding delicate fabrics.

Select a sink and faucet that fit your design

Instead of the typical plastic tub, you can opt for a stainless steel, cast iron, or enamel sink with gooseneck faucet that’s high enough to fill a bucket. A sturdy deep sink will allow you to soak large items or clean rubber boots.

Enhance your laundry room storage area

Install cabinets and shelving above the sink and appliances that can handle storage baskets and containers. This is perfect for keeping detergents and other necessities organized. You can also install cabinets under the sink or anywhere else in the room for extra storage.

Switch out a boring light

Natural light can brighten the laundry room but as with the kitchen, you need better lighting over work areas. Replace fluorescent with recessed lighting to illuminate the task at hand.

Personalize it

It’s easier to laundry a few loads if the room makes you happy to be in it. Choose a washer and dryer with smart features to help simplify the task. Try a nice backsplash or wallpaper and use lively accents as cabinet hardware. Decorate your room in a way that expresses your personality while not compromising the functionality of the room.

Ready to take your laundry room from dull to dazzling? We help design and install countertops for your remodeling projects. Visit www.milanstoneworks.com to know more about our services.

Kitchen Countertop Guide for First-Time Buyers

For first time buyers, choosing a countertop is no easy feat. There are a lot of options out there – from granite to quartz and solid surface counters. Many homeowners don’t know where to begin, but that’s what we’re here for. We will guide you in making an informed purchase and customizing your countertop to a whole new level.

• The beauty and durability of natural stone make it a popular choice for countertops. It brings true elegance to your kitchen. Whether it’s granite or marble, it can transform the look of your kitchen. Consider investing in a material that’s not only captivating but also functional.

• As you look at home design magazines and online catalogs, keep in mind that the colors you see may look different in person. Make sure to visit a showroom so you can choose countertops with confidence. Select a color that will enhance the aesthetic appeal and compliment the overall look of your kitchen.

• It’s the small details that make a kitchen unique. The edge profile of the countertop can have a huge impact on functionality. Square, beveled, mitered, bullnose and ogee are some of the most sought after choices.  

• Before you buy a new sink and faucet, figure out the perfect size for your cooking and cleaning needs. A large sink will give you more space for food prep and cleanup while smaller sink will cost less than bigger ones.  

• Each countertop material comes with specific maintenance requirements. Ask your contractor about proper cleaning and stain removal. If you need something low maintenance, choose a non-porous and stain resistant material such as quartz and solid surface. On the other hand, granite and marble may require resealing every year or two to ensure bacteria resistance and should be cleaned with a particular stone-cleaning agent.

Consider your countertop decision as a big investment. Take the time to shop around, know your options, confirm your budget and stick to it, and then make the leap.

What choices have you made? Give us a call at 503.232.6206 or visit www.milanstoneworks.com if you need further assistance in selecting materials or colors.