LAUNDRY ROOM DESIGN - HOW TO MAKE A TOP LOAD WASHER AND DRYER LOOK GOOD WHILE INCREASING FUNCTIONALITY

The question is: How to make a top load washer and dryer look good while getting the most functionality from a laundry room?

CITRUS POINT LAUNDRY ROOM DESIGN
A couple of weeks ago when sharing about the spatial design challenges and solutions for the Citrus Point Project laundry room design (Mesa, Arizona custom new build project) I left you on your own to carefully observe all the nuanced details that were shown in the floor plans and perspective drawings.

For this week’s post, I ’m doubling back to the laundry room design (because it’s just that good) to emphasis and explain the details in the space especially with making the front load washer and dryer look good while adding functionality in spite of the aesthetic and spatial challenges top load washers and dryers create.

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE DRAWINGS
In reviewing my drawings and notes below notice how with careful planning I was able to infuse functionality, practicality and artistry into a relatively small amount of space that had some size able limitations. Be sure to link back to the previous post about this space to see additional interior architectural drawings.

Discovering Spatial Design Solutions
When solving spatial design challenges, it often comes down to discovering a single key component that works as a catalyst in providing resolutions with being able to interpret the space in the best way possible. In this case, the key ingredient was incorporating a feature washer and dryer alcove.

Why, you ask?
It came down to figuring out a way to make the washer and dryer have an intentional built-in look (as opposed to just being placed there) and to find ways to utilize the space above the washer and dryer without hindering the operation of the lids. In reviewing the drawings you’ll see how the alcove will be a part of the cabinetry and then lined with stone.

This is an important example that illustrates how with careful planning and skilled spatial design skills you don’t need to necessarily choose form over function or function over form. In many cases, you can have both. Being able to blend both form and function is the hallmark of good design.


DESIGN FEATURES

  • Top load washer and dryer alcove lined on three sides with stone and wood detail

  • Shallow depth shelf above washer and dryer that provides enough lid clearance and is perfect for laundry detergent and fabric softener

  • Drying pole above washer and dryer, with feature brackets

  • Sink and pull-down faucet

  • Pull-out drying racks for flat lay for delicate textiles / clothing

  • Hamper for wet towels, etc., with cut-outs for venting

  • Mail drop-off

  • Charging station

  • Gift wrapping station

  • Plenty of counter space

  • Plenty of storage space

  • Cylinder flush-mount wall fixtures

  • Sculptural, marble wall light

  • Caning detail on upper cabinets

  • Modified Shaker cabinets with narrow rails and stlles

  • Mixed metal finishes

FIXTURES, finishes, MATERIALS AND COLOR SELECTIONS

Inspired by the clients design aesthetic for their new custom home and the beauty of the Arizona desert, below are the fixtures, finishes, materials and color selections that will be used in the laundry room space.

And to further emphasis the splendor of the desert, below the laundry room design board is an absolutely breathtaking desert photo from Clay Banks.

SEE MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT

GALLEY LAUNDRY ROOM DESIGN - FLOOR PLANS AND ELEVATIONS
KIDS' PLAYROOM DESIGN - CREATING INTENTIONAL, FUNCTIONAL SPACES
DESIGN TIPS FOR LONG AND NARROW FLOOR PLANS - PRIMARY SUITE DESIGN
HOW TO MAKE FLOOR PLANS MORE INTERESTING - STUDY DESIGN
CREATING INTENTIONAL SPACE THROUGH WELL DESIGNED FLOOR PLANS
PRIMARY BEDROOM FIREPLACE AND TV WALL - DESIGN CHALLENGES + SOLUTIONS
PERFECTING A PRIMARY SUITE FLOOR PLAN - SMALL CHANGES WITH BIG REWARDS
POOL BATHROOM DESIGN - BEFORE + AFTER FLOOR PLANS
DESIGN TIPS FOR SMALL BATHROOMS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERIOR ELEVATIONS
CHOOSING A DESIGN AND BUILD TEAM FOR YOUR CUSTOM HOME
PRIMARY SUITE DESIGN - CITRUS POINT PROJECT - MESA, ARIZONA
INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO - A WEEK IN REVIEW - 23 JANUARY 2022
INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO - A WEEK IN REVIEW - 25 JULY 2021

THE TAKE AWAY

  • Ben Franklin and Winston Churchill, both well respected statesmen, said something like this, if you fail to plan then you plan to fail. And though it is a truism in so many areas of life, it is especially true when it comes to custom home design. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that details like I’ve shown in this post can be figured out during construction. This unprepared approach will most certainly limit opportunities and will cause you to be reactive (insert stress and sleepless nights) rather than being proactive.

  • And now for another famous quote, this time from Charles Eames, a famous American designer / architect. He essentially said that design is in the details; and the details are the design. My many years of experience has taught me that the completed design is only as good as the details. Before construction begins make sure that you have a complete interior architectural set that includes well designed and developed floor plans and all the interior elevations. Otherwise you will assuredly limit opportunities that are certain to cause disappointment and regret.

  • How do you go about making sure that you have well designed and developed floor plans and all the interior elevations? Be sure to hire an educated, skilled and experienced spatial designer. They will provide you just what you need and will add a tremendous amount of value to your project in terms of design and peace of mind.

TF DESIGN

GOOD FIT?
Due to my comprehensive approach to design I invest a lot of time, energy, and even a lot of love into each of my projects. If you are hoping to work together, and think that TF Design would be a good fit for your new build project or whole house remodel (full service only - starting with the floor plan phase and working all the way through to the completion of construction), reach out via the contact page on my website, and answer all the questions in completion. Once received, I’ll review and get back with you.

FLOOR PLAN REVIEW

Don’t need full service design but you have a new custom home project in the works where you are feeling unsure about the floor plan? You can get expert spatial guidance and direction with your your floor plan through the  Floor Plan Review and Consultation. I’ll redline your floor plans and then provide potential solutions. This service is intended for those needing an extra layer of expertise with their floor plans before they are finalized.

"We have been working on our house plans for several months, and there were just some areas that we were struggling with.  Tami reviewed our plans and gave us some very practical and useful advice that made sense--not only on a practical basis, but aesthetically as well.  We gained much clarity and peace of mind, and we now feel much more comfortable moving forward with our blueprints." - Carolyn, Oregon

DESIGN CONSULTATIONS

Don’t need a floor plan review exactly, but you’re feeling stuck in uncertainty and are looking for guidance with design questions specific to your project but don’t know where to go? I’m here for you.

With nearly 25 years experience as a custom home designer, I can help guide you through the design dilemmas that you are facing through my new 60 minute virtual design consultations. During our time together I will answer your questions, provide potential solutions, all while explaining the reasoning behind them. That way you have a better understanding of the why’s and why-nots of good design and can move forward with confidence. 

 

I’m writing a design book!

Here’s, a photo taken during a recent desert photoshoot in the Phoenix area. I was there for a quick day trip to get images for the design book that I’m currently writing. The intention of the book is to provide a valuable guide and trusted resource for both design professionals and enthusiasts alike. It will be steeped with floor plan design tips including specific spatial requirements and dimensions.

If this news excites you, I would love to hear from you. Drop me an email at tami@tamifaulknerdesign.com.

LET’S WORK TOGETHER

Let’s work together to make your home the best it can be.

Cheers!

Tami