Fully Loaded

Since we do more than 35 billion loads of laundry each year, it is time to bring the laundry room out of the basement.   While new home owners can plan for a multi-functioning laundry room, remodelers need not be left out.  Careful planning and design can bring a fully loaded laundry command center to you, too.

Location

Washers and dryers can be placed anywhere…in their own room, in a closet, in a bath, and even in the kitchen depending on the space you have.  With many homeowners downsizing, interesting nooks are being found in all parts of the house to accommodate a washer and dryer. Considerations of noise, possible leaks, and humidity need to be taken, but proper planning can make a clean break from any dirty worries.

Make your closet your laundry room. Tossing in the dirty clothes could never be easier, and when they come out, hanging them up is a snap.

Adding a stackable washer and dryer to the master bath keeps water lines together and the humidity in one room. Plus, doing a load of towels could never be easier.

Carving out a space in the kitchen allows the laundry to be done in the center of the hub of activity.  Whites can be soaking while pasta is boiling with no unnecessary steps in between - the ultimate design for multi-tasking.

Once you decide on where your washer and dryer will be, now all you need to determine is what features will make the space most efficient for you.

Counters – A long, uninterrupted counter gives plenty of space for sorting and folding.  A window keeps the space nice and bright.



Drying rack – A designated space for hang-to-dry items keeps door frames and shower bars free from hanging items.

Ironing board – For such a small item, the ironing board creates big dilemmas.  Having a drop down design keeps the ironing board in the laundry room, and putting it away just takes a second.

Dog bath – If you have the space, and the dog, a wash station may save money and headache in the long run. Dirty paws are easily washed in this raised space.

 

Laundry sink – If you find yourself doing a lot of hand washing or soaking, then adding a sink may be just the feature for you.

No Place Like Home

No Place Like Home

No matter if you are a young family, a multi-generational family, an active adult, or baby boomer planning for the future, universal design just makes sense.  Dorothy said it best; there really is no place like home, and universal designs easy, attractive, and adaptive environment makes your home safe and accessible for everyone, regardless of age, physical ability, or stature.

Universal design is about creating an attractive, stylish space that everyone, regardless of age, size, or ability, can live in or visit. A home with universal design makes it easier for residents to live in, and for guests to visit now and in the future as everybody's needs and abilities change.

Seamless Inclusion

Accessibility design features began in the public sector with ramps and grab bars but today, accessibility design features have gone private.  While these features used to stand out, now they blend seamlessly and are nearly invisible to the casual observer.  In fact, many of the design elements make a home feel more spacious and all make for easier living. 

Zero-step entry - Whether you’re maneuvering a stroller through the front door, carrying a load of  groceries, or navigating your mother’s wheelchair, a zero-step entry allows for easy transition from outside to in.

Lighting - Add more lighting for close-up tasks such as cooking, reading, hobbies (knitting, fly-tying) and working from home. Plan for natural, ambient, and task lighting for an effective lighting plan.

The bathroom- A bathroom becomes accessible for guests of any age with a no a threshold shower, a handheld showerhead, and shower rails.

The kitchen – Generous counters, work spaces of varied heights, and appliances appropriately leveled allow all cooks in the kitchen.

Other essential features of universal design include:

• One-story living. Places to eat, use the bathroom and sleep are all located on one level, which is barrier-free.
• Wide doorways. Doorways that are 32-36 inches wide let wheelchairs pass through. They also make it easy to move big things in and out of the house.
• Wide hallways. Hallways should be 36-42 inches wide. That way, everyone and everything moves more easily from room to room.
• Extra floor space. Everyone feel less cramped. And people in wheelchairs have more space to turn.
• Lever door handles and rocker light switches are great for people with poor hand strength. But others like them too. Try using these devices when your arms are full of packages. You'll never go back to knobs or standard switches.