New kitchen equals social center. Check. New bath equals
sanctuary and retreat. Check. New laundry room is both a social
center and a retreat. Check, check.
It seems that the laundry room has joined the kitchen and
bathroom in completing the design trilogy, and designers,
homeowners and manufacturers are teaming up to fill this evolved
space with new and expanded ideas. It’s been six years since this
column focused on laundry, and a lot has changed.
Back then, there was a trend toward moving the laundry equipment
out of the basement and placing it either near the bedrooms, where
most laundry is generated, or near the kitchen, where most
socializing occurs. About that same time, American manufacturers
introduced front-loading laundry equipment to the industry, and our
fascination with this household chore began. Since then, the
potential for laundry room appliances, design and accessories has
expanded.
ROOM COMPONENTS
Where once the laundry area
was planned with lesser cabinetry or more moderately priced surface
materials, oftentimes today this space is being enhanced with solid
surface counters and traditional wood cabinetry. Although the
standard plain white laminate door will always make a good backdrop
for bolder design components, today, if it is used, laminate is
appreciated not as a cost cutter, but for its range of colors and
unusual new finish options. Hardware, tile and flooring or wall
treatments are additional opportunities for the client to be less
conservative and splurge for the unusual.
For a time, it seemed the only sophistication in laundry
appliances was from the European manufacturers i.e. Bosch, Miele,
ASKO and the like. Enter the U.S. giants, and we have a whole new
range of appliances and features to choose from, focused on
convenience, luxury, quiet and customized appearance.
GE has offered a washer and dryer that “talk” to each other,
using technology to give you better results with less effort and
energy. Whirlpool has offered front loaders that are elevated so we
don’t have to bend over, and they have added conveniences such as a
motorized hand-washing sink, a personal valet that cuts down on the
need for dry cleaning, and a drying cabinet. In addition to
standard white for appliances, many manufacturers also offer
off-whites such as a biscuit color, black or a dark grey, and
stainless steel models.
Just as body sprays, bath gels, bubbles, salts, loofah and
candles have all found their place in the bath, perfumed cleaning
products, linen and ironing sprays, and glamorous laundry soap have
found their market niche. A number of high-quality and unique
laundry organizers and accessories are now available, and they are
transforming the laundry into a place where we pamper ourselves and
our clothes. This requires new thinking about the space.
ZEN OF DAILY TASKS
If there is a philosophy
of the laundry, it might be said that it is a multi-tasking room to
match that aspect of our lifestyle. Labeled in an article in The
New York Times as the “Zen of Everyday Tasks,” it may be part
gardening center, part pet cleaning station, home office or
homework spot, gift wrapping center, or craft or sewing station.
That should get our designer juices flowing. Usually more than a
closet near the bedrooms or a section of the kitchen, it will still
be near one or the other of these spaces, but more and more, it’s a
room of its own, functioning as another social center or as a
private retreat.
Time is always an issue, with some of our clients spending up to
nine hours a week on laundry. Politically correct or not, the truth
is the woman head of household is more often in charge of laundry
chores and, in fact, the majority of home-related decisions
(according to Faith Popcorn, Eve-olution).
Appliance and housewares manufacturers are very aware of this,
and they paint the picture that, if surrounded by comfort and
convenience, our clients just might take the time to iron that
shirt, rather than spray it with water as a family member walks out
the door in the morning.
While having a state-of-the-art, expanded-use laundry may not
transform every one of our clients into homemaker of the year, it
may well make the chore more enjoyable, and provide another
gathering spot or retreat area. While the laundry as a family
center may not draw the entire clan for a Saturday night event, it
may offer the chance to establish a routine for accomplishing tasks
together, i.e. homework and laundry. The design concept that allows
a client to work on the computer while the laundry is in process,
or to talk on the video phone while ironing suits today’s
lifestyle.
How does this translate? We’ve talked a bit about the look of
the space. In addition, windows and other lighting are important,
not just for the natural light to separate navy blue socks from
black socks, but for the ambience they provide.
It seems clear that, whenever possible, all of these parts,
pieces and activities require that we stretch the laundry space. In
fact, an article in The New York Times described one client who
eliminated a dining room in order to give space to the
laundry/family center.
For items to be utilized, they need to be convenient and user
friendly, accomplished by adapting clever “storage at the point of
use” ideas from the kitchen. In order to provide for the many
auxiliary activities that may go on in this space, flexible and
specific storage must be planned perhaps a pull-out waste container
or hamper for rolls of paper for the wrapping center, or a hanging
space with a drain below for hanging hand washing to dry or just
storing hanging linens. In some households, this area might include
a hand-held spray or pull-out faucet for bathing the dog.
Will families forgo movies in their home theater for the chance
to gather around the folding table to talk while folding T-shirts?
Not likely. However, the flexibility to share in a variety of
activities and see the laundry done is very appealing, and
certainly a great design opportunity.’