Love your laundry
Hidden in the garage or shoved in the shed, the laundry is an oft-neglected area. It's time to give it some love, writes Katie Newton.
Plan it out
It’s tempting to banish the laundry out of sight, but having it handy means it’s more likely to be used efficiently.
Interior designer Janey Larsen says the location warrants careful consideration.
‘‘Does it have easy access? Does it have good access to the washing line?’’
Laundries are humid and produce dust and lint, so it’s best to avoid putting them anywhere near fine art, food or soft furnishings that may be spoiled. Choose a position with plenty of natural light and airflow, close to bedrooms and bathrooms.
‘‘Don’t ignore ventilation,’’ Janey cautions. ‘‘A laundry generates a lot of heat and moisture and ventilation to the outside is a must.’’ Be sure to make an electrical plan so power points are exactly where you need them.
What to include
When planning the position of your washing machine, drier, sink and cupboard or shelving consider how you’ll use the space. Look for quality appliances that are kind on clothes, operate quietly and are energy and water efficient.
Interior designer Natalie Du Bois says: ‘‘Include as much storage as possible. The laundry tends to be the place where all the items that you haven’t found a home for get dumped.’’ If space allows, include a deep, tall cupboard for brooms and the vacuum cleaner, storage for linen and a high cupboard that is out of reach of children for cleaning products.
An oversized sink is useful – ‘‘Especially if you have a dog to bath,’’ says Natalie – as is a high-spouted mixer so you can easily fill a tall bucket in the tub.
Bench space for sorting clean washing is also handy, as well as a drying rod for hanging washing that needs airing. Those who have them couldn’t live without a pull-out hamper for dirty clothes. Include two if you can, to separate whites and darks, and ensure they’re vented for when the damp towels land.
Good lighting is another essential. Janey favours a mix of natural light, overhead and strip or task lighting to illuminate cupboards or under shelves. She also recommends including a fold-out ironing board and a pet door. ‘‘It’s a favourite fixture of mine in a laundry; it means you don’t have to have it elsewhere.’’
Materials matter
The laundry can take a battering, so surfaces need to be hard-wearing. ‘‘When choosing materials and