Sunny laundering

No longer relegated to a dank basement, the laundry room of this renovated home was created on the second floor, with windows letting in natural light and offering garden views.

Architect Mark Larson says the homeowners wanted a comfortable family home, where chores were part of the everyday family bustle.

"We positioned the laundry room in a corner of the second floor with large windows looking out on the back yard, so anyone doing the washing, ironing and folding is in a pleasant space and is able to see the children playing in the back yard."

He says this is part of the trend towards integrating all aspects of family life. Open-plan kitchens and living areas are another example where different family routines are shared in one space.

While this laundry area should not suggest that guests will be sipping martinis while the host does the ironing, it is a comfortable place that has received the same renovation design treatment as the neighboring bedrooms.

"This room has just as high a level of finish as the other rooms, from the custom-designed cabinetry to the classic-style bronze handles and the Oriental carpet on the floor."

Larson says it made sense to put the room on the floor where most of the laundry is generated.

"It is above all a functional room, containing a dirty laundry hamper and cabinets to sort clothes for different washes."

The washer, dryer and cleaning products are tucked behind doors so that, aside from the hamper and airing cupboard, it does not necessarily look like a room where chores are done. A vintage laundry sign gives another clue.

Larson says not everyone can dedicate a room in the main house to laundry, but this design enables it to be used as a bedroom in the future, contributing to the resale value of the house..

Story by: Trendsideas