How to create the perfect laundry
Beyond appliances, there are several other key elements to consider in your laundry design – starting with where to put it. Easy access to outside makes it a breeze to dry clothes on the line, rather than always relying on the dryer.
“Most people want the laundry near the kitchen, as that’s where you are most of the time and you don’t want to walk to the other end of the house to put on a load,” says Jo Byrom.
“You might even like to place it in the butler’s pantry, so it’s a combined space. You can put on a load of dishes and do the washing at the same time.”
Why ventilation is vital
Plan for a window or door to allow excess moisture to escape from the dryer, so you avoid the problem of mould. For Jo Byrom, windows rule in laundries.
“A window is more practical because a door must be open or shut, but a window can always be open when you have the dryer on,” says Jo Byrom. “It also means you do not have a door swinging into the space, so you have more room in the laundry.”
Alisha Bouris is also a fan. “Windows capture daylight and cross-ventilation. If you cannot achieve a window, consider a ventilated skylight or a glass hinged door to let in light,” she says.
In internal laundries, extraction fans are essential for drawing out moisture. In apartments, where outdoor access can be tricky, heat pump dryers are a great option because they do not create hot air or moisture. They also use half the energy of vented or condenser dryers. Check out the LG 8kg Heat Pump Dryer, which offers energy savings and cares for your clothes.
Tailor the space to your needs
How can your new laundry make your life easier? Older people might prefer their washer and dryer parked side by side on a bench or plinth to avoid having to bend down to fetch clothes.
A “mud room zone” for shoes, school bags and outerwear can help contain mess, while a deep sink with retractable hose is great for washing the dog or filling buckets.
In compact laundry designs, stacked appliances will free up space for a broom cupboard or other much-needed storage.
Alisha Bouris says hanging rails for clothes, bench space for folding and tall storage for mops and brooms should also be on your list. “And integrated laundry hampers – if you are lucky, a drawer for each person in the house!”
