The Laundry Room Deserves Respect

Traditionally tucked away in a dingy basement corner or stored in a hallway closet, laundry rooms are now finally getting the respect they deserve. And when you consider the amount of time and energy spent in the laundry room it's no wonder Canadians are finally tackling the laundry room to create inviting and well-designed spaces.

Keep the following tips in mind when remodelling a laundry room:

Location is Key: Many home owners are taking the laundry room out of basement and putting it in the middle of all the action – the second floor. Considering that most of the items being laundered will eventually be stored in bedroom closets and wardrobes, a second floor laundry room is convenient and practical. If you're concerned about laundry machine noise and vibration, consider purchasing a washer and dryer designed for second-floor laundry rooms such as Samsung's Platinum laundry line that features its exclusive vibration reduction technology.

It's Not Just About Laundry: Don't let the name fool you, today's laundry rooms are used more than just for laundry. Often doing double duty as a hobby or sewing room, homeowners are thinking about creating a laundry room that doubles as multifunctional work areas. When designing the space, consider how the room will be utilized and what solutions you need to keep the space clutter-free and organized.

Find Zen in Tight Quarters: Let's face it, between the washer and dryer, the hamper, and ironing board, space is limited. While most of us don't have spacious living room-sized laundry rooms, making use of vertical space is vital for taming laundry room chaos. Invest in sturdy shelving units or cabinets to store laundry room essentials such as fabric softener, detergent and bleach.

Laundry Room Star: Last but not least, an instant way to update the look of a tired laundry room is to upgrade the appliances. Trade in your old, white top-loading washer and dryer for an energy efficient front-loading pair in the colour of your choice. Appearance aside, look for a laundry pair with higher drum capacities so you can do more laundry in less time.

More information on this topic is available online at www.samsung.ca. - News Canada