The Laundry - create a space where you love to work!!

Tasbuilt’s modular homes have had a wide array of laundry designs and ideas over the years from our valued clients – variety is the spice of life! Here are the more common layouts and their pros and cons.

In the kitchen

Yes, it’s true. Integrating laundry appliances into the kitchen has long been a common solution in many parts of Europe.

Although it’s not as popular in Australia, putting your washer and dryer here makes sense for many of the same reasons as having a laundry in the bathroom (plumbing and ventilation). As well, your kitchen will almost certainly already have task lighting, which makes spotting stains and sorting socks that much easier.

You can choose to have your appliances on display or fully integrated behind cabinetry for a seamless look, and there’s also plenty of built-in cupboard space to store the soapy necessities. “But don’t be afraid of open shelving,“ says Anita, one of our décor selection specialists “by storing detergents and powders in glass jars, you’ll create a stylish look and know exactly what you have in stock before you head out to the shops.”

Stand-alone zone

Ah, the luxury of a whole room dedicated to washing is something about which many of us can but dream.

So what do you need? Harvey Norman home appliance specialists suggest a washing machine with a minimum load of 10 kilograms.

The larger-capacity machines are a bit taller and deeper and alot more efficient, as they can halve the number of loads to do. A matching heat-pump dryer to sit side by side woudl eb a smart choice. It can take double the load of a regular tumble dryer and won’t fill the room with condensation.

To complete your room, whether it’s a functional fit or a luxe space, consider a steam station. A steam station attached to a water tank, will guarantee your ironing is done in half the time – and whose got time to waste ironing?!?!

Hidden space

This option is popular in smaller houses and apartments and can be as easy as fitting in a washer, hidden by a curtain.

A real space-saver, this is a great idea if you don’t have the room to spare – your machine is tucked away in an otherwise dead space but you still have a dedicated place for the washing. Generally situated in a hallway or an ‘in-between’ area, bi-fold doors, pocket doors or a curtain can be pulled across to hide the overflowing ironing basket when guests drop by.

This is a very popular option for the transportable home, where often space is at a premium. Tasbuilt’s design team encourage people to be clever about their storage. “By using the full height of the wall, you maximise storage potential and reduce clutter from the limited number of surfaces, which you can then use for other tasks such as sorting and folding,” says Ben, one of Tasbuilt’s consultants.

In the bathroom

Having the laundry share a space with your home’s hygiene headquarters is the way to go on more than one level.

The bathroom is a traditional spot for a washing machine. It makes sense from a logistical point of view as, if it’s upstairs, it’s close to where dirty clothes are typically dropped. Also, the plumbing is there, the room is designed for wet work and someone (you) has already given some thought to the ventilation.

“The great thing about having it as part of the existing bathroom is that the pipework is already there,” says Ben. That’s not to say you can’t have it elsewhere, but it will cost a lot more if plumbing, waterproofing and tiling need to be installed.”

Tasbuilt pride themselves in being savvy home builders, that create solutions for their clients at every turn, so this option is particularly advantageous for those trying to cut costs with excess plumbing, electrical etc.

By the back door

Historically, the washing machine belonged out there with life’s other luxuries such as the Hills Hoist and the dunny.

The trek across the yard in the rain was once something every domestic goddess took for granted. Then came the ‘internal laundry’. But having a laundry in a shed or garage, or in an area close to the back door, does have its advantages.

“Planning a laundry with direct access to the garden works as this is where the clothesline is, meaning you’re less likely to use the dryer,” says Ben “Also, having the laundry away from the main living area is good as washing machines are noisy!”