Sort It
• Make the job easier by putting everything you need in reach. A shelf directly above the washer and dryer can hold detergent, bleach and fabric softener. A second shelf above that makes a great spot to store extra laundry supplies and other housecleaning items, such as buckets, sponges, etc. A small shelf above the laundry tub is another handy idea for hand soap, liquid detergent for delicates and a spray bottle of water for ironing.
• Give a small space big impact. Turn a standard closet into a dream laundry room with stackable appliances on one side and, on the other, a small length of countertop bracketed to the wall (standard stock at your nearest home-improvement store), with a shelf or two above for supplies and a hamper underneath. (In this case, keeping half the length of the closet's original rod will create a convenient place to hang clothes.)
• Drying racks make a great addition to a laundry room, but they require ample space. If you're tight on room, you can make your own portable drying rack by attaching a large, coated metal shelf to the wall with hinges (screwed into the wall) and two lengths of rope (tied from the outer edges of the shelf to hooks installed on the wall above). Drop it down when you need it, then tie it back up when you're done.
• Create a place to hang clothing. Add a line of long hooks to the wall or attach a wooden drapery rod to the ceiling.
Give It a New Spin
• Add a splash of colour. Laundry rooms don't have to be clinical and white. Consider a more soothing shade, such as soft green, pale blue or yellow, or more of a vintage colour, including pea green or taupe. While you're at it, think about painting the cabinetry, too (standard melamine cabinets can be painted; just give them a light sand and a coat of primer first).
• Make yourself comfortable. Place a colourful mat in front of your appliances.
• Dress up the space. Add a fabric skirt to your laundry tub.
• Upholster the countertop of lower cupboards and make your own stylized ironing board. Top the surface with padding (a large, thick, unused towel will do), cover the padded top with fabric (cotton works best) and then staple or hot glue the edge of fabric under the lip of the countertop.
