Beyond the kitchen and bathroom, the latest home trends are making their way into the laundry room. In fact, homeowners are increasingly prioritizing laundry rooms in their renovation plans. According to Jerilynn Ratcliff, a designer at Designing Dreams Flooring & Remodeling in Folsom, many clients are seeking designs that go beyond mere utility.
Located within sight of the kitchen and other key living areas, Jerilynn’s clients in Folsom, California, wanted a laundry room that was not only multifunctional but also a stunning focal point from every angle. “My clients faced several common challenges with their space”, explains Jerilynn. “Lack of storage, not enough function and a layout that didn’t work for their current needs”. The first step in turning her client’s vision into reality was to redesign the cabinetry layout. This included replacing the bulky washer and dryer with a two-in-one model, freeing up valuable space for additional storage and functionality. To complete the laundry zone, Jerilynn added a sink and wall to wall hanging metal bar for drying and hanging clean laundry.
Using custom cabinetry from local cabinet maker Sierra Springs Cabinetry in Folsom, allowed Jerilynn to create a cabinet layout that integrated all her clients must haves, including a pet zone with a hidden feeding station, space for a state-of-the-art, self-cleaning cat litter box and tall pull-out cabinet for pet items and food making feeding efficient and in one place. Custom cabinetry was key to Jerilynn’s design, giving her the ability to design a cabinet plan that met all her clients’ specific needs.
Problem solving, Jerilynn needed to also address her clients’ cluttered home bar area near the garage entrance, which was used as a frequent drop area for keys and bags. The solution was a new drop zone with a decorative white shiplap wall, hooks and a small bench finished with a complimentary stain to harmonize with the shelves. This didn’t only solve their clutter problem but gave her clients back use of their home bar for entertaining.
Addressing the challenge of storage, Jerilynn extended the cabinetry to the ceiling, providing essential storage for holiday and home décor. On the opposite side, a spacious broom closet was incorporated to discreetly store laundry baskets and cleaning supplies. Additional storage was added to the top of the closet with a lift door to store large items. To add much needed light, Jerilynn used shelves with integrated lighting above the sink and undercabinet lighting above the countertops and painted the walls bright white, harmonizing with the home’s existing color scheme to create a cohesive and attractive design from all angles.
After designing this multifunctional space, the new laundry room needed to transition with the style of wood flooring in the hall. To do this, the flooring was updated with European-style stone tiles, which perfectly complemented the client's existing French Country Chateau aesthetic. This meticulous redesign not only optimized the space but also enhanced the overall ambiance of the home when it was complete.
Designer Tips for Renovating Your Laundry Space
Jerilynn’s top three tips for renovating your laundry Room:
- Prioritize function and efficiency. Plan your space to create a smooth workflow and accommodate your top priorities.
- Maximize your storage space: Utilize vertical space with shelves, and cabinets to the ceiling to expand storage opportunities.
- Choose appliances that save space: Consider stackable and two-in-one washer and dryers combos to utilize your laundry room footprint efficiently.
Why Choose Designing Dreams Flooring & Remodeling
With over 40 years in business, we have designed and remodeled homes all over the Sacramento area. Recognized as the Best Home Remodeler in Folsom by Style Magazine, we work with designers who are committed to helping you expertly design a space that fits your lifestyle. Contact us today to begin your kitchen renovation.
By Caroline Sanders
Design Blogger for Designing Dreams Flooring & Remodeling
