If budget is an issue, we often recommend a phased approach to remodeling, taking one area or feature at a time - slowly creating the overarching vision as a budget allows. However, there is also the idea that "more can be less." With this way of thinking, you take advantage of the fact that 60-linear feet of cabinetry costs less per foot than 6-linear feet, and that ten tiles cost more than a per-tile price provided if a job requires a full pallet.
Thus, many Kitchen Magic clients prefer to piggy-back a small remodel on the back of a bigger one - like remodeling a bathroom or laundry room at the same time as you're remodeling the kitchen. While the cost of tacking on additional improvements may be more at the outset, it can be a good way to save money in the long haul because you will ultimately spend less than if you started a new project in a year or two.
Do a Load of Laundry Improvements While You're At It
Laundry room designs implement the same types of features and finishes that kitchens do: cabinets, countertops, tiles and paint. As a result, it may make sense for you to take advantage of your kitchen design-build team's proximity and plan a laundry room update when the kitchen is complete.
If that idea appeals to you, we thought we'd share some of the remodeling trends taking the laundry room world by storm.
1. Designer Features
Laundry rooms may be utilitarian, but the contemporary laundry room is chock full of designer features, like high-end cabinetry, farmhouse sinks that replace boxy mud-tubs and beautiful tile work and backsplashes. If you're going to spend hours sorting, running loads of laundry, folding, ironing and so on each week - you might as well do it in an stylish space.
2. Including Pet-Friendly Spaces
We've written about pet-friendly kitchen designs before, so it's not surprising that pet-friendly laundry rooms are popular too. With tile floors, built-in bed and/or kennel spaces, cabinet-based food storage, and floor level washing stations (great for kids and gardeners too), the laundry room is a smart, durable, easy-to-clean and water-resistant space for all of your critters' needs.
3. Mudroom/Laundry Room Combo
If you have the space for it, the laundry room can become a combined mudroom and laundry space, integrating kid cubbies, plenty of wall hooks for all-weather gear and shoe storage. If kids have convenient access from a side yard or the garage, you may want to keep backpacks and sports gear stored there too, reducing the clutter in the rest of your living spaces.
4. Open Shelving
Whether your laundry room is large or small, you'll benefit from open shelving. It opens the space up and creates easy-access storage, eliminating the extra step of opening and closing doors. Matching basket system or pull-out wire basket "shelves" can all be mixed-and-matched for a customized finish tailored to how your household utilizes the space.
5. Pull-Down Features
This is another "space-saving" idea that benefits both large and small laundry rooms. Pull-down options lay flat against the wall - perhaps hidden by an attractive cabinet door - when not in use. Examples include things like drying racks, ironing boards and hanger rods for dressier clothing items, linens and the like.
6. Natural Light
If there's a way to add more natural light to your laundry room, do it! Natural light energizes a space, literally, and will enhance your other upgrades.
Are you interested in getting a quote for a kitchen and laundry room remodeling combo? Contact the team and Kitchen Magic and we'll schedule an appointment for a FREE in-home consultation.
