Laundry room/bathroom combo a great idea

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In a previous post, Andrew C. wondered how to best use the extra space on the ground floor of his Crofton, Md., townhouse. He wanted both a larger laundry area and a bathroom.

Several readers gave good suggestions. Helen thought up a different configuration for the space with room for a big bath and a bigger laundry room.

Readers Jose and modernemama each suggested a stackable washer and dryer to free up space for, perhaps, shelving.

But it was lil_gaucha who has my vote for this idea: Use all the space for a combination laundry room and full bath. Then, Andrew gets a nice big space to do his laundry, and when he sells the townhouse in five years, the appraisal will reflect that extra full bath.

After doing some Internet searching, I see this is not an uncommon use of space. At first it seemed a little odd, having a toilet in the laundry area. But after seeing a few photos, especially with the washer and dryer behind folding doors, I warmed up to the plan.

I was also reminded of Bethany Orlemann's brilliance when she incorporated the space of her service porch into the kitchen and then added front loaders under a counter. It made her Eagle Rock kitchen much larger and her laundry area is stylish.

You like the idea of a combo bathroom/laundry room?

(Photos: Bethany Orlemann)

Comments

[Dean]

Like it? LOVE IT! The design used adds so much functionality and looks great.

[RE]

I grew up in a house where the w/d were in the main bathroom. Ever since moving out it's been a real mystery to me why everyone doesn't have this. To me the bathroom and the w/d are such an intuitive and functional combination. You get undressed in the bathroom, toss your clothes in the nearby hamper, and when you do laundry all your clothes are right there.

What's never made sense to me is the kitchen + w/d combination. The kitchen: food and cooking smells, lots of family activity. W/D: chemical smells, lots of noise. Together: gross!

[Terry Sprouse]

I think the combo bathroom/laundry room looks good.

Like the situation mentioned in the comment by RE, I own a house where the clothes washer was originally in the kitchen. The noise always bothered me, so last year I build a laundry room on the back porch where the washer and dryer both (quietly) reside.