Laundry and Pantry in One
A mixed-use room is tied together by good design and a shot of happy color.
This space, once a barn behind the kitchen, had been a mash-up with a freestanding toilet, a washer and dryer, and a castoff sink cabinet. As a designer (homeglowdesign.com), I realized it could become a multi-functional room providing storage as well as a pantry and a hidden laundry.
The washer and dryer were recessed into space under the stairs, freeing up the aisle. The walking space is 36″ to 40″. In a newer house, I’d recommend at least a 42″ walkway, but in a 230-year-old house, you take what you can get. All the doors open with room to spare. The tall cabinet on the back wall stores laundry baskets.
I wanted upper cabinets to feel open, yet we don’t have pretty barware to display behind glass. Linen-backed doors with wire insets lend just the right look of light informality. My favorite grassy green would have been too much in the kitchen, which has sight lines to the blue-grey dining room, but in this smaller, enclosed space, it’s just right.
1. A Neat Pantry
Doggie wallpaper, bright color, and wire door insets add just the right amount of fun. The space also functions as a cocktail bar, fitted with alcohol- and lemon-proof soapstone counters and sink.
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2. Organized Storage
A deft layout and well-designed cabinets tie together multiple functions in the room, which serves as a closet, a pantry, and a laundry room.
3. Tucked-Away Laundry
The slightly recessed (under a staircase) washer and dryer hide behind linen curtains that slide on rings on a rod. The solution is both economical and historical.
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Be Inspired
LightingBarnlight Electric Co.’s gooseneck light with a fluted shade is available in natural raw brass with a choice of shade colors (Emerald is shown). The G24 has many options for arm shape, projection, and finish as well as socket types. The base price is $255. barnlight.com. |
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AccessoriesBehrens Metalware (established 1911) of Minnesota makes galvanized tubs, buckets, caddies, tubs-on-stands, and more. See their website for the full line and where to buy, often through Home Depot, True Value hardware stores, Target, and Wayfair. behrens.com. |
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Wire GrillesThe Kent Design MJ09 3/ 8″ Double Flat Single Crimped Wire Grille is just one of two dozen grille patterns avail-able from Van Dyke’s Restorers. Sold in sheet sizes from 18 x 24 to 36 x 18 inches, the custom crimped and woven grille starts at $447 per unit. vandykes.com. |
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Wallpaper
The adorable doggie-print wallpaper is called ‘Baxter’ and is from Anna French’s Small Scale collection. It cames in six colorways including Pink and Navy; the MSRP is $160 per 33′ roll. Find it at wallpaperstogo.com.
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— Written by Amy Mitchell.
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