In the Pacific Northwest, we love outdoor activities. From throwing the ball for the dog in the backyard to mountain biking in the rain, we are likely to come home muddy and wet. So it’s no wonder a trend in adding highly functional, and sometimes extravagant, laundry rooms and mudrooms has developed. We spoke with Tom Gallagher and the team from Gallagher Co. to learn more about what Mercer Island residents are looking for in their mudrooms and laundry rooms.
Q: From a builder’s perspective, what are people looking for in mudrooms and laundry rooms?
A: Wet weather is hard on our floors, so well-planned mudrooms with tile floors are a great addition to any remodel. They offer an organized place to remove wet clothes and muddy shoes. One great idea to add to your mudroom is to put an electronic heat mat under the tile so wet shoes can dry overnight. Also adding USB outlets creates a great spot for people to recharge phones.
Laundry rooms need places for folding, but putting counters over the tops of washers and dryers blocks access to important shut off valves, so we always put spare shut off valves in upper cabinets. We also like to use recessed dryer boxes between the wood studs so that machines can sit flush to the wall and not stick out. Another item we always recommend is putting a floor drain in any laundry room just in case a hose springs a leak someday. Lastly don’t skimp on sound insulation. Lining your laundry room walls with good rockwool sound insulation is an inexpensive way to keep your house quiet when doing laundry.
Q: What features have you built that are really over the top?
A: Quite often we install two sets of washing and drying machines in laundry rooms. One of our clients had us build an island in the laundry rooms that was on wheels so that it could be moved around depending upon how busy the laundry room was. We’ve installed wallpaper on the ceiling, added giftwrapping stations, and one even had us install a separate commercial size laundry setup for washing large amounts of linens, table cloths and napkins after a large gathering.
Q: What are the most popular features clients ask for?
A: Separate cubbies, drawers with outlets installed, or lockers, help keep family members organized and clutter contained – not just shoes and backpacks, but also keys, wallets and purses so you’re not hunting around the house when trying to rush out the door.
Sinks are often incorporated into a mudroom so hands, beach toys, gardening materials etc. can be washed without tracking the mess further inside the house. We are also building a lot of mudrooms with pet washing stations, as well as incorporated pet beds, crates, and feeding stations (including water dispensers).
Water bottle filling stations as well as extra under-cabinet fridges are great for grabbing drinks on your way in and out. Because mudrooms are often close to kitchens, it’s a convenient place to add cabinetry for storing small appliances or party platters that are only used occasionally.
A place to fold as well as line-dry delicates is essential, and can be designed to fold away when they are not in use. Stand-alone clothing steamers are also popular and great for extending time between dry cleaning trips. Not many people enjoy doing laundry, but when it’s in a well-designed space, with fun and useful details, it makes the chore less terrible.
Q: What should people consider when adding a mudroom or laundry room?
A: Choose appliances first, not only because of long lead times, but the custom framing, plumbing, and cabinetry built around those items. Think about how you want the spaces to function and make a list of features you’d like. Then hire a great, local interior designer who will create smart, functional and beautiful rooms.
We spoke with Tom Gallagher and team from Gallagher Co. to learn more about what Mercer Island residents are looking for in their mudrooms and laundry rooms.