The laundry room is one of those spaces that, if you’re lucky enough to have one, is always in use. If you have a large family, your laundry machines are likely running every day — sometimes even every night. With so much time being spent in these hardworking spaces, it’s worth taking the time to make them as functional and efficient as possible. Pullout drying racks, expansive folding counters and plenty of storage are sure to help you get the job done, but don’t overlook pet-washing stations or wine refrigerators. As you prepare for your laundry room remodel or new build in 2015, consider these most popular laundry rooms on Houzz in 2014 for inspiration and design tips.
Busby Cabinets The stone counters and flooring and the double sets of washers and dryers make this 9-foot by 11-foot room a dream space for most people. Cats, on the other hand, would love to have the fun cutout door leading to their litter boxes.
Peter A. Sellar - Architectural Photographer
Pets WelcomeTaking up the largest chunk of the most popular photos had to be those concerning pets. Pet beds, pet washing, pet wallpaper — it didn’t matter. If it had to do with pets, people were all ears.
Besides, who can blame users for loving this photo? Just look at those Goldendoodles’ faces. The dream of having a large dog-washing area in a mudroom–laundry room is something any pet owner can get behind. Here a raised platform and a faucet get the job done.
Emerald Coast Real Estate Photography This extra-long pet-washing station is roomy enough for one large Great Dane or, like, a dozen Chihuahuas.
Cabinet paint: Gray Clouds; wall paint: Foggy Day, both by Sherwin-Williams
John Hannah Architectural Design & Rendering It’s hard to say which is more appealing here — the clever custom cutouts for the appliances or the cozy, warm spot for the cat.
mdt design One look at these dogs’ faces and it’s clear that this laundry room is a hit. Plus, the dog-patterned wallpaper by Thibaut is a nice touch.
Artistic Renovations of Ohio LLC Pet-washing stations come up a lot in the most popular laundry rooms, and for good reason. After all, who really wants to bathe their dog in the same area where they bathe themselves and their kids? Here a 30-inch by 30-inch washing station coupled with a dog-bed niche makes this a truly pet-friendly laundry room.
Meanwhile, many Houzz users couldn’t get over the colorful rug (Brighton Collection by Loloi), which dials up the energy. And the Samsung appliances, stacked in a28½ -inch-wide, 33-inch-deep, 77-inch-high niche, make efficient use of the room’s 7-foot by8 ½-foot dimensions.
If these top photos are any indication, 2015 will continue to be the era of the drying rack.
This 10-foot by 18-foot galley-style laundry room, by
Rabaut Design Associates, was one of the most popular laundry room photos in 2014. What did users love about it? Well, almost everything, from the five custom-designed drying racks — two of which have beadboard backing — to the apron sink and
Rainwashedpaint color on the walls.
Many homeowners seem to be embracing dark, moody colors in their laundry spaces. The rich, slate-colored custom cabinets and 1-inch-square mosaic tiles seen here might give a clue as to why: They give this laundry room sophisticated appeal. Meanwhile, the double-stacked 27-inch-wide washer and dryer units could make any family envious.
Cabinet stain: Valspar Dark walnut wiping stain with Hirshfield’s dull varnish; wall paint: Toasty, Sherwin-Williams; floor tile: copper/rust broken random 53 #655837 natural sanded stone, The Tile Shop
M. Wright Design Dark ebony stained doors richly frame a marble countertop and Hermès wallpaper to help make the most of this68-inch by 28-inch closet.
While rich colors did triumph, sunny spots also swayed homeowners. What’s not to love about this light-filled room? Warm gray walls, wood countertops and canvas laundry baskets create a relaxed, welcoming vibe, while plenty of function lurks below the surface. For example, a pullout ironing board is in a drawer beside the washer and dryer. And the drawers above the laundry baskets are actually drying racks, making the 9-foot by 14-foot space work hard for the family of six.
“A place for everything” is something we can all aspire to in our laundry rooms, and cubbies are a quick and easy way to get there.
This Santa Barbara, California, laundry room delivers. From a small drop-down drying rack to a countertop ironing board and cubbies for supplies, this room is all about efficiency.
Electrolux US You can never have too much storage space around your washer and dryer. Never.
Appliances: Electrolux
Harrison Design Extra-large cubbies, a spot for a pup and a sunny disposition make doing laundry bearable in this space.
If it doesn’t pull out, don’t bother. That seemed to be a mantra many homeowners were shouting.
After all, laundry rooms typically are hectic spaces, so anything that can reduce visual and physical noises is always en vogue. Here cabinet panes were affixed to the appliance doors to create a smooth wall of cabinets when closed. Meanwhile, a folding table and ironing board can be stored neatly away as well.
Appliances, folding table, ironing board: Asko
Old World Kitchens & Custom CabinetsFoldaway doors reveal a compact yet superefficient laundry space, with a pullout ironing board, a sink and folding space.
K.G.Bell ConstructionThe pivot sliding doors and storage drawers make this closet a superfunctional laundry room.
Louis L'artisan It’s hard to overlook the durable imported tile flooring from Turkey here. The high ceilings and custom drying rack closet don’t hurt, either.
An eye-catching backsplash is an affordable way to make a big statement in a small space. That’s why you’re seeing them pop up in laundry rooms more and more.
Here a stainless steel brick-patterned mosaic backsplash takes this closet from boring to bodacious.
Architectural Tile & Stone It’s hard to see past the stunning blue cabinets in this laundry room, but the clay-body tile backsplash sure does fight for attention.
Wow Great Place Bonus FeaturesSure, laundry rooms are about washing clothes, but they don’t have to be just for that. Special amenities can add a multiuse dimension to the room.
This laundry room nails all the desired elements — folding table, hanging rod, plenty of storage. But what pushes it above and beyond is the vertical wine refrigerator. Just drink responsibly — especially around those whites.
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REFINED LLC The open space and granite countertops make this space easy to like. But the gift-wrapping peninsula turns it into it a room anyone can fall in love with.
Morning Star Builders LTD This gift-wrapping station has a clever pullout supply closet.
Sater Design Collection, Inc. Forget a drying rack. How about a drying closet? Though discontinued in the U.S. by Whirlpool, this one is still available on the European market.
Richard Cole Architecture The crisp and modern vibe in this Australian laundry room is surely enticing. But it’s that clever floor drain in front of the washing machine that really takes it up a notch.
on this magnificent brick estate with resort-style grounds. Custom finishes throughout and quality craftsmanship abounds in this architectural masterpiece. Imported marble tile, Brazilian Cherry and Mahogany French Parquet wood floors, and a grand foyer with floating Cherry Wood staircase set the tone of elegance you can expect throughout this home. Stately office with detailed coffered Cherry Wood ceiling, built-ins and impressive wood finishes. The formal living and dining rooms are elegantly appointed with Venetian Plaster ceilings, Custom built-in display cabinets, an inviting fireplace and handcrafted ornamental moldings. Chef’s kitchen with imported granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, large pantry/storage room, custom wood crafted cabinetry, exotic wood flooring, and beautiful Pella windows with views to the rear grounds. Spacious in-law suite on lower level with wall to wall Travertine and an updated bathroom with custom vanity, separate shower and tub and beautiful stone accents. The family room will surely be the favorite spot with its rich Cherry Wood finishes, built-ins that surround the massive fireplace, soaring wood plank & beam ceilings, and intricate lead glass French doors that open to a private garden room with 180 degree views of the rear grounds. Impressive master retreat on the lower level features Venetian Plaster ceiling, romantic fireplace, French door access to the rear grounds, and ultra lavish bathroom featuring his & her vanity areas, separate shower and jetted soaking tub. Bonus room on upper level with endless uses (once a dance studio used the Phoenix ballet), spacious guest quarters along with a second office with custom built-ins and French doors that open up to a balcony that overlooks the professionally landscaped grounds below. The resort-style grounds features a salt water diving pool with 16' NCAA Diving board, grotto, 2 amazing waterfalls, spa and expansive flagstone decking. This awesome backyard is equipped with a $30,000 dive in sound system, rock coustic earthquake speakers, large 8x8 screen that mounts over the waterfalls for an incredible rear projection display of outdoor entertainment. Full outdoor kitchen with stainless appliances and a custom made ice cream machine, all under a Ramada complete with outdoor restroom. Multiple entertaining areas, fireplace, two BBQ's, children's play area with swing set, and in ground trampoline. But wait there's more! There is an RV garage with extra insulation, 240/110 power supply, a ½ bath (plumbed for full), 8' service door (pull through), service door to rear yard, and pull down attic ladder for extra storage above the shop area. All of the wood work in the home was milled onsite in the RV garage! Formore homes like this click the pictures below 
Grammy Award winning bands, The Wallflowers and OK Go will both headline the 12
