Sometimes a lot of function in one room turns out to be not so functional. Although this laundry room in Georgia had much going for it — washer and dryer, sink, pet crate, mudroom cabinets and a water closet — it didn’t meet the needs of the family of six with four young kids who used it daily.
Before: The four kids often crowded on the stool at the sink in the morning or waited anxiously to use the toilet in the water closet to the left of the washer and dryer. And there wasn’t anywhere else to put the dog crate besides the middle of the floor.
After: Design-builder John Rogers suggested relocating the water closet to an underused closet across the hall to free up traffic flow, and create room for mudroom-style cabinets on the right and an extra washer and dryer on the left.
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Rogers took the room down to the framing, updated the electrical system and put new can lights in the ceiling. He installed custom Shaker-style cabinets above the appliances, along with a hanging bar.
He then turned a closet across the hall from this room into a new bathroom.
Soapstone countertops offer a durable work surface. The children’s artwork brings a bit of color and character to the white, gray and black palette.
Rogers created a corner floor space to the right of the sink where the dog crate can be stashed out of the way.
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Each family member has a cabinet for hanging coats and bags. Drawers located underneath store shoes and gloves.
Before: The homeowners already have a pantry, so this hall closet wasn’t needed for storage.
After: The new bathroom features a large trough-style sink where multiple kids can brush their teeth during the morning rush. Above hang two pendant lights that match the one in the laundry room.
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