White Wood Bench Hamper

Found Money

Kitchen and bath designers may have another way of finding money in the laundry.

Today’s laundry rooms are rapidly evolving in principle and practice, and are emerging as key profit centers for designers. Products that are often included in the kitchen – cabinets, sinks, faucets and appliances, to name just a few – are also important elements in highly functional, highly styled laundry areas, and are therefore a natural addition to the kitchen and bath designer’s portfolio of services.

Many laundry rooms are adjacent to or part of mud rooms, elevating their importance with regard to the central activity of the home. Others are within the immediate proximity of the kitchen, with some even acting as an extension of the space.

One thing is clear, according to Robert Gabert, CKD, president of North Palm Beach, FL-based Carousel Kitchen & Bath: “Laundry rooms are not just for laundry anymore.”

Gabert believes designers need to show their clients that there are multiple uses for the laundry area, such as for long-term storage, hobbies or sewing.

Put another way, as clients look to expand their homes in practical ways, designers can capitalize by using laundry areas as a new profit stream.

“With so many uses for the space, our clients will see the benefits of a more sophisticated design,” Gabert stresses.

Darrel Stoesz, sales/design consultant for The Kitchen Showcase in Denver, CO, concurs: “It’s amazing to me how quickly customers will spend money in this room once they see an idea they like.” Beyond the Basics

Obviously, there are specific elements that must be included in the laundry room to make it functional. A washer, dryer, hang-dry area and sufficient counter space or folding table are all must-haves to make the room work. In addition, proper storage for detergent and other laundry necessities is a given.

Today’s customers are asking for front-load and top-load washers equally, according to designers.

But, cautions Gabert, “We can never assume anything when it comes to a washer and dryer ensemble configuration, since

each one has a different challenge in terms of upper storage height and depth as well as clearances for pedestals.”

Gabert continues, “New appliance technology and additional specialty appliances for the laundry room will require renovation, so any time we can expand space, it helps boost our bottom line.

Bathroom Stools » Blog Archive » Bench Hamper (White) (27″ H x ...

A hamper is a must have in every bathroom to keep it looking fresh and tidy so what better way than with the Bench Hamper. Solve 2 problems in one great unit. The extra seat is an added amenity that’s great for dressing. This 100% wood hamper features a flip top lid for easy access and simple flat seat bench is created when the lid is closed. The bright white finish will match any decor. .

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