THE VISION
The clients have lived in this home for 10 years and love the home and the neighborhood, but certain parts of the home just weren't working anymore for their expanding family. The most problematic "expansion" being their four beloved rescue dogs. The back entry and tiny laundry room could not accommodate all of the cages, accoutrement and the day-to-day in and out movement of the large pups - not to mention the daily laundry needs of a family of four. A small area in the garage was being used to manage some of this, but having the pups in the garage was not ideal for the clients. Also there was no drop zone areas in the existing laundry room, no counter space to fold clothes nor a place to take off coats and boots and no direct exit to the outside without having to go through the garage.
The Team
Designer: Jimmy Bevilacqua and Rachael McClain
Project Manager: Jason Patterson
Professional Photographer: ERICreative
DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
Schematic Design
The design goal was to reconfigure the back entry of the home using the existing footprint of the home to come up with a solution to accommodate the multiple usage needs of this area. By utilizing a bay portion of the garage and bringing this additional space into the laundry/mudroom mix, a design solution that checked off all of the clients' needs (and then some!) was arrived at. The result is a stunning multi-functional area which provides a smooth transition from outdoors to inside.
- A small cut-out bay area in the garage was utilized to add approximately 56 FT2 to the existing mudroom area
- The existing side door to the garage was moved to help open up space in the new area and to provide access to the exterior without having to go through the garage
- Stacking the washer and dryer gave even more useable square footage.
- A customized pet shower was added
- Built in under-counter cubbies were added for the pups to lounge in style
- A coat closet was added right inside the door where it makes the most sense!
- Utilizing a galley-style layout provided opportunity for more cabinetry and a large counter space for folding laundry
- A custom built-in storage bench right next to both the exterior door and the garage door created the perfect spot to sit down and take of foot gear
Design Development
The existing laundry room barely had room for a washer and dryer. There was no direct exit to the exterior for the dogs and also no room to transition both people and dogs from outdoors to indoors. A small footprint of the existing laundry room space made it difficult for the clients to visualize how the new space would lay out. They felt there just wasn't enough space to fit in all of the items they were hoping for. Great 3D renderings were helpful in allaying their concerns.
An elevation change (two steps) from laundry room to the garage had to be factored into the design. Clever placement of the steps at the end of the main laundry room area provided a visual transition from the laundry room area into the back entry area. Using the same finishes and textiles in both areas provided continuity to the space.
- Meadowlark Custom Cabinetry used throughout
- Pearl Quartz Countertop
- Chester Versailles 12" X 24" Porcelain flooring used for flooring and base of Dog Shower
- Light finishes make the space feel open and airy
- Blanco Single Bowl Sink was used for the laundry room sink
The Results
A cramped and inefficient laundry room/back entry has been transformed into a beautiful and functional laundry/mudroom/back entry space that accommodates a family of 4's - 4 people and 4 dogs! Our clients love the space and how it has changed how they live in the home. Prior to the remodel the dogs were kept in the garage and the laundry room door was kept closed. Now the space is open, functioning and stylishly on display for all who come to visit!
