Set Up an Efficient Laundry Room

How to organize your laundry-room space so you can get the most out of it.

The Ambience

The laundry room should emanate cleanliness. It should be bright and easy to clean. If it doesn't have a window, then flood the room with lights and make sure the walls are white or a luminous color. Clean the laundry room when you clean the house, not just when you clean the basement.

These touches can make the space as livable as any other room:

• CD player or radio
• A rug or carpet swatch to stand on. It absorbs splashed water and cushions your feet.
• Framed art or photos
• A pretty dish or bowl near the washing machine serves as a catchall for pocket contents. It's also a reminder to check pockets for lipsticks, pens, crayons, and other detergent-defeating culprits.
• Bulletin board. Tack up care labels, extra buttons and thread, stain charts, and product samples.
• Trash can for lint. But if you are planning on camping out this summer, collect dryer lint in a coffee can. Lint makes high-quality tinder because it is extremely combustible, which is a main reason you shouldn't let it build up in the dryer.
• Ironing-board cover. Contrary to popular belief, these don't have to borrow patterns from tea cozies. Look for striking new styles instead.