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LG Signature WashTower
1. Wi-Fi Connectivity and AI Assistance
A growing demand for smarter, more connected appliances throughout the home extends to the laundry room, where washers and dryers that incorporate Wi-Fi connectivity, artificial intelligence and advanced sensors are becoming both standard and more helpful than they seemed in the past. At KBIS this year, most of the biggest players in the laundry game — LG, Samsung, Whirlpool and GE — showed off new or updated machines that used some combination of these technologies to make washing and drying clothes more efficient and foolproof than ever.
The latest LG Signature 29-inch WashTower, pictured here, is a great example of these trends in action. It uses artificial intelligence to analyze fabric types, load size and soil levels, automatically dispensing the correct amount of preloaded detergent and fabric softener and optimizing the wash cycle for better performance. The dryer’s moisture sensor then optimizes the dry cycle to save energy and prevent damage to clothing. The machines can also connect to LG’s ThinQ app, which enables users to adjust settings and start and stop cycles from anywhere, as well as control the machines using voice commands via voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. A hidden bonus is that this connectivity also allows for automatic software updates, so your appliances can evolve and gain new features over time.
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This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
2. Warm and Welcoming
Designer: Azelia Dickson of Interiors by Design
Location: St. George, Utah
Size: 80 square feet (7.4 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners had one key request: ‘Make laundry less of a chore,’” designer Azelia Dickson says. “Their previous setup was cramped, disorganized and uninspiring. I envisioned a sanctuary where functionality and beauty met in perfect harmony. I knew that the flow, colors and design needed to evoke a sense of calm while tackling the practical challenges of laundry day.”
Special features. “To breathe life into the space, I introduced a a soft, serene shade (Benjamin Moore’s Pale Oak) to envelope the walls, offering a neutral backdrop that made the space feel light and airy,” Dickson says. “The ceiling treatment really helps to open up the space and draw the eyes beyond the four walls. The pièce de résistance? A stunning shiplap on the four walls adds texture and visual interest. It provided a nice contrast to the floor and the ceiling treatment. The countertops, a luxurious stained birch, offer plenty of workspace for folding and sorting while subtly also adding an elegant touch. It was imported from North Carolina, lending a subtle country charm to the laundry room. You’ll notice there are no gaps for small laundry items to fall down into. The wall across from the machines was maximized with shelves and built-in cabinets that provided much-needed storage.”
Dickson used Houzz Pro software to manage this project. “Throughout the process, I used Houzz Pro software to create 3D renderings, allowing the homeowners to visualize every detail before a single hammer was swung,” Dickson says. “The 3D Floor Plan was a game changer. It helped us make decisions quickly and confidently. The project Mood Board also served as a valuable tool, ensuring the color palette and materials were perfectly aligned with the overall vision.”
Designer tip. “One trick I always recommend is using cabinetry hardware as jewelry for the room,” Dickson says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “When I opened the walls to install new cabinetry, I discovered some outdated plumbing that didn’t meet code,” Dickson says. “Cue the ‘What did I get myself into?’ moment. But instead of letting this derail the project, I coordinated with local contractors to quickly rework the plumbing, ensuring everything was up to standard and, most importantly, keeping the timeline on track.”
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This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
In 2023, the majority of homes started featured laundry connections on the first floor (72%), according to the Census’s Survey of Construction. Laundry located on the second floor or higher was the second most prevalent at 26%. The basement, garage, and other locations all had a 1% or lower share.
In NAHB’s What Home Buyer’s Really Want, home buyers are surveyed on where they would like their laundry located. While the first floor remained the most desired location for laundry at 60%, preferences diverged significantly for other locations. The basement was the second most popular choice at 17%, followed by the garage at 15%, and only 7% for the second floor or higher.
This comparison highlights a disconnect between what builders are offering and what buyers are seeking. While builders are largely opting for laundry connections on the first or second floor, a notable portion of buyers prefer the basement or garage. This variance is shown in the chart below.
There are also regional differences in where laundry is placed. The first floor was the most prevalent across every division but ranged from 91% in West South Central to 59% in the South Atlantic. Second-floor laundry was highest in the Pacific division at 43% but was lowest in the West South Central at 8%.
The West North Central had a 13% share of homes with the laundry room in the basement, the only division with a share above 5%; They are also the only division with most homes having a full or partial basement. No regions had over a 2% share of laundry located in the garage.
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Designer: Molly Robinson of Homoly Design + Build
Location: Westwood, Kansas
Homeowners’ request. “This room was thoughtfully designed with the homeowners’ two dogs and two cats in mind,” says designer Molly Robinson, who uses Houzz Pro software.
Special features. “A dedicated ‘cat condo’ includes a custom ramp, a designated litter box area and built-in ventilation to keep things fresh and functional,” Robinson says. “For the pups, there’s a cozy zone complete with a doggy door that provides easy access to the outdoors. The black-and-white checkered tile flooring, paired with bold wallpaper that extends across the walls and ceiling, injects a playful and whimsical energy into the space. The pattern creates visual interest and a sense of movement, making the room feel dynamic and full of personality.
“To ground the design and let those elements shine, we opted for neutral white cabinetry that adds a crisp, clean contrast without competing for attention. The result is a fun, stylish space that feels both fresh and thoughtfully balanced.”
Designer tip. “We designed the countertop to be slightly taller than standard height, which makes folding laundry more comfortable and ergonomic — no more hunching over,” Robinson says. “As a bonus, the added height also serves a practical purpose by keeping pet treats and other essentials out of reach of curious paws.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “One of the biggest ‘uh-oh’ moments came when we realized just how tricky it would be to incorporate all of the custom pet features and maintain a clean, functional layout for everyday use,” Robinson says. “Between the cat ramp, litter box ventilation, doggy access to the outdoors and still needing room for laundry tasks, it started to feel like we were designing three rooms in one. We reworked the cabinetry layout and decided to go fully custom, which gave us the flexibility to tuck away the pet zones in a way that felt intentional and integrated.”
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