Toll Brothers Adds Cheer to One of the Home's Most Frequently Used Areas

If the washer and dryer aren't buried away in a dark basement, it's likely they are sitting in a cramped closet or a dull, sterile utility room. It is no wonder why laundry often tops the list of least-liked household chores.

According to a 2003 survey by laundry product makers Proctor & Gamble, approximately 35 billion loads of laundry are washed annually in the United States, with the average family washing six loads a week.

That means an awful lot of time is being spent in these drab, often unpleasant spaces while washing, drying and folding the family's clothes.

So when it comes to creating luxury homes where every room is a place to enjoy, Toll Brothers, the nation's leading home building company, is giving the laundry room new life.

As demonstrated at the builder's Savino model within Aviano at Desert Ridge® in Phoenix, large windows let the sun in and splashes of vibrant color easily cheer up the room.

"Even tedious chores such as laundry can be a little more pleasant if you have a good setting," said Linda Hanford, marketing manager for Toll Brothers. "We can't make the laundry take care of itself, but we can give you ideas to make your laundry area more inviting."

The Savino model's laundry room has brilliantly colored wallpaper with bold shades of purple, red, yellow, orange and green. A beautiful sage-colored valance tops the large window, which overlooks the home's backyard. The laundry room also features rich cherry wood cabinetry, a large sink and is further enhanced by whimsical framed art and a simple potted plant.

Other ideas to liven up a laundry room include hanging live green plants from the ceiling, showcasing favorite artwork or framed family photos, adding great lighting or even installing a French door or operable window to let in the fresh air.

"Decorate the laundry room like you would any other room in your home," Hanford said. "Consider installing a small television or a CD player so you have some entertainment while you work. If you have the space, there are small bistro tables and chairs that would create a great place for kids to sit and color while you fold laundry."

For smaller spaces, Hanford recommends focusing on incorporating lots of color with paint or wall paper and enhancing the lighting with beautiful fixtures and soft light.

"Be creative and consider what elements would make your laundry area a more pleasing place to be," said Hanford. "It's an unexpected room to enhance, but well worth the effort."