The laundry is adjacent to this multi-functional space and because Lynn prefers spacious laundries, she had to have a rather large one, and more.
As co-director and designer at Elite Cabinets in Papakura, she often advises clients to opt for large laundries and justify the space by combining it with a simple kitchen.
In the Ploms’ case, their laundry/kitchen is ideal for guests, who can be independent from their hosts and make a cuppa at 3am if they wish. As well as the laundry essentials, there’s a microwave, coffee machine, full sized fridge (which doubles as extra freezer) and small appliances such as toaster and kettle. There’s ample storage too, with banks of drawers and cupboards, some at full-height.
“When the children use the rumpus room, they can make their own snacks without coming into the main kitchen,” Lynn says.
The laundry also accommodates overflow items from the kitchen proper, and comes in handy for servicing gatherings such as Parent Teacher Association meetings.
Lynn’s favourite features are the large tub with a goose neck tap which allows enough room to fill a bucket underneath. Placing the machine taps on the bench top is another inspired touch making access so much easier.
Another great feature is the three washing baskets that sort washing into whites, coloureds and darks, although Lynn is still trying to convince her daughters that the system has great merits!
Combining kitchens and laundries is a relatively new thing in New Zealand, but Lynn remembers living in London in the early 1980s, where it was common for laundries to be included in the main kitchen of the home.
