Back in May, we asked you if you would rather have a 4th bathroom or walk-in pantry and we loved reading all of your thoughts–there were a lot (!!) and most of you declared hands down a walk-in pantry. Considering there is a guest bathroom already on this level, and we haven’t used this 4th bathroom off of the kitchen since re-doing the floors (we never even put the toilet back in!) we felt that was the direction we should go, too. Here’s the current floorplan of our main level so you can see where we’re talking about:
We actually already tore out a coat closet that was in the laundry room area which really opened things up physically, but it also allowed our minds to view different possibilities. Making that half-bath a pantry would be nice, but the more we thought about it, and as we have been planning our kitchen, we actually thought of a plan that might make more sense. Check it:
Here’s how the changes play out:
-We really want to bump out the wall about 27″ into the current laundry area so that our kitchen cabinets (we plan to have the fridge here, too) will sit flush with the wall.
-We’ll move the laundry area to where the half bath currently is.
-Knock down the wall between the current half bath and laundry. The appliances fit in the half bath, but our measurements felt tight for opening the doors.
-Adding a wall to separate the new pantry and new laundry room/back entry. This was Chris’s idea–having the entry and laundry room together. I was unsure about the mix, but there are so many great examples of a mudroom and laundry room together–I am so on board now.
-Build-in a bench with cubbies and hooks for a casual entry/mudroom look.
-Have a big walk-in pantry easily accessible through a door right in the kitchen. It will be so nice having it right there!
Honestly, for us, angels are singing. Horns are playing. It feels right. We’ll definitely be doing this in a couple phases rather than all at once. Phase one, which will start here pretty quick will be the laundry room area. We need to get our appliances moved, walls down and hook-ups shifted before we can do the cabinet bump out, pantry, entry and ultimately–the kitchen, so we’ll start there.
Lots of big changes coming! And I have a feeling we won’t miss that 4th bathroom one bit. :)
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Love what you did with your layout!!!
Just wondering, what is the dimensions of your walk in pantry? We are designing one now and there isn’t a lot out there for sizes.
Hi Julia!!
I’ve been following your blog for awhile now and it’s inspired me to change the layout of our current laundry/mudroom and also reduce our office to make space for a walk-through pantry. I’m wondering which floor plan app or software you’re using to map out the space.
Truc
We love floorplanner.com
It looks like I’m in the minority, but I would be against giving up the half/guest bath if this were my home. I *hate* worrying about company using the master bathroom, it seems like such a private space and I would love to offer a pristine guest bath that I know doesn’t have my personal items out, yk? I love that you guys are really into cooking and the design of the kitchen is super important to you, but if it were me, I’d try really hard to implement the laundry/mud room, pantry and bathroom. A half bath doesn’t have to be huge, and you guys have so much cabinet space already, a pantry doesn’t necessarily have to be either. Either way, it’s your home and you will do what works best for your family and lifestyle. It’s a pleasure to see what you guys are up to!
Thanks for your input, Abby! We actually have a half bath right off of the front entry that we redid last year specifically for guests. https://www.chrislovesjulia.com/2013/11/half-bath-afters.html
I feel the same way about guests using the master bathroom. Even going through my bedroom–I worry for some reason. Rest assured, there will be none of that. ;)
Love the new layout! Great use of space. I think I would try to make the pantry a touch smaller and give the entrance a little more air.
Wouldn´t it be great if you bump out the laundry/garage wall and put the washer and dryer there? asumming you have extra space in your garage or it costs nothing…Ok too much asumming.
Can´t wait to see the results!
I’d love to have a larger mudroom area. We’ll see what we can do about that.
I have a walk-thru from kitchen to garage plus my “laundry room”
That posted too early. Anyway, we have hooks for coats and I would just caution you to ensure that you have enough room for coats, backpacks, shoes, sports stuff, etc. Even though we have space next to the washer/dryer, I wish it were a couple of feet wider…it feels very cramped. I don’t know how large the space is but mine is 7-1/2′ X 7′ and it’s cramped.
I have that washer/dryer combo (wedding/house warming present from my Mom) and they are hands down the best appliance ever! I looove LG appliances!
I have already done, at least, 15 loads of laundry since Saturday due to no washer for 2 weeks and I already love the washer!! Can’t wait to get its match and so glad to hear you love it, too.
I think the option you are moving forward with makes the most sense. While our mudroom (I just converted the closet by the garage) isn’t attached to the laundry, you’ll be surprised how much you’ll love them being right next to each other – especially with kids and a dog. Muddy items can go straight to the wash! :) Will you have enough room to add a utility sink? I’m amazed at how much we use ours. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.
I am still pulling for a utility sink, but we’ll have to do some exact measurements once we get the dryer to see if it will fit.
We have almost the same washer (non-steam version) and LOVE IT. Good choice!
I highly recommend you consider stacking the washer and dryer when you get the match. We love how much extra space we gained, and you would have room for a sink next to it. Regardless, your new floorplan mock up looks much more cohesive. I can’t wait to see the transformation!
We thought about stacking, but we really want to re-use our cabinets in the current laundry area in the new location. Since the space will be wide open, I want to make sure there’s still concealed storage for soap and things. We had a stacked laundry in one of our apartments and it is a space saver for sure!
Great idea! It’s the best of both worlds and I think you’ll like doing laundry better there than down the narrow area you had before anyway!
Me too. :)
Love the entry/laundry room together! That is what my parents have and it just makes so much sense! Especially when we used to come in muddy from playing outside… just throw the clothes right in the wash!
Sounds like a good rearrangement of room functions. And great call to bump in/out an area to recess the refrigerator and cabinets. Can’t wait to see how you do all this!