the Adelaide Hills

FOR THE LOVE OF LAUNDRY

Laundry day might feel like a real chore, but a well-organised space can help lighten the load. Turn your laundry into a welcoming room with some clever design, pops of colour, smart appliances and functional fi xtures and fi ttings.

By ALEXANDRA LONGSTAFF

In laundries with ample space, place appliances side by side. This provides for a generous benchtop and a comfortable working surface. elcorteingles.es; featured norsuHOME (opposite page)

These pages: The Bosch i-DOS Series 8 front loader washing machine boasts exceptional water- and energy-efficiency. bosch-home.com.au; the Fisher & Paykel WH8560F1 8.5kg front loader washer with FabricSmart™ can be stacked expertly with the Fisher & Paykel DH8060P1 8kg condensing dryer with SmartTouch™ control dial, making them great options for smaller spaces calling for an integrated laundry. Photography: Shannon McGrath, design by Sarah Wolfendale. fisherpaykel.com

Creating the perfect laundry Crafting a laundry space that works seamlessly can turn laundry day into a fuss-free experience — one that could even be, dare we say it, enjoyable. The biggest mistake you can make when it comes to setting up your new laundry is not asking yourself some key questions about your needs. From budget to layout to silent appliances to highly organised spaces, there’s a lot to think about. Here are a few tips and tricks that will ensure your laundry is top-of-the-range and, more importantly, works perfectly for your family’s needs.

All about space The amount of space you have access to is key to the planning of your laundry. Start by analysing what you can feasibly fi t in the amount of space you have. For smaller rooms, or even laundries that sit within other rooms like the bathroom or kitchen, it can be really benefi cial to stack items or tuck them away in cabinetry. According to Maja Pejovic, brand manager for Bosch Home Appliances, selecting the right appliances will depend on the space available. “When designing a laundry, it’s good to think about the appliances early on as the design of the laundry layout will be determined by how you use the space,” explains Maja. “Ergonomic factors will come into play and thinking about whether you want your washing machine and dryer side by side, or on top of each other with the use of a stacking kit, will make a big diff erence in the laundry design.”

These pages: Up the ante on laundry organisation with these extras from Garden Trading. gardentrading.co.uk; the Series 6 washer dryer from Bosch allows you to wash and dry your clothes in one smart appliance. bosch-home.com.au

Technology rocks Think of your laundry as a long-term investment. It’s worth investing in the most innovative technology now so that each appliance ages gracefully with you and you get the longest lifespan out of it. “One mistake that people make when buying laundry appliances is that they look at the price of an appliance without taking into consideration the technology, innovative programs, and even the size of the washer or dryer and how that might impact the laundry performance and suitability of the appliance based on their family or living situation,” explains Maja.

Also, consider technology that benefi ts the whole family. “Bosch laundry appliances have innovative features like VarioPerfect, which lets you choose between saving time or energy, special programs for diff erent types of fabrics or stains, and even the Bosch i-DOS technology, which automatically doses the precise amount of laundry detergent required for the wash,” adds Maja.

The green light We live in times where it’s more important than ever before to consider our environmental impact. Energy consumption, water usage, recyclability and water pollution are directly related to the appliances you select for your laundry space. You can make a real diff erence if you make smart, sustainable choices.

There are some amazing options out there that take environmental impact very seriously. “Bosch washing machines and dryers have been engineered to be more intelligent and energy-effi cient,” confi rms Maja. “Thanks to the innovative technology in our Bosch appliances, savings can be made in a number of diff erent ways. The Bosch i-DOS Series 8 front loader washing machine is one of the most water- and energy-effi cient washing machines from Bosch, boasting a 4.5-star energy rating and a 4.5-star WELS water rating.

“The Bosch i-DOS integrated automatic dosing system adds the optimum amount of liquid detergent for every load, down to the very millilitre, which saves on both detergent and water in the long run. The precise automatic dosing system allows your washing machine to save up to 7062 litres of water per year. Bosch dryers have up to 8-star energy-effi ciency ratings, thanks to the innovative ActiveAir heat pump technology, which is designed to work without conventional heating and reuses the heat generated during the drying process. Investing in energy- and watereffi cient washing machines and dryers can certainly be a strong economical choice in the long run.” ACH