The laundry room may be all about function, but there’s no need for it to look utilitarian. Cabinetry, wallpaper, and countertops work together to create a color scheme that matches the home’s decor and architecture.

To make the laundry room virtually disappear, consider custom-built cabinetry that encloses the appliances. Bifold doors open to reveal the washer and dryer conveniently located in the dressing room of this city condominium.

The primary functions — sorting, washing, drying — are grouped in one corner for maximum efficiency. Concrete countertops and commercial linoleum floors are easy to wipe up in case of spills and resist damage by bleach. A shallow, open closet allows clothes to hang as soon as they come out of the dryer.

A closet was converted into a laundry room on the main sleeping level of the home. A stacked washer and dryer combo allowed the home owner’s to make the most of the small space.

The default location for laundry rooms used to be the basement and there are still good reasons to put it there (noise, humidity, overflow if a hose breaks). But the perfect spot for you may be in the master suite, close to the children’s bedrooms, or near the back door. If you choose an upstairs location near living or sleeping areas, shop for appliances with extra insulation and improved suspension that promise quiet operation and reduced vibration.