Although large kitchens with separate laundry rooms have long been a highly coveted luxury, Americans are now increasingly preferring smaller homes.

“We’re learning that if we use less space, we can spend more on details and finishes to make rooms feel more luxurious....And people will pay a little more for solutions, like cabinetry add-ons that eliminate dead space and that add utility”, explains Donald Ruthroff, founder of architecture firm Design Story Spaces.

The kitchen is one place you need to make the most of every square inch, particularly if you’re short on space and have a washer and dryer to fit in. Fortunately, there are several creative solutions that can help you cram in these hefty appliances without sacrificing too much space or functionality.

Stack your washer and dryer

When there’s no other place for your washer and dryer to go but the kitchen, the easiest way to save on space is to stack them.

Stackable washer/dryer combos take up half the floor space of two side-by-side units, so you can put this newly freed-up area to better use. Not to mention, traditional sets also tend to look bulky, which is the last thing you want in a small kitchen.

Most dryers can be safely stacked on top of most washing machines as long as they’re both front-loading models. But it’s not just a question of plonking one unit on top of the other.

• You’ll need to purchase a stacking kit to connect the two safely.

• These kits usually come with screws and a frame, which puts a few inches between the units and absorbs vibrations while the machines are running.

Just be certain your chosen kit is compatible with both machines.

Front-load machines also require an extra bit of maintenance compared to top-loaders.

Tip: Remember to give the door and the gasket a quick wipe down at the end of each day, otherwise mold and mildew can build up.

Fortunately, overall, washers can go a long time without needing serious repairs. “Only 14% of washers broke in the second through fifth years of ownership”, Consumer Reports reveals. But washers can only stay in good condition with proper maintenance. It’s something many of us neglect, thinking ‘...if it runs ok, things are probably fine, so why bother?’ But the truth is, checkups are needed to avoid bigger issues.

• Proper maintenance can prevent leaks and other problems that might cause water damage to your home.

• Simple things like cleaning the filter, checking hoses for wear and tear, and running a cleaning cycle every now and then can make a big difference.

That said, it’s important to schedule regular appliance maintenance to keep your washer running and stop problems.

Hide them under counters

A side-by-side front-load washer and dryer can also be easily stored under your kitchen countertops.

Tip: To totally hide them from view, hang a curtain from the counter to the floor.

You can simply pull the curtain open whenever you need to use the machines and close it again to conceal them for the rest of the time.

You can also use the countertop space as a useful spot to fold your laundry, as well as store bins or baskets that give easy access to laundry supplies like detergent, stain remover, and dryer balls. Just take care not to over-clutter the space.

But since storing your machines this way unavoidably takes up space where lower cabinets would be, you may want to compensate for the lost storage.

• For example, you could mount your pans, skillets, and other cookware on the wall above your washer and dryer.

• Small pot racks, in particular, are a stylish and practical way to create extra storage.

You may even end up liking them more than cabinets. Pot racks keep your cookware easy to grab, so you won’t have to root around the cupboard to find the right pot or pan.

Use sliding doors

If your kitchen design allows, sliding doors can hide your washer and dryer in a discreet corner or alcove. Sliding doors are a great choice because they don’t swing open like regular doors, they’re compact, and won’t get in the way. Just choose a material for the doors that fits in seamlessly with the rest of your cabinetry, so they don’t look out of place.

Tip: Add a shelf above the washer and dryer. In that nice little nook you’ve created, a shelf can be very handy for storing all your laundry supplies—like detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets. You could even toss in a cute little plant or some decorative baskets to keep things looking fresh and organized.

• With this setup, you’ll have a fully functional, walled-off laundry center that’s ready for action whenever you need it.

• Everything you need will be right there in your kitchen, and when you don’t need it, it’ll be all hidden away behind those sleek sliding doors.

Curtain Covers

If you’re into that classic 40s and 50s decor style and you want something simple but functional that still looks fantastic, how about using a curtain cover?

• The best part is, it’s super easy and gives off a cozy, retro feel.

• You can start with picking a fabric that matches your kitchen's color scheme or goes well with your overall decor.

• Think polka dots, vintage florals, or even some old-school stripes.

And here’s another advantage: you can easily swap out the curtain whenever you feel like a change. Just pick a different fabric, and you’ve got a whole new setup without the commitment or hassle.

If you don’t have a laundry room, storing your washer and dryer in the kitchen is the next best thing. With a little forethought and creativity, you’ll find a way to cleverly fit in these units and make the most of your kitchen space.

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Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.