Laundry room workhorses for every size space

I don’t think there’s a world in which I’ll ever get sick of traveling to Northern California’s wine country. I love hanging by the pool with family in Napa, shopping for antiques at the Modern Antiquarium in Healdsburg, and sitting in Failla Winery’s cozy lodge in St. Helena for a tasting. My upcoming trip back has me reminiscing about some of my favorite home tours we’ve published in the area: this avid cyclist’s indoor-outdoor retreat; a farmhouse where the primary bedroom is painted a dreamy color called Rainy Afternoon; and the epic “play barn” on this Napa Valley property by Studio Wu. —Lydia Geisel, home editor

In today’s Home Front:

• My dream laundry room

• One classic garden feature, three creative takes

• Pack with me for baby’s first plane ride

Now that I have a six-month-old, I’ve never done so much laundry in my life; I am eternally grateful for our apartment’s in-unit washer-dryer. But every time I open up the teeny laundry closet to gather clothes, I whack my head on the dryer door. I’ve fantasized about a dedicated room, where I can spread out my folding piles and iron in peace, down to the last detail.

Here’s exactly what’s in my dream space.

1. I’m over getting in a wrestling match with my ironing board, so I’d swap my folding one for a wall-mounted version.

2. If my one-day laundry room is in the basement, this cute ceramic sconce will combat the dungeon feel.

3. I’ve wanted this sleek drying rack ever since I saw it in designer Maggie Glendenning’s Utah home. It doubles as modern art.

4. Kohler’s deep Brockway sink would make hand-washing less of a hassle.

5. I’d do a glossy melon yellow on the walls to avoid gloomy corners (and lost socks).

6. My washable kitchen runner always needs a good shake before I toss it in for a cycle; this rattan reed beater would come in handy.

7. To ensure laundry loads are as efficient as possible, I’d line up three large rolling hampers, a la designer Anissa Zajac’s space: one for sheets and towels, one for darks, and one for whites.

8. I’d tack a fabric skirt onto said utility sink and hide extra paper towel rolls behind it.

9. An architect-approved hack for avoiding a sticky, detergent-splattered floor: use an olive oil dispenser for the perfect pour every time.

If artist Ann Vincent ever sells the mod green bird bath she designed for her house, I’ll be scooping one up ASAP. Until then, there are these almost-as-cool styles to consider. Just remember any design requires some upkeep, like refilling the shallow basin every one to two days with fresh water and offering a grippy surface for delicate avian feet.

From left to right:
Italian Deruta Maiolica Bird Bath, Chairish, $1,450
If you’re going to splurge on a bird bath, make it one that is covered entirely in hand-painted butterflies and flowers. Chairish has a surprising amount of secondhand options, like this Victorian-esque style for $90 or this 1990s one shaped like a shell. Copper Basin, ORCA, $900
In true ORCA style, this graceful basin doubles as an art piece in the garden. To protect birds from predators while they drink and preen, consider positioning it on a pedestal.

Cast Shell Bird Bath, Olive Ateliers, $295
This cement pick is giving grotto vibes with its scalloped bowl. The ideal water depth is two inches or less.

I’ll soon be flying with my baby for the very first time. Want to know if I’m anxious? I started making our packing list back in July. I’m hoping these recent purchases will make our entire journey a tears-free one.

• I’ve been anti-diaper bag up to this point, but I caved when I saw all the built-in organization inside this nylon backpack.

• I’m aiming to get at least 20 minutes of entertainment out of this suction cup toy.

• We are finally in the swing of solids, so Lalo’s Hook-On Chair, which folds up flat, seemed like a necessity for meals on-the-go.

• A stroller that checked all my boxes for travel: under $300, lightweight, compact, and, with the addition of an adapter, car seat–compatible.