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Design

Laundry Alcove Does Double Duty

This multifunctional set of built-in cabinets serves as a convenient serving station for the adjacent dining area when the homeowners aren't washing or drying clothes.

By Maureen Friedman Issue 279 – Kitchens & Baths 2018
Article Image

With living, entertaining, and storage space at a premium, everything is small and tucked away (much like a boat) in this fishing cottage located on the north shore of Martha’s Vineyard. Most of the furniture is custom-made, built-in, and/or multifunctional. The 7-ft. by 2-ft. cypress base cabinet with storage and upper display cabinets is one example of a piece that does double duty. Located adjacent to the kitchen and dining area, the cabinet looks like an elegant serving buffet with a sleek black granite countertop. Opening the cabinet’s bifold doors, however, reveals its role as a functional laundry closet. Laundry-room staples such as detergent and fabric softener are stored in the small cabinet on the right, and the washing machine shutoff valve is located in the cabinet on the left.

Project Designer Annie Fisher, Hutker Architects, Vineyard Haven, Mass., hutkerarchitects.com

Builder Leo DeSorcy, DeSorcy Contracting, Vineyard Haven, Mass., desorcyconstructionmv.com

Photos Brian Vanden Brink, brianvandenbrink.com

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