i think the correct name is a washer/dryer cozy.

I use the inhabit-slats to hide mine.

How about Vincon's magnetized panels?

http://www.vincon.com/WebCommerce/Sistema/200606/inicio.asp?MiTienda=100397&MiIdioma=EN

I used to cover my (2-in-one) washer/dryer with some fabric folded and sewn as a "cozy' -- but now I leave it exposed -- I figure that appliances are part of the kitchen landscape!

I have a stacked WasherDryer in my bathroom. I decided that covering it up would draw too much attention to it.
Like covering a small zit with cakey concealer.

But if colors and decor are really really clashing, then I might sing a different tune.

I was thinking about lightweight doors with a pocket-door hinge (like those used in entertainment cabinets).

It's all about the room dividers.

I would think that chalkboard paint would be a nice camoflouge. I *am* partial to chalkboard paint though!

Heather,

I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine...

I have a stackable-ready niche area in my kitchen and I used a a simple fabric panel from IKEA. I realize this hookup sounds a little tacky, but fortunately the room's ten-foot ceilings and adjacent brick wall go a long way, so maybe it might work for you too (?)

Now I have a question (or two) for you. I just moved into a new apartment. I'm not sure how long I'll be her,e so I opted to rent a wahser/dryer. Anyhoo, the delivery guy arrived first thing this morning only to tell me that the washer and dryer cords are...oh, eight to nine feet shy of the nearest outlet. I was not happy. He mentioned the average cord length of most stackables rarely exceeds three or four feet--which seems slightly ridiculous considering the height of the appliance.

Does this seem similar to your stackable? Did you have to relocate your outlet?

Thanks,
Nikki

My w/d is in my kitchen, too. I also use an ikea panel on a simple curtain rod. I rigged some hooks in front of it for hanging up dry cleaning, etc... and have made a little laundry area.

If those were MY washer and dryer, I'd probably have them as pictures on my Christmas cards - Instead of covering them up. LOL.

I have washer/dryer envy.

you could wallpaper it... like a guy did to his ol' white rental fridge in an issue of Domino a little while back. looked great.

-kellen

I keep my washer/dryer behind two pairs (one on top, one below - old warehouse building with high ceilings) of Ikea kitchen cabinet doors that match the rest of the cabinets in the kitchen. I suppose it's a slightly more expensive solution than a fabric panel, but it extends the look of the kitchen nicely, turning the wall into a rather handsome light wood surface.

One thing: I keep the doors open when I'm using the dryer; I'm a bit wary about the doors warping because of the heat and moisture, or the veneer peeling off or whatnot

I keep my washer/dryer behind two pairs (one on top, one below - old warehouse building with high ceilings) of Ikea kitchen cabinet doors that match the rest of the cabinets in the kitchen. I suppose it's a slightly more expensive solution than a fabric panel, but it extends the look of the kitchen nicely, turning the wall into a rather handsome light wood surface.

One thing: I keep the doors open when I'm using the dryer; I'm a bit wary about the doors warping because of the heat and moisture, or the veneer peeling off or whatnot.

Still, I've had that system for a couple of years now, and they look just as good as day 1.

I'm thinking you could do a painting on beige painting canvas to match your kitchen decor and then attach large magnets to the backs that would adhere to the front of the stackables without damaging them permanently. Just peel off the canvas and replace when done with laundry.

A bonus to this would be that you could do new canvas pictures to suit your moods or update.

I buy thick drop cloth canvas at Sherwin Williams and use acrylic paints bought at that large place called Walmart.

Another totally different idea would be to get a shower curtain you like (there are beautiful ones out there!) and suspend a great looking rod from above so it would slide to the side easily when doing laundry.

And finally, would be a great place to use a panel with photos mounted on it that would either be on a a hanging device or rollers to slide to the side when not used for cammouflage.

Hope those help and that you will post a pic when you do finish whatever you decide works for you.

Marilyn 2homes2lives.blogspot.com

OMG...I missed the most obvious!
Use the doors as round picture frames and insert different poster size photos or artwork when not doing laundry, leaving the rest of the machines exposed as functional, well-designed appliances.

I would want to insert FRANK STELLA'S or some other great abstract artwork..He's the Bomb.

Maybe for humor, pictures of members of your family as if they are stuck in the washer or dryer, trying to get out and blow up their faces to fit the size of the circles...

The possiblities of inserts would be so much fun...I think I need some "stackable" art gallery machines also!!!!

Marilyn www.2homes2lives.blogspot.com

Thanks everyone!! The possiblities ARE really endless. I'll post a pic when the project is complete...look for it at the end of Feb.

embrace it..any nyc-er would be jealous that you have the space and appliances. I know I am :p

Hi Heather,

My stacked washer and dryer, like Jonathan's, are concealed behind cabinet doors in my dining room. If the sides or rear of your washer and dryer will be exposed in your space, you can create a full or pseudo-cabinet for them by having sheets of 1/2" or 3/4" birch or oak faced plywood cut to form a box. Join the plywood walls together or to adjacent walls with steel angle irons. Before or after the enclosure is finished, go to Ikea, Lowe's or Home Depot and select a large cabinet door style, then install the door hinges and then the doors to your cabinet walls.

Depending on the size of your stackables, you may need either one set of big doors or two sets of smaller doors. Whichever approach you use, before starting this project, make sure your plywood box will not be wider or taller than the doors you intend to use.

If creating the enclosure puts your washer and dryer a little out of reach of your outlets or hose connections, appropriate voltage extension cords or longer replacement electrical cords can be purchased at an electrical supply. Custom length burst-proof hoses can be purchased at a rubber or hose supply house.

After all this effort you will likely have not only a nicer looking kitchen, but also a quieter one.

Nikki,

You can buy extension hoses for your washing machine. Just make sure they aren't too long, but I've had good luck extending mine by about 10 feet.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1272687&cp=1254880.1255016.1306423&page=2&doVSearch=no&pageBucket=0&parentPage=family&searchId=1306423

Oh -- I just realized you mean power cord. You can get extensions for those too.

Ottan,

Thank you!

nikki

This is surely the answer to your issue. We just got ours today. I LOVE IT!

www.theme-achine.com

nikki,

they do make a 10 foot dryer cord....it's just hard to find http://www.shopperschoice.com/item_PETRA-90-2028-4-Wire-Dryer-Cords-30A-Closed-Eyelet-10-Ft_t_path_4-126-152_item_286424.html

try this...good luck!

~kendra