OK. I think your best bet is to put up a lightweight shelf over the top, and hang a curtain hanging that goes across the front.

Put 2 lengths of 1x2's around all three sides of the alcove to support your shelf so that it rests on the 1x2s and sits slightly above the washer/dryer. It will only be an inch or 2 below the upper cabinets. Try to allow enough space so that doesn't look too weird.

Get plywood cut to fit the alcove and also cut in half down the center (so one half goes over the washer, the other half over the dryer). Paint the plywood to match the other wood work.

With what I'm trying to describe above, the shelf over the washer could be moved and set on top of the shelf over the dryer when you go to do laundry.

Once the shelf is installed, put a wire across the front, just underneath the shelf. Attach the wire to the walls on either side (not to the shelf). Make curtains that fits across the front of the machines. If you pick a good fabric and do a decent job on your shelf, then the whole area could turn out sort of "charming cottage". Good luck.

Put ^3 lengths of 1x2s.

I think you will see a big improvement if you push the dryer over so there is not a gap between it and the washer. Then fill that gap with something. Rubbermaid or similar makes a plastic product for the purpose that contains storage. You could also just make a frame out of lumber (2x4 might be just the right size, or possibly you could reclaim some pallet wood). No storage, but the space would be filled. Paint as you like.

I have no experience with this, but you can also purchase appliance paint or paint specially formulated for high heat. I saw that for sale at a place that sells wood stoves.

Agree with pushing then as far right as you can - but insted of storage get a narrow pull out towel rail to go next to your radiator, which will give you a spot to line dry odd items that are not dryer safe. I wouldn't go for a curtain, it'll just stick out and look fussy, and the cream appliance matches your walls anyway - but I like the painting idea. You can also get magnetic 'blackboard' on a roll, which you could stick on the left hand appliance and use for messages? (If you know a friendly car enthusiast they might be able to hammer out that dint for you, which would also help!)

Paint is a very good idea. Moving the washer closer to the dryer is another great idea. So is Sophie Rose's idea to use the space near the radiator to dry things. Keep it simple.

I might start with just covering the washer and dryer with a tablecloth or sheet in a nice complementary color/print. You could put a tray with a few decorative/kitchen-y items on top of the dryer to help keep the cloth in place. Then you just have to lift a nice light piece of fabric to get into your laundry. Also, if it gets dirty, you know what to do!

A short accordian door, so it won't hide the pretty cabinets, mounted to the wall.

Even better, a curtain rod, again, mounted below the cabinets, with some pretty curtains.

As suggested above couple of cans of appliance paint to change the color of the dryer to white...
That may help a bit... but far better to have these appliances than not!

In NYC where most are not allowed to have washers and dryers in our apts, we wouldn't care what it looked like at all! Congrats!

I agree about pushing the washer and dryer together and getting a piece of wood to put across the top. In addition to this I think a "sink skirt" would look nice. If you use clip on curtain rings the skirt is really easy to move when you need the dryer. If you don't have too much fullness with the skirt it doesn't seem to get in the way. I have a similiar situation in my condo and this works out pretty well. Also, the work surface with the wooden board is the perfect height for wrapping presents (I'm 5' 3")

Also, I think it might work best to have a rod that went across from wall to wall for the curtain.

i agree with the 'intentional' comment by re-store above. you could decoupage cheap art onto them [one big thing divided between the two, like a diptych]and seal with crystal clear poly so it looks like art. or a cool fabric or something. I'd put a countertop over the dryer, but not the washer, moving it out of the way often will be aggravating. push dryer next to washer, leave your radiator room to breathe - if it doesnt get air circulation it cant do it's job. might be good place to tuck drying rack. and congratulations on your appliances!

Fun paint colors and patterns!

2 pairs of merete curtains from ikea [$50] & a length of galvanized pipe from home depot.
floor to ceiling disappearing act.

I've seen people paint them or put vinyl stickers on them to make them cute. I think it would be an awesome look for your kitchen! If you do appliance paint, make sure to do it outside!

I also like the idea of making the tops feel less like an appliance and more like a counter, but it'll be tough with a top-loading washer.

Why not have a carpenter make a box with wheels? The box would only have 4 sides; leaving the bottom and back open so you can push it in when the W/D are not in use. You can then paint, decorate the box to your liking.
If you go with the skirt option, I would also make 'curtains' to match the windows on the doors of the cupboards.
Good Luck and you'll love having your own washer and dryer regardless of where it lives.

Dana from House*Tweaking did something that might help you out!

She put a counttop over the top (with a "door" you can pull up for the washer) that and then did a curtain in front. It looks chic! http://www.housetweaking.com/2013/02/21/the-everything-room-repainted/

First of all, what an adorable apartment! I love the floors and cabinets. You have lots of options. My idea expands on some of the above comments. You could get Ikea butcher block - or Lowes sells similar stuff in smaller pieces - and make a countertop. You would want to hinge it in the middle so that the left side could be folded over to the right side when you use the washer. So that the controls for the W&D aren't showing, and to make it look like an actual countertop, you could use the same wood to do a backsplash of sorts. It would need to be removable so that you could access the W&D controls. You could attach fabric to the edge of the countertop with velcro. To do laundry you would take off the backsplash and lean it against the wall, fold the fabric up onto the counter, and fold the left side of the counter over to the right.

I would maybe paint them something fun... or do go the sink curtain route just to go across the front. But for the tops, I would make an ironing board to go sit on top across both machines (Move them together!). Just a piece of plywood with some foam or batting and then cover that in a complimentary heavy cotton fabric. Just try not to let it collect stuff or you will have to clear it off every time you need to put something in the wash!

I second this idea! Here's a link to Dana's post about the washer and dryer, specifically: http://housetweaking.com/?s=washer

I think I'd make a tailored slipcover with magnets sewn into pockets to hold it in place. It could be as simple as one piece of folded fabric that attaches to the outer corners, top and bottom, of the two appliances, pushed together. Remove to do laundry. Go with something plain or very subtle in color, close to the wall color, so they don't attract attention. Use the tops for some easily movable decoration, or just keep empty.

I third the idea of something like Dana's laundry solution. Everyone else beat me to the punch :) The second link above me shows how it functions and the first person's shows the finished version. It looks great but the only thing I'd change is how much fabric she's used, it looks a little bunchy to me but otherwise a great solution.

And now for something completely different: MAGNETIC COVERS! Those are giant magnets that you can use to make these appliances more attractive. Go online and look at the options - for example: FridgeFronts. I got one years ago to cover my non-matching dishwasher - it is done by an artist and makes the dishwasher look like a wine fridge! My friends got different ones with water scenes.

I love it so much that I brought it with me to my new place where the appliances match - use it anyway. Yes, you will have to move the magnet to open the dryer and yes, you will have the control panels exposed but the major areas will be arty/cheerful!

curtains- either half height or full
http://www.decodir.com/2010/03/curtain-benefits-for-laundry-room-tips-and-ideas/

Simple muslim or heavy cotton natural or white- look clean and sharp

Chalkboard paint them!

Because one opens from the top and the other opens from the front, you will have access issues with any type of cover. Keep it simple. Go with paint.

Paint absolutely!

Anything other than this genius idea is insanity!

You can't do anything across the top people. She's got a top load washer. Paint them both the same color. Push them together. Put something next to the radiator for drying - and enjoy. Any creative "fixes" are likely to be far more lumbering and awkward than the appliances themselves.

Maybe I'm crazy but wouldn't a drape that touches a radiator be a fire hazard? I would go with one of the other options above just to be safe. I've never had radiators though?!

Ask the landlord to take them away and get an all-in-one washer dryer combo like they have in European kitchens. Americans need to think outside the box.

If she is remotely handy, or knows someone who is, she can put a hinged opening on a board.

Do you know of a brand that works well? ... because having used those combos in Europe, I'd have to think twice before purchasing one. She explained that she purchased the machines used, so she's stuck with them for a while.

You want quick and easy access to both machines. You do not want to block access to the cabinets above them or the shelves on the side.

My first vote would be to paint the machines.

Second choice would be floor to ceiling curtains that run between both walls, on rings so that you can open and close them easily. But that would be a far second, because then you wouldn't see the cute cabinets above them.

Anything you have to remove and put back is most likely going to end up not being used, because a) you will have to find a place to put it while using the machines and b) it will just be a hassle every time you go to do laundry. You could make a cover and just use it when company comes over, I guess.

Question is how much work are you prepared to put into it? Some ideas are lovely but lots of work. I loved the painted ones and the hinged counter but could you do that yourself?
I would definitely move the machine away from the radiator. You will need the heat in the winter and it is wonderful place to dry something quickly. I miss radiators the most from our old place.
I would not do anything that had to be lifted to somewhere else before I used them. A couple of things to consider are magnetic curtain rods, here is just one type http://www.sears.ca/product/magnetic-cafe-rod/624-000037275-WI-1730M-WH. You could have one on each appliance. Then put a useful top on the beige machine and something similar to a placemat on the white one. If it is thin enough you might be able to double side tape it to the lid so it will lift with the lid and not block the lid from staying open.

I'd aim for invisible. Those puppies are pretty big, and if you cover them with something bright or busy, they will draw attention rather than blend in. I'd try to match them to the cabinetry either with paint or some kind of cover, but I wouldn't want to make them a focal point. Also beware of doing anything that blocks the ventilation for the dryer or comes close to the radiator. Can you look for a used front loading washer and sell the top loader? Then you could make a counter over the tops out of butcher block or something similar and hang a plain curtain over the fronts. I'm envisioning beadboard on something like closet or pocket door tracks so you can move each half out of the way and access the machines. Hinges would work too if you want to build a sort of cabinet around them.

Just like with makeup, accentuate your best features! Paint (and draw attention to) the lovely trim, rather than the machines. Right now you have cute features (big window, darling shelves, lovely cabinets) disappearing into the background because they're beige. Paint them a pretty color (or even black!) to make them stand out, and put the focus on them. Let the appliances recede from view instead.

I think red would be a lovely choice that will complement the colors you already have in your belongings (melon/pink, lemon, aqua/teal) - I see that red bowl on the pretty aqua-colored microwave stand, for instance, and the red trim on the turqoise oven mitt. If you paint the window trim, the little shelves, and the cabinet doors, *they* will stand out instead of your appliances. And they "belong" to the kitchen way more than the appliances do - the trim will help unite them with it.

Here are some palette suggestions:
http://sbchic.com/2009/03/30/inspiration-board-16-aqua-pink-a-dash-of-yellow-wedding/
http://www.patternpulp.com/color/mexican-palettes-for-spring/

here's an example of red kitchen trim:
http://www.frolic-blog.com/frolic/2010/11/cottage-kitchen.html

Black would also look very sharp for the trim if you can't step to red! :)

If you paint the appliances, I'd just paint the washer that same neutral as the radiator and the dryer so they all just blend into the background. In any case, it's all the other things being beige that's making the appliances so prominent - once you paint the trim up pretty, you might not need to do anything else. :)

I would want to maximize counter space! So with that in mind, I might be inclined to get door or some other piece of wood or countertop surface cut down to size so that it sits right on top of the washer and dryer. You might try one big piece (though you'd have to haul that off when you want to do your wash: it's a top-load, right?) or two smaller pieces so it's easier to take off when you're doing your wash.

Then some sort of curtain-y kind of thing to drape over the washer-dryer combo and tuck under the makeshift countertop.

Yeah, not the prettiest solution, but to have additional countertop space when guests come over? Yeah, that sounds great... :)

How about a simple room divider folding screen to put in front of them? it would be easy to just fold up and lean against a wall while loading and unloading the machines.

We got a cheap foam core door (something like the ReliaBilt 32" x 80" Flush Hollow Interior Slab Door $27), and painted it (we didn't need to cut it because it fit). Then we got some velcro and velcro'd a skirt on it. It was light enough to move easily, we had more counter space, and it kept the w&d out of sight when we were eating supper. Then when we moved we had a blank wall, so we kept the door, mounted it to the wall with shelf brackets and used it as a breakfast bar.

The set is hers-why would the landlord take them away? Also, I loved the small set we had in Germany, but would never buy a combo. The drying is horrible as they are ventless and every time we washed our clothes at omas they smelled like they had gone moldy. Yuck!

Either way...read the actual article before you condescend others.

I had a rental house with this exact same situation. The house had nice new cabinets above the washer and dryer so I was reluctant to cover the whole area with curtains. I tried a shower curtain rod at half height so I could still reach over to the cabinets above. It was a HUGE pain. I had trouble reaching the cabinets and it was harder to use the washer and dryer. In the end I found that full height curtains were the best solution since they did not impede use of the cabinets or doing the laundry. The curtains also provide me with storage space to stash the laundry baskets and a place to collect the dirty laundry out of sight and already in the laundry area. I also considered a folding screen but moving it would have been a pain. The curtains were really painless and extremely effective.

Do you have draping/sewing skills? You could make tailored slipcovers--after moving the washer away from the radiator. This could look very sleek and pretty depending on your fabric choice. Adhesive velcro on the back would make them easy to remove on wash day.

Paint them to match! It would be really cute in sky blue with some silver stenciling and it would match the cute kitchen cart you have.

aside from pushing the appliances together and painting them to match, I would also use the same paint color inside the cabinets above (if you can't paint then put fabric at the back or paper. It will tie it all together and look intentional. Perhaps a light blue and grey combo.

There is a lot going on in such a small area. Maybe if the cabinet windows were covered with some kind of plastic translucent film or if the cabinets were filled with plates of the same colour, there would be less of a bother with the appliances. I have the washer/dryer in my kitchen but they are both white, the cabinet above them have white doors and nobody can see inside them. I tried a butcher block on top of the washer/dryer, thinking that would give me more counter space, but it was not practical to take it off and put it back up there whenever I would wash. Besides, it was heavy and I have arthritis so I got rid of it. Your place has a lot of charm. A bit less visual clutter is all it needs.

At first I pictured a giant breadbox underneath, as a possible solution. This image:

http://www.dutchcrafters.com/Amish-Wood-Roll-Top-Bread-Box/p/5403

I realise they don't make roll-tops so wide, or not cheaply, but are you thinking about hanging a slatted blind below? You could even spray or paint it to match the cabinets above? That could blend in well with the overall style so you get to keep the charm of the existing area.

I agree that a pull-out under-shelf would be great, if only there was room for a matching counter-top, because who doesn't need more counter space? (Like a computer desk with a pull-out keyboard shelf.) Yet this would block access to the controls ...

Okay, how wide is the space from the door-frame to the far wall? And how deep is the recess? If it is a standard width, you could find a ready-made wooden window blind to cover the whole area below without struggling to draw it out of the way when you are using the appliances.

I originally pictured a pull-down roll-top concept, wooden blinds following a curved track on each wall from the back; pull them forwards and down, and slide them back to access your fine new appliances. Also, Walmart do curved curtain tracks. But maybe there is not room for such curves on each side?

How about - have you imagined - a rod going from underneath the lowest shelf with the white jars, to a matching bracket or socket on the far wall? A shower tension rod might not be strong enough, but a pair of permanent brackets might do to support a stronger rod. Then you could hang a light slatted blind, or even a bamboo screen, straight down to the floor. That wouldn't even need guiding tracks. Plus it is easy to shorten a blind - take out half the slats and & re-attach the end, add a handle.

P.S.

Congratulations on your washer & dryer, I know how that is, I used to rent and queue for the shared appliances. It is so great to have your own.

I think we all need to look at the photos more carefully here - the reason I said a curtain might be fussy, and I'm not sure about any of the door/screen/curtain ideas people are having - is how far into the room the units already come. As far as I can see there is no wall you could attach a rod to that wouldn't make a curtain belly out over the appliances into the narrow walking space you have, and with something solid like a counter I think you'd struggle to reach into your cupboards.
Basically the problem is the HUGE appliances that are normal in the US, but you have them now and your're clearly on a budget, so obviously you need to work with them. They're used, so you don't have a lot to loose by trying paint or stickers. For what it's worth from a European perspective I would never, ever, reccoment a combo washer dryer. They're really energy inefficent and break down lots, and most repair guys here won't touch them with a barge pole! Just keep on the look out for smaller models when you can afford it.

My perfectionist tendencies wouldn't let me push these to the right, but they could meet exactly in the middle. Such a great vintage kitchen! I think I'd go with the vintage and make a nice lightweight skirt in great vintage print or check and hang in on either a tension rod or on one of those Ikea cables that stretch from side to side. Actually, the cable with little bright pastel painted wood -geez! the word escapes me - but you know, the little wood clip things we used to hang laundry with! Pull the skirt to one side when loading the dryer. You have that pastel cart with the microwave, match that lovely blue and the creamy white of the cabinets in your fabric. Oh, now I want to trade places with you; where do you live?

I would definitely paint them! Adding a curtain and counter would just make the space more of a chore than doing laundry already tends to be. Since they're not front-load, a counter would impede the opening of the washer and make it very hard to use the controls on the top. By adding a curtain, you'd still see the tops of the appliances which would make it obvious that you were trying to hide them away.

Like Gooddog, I think pushing them to one side would throw off the balance of the area. Instead, I would build a little countertop between the two appliances, with a panel in the front to resemble a built-in cabinet. Paint the faux-cabinet to match the other cabinetry and it'll look like it's always been there. That little bit of counter space would also make the whole area another workspace for folding, food prep, etc. I would paint the appliances a fun color (maybe the pretty blue of your vintage cart). They'll look intentional, not like you're trying to hide them. Look to Big Chill for inspiration on brightly-hued appliances!

The cabinets and radiator are so cool that I would probably go with the painting idea. Though the idea, if possible, from house tweaking is great.

What about using a long tension rod and covering them with pretty hemmed curtains? Could add a ton of fun. (PS - Didnt read every other, so if someone suggested this first, I change my respose to Agree with the curtain idea!).

This is a tricky one. You are dealing with a small space, so the less clutter the better. The way it looks now, the dryer and the radiator are close in color and the washer seems to stand out. This make me lean toward painting both appliances to match the radiator as closely as possible. There are painters who use an electrostatic paint to redo office furniture and I would look for one. It will give you a nice, even job. Definitely move the washer over toward the dryer to close the gap. This will not only make the space look simpler, but youwill get more efficiency out of the radiator. Since the gap is so small, even a drying rack may not fit. You could, however, easily pick up some magnetic towel bars to stick on the left side of the washer

Then I would make a short curtain that would hang underneath the cabinets to the top of the washer and dryer. It could go from the left edge of the washer to the right wall. A simple gathered curtain could have some pattern or flowery print so fill the space between the cabinets and the appliances and to mask the control panels. It would not be hard to lift it up to adjust settings when you do laundry.

All of this would clean up the busy look in the space and still leave you with the appliance tops to use as pro tem counter space when you need it.

The contents of glass front cabinets don't always cooperate, but you could try a little bit of arranging to good effect, perhaps. That part could be fun.

1. Push apliances together.
2. Buy an Isdans Roller blind http://www.ikea.com/de/de/catalog/products/70119901/?query=ISDANS#/50119898, mount it underneath the cabinets so the front of the cabinets and the roller blind are in the same line. You would use just a smal part of the roller blind, for the space between cabinets and washer/dryer and it would cover the mismatched control panels when not in use.
3. Paint apliances the same colour as cabinets or a bright colour of your liking. So you also have some etra counter space when not doing laundry.

You could also choose a much more time (and money) consuming option. Paint the whole nook in the same bright colour.
http://www.marieclairemaison.com/,petite-cuisine-nos-solutions-pour-optimiser-l-espace,200043,337917.asp#?slide=2

The fastest and easiest cover up would be this Ikea curtain cable http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60075295/ which when combined with extra support brackets http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40078030/ can bend around corners. Attach underneath the cabinets hang attractive curtains like these http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40210925/ also from Ikea and you have not just a coverup of an eyesore but a statement piece for your kitchen that costs at most 40 bucks and does minimal work to a rental kitchen leaves the appliances alone but still makes a statement.

I would just leave it. I don't see the problem. A curtain is just tacky. I like it how it is.

^^This! You're so right.

I vote for painting the washer beige and painting the shelves a stand-out color. You can use the tops of the washer and dryer to store something attractive that's easy to move--say a basket of towels, or a tray with your teapot, cups, and a bowl of teabags. . . You get the idea. And let us see the finished product!