If you don't have the 2 separate machines already, try considering those all-in-one washer/dryer combo. It does cost a little bit more, but the space saving and convenience is worth it.

Here are some issues.
1. You need to have fairly close access to an exterior wall to vent the dryer. Otherwise you will need to create some sort of boxed soffit along the bottom of the wall to run the vent.
2. It would be helpfull to tie into the existing plumbing stack(s) near the lav or shower.
3. You will need at least 3 ft. clear in front of the unit for access in the front and 2'-6" minimum for unit depth.
4. The shower wall appears wide enough but not deep enough for the unit and for access. Will the unit fit on the same wall as the lav?
5. Would moving the lav be a possibility?

Seems like it could work, depending on the model. It's not ideal, as one cannot stand directly in front of the W/D, but it could still be functional.

Of course, you'll need to remove the sink for installation, and probably replace it with a much lower-profile sink that won't impede access to the washer/dryer (might need to move the sink slightly too). Luckily there are loads of super cool low-profile sinks out there.

Costs vary so significantly from area to area (and from contractor to contractor) that I'd recommend getting a quick estimate from someone locally on the installation.

As an alternative, perhaps consider a compact combo washer/dryer (e.g. LG) - could it go somewhere else - maybe even in the kitchen, with counter over the top?

Regarding concealing it, I'm not sure I'd sweat about covering it up, but if you do want to, I'd recommend a nice rolling blind to screen it.

I don't see any plumbing lines, drainage, or gas/220V outlets. I also don't see how you would be able to reach any controls on a dryer unless you happen to be very tall.

I think you need to accept that you'll need to use a laundrymat, or keep looking for a new home.

LG makes an all-in-one washer dryer that DOES NOT require a dryer vent. I think it uses water to filter the dryer exhaust somehow? im not sure on that. Also, it uses a regular 120v hookup

but i am sure that such a thing exists.

heres a link to it from sears outlet

http://www.searsoutlet.com/d/product_details.jsp?pid=73729&mode=buyUsedOnly&sid=IDx20110411x000001&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=N99173729

I've lived 13 years in 547 sf with a stackable washer/dryer in the bathroom--it is convenient, but I also depend on a common laundry room in the basement. A few things: water, electric, venting and building approval. If you cannot vent to the outside, there are condenser dryers that take most of the moisture out of the exhaust. The exhaust is dry and clean, but obviously hot. The bathroom's standard venting accommodations should be sufficient for this type of dryer. The European machines (where stackable bathroom w/d's are more common) require 220 volt electric which is higher than standard American outlets. My Asko washer plugs into the dryer so only one 220 electric outlet is required. As for the water, most w/d's require hot and cold water sources and a drain. The Asko w/d only requires a cold water source (as it super heats for a hot wash cycle). Since your proposed space is between a shower and a vanity sink, the water source and drain may not be an issue, but the building may need to decide whether it will allow a w/d. The soapy effluent can back up in older buildings not designed for the machines.

Am not a plumber, nor a contractor, but we did have a few people come in and see if we could install either a stackable or all-in-one laundry in our upstairs bathroom. I would say - in addition to the cost of the appliance(s), it would run maybe $1,000-3,000, depending on: whether you have the right wiring (110 volts for the all-in-one or 220 for stack); whether you have to move the plumbing a lot (e.g. from sink to where the shelves are, plus, you will have to relocate or change out the sink to reach back there); and how much carpentry is needed to finish the space. A handy friend might be able to eyeball the space and give you a ballpark figure. It's probably not a huge deal compared to the cost of the property.

Couple other things to consider, with respect to an all-in-one: the cycles are really long, and you can't wash a load while drying another load. (Or, only if you pull the first load out and hang it to dry, maybe.) I hear the dryer function is also slower than with a dedicated machine, as the voltage is lower. So it does require maybe more planning than with separate machines.

Is there another place to put it, perhaps kitchen? This doesn't look like a very good spot from the pictures.

We've had the 24" LG all-in-one since last September. It looks likely that it could fit in your nook, but the connections/drain would likely need to be moved in your setup. You really need to have the area in front of the combo unit clear so it can be pulled out.

As for the unit, speed wash/dry takes 3.5 hours, cleans and dries really/really well*, no vent needed, no real humidity output, and 110v electric. No real complaints here, except that * denotes the internal gunk cleaning it needed at 8 months. That lint doesn't all go down the drain, but slowly accumulates inside the machine. With no pet, that professional cleaning should only be every 1-2 years, though. Good little unit aside from that flaw.

We didn't have any installation costs but I did have to flip an electrical socket and washer connections from the other side of the wall. Prob a few grand for a professional to have done that.

i'm moving into a new place with neither washer/dryer nor hookups... i've been looking on amazon for portable washer/dryers and looks to be worth the convenience and investment. I live alone and don't think i'll mind pulling it out once a week to do a small load or two... if you have a family, it might not be worth it? but it's fairly inexpensive and will pay for itself with the money i'll be saving from going to the laundromat... just search 'portable washer and dryer' at amazon and you'll find a plethora of items to keep you washing at home... i'm still doing research so i don't want to send you to a specific one but if anyone out there has used these let me know!

It really wouldn't be that difficult to put in stacking units - Here's what it's going to involve:

Remove existing sink and relocate elsewhere (This means moving your hot & cold supply lines as well as the drain, plus 120V electrical for lighting and an outlet)
Tap into the plumbing behind the shower for hot and cold water for the washer & set up a drain system - perhaps you can run the drain line from where the sink is now towards the back of the washer/dryer cubicle?
If this is an interior space, run a dryer vent through the ceiling, attic and roof - if there are exterior walls here, then simply run it through the wall.
Run electrical into the alcove - 120V should be easy if there's an outlet on the other side of one of those walls, or you could extend off the existing circuit above the current sink location, then you'll need a 220V circuit run from the electrical box to the alcove for the dryer.
Re-install drywall throughout - because you're going to have to open all 3 sides of that alcove to get this done...
...but while you're at it - you might as well frame in a doorway so you can install some bifold doors.

This of course doesn't deal with any floor drainage if your community building code requires it for a laundry area - If it does, plan on ripping up the floor (I hope you're not on a concrete slab) to install the floor drain and installing a new floor - which means also removing and reseating the toilet which would have to be removed to put in any new floor.

How much money do you have again?

i'm in the san diego area and i'm trying to install washer/dryer units in a huge walk in closet that's located next to a bathroom and kitchen (for water lines) and a gas furnance (for gas lines). Looking to run a vent through existing tile roof and will need to have electrical work done. I've been quoted anywhere from 7K - 10K =(

What a pain in the neck will be, both initially and to live with. Find another solution.

The all-in-one washers are absolutely horrible.

You do not need venting. You can get a condensing dryer. They're more expensive but they work well. Also, they tend to be european machines which means they don't wreck your clothes.

You do need the power and water supply lines however.

I think it's doable. I think the sink will need to be moved over and maybe changed to a pedestal. You just need meaurements of the space, dimensions of a stackable and a plumber and electrician to check it out before you buy.

Two things that might make it possible: I have a plastic box I bought at Home Depot that catches lint from my interior wall dryer. You put a couple inches of water in it. The hose blows the lint in and it sticks to the water. You need a little extra space behind and to the side to run the hose. My washer sits in a large metal pan. I have no idea where this thing came from but it's obviously to catch water.

If it turns out it can't be done do you have an attached garage?

Based on my own experiences... this is not a trivial thing. I do not know what the quote would be in the US, but bepsf represented a good overview.

On the 'all in one' note. I had a very nice Italian model in a rental unit before buying my house. It did a great job eating up electricity and ruining clothes. It took FOR-ev-er to dry anything. Perhaps that was brand specific... I would recommend lots of research before going that route though.

Best of luck!

I have an LG all in one. I throw in a load. Yes it takes longer but does an amazing job. Runs on 110v and can be hooked up to any faucet.

I bought my 576 sq ft house a "portable" (not really) washer. I don't recommend it, as the connections tend to leak, it unbalances easily, and you have to build it a dolly to move it. Do not buy a washer/dryer all-in-one. The dryer function does not work. Move the sink and get the stackable you want. If the dryer connection is an issue, consider a retractable clothesline on the porch. I have done well for years without a dryer.

Thanks everybody for your responses.

I actually put in an offer for this house with the contingency that the seller take care of a washer/dryer install... and they accepted. According to my agent it appears as though the setup will be in the bathroom for one of those stackable all-in-ones. You all did provide some good insight as to what I'm getting myself into, so I definitely appreciate that. Wish me luck!

"For a start, if you live in San Francisco, you don't NEED a dryer in that climate."

Huh? Have you ever lived here?
For 9-10 months of the year it's cold, damp and foggy - my bathtowels in the bathroom dont' dry completely after use and get musty & nasty smelling...
...believe me - we need our dryers here!

Uh, yeah, I don't think bladwagon has ever even BEEN to SF, let alone lived there. After all, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco."

@Blandwagon: heh. +1 for THAT particular snark; cosign re: "why didn't WE think of [OP's solution]?" Good times.

For every laundry install I've ever done in a tight space, probably 10 clients have rejected the idea once they found out the cost. For the dryer you need venting and either a gas line or new 240V circuit. For the washer you need a waste line with venting to the roof, and supply lines. You need some clearance on each side to reasonable get the units in and out for servicing. You need to be able to access the shutoffs for gas and water without moving the washer dryer. If this is not on the ground floor I strongly recommend a flood pan that drains to the outside or at least a flood sensor with automatic shut off. If your single you can probably send out your laundry for a decade for what this will cost.