When it comes to utility rooms my definite color of choice is pure white. To me it just spells C-L-E-A-N.
I never even considered another color in the basement. White was so obvious. All downstairs utility areas including the laundry room are pure white. Even the garage in fact.
White paint and basic white tiles are my absolute favourite in bathrooms, kitchen and laundry room.
After posting about my linen and towel storage solutions I had quite a few comments on how white my towels look. Even my mother-in-law asks me that after visiting :). To be quite truthful some do have the odd stain that won't come out no matter what but at least the overall look is white and clean. As I'm writing this I can sort of see you all think "she's obsessed with this white thing". I think I am.
To answer your questions on how I keep them white: 1) I listen to advice. An independent study was made here in Sweden and the "best in test" was a brand called ICA Skona. They have a fragrance free version (both Martin and Wille are somewhat allergic to fragrances). The fact that this detergent is not the most expensive one and is environmentally friendly is obviously a bonus. 2) I change and wash my towels often 3) Once in a while I do use bleach. Usually about once a year during the summer months. Then I line dry them in the sun.
Again, truthfully, the photos on Flickr tagged Laundry room are not of just one room... The photo of the shelving above (old painted wardrobe doors on simple backets) is not actually of the same room as the washing mashine in the top photo. In fact the washing mashine is in a walkthrough space leading to the boat room. The shelving above is in the room where the heating system is. They are very closeby (it is a small house...) and to me it's THE laundry room, it just means I'm carrying my newly laundered linens from one space to another. I'll show you on the downstairs footprint tomorrow.
