The Home Appliance Design Hilary Farr Relies On For Its Space-Saving Benefits

Appliances make homeowners' lives easier in many ways, but their bulky designs can also be a source of frustration. Far too often, a large washer and dryer takes up an excessive amount of precious square footage that could be utilized in other ways. In Season 11, Episode 13 of HGTV's "Love It or List It," designer Hilary Farr revealed how she solved this problem with a home appliance design technique she relies on for its space-saving benefits. Farr simply stacks laundry appliances for maximum floor space.

The HGTV star put this technique to use in the episode by stacking a couple's washer and dryer within their home. With the extra space in the closet, Farr was able to declutter the laundry room and store the couple's furnace inside and out of sight. You can use this tip in your own home to make more space for additional storage, extra furniture pieces, or anything else that makes your home function smoother. If you have limited room to work with, it's a good idea to choose a stackable washer and dryer set for your laundry room.

You can find stackable washers and dryers at most appliance retailers, making it easy to take advantage of Farr's space-saving layout to create a more functional laundry room. Many of the popular washer and dryer brands offer appliances with this design. Just keep in mind that you should assess your specific appliance needs to help determine which stackable washer and dryer set is right for you. Do you need to tackle tough stains, wash and dry clothes quickly, or are you just in need of the most compact option to save as much space as possible? Asking yourself these questions can help you make the right choice.

It's also important to ensure you install your stackable washer and dryer properly, especially for those planning on tackling the challenge themselves. Measure the installation area and select appliances that will fit there properly. Selecting an oversized set eliminates space-saving benefits. You'll need to leave 50 to 80 millimeters of extra space around the perimeter of both the washer and the dryer to make room for airflow and cords. Another important step in stackable appliance installation is ensuring nothing topples over. Use a level to ensure both components are even to avoid this. If they are not, adjust the feet on the bottom of the appliances to level them out for better balance.