Think bigger. 

I've seen houses where they build something like a sun room (or maybe you would call it something different).  

A room with lots of windows,  where you can put furniture,  and use it as a casual place to sit and relax on a cold winter day.

This will depend on your specific situation, how this area will be oriented towards the winter sun, etc.

The other question going thru my mind.......  where is your laundry area now?  Will you be thinking about using this as a laundry area in the future?  Do you have a "mud room" (as I have seen it called on AgTalk) ?  Is this a need you have ?