Laundry was an adventure at our old house. The basement was below grade, so we had to use a pump to get the waste water up to the line going to the septic system. The flotation type and the drain type constantly failed, so I was either hanging around waiting to see what happened or coming downstairs to find yet another overflow of the laundry tub the wash emptied into before being pumped up. Hardly an automatic washing experience.
What I've seen a lot of lately is the laundry pair on the main floor relatively near or just off the kitchen. This seemed odd to us at first but it's okay in practice. When the washer leaks, as it inevitably does, it's not messing up the second floor or dripping down to the first. Also, there's room for a laundry tub for pre-cleaning and soaking needs, something I've never seen in a second floor laundry; those usually just have the washer and dryer.
Laundry chutes and dumbwaiters both have been either officially or unofficially nixed by building and fire codes because a fire can leap up the chute. However, as kids playing with the chute that went through two bathrooms before hitting the basement, I can testify that the chute delivered plenty of fun.