I had the pedestals removed when we moved into our current home. I prefer easy access to the water shut of valve. My arms are not long enough to easily shut off the valve by reaching behind an elevated washing machine.
To hide the outlets and the water shut off valves, I purchased 5 colorful 11" fabric cube storage bins from Target. I placed them on top of the washer and dryer, lined up along the backs of the appliances and they fit perfectly from left to right. They look great and are very functional to put "stuff" in them. My laundry pods and washer cleaner packets are in one, the iron is in another just for examples as for the function of these bins. When needed to turn off the water in an emergency, I can easily move the bin that sits in front of the water shut off valve. This is the storage bin. At the time I purchased them, they were available in many more colors and prints.......
https://www.target.com/p/fabric-cube...82#lnk=sametab
One other reason I prefer not to have pedestals is the washer and dryer surface can be used as a folding table. To eliminate the need for bending when loading and unloading the appliances, I purchased an adorable colorful little bench which I use to place my laundry basket on when I'm loading the washer. Then I use that little bench to sit on when loading and unloading the dryer. I love this set up.