Utility Room Design
Playing an invaluable role in the home by freeing up living spaces from practical chores, utility rooms prioritise function but this doesn’t mean they can’t also be beautiful
Whether you are battling piles of laundry, damp dogs, or dirty pots and pans, the day-to-day running of a household is far from glamorous. However, while the chores are decidedly unattractive, it doesn’t mean the space where you tackle them must be. A utility room’s beauty comes from a sense of order, where everything has a home and a purpose. Then dress up this backbone of organisation with colour, texture and pattern to create a space where you will be happy to spend time. So whether you have a spacious room or are trying to make the most of little more than a glorified cupboard, these tips and tricks will help you create the perfect utility or laundry room.
PATTERN UNDERFOOT
RIGHT Utility flooring must be durable, and porcelain is one of the most waterproof, hard-wearing and low-maintenance tile materials. Added to this, it is also one of the more decorative. Ca’Pietra’s Joyous Expressions Pontus tile, £91.92 per square metre, is designed by artist Sasha Compton (see page 16) and celebrates the beautiful imperfection of nature – ideal for adding life and character to your workspace.
SKIRTING AROUND
LEFT Popular in the 1950s, sink skirts have come back into fashion recently, favoured as a way to soften the functional areas of the home. ‘Sink skirts help to hide unwanted amenities while making a decorative statement. Opt for gingham or stripes for a countr y-inspired look and choose a colour that will unify your whole room scheme,’ says Marie Goodwin, head designer at Prestigious Textiles. Its Vintage Weaves Arlington fabric in sage costs £46.80 per metre.
PILE IT HIGH
FAR LEFT A fitted or freestanding laundry cupboard is ideal for housing duvet covers, fitted sheets and towels. Opt for a design with a glazed front to make it easy to see everything with a single glance, and dress up the cabinetr y with decorative hardware, like these bow handles, £60 from Beata Heuman. If you have colourful bedding and towels, a more neutral hue might be a better choice for painting the cupboard, but if your sheets are mostly white, play with a bolder shade.
OPENING UP
A windowless utility room will quickly feel dark and unwelcoming. One solution is to replace a solid dividing wall with a glazed one – this will transfer light from the adjoining room into the space, making it feel larger and brighter. However, if your utility is to be on show, it needs to be attractive. Embrace fitted cabinetry in bright colours, such as this Rhubarb shade, to create an uplifting and organised space. Neptune’s Chichester cabinetry is priced from £13,000.
HOLE IN ONE
LEFT Keeping yo
