We demand more and more from our kitchens as a multi-functional space, and a separate utility room is worth considering as it’s designed to elevate the home with a dedicated area for day-to-day practical tasks. There has been an increasing demand for separate utility spaces when renovating, and this has felt increasingly important as the kitchen is where we spend the most time. When thinking about a utility room, it does tend to have a reputation as the most unglamorous with big bulky appliances, though these rooms are nevertheless vital in creating a smooth-operating home.
Whether you’re remodelling or building your home from scratch, our expert guide will provide tips on designing a modern utility space that blends functionality with style. We have plenty of examples to show you throughout this blog and we hope to give you some inspiration from our stunning projects.
Ingatestone Utility Room Project
What is a utility room?
It’s important to understand what you want from your utility space before the planning stages of the layout.
The definition of a utility room is a luxury addition to the home where you as the homeowner can confine all everyday functions of the house in a neat and tidy space behind closed doors. It’s often positioned next to the kitchen or coincides with a boot room in larger homes to house washing machines, dryers and other cleaning supplies. However, the modern utility has become much more than just a utility, it’s become a laundry hub, a pet care station, a walk-in pantry extension, or even a multi-functional space for hobbies.
At The Handmade Kitchen Company, we build bespoke kitchens and living spaces tailored to the way you live. Our handmade utility rooms are a natural extension of the kitchen, we design many of them in our home projects.
What should be included in a utility room?
Your utility design depends on your household needs – do you have a big family and have several loads of washing each week? Two washing machines may make you think again but it’s not as unecological as it sounds. Your time is halved and your whites and darks can be washed at the same time! Do you have an overspill of food and drink that needs storage, so your utility doubles as a pantry? Are you wanting to create a comfy spot for the dog away from the hustle and bustle of the main kitchen?
The utility room receives more traffic being one of the most hardworking spaces in the home and is used to host many different functions. We believe a functioning utility room should include the following:
- A clever layout to keep household appliances such as a washing machine, dryer and fridge-freezer in one space, without the need to clutter the main kitchen.
- Combining bespoke storage including enclosed cabinets, open shelving, and clever hidden storage solutions to create a functional and stylish handmade utility room.
- Add a deep sink with a pull-out tap for pre-soaking laundry, rinsing vegetables from the garden or washing muddy boots and those little paws. We particularly love Shaws of Darwen.
- The utility room is often another entry into the home, so it’s important to choose a hard-wearing floor for foot traffic.
- A drying rack is a simple yet effective idea for the utility. They can either be wall-mounted or on a pull-out design in separate housing.
- If your space is big enough, a comfy bench with overhead storage and hanging pegs is ideal after a cold winter walk.
- Durable and stylish worktops to complete everyday tasks.
Thoughtful Utility Layouts
Having a clear mind on how to design your utility layout should be well-planned out to ensure smooth workflows, optimal use of space and an organised environment to meet your household’s needs.
Here’s a guide on how to choose the best layout:
- Identify how you will use your utility room and design it around that.
- If its primary focus is laundry, start with the washing machine, dryer and cleaning supplies.
- Will you require additional functions, such as a drying area, or extra workspace?
- Stack appliances or place them side by side to save space.
- A large, deep sink can provide a place to pre-soak clothes and wash the dog.
- Use the ‘work triangle’ principle to make it easier to move between tasks.
Welwyn Garden City Utility Room Project
Create Light & Bring in Fresh Air
Windows and doors make all the difference in a utility room, natural light won’t make the room feel dark and dull, and fresh air will ensure the room and your clothes stay smelling fresh.
Merge storage with light and air with open shelving, light-coloured cabinetry and drying racks near opening doors and windows.
Clever Storage Solutions
Utility room essentials are storage options for detergents, cleaning products and an area to sort out the laundry. Save bending down and have everything at waist height with units that flow in the layout of your choice and a worktop to allow enough space to stand and fold.
We have put together some clever ideas to keep everything in order:
- Integrate floor-to-ceiling cabinets to store the ironing board, mop and hoover.
- Add open shelving to break up the solid flow of cabinetry and store frequently used items.
- Pegboards are a great idea for small baskets and brushes/tools.
- Unique ideas to hang clothes to dry – hanging rails.
- Stack the washing machine and dryer to save floor space and add slide-out shelves underneath to hold laundry baskets.
- Hide the bulky appliances into built-in cabinets to create a seamless look.
- Keep dirty laundry out of sight with built-in laundry baskets.
- Mount a foldable drying rack on the wall for air-drying clothes, or add bespoke pull-out drying racks.
A Comfy Spot for Pets
With meticulous planning and thoughtful design, the utility room can double as a cosy haven for your furry friends. We are huge animal lovers at The Handmade Kitchen Company, so when a client asks for this, we jump at the chance! We can provide your pet with a comfy spot to sleep, which is warm and cosy, and out of the way from the main kitchen. It can also be the home to store pet supplies such as food, toys, leashes, and grooming tools.
- Design a special spot in the utility for your pet’s comfort and needs.
- Purchase a comfortable bed that fits perfectly within the cabinets.
- Integrate a tidy feeding station.
Whether your utility is a resting spot after a walk or a washing station for muddy days, make it a space that your furry friend will appreciate. Ralph certainly loves his new haven and we loved designing and building it!
Bench Storage and a Place for Outdoor Wear
Need a spot to hang outdoor wear? Our bespoke furniture allows you to store coats, hats, gloves, scarves and shoes all together in a handy spot. They can all be stored efficiently and each item has a home, making the utility become organised and tidy. Add a bench to elevate the feature that doubles up as seating and storage.
Chalfont St Giles Utility Project
Continued Reading:
Transforming Handmade Cabinets into Secret Utility Room Entrances
Designing the Perfect Utility Room with HMK
Designing a modern utility isn’t just a necessity, it’s a space that can enhance the whole of your home with efficiency and style. Planning the right layout with smart storage and special features, the utility room makes daily chores easier and more enjoyable. It’s your space so create it just how you want it!
We hope these expert tips from The Handmade Kitchen Company help to start your utility room journey, from just a room in the home to a functional powerhouse that meets your unique needs. Start designing today with our expert kitchen designers – we look forward to hearing from you.
