Utility room ideas from Planet Furniture and Armac Martin
I’ve been looking into utility room ideas as mine is in desperate need of an overhaul. It is anything but stylish, organised and practical. In fact, it has become a dumping ground and I am on a mission to get it sorted. I know that a well-designed utility room can be a game-changer and when we first created ours it definitely was. It helped to bring order and efficiency to our laundry routine and gave us a much-needed place to store laundry-related paraphernalia amongst other things. It’s now the other things that have got out of hand. But this hardworking space now deserves my attention because a well-organised utility room can make daily routines run smoother, faster and with far less stress. Exactly what it was meant to do.
Whether you’re knee-deep in the planning of a new utility room or looking for utility room ideas to improve your existing space, hopefully, this post will help you create a functional and beautiful space that works for your lifestyle.
Utility Room Ideas for a Functional Layout
GoodHome Atomia Storage White Modular furniture cabinet from B&Q
In a well-planned utility room, moving around in the space should feel effortless and natural. Everything should be easy to reach and access and there should be a logical flow that allows tasks such as sorting, washing, drying, folding, and ironing to be carried out seamlessly.
Placing the washing machine and tumble dryer side by side makes perfect sense as it creates an efficient workflow. However, this does require a lot of bending which isn’t great for your back, particularly as you get older. To make sorting the laundry more ergonomic and to save space, consider stacking the washing machine and tumble drier. Installing a washing machine and dryer cupboard frees up valuable floor space and makes sorting the washing that little bit easier, particularly if there is a pull-out shelf between them.
For those with pets, integrating a dedicated pet washing station or a storage area for pet food and accessories can make life easier. If your utility room doubles as a mudroom, adding a bench with built-in shoe storage provides a practical solution for keeping outdoor footwear organised and out of sight.
Maximising Storage with Smart Utility Room Ideas
ORTHEX SmartStore Recycled Baskets from Homebase
The main reason we installed a utility room is because our kitchen is tiny. We barely had enough room to store food and cooking equipment let alone everything required for laundry. I also desperately wanted a dishwasher so the washing machine and tumble drier had to leave to make space. We knew we could find the extra storage required to create a utility room so that’s what we did.
Our utility room is very compact, and when this is the case, every inch needs to be used wisely. Tall cabinetry will maximise the wall space and provides storage for cleaning products, laundry essentials, and other household supplies like pet food. Built-in or floating shelves allow you to create dedicated storage areas for baskets and jars, keeping everything within easy reach and preventing the build-up of unsightly clutter. Woven storage baskets can help to categorise and conceal smaller items, while glass jars are perfect for storing essentials like laundry powder, detergent pods, or clothes pegs.
When it comes to utility room ideas for small spaces, consider adding wall-mounted drying racks, retractable shelves, or an over-door organiser to use all available space. These simple yet effective solutions can be collapsed and stored away when not in use freeing up space.
Choosing the Right Appliances for an Efficient Utility Room
Kitchen of @theroseandthewood and @handoveruk and Armac Martin
When it comes to choosing your laundry appliances, make sure you consider your options in order to enhance efficiency. Choose a washing machine and tumble drier that has the correct capacity for the amount of laundry you intend to do. Also, make sure it has the functions that you require. My appliances can send me messages as soon as the cycle has finished which is very useful as our utility room is downstairs so it saves me making multiple trips to check if the load is done. Our washing machine also has a number of additional, more specific, programmes that can be accessed via the app taking all the guesswork out of laundry day.
Beyond basic laundry appliances, consider additional appliances that add convenience. A vacuum docking station keeps cleaning essentials neatly tucked away. I’m lusting after a robot vacuum at the moment for my home. For those who love crisp, freshly steamed clothing, a steam closet offers a modern and efficient way to refresh garments without the need for a full wash.
The Benefits of a Second Sink
LochAnna Kitchens Hutton range in Indigo
A second sink in a utility room might not seem like overkill but I guarantee you will regret not having one if decide to forgo it. Whether you need to hand-wash delicate clothing, spot clean dirty garments, soak clothes in bleach, pre-wash muddy items, or rinse out pet bowls, having an additional sink provides added convenience. I curse every time I need to do this as I need to pop back upstairs to the kitchen sink and it’s a real pain.
Flooring and Surfaces That Are Built to Last
Utility room from Planet Furniture and Armac Martin
The flooring and surfaces in a utility room need to withstand frequent foot fall, potential water spills, and exposure to cleaning products, so they need to be durable. Just like any other room in the home, utility rooms should balance practicality with aesthetics, so materials must be easy to maintain.
Tile, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), or sealed hardwood are excellent choices for utility room flooring. These materials are water-resistant, scratch-proof, and easy to clean. For a more luxurious option, consider underfloor heating beneath tiles or stone surfaces.
For countertops and worktops, materials like quartz, stainless steel, or laminate provide durability and resistance to moisture. These durable surfaces are designed to last while maintaining a polished look.
When selecting finishes, opt for durable and easy-to-clean materials such as shaker-style cabinetry. Waterproof wall panels are also an excellent addition, offering a low-maintenance solution that can withstand moisture and spills.
Creating a Seamless Design That Complements Your Kitchen
LochAnna Kitchens Newbridge Collection In Brigade And Taupe
A utility room shouldn’t feel like an afterthought like it did for me. Instead, it should be designed with intention to serve as an extension of your kitchen. When done right the two rooms should flow effortlessly from one to the next.
Using matching cabinetry, similar colour schemes, and complementary materials helps tie the kitchen and utility room together. Don’t forget the impact of small details, as using the same hardware, flooring, or worktops, can create a sense of unity between the two spaces.
Sustainable Utility Room Ideas for an Eco-Friendly Home
CasaSalsone Utility Room featuring The Cotswold Collection from Armac Martin
Creating an eco-friendly utility room can help reduce energy consumption and water waste, making your home more sustainable. Choosing energy-efficient appliances with an A+++ rating can reduce household energy bills as well as environmental impact. Opt for a washing machine with an eco-friendly cycle to use less water and energy without compromising performance.
A greywater recycling system can be handy for those looking to further reduce water waste. This system filters and reuses water from sinks, washing machines, and showers to be reused for toilet flushing or watering the garden.
By making mindful choices regarding sustainability, you can create a space that works for your family and the planet.
A Utility Room That Works for You
Your utility room is more than just a space for laundry and storage—it’s a vital part of the home that, when designed well, can enhance daily life. By maximising space, choosing smart storage, selecting the right appliances, and incorporating practical yet stylish finishes, whilst bearing sustainability in mind, you can create a space that is both functional and beautiful.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or making small upgrades, these utility room ideas will help you design a space that works effortlessly for you, combining practicality with timeless style.