We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
The functional just got fashionable.
We're a nation obsessed with utility rooms. Not the cold and sterile spaces given over to bulky white goods, but the new utility room, filled with handsome Shaker cabinetry, fun patterned tiles and playful wallpaper.
According to kitchen maker Magnet, searches for 'utility room ideas' are up. The must-haves? It depends who you're asking; on TikTok, a ceiling drying rack is the most sought-after feature. Over on Pinterest, the crown goes to the space-saving hack of stacking washing machines, with Lizzie Beasley, head of design at Magnet, suggesting: 'You can incorporate a pull-out shelf into the space so you can simply fold your clothing and pop it straight into the basket.'
At Herringbone Kitchens in Kent, owner William Durrant has seen an uplift of sales for joint kitchen and utility projects: 'It's very much become an over-spill to the kitchen and a way of keeping organised, tidy and clean. People are viewing their utility rooms as an opportunity to experiment with bold colour and pattern.' New features he's seen a surge in demand for are spray function taps for hosing down dogs, the kids' sports kit and golf clubs, and fluted detailing on cabinetry: 'It's a lovely addition to a space creating real texture and a bit of fun.'
Not sure where to begin? Alex Main, director at The Main Company, has the following wisdom: 'Start with floor-to-ceiling cupboards as they provide helpful storage space, incorporate a second sink if possible, as this is great for families with pets, and ensure there are plenty of hooks, hardware and bespoke shelving to create the ultimate practical space to accommodate all belongings.'
We have found plenty of inspiration for you, from the small and functional to the downright fabulous. Keep scrolling to see.
Thanks to its usually diminutive size, the utility room is becoming a space for experimentation with colour and pattern. Here, bold paint choices and innovative tile layouts can be tried and tested for liveability before being rolled out to larger spaces around the home.
Pictured: Bespoke utility room by Husk
If your utility doubles up as a boot room, utilise shelves for grab-and-go items such as hats, coats and scarves, and balance with decorative pieces like ceramics and plants in harder to reach spots.
Pictured: A design by Magnet
A pull-out tray between your stacked washing machine dryer is the holy grail of laundry sorting, as evinced here in the home of fashion insider and co-founder of Wardrobe Icons, Laura Fantacci. The ceiling-height curtain is also a cost-effective move to ensure the appliances are hidden from view.
Picture: Courtesy of Edward Bulmer
It's easy to get hung up on cabinetry and layouts, so don’t forget to pay as much thought to your flooring. Hardwearing stone can withstand lots of cleaning which is useful if you have a dog or go on lots of muddy walks.
Pictured: A kitchen by The Main Company
You (hopefully) don't spend too much time in your utility room, so you can afford to use a wish list paint colour that might not be appropriate for main living spaces.
Pictured: Tetbury Ivory Roman Blinds at Hillarys
If you're investing in bespoke cabinets, making them as tall as your room will allow you to house vacuum cleaners and ironing boards.
Pictured: A project by Herringbone Kitchens
When your space is too tight to conceal white goods behind cabinetry, draw the eye elsewhere. 'We wanted to do something super fun in this utility,' explains interior designer Laura Stephens. 'As it's a small space we decided to take a brave colour onto the tongue and groove backsplash. The blue and white tiles are practical and add a great patterned contrast to the plain walls.'
Pictured: A project by Laura Stephens
Don’t get too bogged down in the functionality – thoughtful touches which make you smile will take the edge off the chores. Quirky upstands, patterned curtains, and fabric skirts are an easy way to add personality.
Pictured: A project by Holly Vaughan
Your utility will likely collect muddy shoes and wellies, and you don't want them dragged through the rest of your home. Provide a slim bench so family can sit down to put them on before heading out. Lift-up banquettes will provide extra storage too.
Pictured here: A kitchen by The Main Company
Take a close look at this XL utility room by Olive & Barr, and you'll spot a sweet integrated dog bed. 'Get the most of your space by opting for bespoke,' says Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr. 'Often dog beds can look unsightly or can often get in the way. To avoid this, design the perfect snooze spot for your pooch with an integrated dog bed.'
Pictured: Bespoke utility room by Olive & Barr
There are a lot of elements at play in a utility room, and it can be difficult to wrangle all of them into a coherent design scheme. This space by Devol really leans into an English country theme with tongue and groove panelling, Shaker cabinets and handsome shelves, as well as a Belfast sink.
Pictured: A kitchen by Devol Kitchens
On the theme of beautifying a hardworking space, take a leaf out of Katie Woods' book and create a mural-like moment with Mosaic Factory's colourful designs.
Pictured: Laundry cupboard @thesmurfhouse
Large banks of cabinetry can overwhelm a space, so add cubby holes or open drawers to break it all up. You can use them for semi-occasional supplies such as spices decanted into jam or Kilner jars to keep it all neat.
Pictured: A project by Inglis Hall
Utility rooms are a magnet for splashes and scrapes, but sometimes the most resilient materials can be cold and soulless. A practical wall panelling with wipeable paint makes for a hardy combination without sacrificing warmth.
Pictured: Woodwork painted in Railings No. 31 at Farrow & Ball
This lovely off-white putty colour is a great alternative to a more clinical white or dreary grey. The warm undertones lend themselves to brass or bronze hardware and some yellow-toned woods.
Pictured: Utility room designed by Rachael Somerville Interiors with hardware by Armac Martin
'Bold colours and statement wallpaper is a new feature we love to see clients embracing,' says William. 'Adding personality and a sleek finish to a utility room allows people to be a bit bolder here.'
Pictured: A project by Herringbone Kitchens
Accents of colour are so seductive when used in unexpected areas. The clever thing about these vibrant yellow doors is that the glass panels break everything up and temper the intensity of the colour.
The utility room isn't just for laundry – if it's positioned adjacent to your kitchen, essential appliances like a microwave can find a home here.
Pictured: A project by Herringbone Kitchens
Much cheaper than cabinetry is the 'skirt' – a length of fabric held up by a tension rod. In this project by British Standard, the green fabric offers a vibrant pop against the yellow cabinetry.
Pictured: A project by British Standard by Plain English
Stacking your appliances vertically is a great space-saving device. For an extra helpful touch, incorporate the pull-out shelf we mentioned earlier and keep laundry baskets stored in a cubby overhead.
Pictured: Utility room designed by Planet Furniture with hardware by Armac Martin
Are garden saunas worth the splurge?
H&M's £25 marble shelf can replace bedside tables in tiny spaces
The 'weird' decor tricks designers say actually make rooms feel bigger
Frillmaxxing is the easiest way to make your home feel warmer & more luxe
