HOW TO… PLAN A UTILITY ROOM Designing a laundry space
RICHARD MOORE, DESIGN DIRECTOR OF MARTIN MOORE, EXPLAINS THE INS AND OUTS OF DESIGNING A WELL-THOUGHT-OUT LAUNDRY SPACE
CORE BENEFITS Our ever-busier lives and the rise in popularity of open-plan living mean it is more important than ever to maintain a sense of calm and order in the home. Separate, well-designed utility rooms are perfect for creating an organised environment; offering a space where laundry can be stored, ironed and aired out of sight and, essentially, kept out of the main kitchen/living areas.
SUPPORT SINK Alongside plumbing for laundry appliances, a large Belfast-style sink is invaluable for all the tasks one would prefer not to carry out in the main kitchen. Go as big as you can accommodate to cater for pre-soaking clothes and flower arranging, as well as hiding dirty pots and pans when entertaining!
DESIGN FLOW Utility rooms are really receptive to bold decorating styles. Strong colours and patterns can work well in a smaller space – perhaps matching the accent colour used within the main kitchen. Also consider echoing the kitchen cabinet design but in a different finish to achieve good continuity and flow between spaces, particularly if there is open or glazed access between the two. Speaking of glazing, the best utility rooms are naturally lit – it improves the ambience when spending time within the room and is valuable when performing tasks such as ironing. Always aim to include a window or skylight if you’re planning a utility in a new extension.
MAINTAIN ORDER The best way to maximise space is to install floor-to-ceiling storage, with high-level cupboards for seldom used items such as vases and party platters, accessible via a step ladder. If you have the space, bench seating provides somewhere to sit and change shoes, as well as handy underneath storage. Stack appliances to create extra floor space and add a ceiling laundry pulley for drying linens. Fit it above the sink so wet outerwear can drip dry without leaving puddles on the floor.
FLOORING OPTIONS A low-maintenance, durable floor is key. Natural stone retains heat in the winter and is cool in summer. Wood-effect ceramic floors give the beauty of timber but are more practical and hard-wearing. As to whether you continue the kitchen floor into the utility, this is dependent on whether you are looking to unify the space or create a statement room in its own right. Patterned floors can delineate the space and provide wow factor when glimpsed through a glass or open door.
LUXE FEATURES If families have the space and budget, we recommend incorporating two washing machines and two dryers so laundry can be processed in half the time. For a recent project, we were asked to accommodate commercial laundry machines, which offer much larger capacities than domestic. Commercial clothes steamers have also become quite popular for eliminating trips to the dry cleaner. An extra fridge, freezer and dishwasher is a real luxury, especially if you entertain on a large scale, and can often be tucked away in the utility. We have also designed a laundry chute, meaning our clients can easily whisk laundry downstairs. And let’s not forget pets. Rather than having the kitchen littered with dog beds, we have created practical areas for dogs within utility rooms, including dog showers and built-in baskets with underfloor heating for super-quick fur-drying after walks.
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