Mud here, suds there: how to organize your utility rooms
The hottest lifestyle trend today is making your home’s workaday rooms look as stylish as possible
Today’s generation is rapidly reinventing the definition of home. We are transforming our homes into personal spaces where we regularly indulge in experiences for which we, at one time, performed outside the house.
Along with this transformation comes the demand that each space performs its function the best way it conceivably can, while looking as striking as possible. In my view, this is the hottest lifestyle trend today. Fashion trends come and go, but lifestyle trends stand the test of time.
One space that is, shall we say, bursting at the performance seams is the mud room/ laundry room. This hybrid has always had a huge demand on it, yet we’ve always tried to make one room out of the two — one collective space that has ended up delivering neither function nor form.
When designing a space, I first look at the purpose of that space and determine how to get the most out of what it is meant to do.
Ungrouping these spaces is the first thing that must happen. Each should be a room of its own. The mud room is the transition from the outside to the inside of the home. This is where we shed the dirty boots, the sports equipment and even the grime the dog drags in.
Here, layout is the first challenge. Make a list of all your demands and create a plan that delivers. Some elements I add include specialized storage spaces, cellphone charging stations, utility sink, dog wash, standup air dryers ( for sports equipment or winter wear) and much more.
The floor must be waterproof to withstand tremendous foot traffic, so porcelain tiles, quartz surfaces and even ceramics offer a beautiful look with outstanding durability.
Consider installing in- floor heating in this room; it will add a luxurious feel while keeping the floors dry and free of mildew.
The mud room needs to be efficiently designed and include the best in storage solutions.
With everything in its place, it helps the entire home operate smoothly.
I prefer to use cabinetry for coat and shoe storage instead of framed closets with doors. Framed- in closets take up valuable real estate with their wall thickness, while a regular swing door provides inadequate access and needs a lot of space for the swing.
Of course, designing the perfect laundry room depends on the amount of space you can allocate.
Some laundry rooms get as much use as the kitchen, so they need to be as efficient.
It doesn’t really matter where in the house it’s located, although my personal preference is always on the second level of a home — it’s more central and closest to the major sources of dirty laundry.
The key element to consider first is the size and configuration of the laundry machines. If they’re stackable, that’s great — you can maximize your storage. On the other hand, sidebyside front- load machines can take a counter overtop to provide additional work surface. Next, create a flow within the laundry room that accommodates the order in which the work is done. I find it’s always more effective to utilize individual rolling hampers and create open cubby spaces among the cabinetry for them to tuck into.
Then, design your cabinetry to accommodate various sizes of specific items such as detergent bottles. The laundry’s floor should be waterproof, with a drain in the centre of the room, especially if it is located on an upper level of your home.
Since the laundry room is no longer all- purpose, the sink and faucet should be selected to be stylish, yes, but also effective for its specific uses. Whether it’s a deep stainless- steel sink or a colourful apron- front sink, it will add usability and splendour to your space.
All counter surfaces should be highly durable because this room will surely see its share of chemicals and cleaning supplies.