DESIGN GUIDE
Richard Moore, Design Director of bespoke kitchen company Martin Moore, on what to consider when designing a utility room
Utility rooms can combine several purposes. Traditionally they have been used for laundry; mainly washing, drying, ironing and airing clothes and linens. But they can also be used to house many workaday items, helping to keep the main kitchen clu!er and noise free. Along with washers, dryers and large butler sinks, we design storage for cleaning products, vacuum cleaners, buckets, mops, etc. A utility room is also an ideal place to store less frequently used provisions, such as bo!led water and sacks of dog food. We have created some amazingly comfortable and practical areas for dogs within utility rooms as well.
Historically, utility rooms were o!en located close to the kitchen to allow easy access to washing lines and for practical plumbing reasons, but there is no reason why this should be the case today. In fact, if the utility is used predominantly for laundry, we sometimes recommend siting a laundry room upstairs near the bedrooms. If this isn’t possible, what about having a laundry chute to whisk laundry down without having to carry it through the kitchen?
Clever design can maximise even the smallest space and turn it into a well-equipped utility room. Appliances can be stacked, and a ceiling laundry pulley allows linen to be aired above the sink area. The best way to maximise space is to install "oor-toceiling storage, with high-level cupboards that can be used to store seldom-used items such as vases and punch bowls, and can be accessed via a step ladder.
Planning is key to success, especially in smaller spaces. Take the time to consider not only how you will use the space but, importantly, what will need to be stored. Airing cupboards are important features along with a hanging rail and an area to do the ironing.
Style-wise, if the utility is located o" the kitchen, we recommend that the furniture echoes the kitchen cabinets but in a di"erent #nish. A strong colour can work well in a smaller space – perhaps matching the accent colour used within the main kitchen.
For the $ooring, something durable and low maintenance is key. Natural stone retains heat in the winter and is cool in the summer. Wood-e#ect ceramic "oors give the beauty of wood planks but are more practical and hardwearing.
If you live in a period home and want to maintain that aesthetic in your utility room, the secret is to commission real cabinetry. Classic furniture will stand the test of time and will complement the property itself. Heritage paint colours and $nishing touches, such as cornicing and door panel beads, will enhance this further. martinmoore.com
Where possible, natural light should be utilised – it improves the ambience when spending time within the room and is valuable when performing tasks such as ironing.