UTILITY CHIC

Create a stylish utility space

it may seem that a utility room is the preserve of large houses, but with a bit of creativity and imagination, it’s possible to carve out a utility area in smaller homes and flats. Good planning is essential as these spaces often have to perform a variety of functions – from laundry room to dog-washing area – while also providing somewhere to stow practical items such as the ironing board and cleaning products. Cupboards, corners, kitchens and hallways can all become designated spaces for doing the laundry and storing cleaning kit. And if you’re lucky enough to have a dedicated utility room, some clever storage and smart accessories will help make it a place you actually enjoy spending time in.

1 UP AND AWAY

This light and airy utility space combines form and function, with plenty of storage, a sink and a practical overhead clothes airer, which can be raised up and out of the way. Find a traditional wooden-slat airer at Clothesmaid.

2 OUT OF SIGHT

If you don’t have a spare room to convert into a utility, create a dedicated laundry area in your kitchen and close it off with sliding or folding doors, which take up less space. They’ll also reduce noise from your appliances. Try Howdens for bespoke laundry room solutions.

3 OFF THE WALL

Even if your home is small, think CREATIVELY and there could be a CLEVER way to fit in a utility space

No floor space for an airer? An unused corner or alcove can be converted into a convenient drying area. Choose a couple of single coat hooks or cleat hooks that can be screwed into the wall opposite each other, then hang a length of washing line. Try Homebase for hooks and washing lines.

4 CLEAN AND TIDY

If you can squeeze a sink into your utility space, it will really pay dividends, offering somewhere to handwash clothes – or clean a muddy dog! Keep things neat by storing brushes and sponges in attractive containers. Find similar brushes at The Oxford Brush Company.

5 RAIL IT IN

Hanging a rail between two cupboards is a smart way to make use of otherwise unused space. By putting clothes straight onto a hanger as they come out of the washing machine, you can minimise time spent ironing – always a plus! Find a range of wardrobe rails and brackets at Wickes.

6 ALL SORTED

Create an ‘organisation station’ for all your cleaning needs. The Aldsworth potting table, £300 from Garden Trading, has a hardwearing sheet-metal worktop, which is perfect for mucky chores such as cleaning shoes. Use open shelves to store cleaning tools so everything is to hand.

7installing CUPBOARD LOVE

Make use of a tricky or unused space by a tall cupboard to store items such as your ironing board and vacuum cleaner – this one is cleverly built around a protruding column. Approach a kitchen company such as Magnet for a design consultation to find tailored solutions.

8 BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL

Keep worksurfaces free from clutter by including built-in cupboards, shelves and drawers. Baskets are ideal for storing clean laundry as they allow fabric to breathe – tuck in a lavender bag to ward off moths and keep clothes gently fragranced. Chichester units, from £790; Chichester laundry shelf, £315; Somerton laundry baskets, £100; all Neptune HB