31 Ways To Design This Multifunctional Space

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

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

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

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.

Pictured: Utility room painted in Annie Sloan Tilton

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