How to Stylishly Integrate a Laundry Space
With their practical role, utility rooms are often designed with function rather than form in mind, but it doesn’t have to be that way...
Jo Simmons
14 July 2014
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several books on design and numerous features for glossy homes mags over the years. For Houzz, I cover decorating ideas and trends and interview designers and professionals for their insights. My favourite pieces to write, though, are Houzz Tours, as I love exploring and learning about real homes. Call me curious — or nosy!
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several... More
Typically small in size, utility rooms are usually home to banks of units holding cleaning products and used only for the most unglamorous of domestic jobs, from laundry to towelling off a wet dog. This is probably why we often overlook their potential as stylish spaces in their own right, and forget to design them with the same eye for aesthetics we use in all the other rooms of the house.
Well, enough is enough. It’s time to champion the hard-working utility room and treat it to some style, with funky wallpaper, retro lighting and plenty of other genius decorating ideas. After all, this room should feel part of your home, and be more than just a space you need, but never love.
These 10 inspiring examples show how it can be done…
Well, enough is enough. It’s time to champion the hard-working utility room and treat it to some style, with funky wallpaper, retro lighting and plenty of other genius decorating ideas. After all, this room should feel part of your home, and be more than just a space you need, but never love.
These 10 inspiring examples show how it can be done…
Create displays
Even the most everyday objects can look attractive when creatively displayed, as this utility space demonstrates. String, pegs, jugs, soaps and brushes are neatly arranged on this trolley, so they look good while not in use, but are close to hand when needed.
Even the most everyday objects can look attractive when creatively displayed, as this utility space demonstrates. String, pegs, jugs, soaps and brushes are neatly arranged on this trolley, so they look good while not in use, but are close to hand when needed.
Go retro
Use retro finds and vintage lighting to give your utility room heaps of character. Here, the marriage of practical washing machines and hangers with an oversized star light and a collection of vintage globes makes this room feel exciting and stylish, while also masking its utilitarian purpose.
Use retro finds and vintage lighting to give your utility room heaps of character. Here, the marriage of practical washing machines and hangers with an oversized star light and a collection of vintage globes makes this room feel exciting and stylish, while also masking its utilitarian purpose.
Build appliances into the wall
This is a genius way to subtly incorporate a washing machine and dryer into an unused space, especially if you don’t want to dedicate a whole room to laundry. The white, built-out wall makes the appliances almost disappear. It’s also a great spot for a feline forty winks!
This is a genius way to subtly incorporate a washing machine and dryer into an unused space, especially if you don’t want to dedicate a whole room to laundry. The white, built-out wall makes the appliances almost disappear. It’s also a great spot for a feline forty winks!
Lay a statement floor
A practical floor that’s easy to mop is a good idea in a utility room, which typically contains a sink and washing machine. But why go for something blank when you can make a strong statement? Black and white chequerboard vinyl looks smart and, in this utility space, is softened by the pretty bird-themed wallpaper.
A practical floor that’s easy to mop is a good idea in a utility room, which typically contains a sink and washing machine. But why go for something blank when you can make a strong statement? Black and white chequerboard vinyl looks smart and, in this utility space, is softened by the pretty bird-themed wallpaper.
Have fun with colour
Perhaps you have used colour on a feature wall elsewhere in the house, or as an accent on cushions, throws or china? Do the same in your utility space by treating a few walls to a bright shade, then boosting it with colourful accessories.
Discover how to be brave with colour
Perhaps you have used colour on a feature wall elsewhere in the house, or as an accent on cushions, throws or china? Do the same in your utility space by treating a few walls to a bright shade, then boosting it with colourful accessories.
Discover how to be brave with colour
Choose freestanding pieces
Rather than banks of uniform cabinets holding all your kit and clobber, choose freestanding pieces that pack a big style punch. This basin unit may not offer as much concealed storage as one with doors, but it helps the room feel open and spacious. Bottles and brushes are stored on wall shelves instead.
Rather than banks of uniform cabinets holding all your kit and clobber, choose freestanding pieces that pack a big style punch. This basin unit may not offer as much concealed storage as one with doors, but it helps the room feel open and spacious. Bottles and brushes are stored on wall shelves instead.
Hang quirky wallpaper
Who says utility room walls should be plain? Why not treat them to some funky wallpaper? This room can handle an out-there design, too, as it’s not somewhere in which you spend hours. So indulge your passion for pooches or pattern and invest in an eye-catching print. As utility rooms are often compact, you may only need to buy a single roll, making this a purse-friendly solution.
Explore ways to be bold with creative wallpaper
Who says utility room walls should be plain? Why not treat them to some funky wallpaper? This room can handle an out-there design, too, as it’s not somewhere in which you spend hours. So indulge your passion for pooches or pattern and invest in an eye-catching print. As utility rooms are often compact, you may only need to buy a single roll, making this a purse-friendly solution.
Explore ways to be bold with creative wallpaper
Divide and conquer
Utility rooms are home to so many bitty items – from washing powder to cleaning products to household tools – so lots of smaller storage solutions make sense. This unit is the perfect home for boxes and baskets that keep everything from kitchen rolls to shoe polish in order.
Utility rooms are home to so many bitty items – from washing powder to cleaning products to household tools – so lots of smaller storage solutions make sense. This unit is the perfect home for boxes and baskets that keep everything from kitchen rolls to shoe polish in order.
Add plants or fresh flowers
A much-used finishing touch in other rooms in the house, fresh flowers or potted plants bring a pop of green to your utility, too. A jam jar brimming with pretty blooms or a pot of something lush and leafy glimpsed while sorting clothes will make your laundry tasks a lot more appealing.
A much-used finishing touch in other rooms in the house, fresh flowers or potted plants bring a pop of green to your utility, too. A jam jar brimming with pretty blooms or a pot of something lush and leafy glimpsed while sorting clothes will make your laundry tasks a lot more appealing.
Choose quality units
The utility room is a hugely important space in any home, where numerous essential tasks are completed, from doing the laundry to cleaning shoes and storing coats. So show it the respect it deserves and fit it with the kind of cabinets you have – or would like to have – in your kitchen. While not a budget option, the small scale of most utility rooms means using quality units should not be prohibitively expensive.
TELL US...
Do you have a utility room at home? How do you stylishly integrate it into your home? Share your pictures in the Comments below.
The utility room is a hugely important space in any home, where numerous essential tasks are completed, from doing the laundry to cleaning shoes and storing coats. So show it the respect it deserves and fit it with the kind of cabinets you have – or would like to have – in your kitchen. While not a budget option, the small scale of most utility rooms means using quality units should not be prohibitively expensive.
TELL US...
Do you have a utility room at home? How do you stylishly integrate it into your home? Share your pictures in the Comments below.
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Great article!
Excellent:))
Tanks to you I will change the look of my utility room, tha idea with original wallpapers is very interesting! :)