Utility Rooms: 9 practical considerations for a forgotten space
Often an overlooked area, utility room design can be an afterthought. But not anymore. By its very nature, the utility room is one of the most utilised rooms of the house and now, many are realising its importance.
Utility: adjective
1. useful, especially through being able to perform several functions.
"a utility truck"
2. functional rather than attractive.
"utility clothing", "utility room"
Nine utility room uses
By their very nature, Utility rooms can be walk-through spaces, it is therefore important when designing the area to understand the room’s main purpose. For example, you wouldn’t want clean laundry to be piled next to a sink predominantly used for dog baths! For most, it’s about having somewhere to easily and efficiently do laundry but there are so many other considerations.
Like all rooms, it’s essential to design in view of your lifestyle. Why do you want/need a utility space? What problems would it solve? etc. Below is a list of nine possible uses with functional suggestions (some more obvious than others):
1. Coat and/or outdoor shoe storage - do you regularly go on cross-country walks? Do have lots of practical shoes and coats?
The obvious inclusion would be a specialist area for these items but positioning is key. situated beside an outside door is ideal (to avoid distribution throughout the utility and beyond).
Other considerations are boot stands, doormat size, outdoor sock and accessory storage, umbrellas/walking stick stands, seating areas for putting/taking off boots and in close proximity to dog leads, bags etc.
2. Pet food, care and access - do you want to contain your furry friend eg. after muddy walks, at night etc? Do you want a dedicated place for pet care/feeding one or all of your animals?
You may wish to consider dedicated areas including spaces sufficiently large to store large quantity orders, enable easy food replenishment through clear visibility of stock, high areas to feed cats away from greedy dogs, low taps for water bowls, shoots for easy biscuit distribution etc.
In addition to food, other pet-related elements may have an influence on your utility design, such as integrated beds, cat/dog flaps, dirt tray positioning that enables easy cleaning, areas to hang animal accessories and even doggy bathing areas.
Dog bowls can be conveniently attached to doors to allow for storage when not in use, dog showers are great to contain mud and integrated beds work well when looking to maximise space or focused on a streamlined design.
3. Gardening/DIY tools - do you often find small items in the house that belong in the shed? Do you do a lot of DIY?
More often located in a garden shed, smaller gardening equipment can be more conveniently located in a utility room. Cupboards and draws that allow for items such as small packets of plant food, string, glues, secateurs, scissors, gloves etc. should be considered.
In addition, an area to nurture seedlings near natural light and an outdoor tap by the utility room door could be a useful option. Worktop consideration may also be key if areas for repairing items or charging work tools are needed.
4. Cleaning items - how large are your detergents? Where do you store these for convenience?
Ensuring that you have the right space with easy charging access for vacuum cleaners and other electrical items as well as ensuring minimal mess/spillage of liquids by ensuring secure storage is essential.
Good unit design can cleverly conceal bulky appliances, a second sink, and household essentials. This approach even allows you to dress the room with decorative elements to create a beautiful, functional space.
5. Kitchen equipment overflow and general storage - does your kitchen allow for occasional or bulky items? Do you have water bottles, bbq tools, electrical appliances etc. you need to hide?
Avoid messy cupboards in your kitchen by allowing your utility room to take the strain. By moving these items to this additional room you can really allow your kitchen to remain a focal point for food preparation, entertainment and enjoying valuable family time.
6. Messy play containment - do you have small children? Do you do a lot of messy DIY eg. painting or crafts?
This one isn’t just for those with little kids, it could be for those that are creative and need a contained space that is easily washable for activities such as washing paint brushes, working with fabric dyes, glueing etc. Worktop space next to a sufficiently large sink may be key, as well as a rinsing bowl to use without impacting everyday usage.
7. Laundry and more - do you have a lot of different types of washes? Do you need to dry inside a lot?
Having a dedicated space for your washing and drying to keep your clothes away from cooking smells and the activity contained is essential but there can be other considerations. Review of your full cleaning procedures is key here; such as how laundry will reach the room (perhaps even with a direct laundry shoot?) and be stored before washing.
Everything from a place for detergents, sink provision for handwashing, drying/hanging rails for shirts as well as general items (retractable if space is limited), and ensuring easy ironing with pop-up or slide out boards, warming draws, built in dehumidifiers right through to space for shoe cleaning tools and baskets for odd socks should be reviewed.
8. Excessively dirty clothes containment - do you need to stop children spreading mud around the house via their clothes? Do you want wet or muddy clothes to go straight into the washing machine?
If space allows, these are all key considerations to avoid clothes cleaning chaos! Making a dedicated area (with containment as a key), enabling you to prioritise washes and limit damage to other items.
9. Recycling - are you looking to encourage sorting or improve recycling practices? Do you have lots of one particular type of recycling eg. glass?
Increase recycling efficiencies and hide away containers destined for the dechetterie with dedicated areas that allow for easy transportation. Innovative ideas include small areas for bottle tops, or used coffee pods, or even shoots which allow you to dispose of items externally from inside the utility (via a trapdoor or shoot).
Going beyond functionality
This isn’t an exhaustive list, and you must look beyond the room’s functionality to its form - it can be a beautiful space too! You may want a minimalist design; should be hidden away with integrated appliances and floor-to-ceiling cupboards? Or would you rather open shelving so that everything is visible and within easy reach? Do you want the room to be an extension of your kitchen’s style or have an individual identity of its own?
For many, especially those with open-plan kitchens, utility rooms are an essential, complimentary space to keep housekeeping out of the kitchen. However, a utility doesn’t have to be a separate room at all; it might just be a dedicated storage area to keep essential items out of the way.
Essentially, the secret to the ideal utility room is spending time thinking it. This approach will save you money and time, as well as giving you the look and functionality you want. And with good design, you’ll be surprised at what can be squeezed into that ‘forgotten’ space.
1909 and The Old Cooperage units have been designed to be fully adapted to meet any utility room requirements. This article only features units available from Maison d’ Aquitaine. Visit our Laundry and Boot Rooms page to find out more or contact us.
About the author
Emma studied furniture and design history at university in Manchester and then spent time working at Sotherby’s and Bonhams as a trainee valuer, before pursuing a career spanning over 20 years in product design and communication.
She has a wide portfolio of articles and papers behind her, having ghostwritten for publications including The Times, Business Insider, The Banker and The Financial Times.
In 2024, she and her husband, Craig, founded Maison d'Aquitaine to provide sustainably made furniture for traditional French homes. They have lived in France since 2011 with their children. In her spare time, Emma works with the Dordogne-based animal charity, Phoenix Association and loves attending pottery classes.