How to create a functional – and stylish – utility room

From storage and flooring to hanging laundry, we look at ways to lavish a little love on this practical space

Although small, a utility space can have a transformative effect on the way you live, and the tidiness of your home. Having a dedicated area to stash damp and dirty gear – not to mention the extra storage for the everyday hallway clutter of coats and shoes, as well as a space to deal with practicalities such as laundry – creates a calm ambience when you come through the front door.

A utility is traditionally a small extra kitchen, where laundry appliances are kept along with a basin, work surface space, cupboards and wash-day accessories. A boot room is more about storage for coats, wellies and the dog’s bed, but the two functions are often combined.

Get organised

Creating a place for everything, so everything has a place, is the key to a well-organised utility and boot room. It’s a practical space that needs plenty of storage, but it’s down to individual taste if you prefer the ease of open shelves and hooks, the neater look of closed-door storage, or a combination of the two.

If you’re fitting this area into a small or quirky space, consider modular or built-in storage to maximise every inch. Alternatively, free-standing pieces offer flexibility, especially in rooms which have other functions. Woodstock make kitchen units, dressers and other storage pieces from reclaimed wood, or try bespoke solutions using reclaimed materials from The Main Company.

Be savvy with your space from floor to ceiling – from storage benches and shoe racks at floor level, to high shelves with baskets for stashing smaller items such as hats and gloves (and keep a stool handy to reach higher items). Hooks are an essential, especially for everyday accessories, and you can fit an upper and lower layer of hooks to double the storage. At least one enclosed cupboard, or repurposed vintage wardrobe or armoire with hanging space for out-of-season items, will keep the space looking more streamlined.

An open free-standing hanging rack or rail is a great idea for those who often have waterproofs or wetsuits that need to be dried before storing, or if you have the space, a traditional ceiling maid (also called a Sheila maid), which hangs from the ceiling and operates on a pulley, saves on floor space and can be brought down when needed.

Making the most of a small space

A useful utility doesn’t have to be a large space if you organise it carefully. Cleverly combining a boot room with a utility space is a practical option, and the two functions naturally work hand in hand. The advantages are that you have laundry facilities close by to easily deal with muddy gear, and additions such as a deep Belfast sink or even a dog shower (also great for hosing off boots) make keeping your home clean even easier. If you don’t have space for a sink, an outdoor tap just outside the exterior door leading into your boot room is a simple solution.

For a sleek and stylish look, opt for built-in laundry appliances (stacking them saves space too) and go for floor-to-ceiling storage so you make the most of the space above appliances. Unlike a kitchen, you don’t necessarily need a lot of work-surface space, so you could use every inch of wall for storage. A reclaimed kitchen, or reclaimed wood to build your own cupboards and shelves, can work really well here – the rustic look suits a boot room and may be more budget-friendly too.

Decorating ideas

There’s no reason why this functional space can’t be stylish too: try bathroom-safe, washable wallpaper for a feature wall (we love the gorgeous offerings at Graham & Brown), and choose a wipe-clean paint for walls and furniture. Painted or reclaimed wood panelling on the walls is both stylish and durable, or try exposed brick or stone for a rustic look. Deeper, earthy colours or darker neutral paint may be more practical than pristine whites – this space is not called the mud room for nothing!

In a space where the floor may get wet and muddy, it’s best to go for flooring that is non-slip, hard-wearing and easy to clean. Source reclaimed flagstones or terracotta tiles from a reclamation yard for a timeless yet practical floor.

Low-maintenance ceramic tiles can be plain, patterned, or can look just like stone or wood, and are better for the environment and your health than laminates. For something fun, you could try vinyl flooring in a bold print or shade.

Cork flooring, which is sustainable and naturally mould-resistant, is ideal for a room that may get damp at times (check out the different styles of cork tiles and planks at The Colour Flooring Company). Alternatively, protect your existing floor with a machine-washable absorbent rug or runner, or an outdoor rug designed for damp conditions, which are often made from recycled plastics.

Adding personality

A few finishing touches really add character. Try a display of everyday objects, perhaps hung on hooks in curated groups – such as binoculars, vintage cameras, handbags or quirky hats. Add a vintage wall shelf or little cabinet of curiosities to display interesting finds from your walks, or a gallery wall of photographs or antique maps.

If you have limited space for decorative pieces, install a hanging basket from the ceiling for a trailing plant, or pop a row of plants in vintage pots on the windowsill. For open shelving, seek out attractive storage boxes or jars for laundry tablets, clothes pegs and other utility essentials for a curated, clutter-free look.

Garden Trading and Graham & Green both offer beautifully designed storage pieces, including luggage racks, wall hooks, utility accessories and coat racks that work well paired with a vintage look.

Vintage or antique pieces with a practical use include original umbrella or hat-and-coat stands, welly racks or a boot scraper positioned just outside the back door. Plus interesting vintage knobs or drawer pulls can transform basic modular storage or repurposed kitchen units into something a bit more special.

And you can never have enough ad-hoc storage, which could include apple crates, an old trunk or baskets, which are all ideal for tidying away accessories that don’t store well on shelving, such as gardening tools, outdoor games and balls – and if you have a dog don’t forget to include a dedicated basket for toys and leads.

WORDS: LINDSEY HARRAD