We’re looking to move house in the not too distant future and with that comes a wishlist as long as my arm. Of course, our current house has been wonderful but one thing it lacks is a utility room. I’m originally from the US so having a washing machine in my kitchen has always seemed a bit strange (it’s just not the done thing there) but a separate area to do my laundry would be blissful! Goodness, I think that might actually mean I’m a grown up now!
Anyway, today I thought I’d share some tips on making the most of your utility room, no matter how small or large. If you are lucky enough to have a separate space for laundry, you can really make it a sight to behold with these few stylish tips.
Blend It With Your Kitchen
The style of your home and existing kitchen should be a good indication of how to create the perfect look for your utility room. Carrying over the same materials in terms of worktops, cupboard space or paint colours will unify the two spaces and create a natural cohesiveness. Above, a deVOL kitchen blends perfectly with its adjoining utility space, blurring the lines between the rooms. If you’re using tiles for your kitchen splashback or floors for example, why not use the same tiles in your laundry room to connect the two?
Get Creative With Tiles
Speaking of tiles, one of the biggest trends of the year is patterned tiles and small separate spaces like a utility rooms are the perfect place to deploy them. Why? Firstly, utility rooms are generally smaller areas so it won’t cost quite as much to splash out on interesting tiles. Secondly, you don’t spend quite as much time in a utility room as you would perhaps your living spaces and so you’re less likely to tire of something a little bolder. I particularly love the Moroccan-inspired Duomo Centro Floor Tiles seen above which would be the perfect finishing touch for a lovely utility space.
Create Drama with Dark Colours
Another big trend is the use of dark colours in interiors. Extending that look to a utility room can be a great way to try out the look and add some additional drama. Above, a warm grey colour is used in combination with wood panels and brass hardware for an updated twist on the traditional. While white has always been a popular colour for both kitchens and utility rooms, there’s nothing stopping you using this space space as an opportunity to flex your design muscles a bit.
Make the Best Use of Your Space
Of course, any utility room should be practical too so making the best use of whatever space you have is a smart move. Utilising adequate shelving and cupboard space throughout will create valuable storage. If you are using your utility room as a mudroom as well, make sure you have plenty of space to store things like coats and shoes too.
Add Some Personality with Accessories
And finally, don’t forget those all important accents that add personality to any space, even a utility room. Stylish accessories such as wicker baskets for holding clothes pegs or canvas laundry bags will add colour, texture and style to the room. Consider decanting your laundry powder into a glass clip top jar or using classic wooden hangers to dry your clothing. Just because a room is utilitarian doesn’t mean it can’t be attractive too!
How will you be adding some style to your utility room? Be sure to check out our full range of tiles for your next utility room project and take advantage of our free cut sample service to try before you buy!
As a multi-award winning interior design content creator, Kimberly Duran is an Interior Design-obsessed American ex-pat, who chronicles her decorating journey and dispenses interior design advice in her personal blog, Swoon Worthy. When she’s not helplessly drooling over all the latest trends in design, she’s adding things to the imaginary ‘shopping basket’ in her head, she likes to get messy tackling DIY projects with her partner in crime, Wayne, stalking eBay for vintage bargains and filling her home with her favourite neutral – gold.