If you are planning a utility room, with a little creativity you can adapt it to the interior design and make it more space-saving. Additionally, a well-planned laundry room or space-saving storage area can make your boring household chores easier and more enjoyable. Regardless of the size and available space, there are numerous ways to create a practical, stylish and organized interior. Below, discover some inspiring examples and tips that will surely help you design and enable an optimized footprint.
Why you should plan and better furnish a utility room
When looking into planning a utility room, location, design and lifestyle are just some of the factors to consider. From design to storage options, you should cover everything to get oneto create an ergonomic interior. Regardless of whether you are renovating your house, planning an extension or moving into a new property, purchasing a utility room is always a sensible extension of the kitchen or laundry room. Additionally, adding such areas has become a standard in a modern home. This not only makes everyday life easier, but also enhances the living area.
However, beginning the process of creating a utility room can be daunting, especially if you've never had one before. Knowing where to place equipment, how much space you need, and even what area of the house it will work best are all things you need to think about. The value of a utility room goes beyond mere practicality. This can also increase the interest of potential buyers when selling.
The additional space for weekly laundry and for storing large appliances and cleaning products is a welcome addition to single-family homes. By moving the washing machine and dryer inside, you free up space in your kitchen for more storage or seating. At the same time, you eliminate the annoying noises of many loud household appliances.
Plan the location for your utility room
If you are expanding your home, it is best to choose an indoor area with an external wall and direct access to the garden or courtyard. Washing next to or at least near the kitchen makes sense for several reasons. For example, this makes it easier to connect devices and allows you to use the same water and power lines. You can also save space in your kitchen by moving the refrigerator and other large appliances to the utility room. If you also double this room as a pantry, for example, you will have easy access when cooking.
Another logical option is near a toilet or bathroom. This also means that you can share the water connections and should already be well ventilated. Entering the laundry room through a back door is also very convenient, so you can take off your coats and boots, park your bike and let the dog shake off his wet fur. The direct connection to the garden also allows easy access to the clothesline. You certainly don't want to spend your time lugging wet clothes around the living area. If you use the utility room exclusively for laundry, try to separate it from relaxing areas such as the living room and bedroom to avoid disruption from loud appliances.
The optimal size for a laundry room with storage space
The minimum size for a utility room is around 15 square meters. This would allow for a washer and dryer with shelves above, depending on the size of your appliances. An area of about 30 square meters would accommodate a washing machine, a small amount of storage space and a walkway. However, the optimal space would be closer to 50 square meters plus - this way you can install a sink and plenty of additional floor space.
However, the size really depends on your laundry needs and how many items of clothing you wash each week. Some people can get by with a large closet for washer and laundry supplies, while others need a large room with a variety of appliances, supplies, and baskets. Regardless of the size, measure the room and compare it with the dimensions of your appliances.
How to make optimal use of the available space
If you don't have the capacity to expand, there are usually other ways to maximize the available space in your home. Converting a garage, for example, is a very common option that requires less time and money than an addition. As a rule, this is already in the perfect location, next to the kitchen with an outside wall or the door to the garden. A basement could work just as well, but ventilation is sometimes a problem. Be sure to check building codes for any structural or electrical changes you plan to make to your home. Always pay attention to the warranty conditions of your device. Placing it in a garage or basement may void the warranty.
Design ideas for utility rooms
Utility rooms are often located next to the kitchen and if this is the case you should also consider how the two areas complement each other for a harmonious feel when deciding on a new design. Browse these utility room ideas for inspiration for your future interior design. This will then help you remember the best options for your interior, giving you a starting point. Create space for all your daily tasks and ensure that you enjoy spending time in your household with clever and tasteful room layouts.
Modular storage is a good, cost-effective option and means you can change the design of your room to best suit your changing needs. The utility room will be the focal point for all things laundry. From washing and drying to steaming and ironing, design should be focused on making these tasks as easy and enjoyable as possible. However, there are additional functions such a room can fulfill including: pantry, dog room, bike storage, wardrobe and boot room, downstairs toilet, refrigerator, freezer and dishwasher equipment room, etc.
Plan possible variants for lighting in the utility room
Don't assume that you can't design a utility room just because you have a smaller home. Make the most of your space with one of these solutions. Utility rooms in existing homes are often planned spaces, so they may end up with no natural light beyond an external back door. With this in mind, your lighting concept must work for all occasions.
As a functional lighting option, bright ceiling spotlights help, for example, to illuminate the utility room for tasks. However, softer ambient light, such as LED strips under the cupboard, also make the room more pleasant at other times and round off a well-formed lighting concept.
Allow for floor-to-ceiling storage
Stacking a washing machine and tumble dryer is a great idea to utilize tall cabinets and free up low-level storage space in a utility room. Regardless of whether you have built-in cabinets where you can stack your washer and dryer, the washer should always be on the bottom because it is heavier and contains a concrete block to prevent it from shifting during the spin cycle. While good looks are still important, the space also serves to pack in as much storage space as possible. This is the key to having a utility room that works well for your home.
Custom-made floor-to-ceiling cabinetry maximizes the amount of storage space. To do this, include a step stool or ladder in your desired design to ensure you can reach the top cabinets. So the best way to maximize space is to install a floor-to-ceiling utility room with high-level cabinets for rarely used items like vases. If you have enough space, you could also install benches for changing shoes and practical storage underneath. Stack appliances to create additional floor space and add a blanket laundry roll for drying linens. Place it over the sink so wet outerwear can drain without leaving puddles on the floor.
Choose a suitable floor covering
Of course, you want the flooring to look beautiful, but due to the constant presence of moisture and the risk of leaks, you need to think carefully about the materials. Carpets are a no-go because leaks would quickly ruin them, while dust and dirt can also build up and spilled cleaning products can cause damage. You should also avoid laminate. It may look great and be easy to clean, but if there is a leak, it will be damaged underneath.
Your space can also double as a boot room or dog grooming area, meaning it should be able to withstand mud and wear and tear. Choosing vinyl flooring is not only an affordable but also a practical option. Luxury vinyl tiles are also resistant to chemical stains and water. In addition, the vinyl flooring is easy and frequent to clean. Luckily, there are many finishes to choose from these days, from those that mimic wood and stone to playful patterns that add a touch of decoration while hiding pesky footprints. Look for vinyl floor tiles, as opposed to warp-prone rolls, with a standard wear guarantee for durability.
What costs arise when you plan a utility room?
Expanding and building a new utility room obviously requires a larger budget than converting a downstairs bathroom or a cupboard under the stairs. However, there are many ways you can reduce costs no matter which route you choose. Using simple flat pack shelves and storage units instead of a fully equipped utility area will save you a lot. For example, you can atIkea simple storage unitsBuy for less than 100 euros - albeit for a small laundry room. There are larger multi-part storage units for around 350 EUR.
Additionally, built-in units and worktops tend to cost more and take longer to fit. However, the exact price depends on the size of the room and the materials you choose. Other money saving onesUtility room ideasare:
- Hooks instead of wardrobes.
- A curtain instead of closet doors.
- Pull-out table stored in a drawer instead of long worktops.
- A large perforated wall across the wall for hanging pots, utensils and the broom instead of built-in cupboards.
- An over-the-door shelf on the inside of the laundry room door in lieu of additional storage.
