Bespoke utility rooms and dedicated laundry spaces are increasingly sought-after in luxury home projects. Many people choose an open plan kitchen alongside a utility space to keep the housekeeping out of the kitchen.
We spoke to two of our kitchen design experts to understand how they approach utility room designs for homes throughout the UK. Lewis from our Chester kitchen showroom and Sarah from Edinburgh shared all their planning insights, tips and tricks to help you plan better.
What’s the first thing you should consider when planning a utility room layout?
Lewis: What is the main purpose of the utility room? Of course it’s a place to do the washing, but does it need to be more multi-purpose? What else do you plan to do or store in there?
Utility rooms are often walk-through spaces, so it’s really important to consider how one space will flow to the next in the early design stages. And then, decide if you want it to, visually, be an extension of the luxury kitchen or have its own identity.
Sarah: I completely agree, understanding the purpose of the utility room and how it will most frequently be used is essential. I always try and understand the client’s lifestyle to help me design the space.
A well-planned utility room design should always reflect how the space will be used day to day. For example you wouldn’t want clean laundry to be piled next to a sink predominantly designed for dog baths!
Which colours work best in a utility room?
Sarah: Personally, I really love natural colours like greens, blues and neutrals as they create a calming backdrop in what can often be a busy space.
A carefully considered colour palette can also help define your utility room design, especially if it connects visually to a kitchen or boot room.
Lewis: It all depends on the size of the space and if it’s going to be just a utility room. The utility tends to be the messiest space with washing, recycling, pet items, cleaning bits and so on. So, I often recommend colours that hide scuffs, marks and daily life.
Deeper rich tones work well as they’re a lot more forgiving in the space, plus they give the room a little more personality. People tend spend a lot of time in their utility room, especially those with bigger families. Where homeowners often stay neutral in their luxury kitchen designs, utilities offer a really great opportunity to be playful with colour and go a little bold.
What is your utility room must-have?
Lewis: Stacked washers and dryers for easy loading! It keeps everything hidden and maximises the floor space available as they tend to be a smaller room. Plus, you can choose to install pull out shelves to hold washing baskets while you load and unload – it’s a great use of space.
Sarah: Clever storage is essential. Laundry rooms can quickly become cluttered so having a home for everything is really important. Bespoke utility cabinetry is particularly important in a small utility room, where every inch of space needs to work harder.
What are the practical considerations to keep in mind when designing a utility room?
Lewis: One of the biggest considerations when utility room planning is giving yourself enough space to actually do the laundry!
A lot of people forget to consider giving themselves some worktop and prep space. Somewhere to fold washing away and simply store things. In any bespoke utility room layout, worktop space is just as important as appliance placement.
Sarah: Utility rooms tend to have a smaller footprint so ensuring you are making the best use of space is crucial.
This might be stacking the washing machine and tumble dryer or double stacking cabinets to make sure you’re getting the most out of your bespoke utility room design. Maximising vertical space is key to creating an efficient and well-balanced utility room.
What’s one thing every homeowner should consider when planning their utility room?
Both: Don’t sacrifice on the quality of the utility room! This is a space that will work harder than most others in your home.
We always advise clients to really think about the utility room and give it the time it deserves to make it successful. A considered utility room layout will not only improve daily routines but also add long-term value to your home.
Why a Thoughtful Utility Room Layout Matters
A well-planned utility room layout supports the way your home functions behind the scenes, keeping your kitchen clear and your daily routines running smoothly.
By focusing on layout, storage and quality finishes, you can create a space that works hard while still feeling considered and cohesive within your home. This sense of cohesion allows your bespoke kitchen to feel calmer and more refined, free from the visual and practical demands of everyday household tasks.
Start Planning Your Utility Room Layout with Harvey Jones
Whether you’re designing a compact space or a fully bespoke utility room, our expert designers can help you create a tailored solution that fits seamlessly into your home.
Discuss your project with a designer by booking an appointment, or simply pop into your local kitchen showroom to discover beautiful luxury designs in person.
