Utility Room Design

Beauty everywhere

Home designers and interior decorators agree: A well-designed utility room has become an essential part of the modern home. By combining the roles of laundry room, gardening center, storage area, and family communications point, utility room design simplifies modern living, creating a centralized home management area that is spacious and beautiful.

Constructing a new utility room.

If the preceding paragraph drew an ironic laugh, you're likely suffering from a utility room design that barely accommodates a washing and drying machine. Some homes provide enough square footage and bedrooms for a full-sized family, yet offer a utility room design barely sufficient for a childless married couple.

Sound familiar? Then consider the advantages of constructing a new utility room. If you plan to be in your house for years to come, adding on a 12-foot or 15-foot area will enable you to choose a utility room design that will save you a lot of time and effort. Effective utility room design will combine your scattered work areas into one ideal location, improving your life and the value of your house.

Utility room design ideas

When constructing a new home or adding a new utility room to an existing home, consider a few of these utility room design ideas:

• Storage
  Your utility room design should incorporate at least two different storage systems. Open shelves offer easy access, while closet organizers and laundry cabinets provide extra safety. Lockers or cubbies are great storage points for school-age kids.
• Sinks
  Laundry tubs and modular utility sinks are also critical to effective utility room design. A double basin sink is useful for gardeners. A popular utility sink alternative is a floor sink, which simplifies tasks like cleaning gardening tools or washing pets.
• Accessories
  Stackable washing and drying machines will conserve space in your laundry area. Wheeled clothes racks are ideal for transporting laundry. Bulletin boards and chalk boards will help you keep track of chores, or serve as message areas for parents and children. A countertop will be necessary for folding clothes.
• Decor
  Make beautiful decor a part of your utility room design by using colors and design accessories such as wooden cabinets, window shutters, tile, or exposed brick that enhance ambience and visual appeal. There's no need for a utility room to be cramped and dark. Create a utility room design that is spacious and full of natural and artificial light.