Utility Room Design Ideas
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For years a utility room was seen as a bit of a luxury. These days, even the smallest corner or cupboard can become a hard-working space if it’s planned well. My own utility is one of the busiest rooms in the house, so I know first-hand how important it is to get the balance right between practicality and style. In this post I’ll walk you through what’s worked for me, what I’d do differently, and a few products I genuinely love.
My utility room with raised appliances with space for laundry baskets underneath
Making the Most of Small Spaces
Not everyone has the space for a full-blown utility room. I certainly didn’t in my previous homes. But with the right layout you can make even a small nook work really hard for you.
I’m a huge fan of raising the washer and dryer — it instantly frees up floor space and provides valuable under-counter storage. My laundry baskets are now tucked away under my two appliances which is much more convenient that having the storage above the machines. If space a premium you can buy stacking kits to let you place your tumble on top of your washing machine. This is perfect if you’ve only room for one machine or if the only utility space you have is a small cupboard.
Vertical space is your friend. Floor-to-ceiling cupboards, wall-mounted drying racks and open shelving make sure no inch is wasted.
Smart Storage
Storage is the backbone of a utility. Built-in cabinetry gives a sleek, tidy look and hides away all those cleaning products and laundry bits you don’t want on show. If built-ins aren’t an option, freestanding industrial-style shelving, like on this link, is a flexible alternative.
There are lots of products available now to help to make storage easy and accessible: pull-out hampers for sorting laundry, slim rolling carts for awkward gaps and overhead baskets for rarely-used items. I love this product to give you storage underneath your appliances, similar to what I have done!
These little touches keep the space clutter-free but still easy to use.
Some of the storage in my utility and the pull out shelving below the washing machine
Laundry Layout & Drying Solutions
This is where my utility excels. My washer and dryer sit right beside a deep sink, which is perfect for handwashing or pre-treating stains.
Drying clothes used to drive me mad until I discovered my Foxydry ceiling mounted clothes rail. Honestly, it’s the best bit of kit in my house — heat rises so the clothes dry overnight! They even do a heated version if your space isn’t as warm as mine. Because drying can cause condensation, you should consider using a dehumidifier running. We’ve had ours for years and it’s scary how much moisture is in the air in your home. Whilst ours is now discontinued (it’s so old!) you could consider the newer version here.
Other clever ideas I’ve seen (and would add if I was re-doing mine) include a clothes-drying cupboard and a pull-out ironing board. Genius!
My Utility Room Must-Haves
A few essentials have genuinely made my life easier:
Deep utility sink — brilliant for soaking clothes, washing muddy boots, oven racks or even paintbrushes.
Multi purpose storage — a tall cupboard for mops and brushes and another with lots of shelves and pull out drawers
Hard-wearing flooring — porcelain tiles, luxury vinyl or polished concrete stand up to moisture and heavy foot traffic.
I chose polished concrete (you can read more about it here) because it has no grout and is so easy to keep clean.Space-saving add-ons — ceiling mounted and wall mounted clothes driers are a non negotiable for me
Pull out shelves - these are below my appliances and give me more counter top space when I need it
A very functional utility storage cupboard
Multi-Functional Spaces
A utility doesn’t have to be just for laundry. Ours also works as a boot room because it’s right by the back door — ideal for muddy boots and wet coats to dry off.
If you’ve got pets, think about integrating a built-in bed, feeding station or even a mini dog-washing area. And while I don’t have a pantry (sadly!) I did include a large cupboard with shelving and pull-out drawers to store bulk-buy items. It’s invaluable in the run up to Christmas.
Lighting & Ventilation
Good ventilation is crucial to stop the space feeling damp. If you’ve got windows, brilliant. If not, invest in a decent extractor fan or keep a dehumidifier handy.
Lighting matters too. I only have spotlights in mine, but if I had the choice I’d add task lighting — LED strips under cabinets or adjustable spotlights over the work area make a big difference when you’re sorting laundry.
Colour & Style
Just because it’s a utility room doesn’t mean it has to be dull. Soft neutrals like white, grey and warm beige keep things light and airy. Deeper shades — navy, green, even matte black — add drama if you’re feeling bold.
Design touches like shiplap walls, minimalist open shelving, bright patterned tiles or industrial-style fixtures can transform a basic space into something you actually enjoy spending time in.
Industrial style utility design that looks good and is very functional. Nicky Marcus Designs
A More Sustainable Utility
If sustainability is on your radar, look for energy-efficient appliances that use less water and power. Front-loading washing machines and low-energy tumble dryers are smart investments. Or skip the tumble altogether and use a ceiling-mounted drier instead — I only use my tumble for bedding when the weather’s bad or I’m really behind with the laundry!
Little swaps also add up: glass jars for detergent, refillable cleaning product dispensers and eco-friendly cleaning solutions cut plastic waste while keeping everything looking stylish.
Wrapping Up
A well-designed utility room is one of the most underrated yet essential parts of a home. With smart storage, a sensible layout and finishes that are both durable and beautiful, you can create a space that works just as hard as you do. Whether you’ve got a tiny corner or a full room, the ideas above — and the products I’ve linked to — will help you make the most of it.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve done anything different in your utility or if you are going to try some of the ideas I’ve suggested.