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  1. Utility Room
  2. Type: Multi-use

Traditional Utility Room Ideas and Designs

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Laundry & Mudroom
Laundry & Mudroom
ROSEMARY MERRILL DESIGNROSEMARY MERRILL DESIGN
Susan Gilmore
Get Inspired - Transitional
Get Inspired - Transitional
Tango Design StudioTango Design Studio
Asheville 1267 Model Home
Asheville 1267 Model Home
AR Homes by American Eagle BuildersAR Homes by American Eagle Builders
Utility room of the Arthur Rutenberg Homes Asheville 1267 model home built by Greenville, SC home builders, American Eagle Builders.
Beautiful Whole House Remodel - Glen Ellyn, IL
Beautiful Whole House Remodel - Glen Ellyn, IL
TKS Design GroupTKS Design Group
  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com
Tremont 2
Tremont 2
Bella Vista CompanyBella Vista Company
Shoot 2 Sell
Redstart Construction, Inc - Kingshill
Redstart Construction, Inc - Kingshill
S MontanariS Montanari
Focus-Pocus
Door style: Covington | Species: Eucalyptus | Finish: Truffle with Ebony glaze
Door style: Covington | Species: Eucalyptus | Finish: Truffle with Ebony glaze
Showplace Cabinetry Design CenterShowplace Cabinetry Design Center
Door style: Covington | Species: Eucalyptus | Finish: Truffle with Ebony glaze Just off the kitchen, this laundry room makes good use of Showplace cabinetry to create a setting that is as hard-working as it is lovely. Note the thoughtful variety of spaces, including closed and open storage, flat workspaces, and places for hanging clothing. Showplace Kitchens: http://showplacekitchens.com/ Showplace Wood Products: http://www.showplacewood.com/
Multi-purpose Laundry Room After
Multi-purpose Laundry Room After
Realty Restoration, LLCRealty Restoration, LLC
Christopher Davison, AIA
Craftsman Style Laundry Room
Craftsman Style Laundry Room
Meyer DesignMeyer Design
The decorative glass on the door, tile floor and floor to ceiling cabinets really bring a charm to this laundry room and all come together nicely. Photo Credit: Meyer Design
Westport Antique Colonial Renovation
Westport Antique Colonial Renovation
Domus Constructors, LLC.Domus Constructors, LLC.
Jim Fuhrmann Photography
Bel Air Kitchen, Dining & Laundry
Bel Air Kitchen, Dining & Laundry
Bearded Builders, BaltimoreBearded Builders, Baltimore
Cold Spring Harbor
Cold Spring Harbor
ChangoChango
Advisement + Design - Construction advisement, custom millwork & custom furniture design, interior design & art curation by Chango & Co.
Yarrow Point Shingle Style--Remodel & Decor
Yarrow Point Shingle Style--Remodel & Decor
Sheila Mayden InteriorsSheila Mayden Interiors
Combined Laundry and Craft Room
Organized Mudroom and Laundry
Organized Mudroom and Laundry
Innovative Design BuildInnovative Design Build
We redesigned this client’s laundry space so that it now functions as a Mudroom and Laundry. There is a place for everything including drying racks and charging station for this busy family. Now there are smiles when they walk in to this charming bright room because it has ample storage and space to work!
Milton Lake House
Milton Lake House
LuxeMark CompanyLuxeMark Company
Photos By Tad Davis
Ashfield - Laundry Renovation
Ashfield - Laundry Renovation
Balnei & ColinaBalnei & Colina
A gorgeous Hamptons style laundry complete with shaker doors and bespoke handles to complete the look. The laundry has plenty of storage and combined with added workspace via the island bench the new laundry layout. Photography: Urban Angles
Mudroom & Laundry Combo
Mudroom & Laundry Combo
Thompson RemodelingThompson Remodeling
This fantastic mudroom and laundry room combo keeps this family organized. With twin boys, having a spot to drop-it-and-go or pick-it-up-and-go was a must. Two lockers allow for storage of everyday items and they can keep their shoes in the cubbies underneath. Any dirty clothes can be dropped off in the hamper for the wash; keeping all the mess here in the mudroom rather than traipsing all through the house.
Vienna Custom Home - Clean Lines, Natural Elements and Comfortable
Vienna Custom Home - Clean Lines, Natural Elements and Comfortable
c|s DESIGN STUDIO LLCc|s DESIGN STUDIO LLC
Bob Narod
Gingerwood Remodel
Gingerwood Remodel
Grand Bay Building and RemodelingGrand Bay Building and Remodeling
Using additional space created from the demolition of an old fireplace- the laundry and powder room were reworked to create a clean up to date space.
Laundry/Mudroom update
Laundry/Mudroom update
Hendolhurst Homes Inc.Hendolhurst Homes Inc.
Ryan E Swierczynski

Traditional Utility Room Ideas and Designs

A well designed traditional utility room can rise to become one of our favourite rooms in the house, boasting the accolade of existing solely to make our lives easier. Few of us are fans of chores such as washing, cleaning and ironing, but with a high-spec, well put together utility design they could be a breeze. For this reason, it makes sense to design an utility room to be as functional as possible, the very model of “everything in its place”, with carefully thought out utility room storage. That, however, doesn’t have to mean it can’t look nice – even super-utilitarian appliances like a washing machine, tumble dryer, laundry basket and recycling bin can be dressed up by their surroundings and made to look great as part of your traditional utility design.

What do I need in my traditional utility room?

Most utility rooms tend to be a small room just off the kitchen or hallway, so you are likely to be working with a compact space. Your main priority will involve planning utility room storage around your white goods. A utility room is usually intended primarily as a laundry room, so it makes sense to first install your plumbed items: the sink, washing machine and, if you have one, tumble dryer. If you run short of space and can’t afford to have a separate washer and dryer, then consider an integrated washer-dryer for your utility design. Built-in storage is a great idea in utility rooms to make best use of the available space, and you might want to also consider built in ironing boards, clothes airers and retractable washing lines. These items tend to be a bit cumbersome and are forever getting in the way, so designing special utility room storage for them or fixing them to a wall so they are easily folded away is an excellent space-saver and well worth the implementation. Free standing items such as laundry baskets and clothes hampers can be tucked neatly under specially designed worktops, and a selection of stacking plastic storage boxes, tins or wicker baskets can be used to help keep the room clutter free.

How do I decorate my traditional utility room?

Decorating an utility room is the ultimate exercise in form meeting functionality. As it’s a room that, alas, invariably people spend a great deal of time in, you will want keep the utility room a calm and clean space. Utility room storage is essential for keeping this area tidy; attractively painted shelves and cupboards can be used to stow away all the bottles and boxes used for laundry and cleaning, as well as appliances such as vacuum cleaners and irons. An attractive country style utility design can be achieved by hanging bright or patterned curtains in front of wall mounted shelves – it will perk up the room and keep clutter hidden away. Floors should be hard-wearing and easy to clean (just think of those dirty boots traipsing in through the back door!) – to this end, stone, tile, laminate or vinyl flooring will be the most low-maintenance and durable. All in all, bear in mind that just because this is primarily a practical space doesn’t mean it needs to be dull – you can inject personality into your utility design in your choices of colour and decorative accessories. Consider quirky signage, blackboards for scribbling down shopping lists, and decorative bottles and boxes for stowing away household bits and bobs.

Do I need a sink in my utility room?

Utility room sinks are designed for those jobs that don’t quite belong in the kitchen – hand washing, dirty boots, watering indoor plants – and typically have a more industrial aesthetic than kitchen sinks. In fact, the iconic butler sink’s originally designated purpose was, as you might imagine, a sink for the butler, who was responsible for washing precious glassware and other items that required special attention and soaking. In case you’ve ever wondered, this is why butler sinks are so deep – for that matter, the only difference between butler sinks and Belfast sinks is the overflow built in to Belfast sinks which don’t feature in butler sinks. If the rustic charm of ceramic sinks appeal to you but your utility room would benefit a less substantial piece, French farmhouse sinks may be the perfect option; cast in French clay to produce a more refined finish, farmhouse sinks can be a thinner, more elegant alternative to their robust counterparts. As well as offering practicality, ceramic sinks make a beautiful statement centrepiece – utility rooms with a country or shabby chic feel will find the perfect complement to rustic wooden units with a butler or farmhouse sink. Smaller sinks are perfectly adequate if your utility room doesn’t demand as much from you, if you do the odd bit of rinsing instead of regularly being elbow-deep in heavy-duty washing. Stainless steel sinks are a practical choice that can withstand the bashing they will get in an utility room set up. Composite sinks are available in granite and quartz variations, both boasting superior durability and damage resistance; to boot, their smooth clean finish lends itself to an ultramodern style utility room. If you’re still unsure on your utility design, take a look through the hundreds of photos for some traditional utility room ideas from professional designers and other homeowners. You might find a design theme or some utility room storage ideas that will inspire you for your utility room makeover.
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