How essential is a utility room

[NannyPhlegm]

We have bought a Victorian semi and are doing it up before moving in (it was completely derelict)

DH and I are currently arguing over designing the kitchen and we can't agree on just how essential a dedicated utility room is.

The kitchen is L-shaped. The rectangular bit is circa 5m x 2.5m and the L-shaped bit is 3m x 1.5m. The kitchen opens directly into a dining room/family area, very cosy with wood burner etc

DH would prefer the washing machine/tumble drier/dishwasher to be integrated into the kitchen design, but not have it enclosed with walls...his argument is that it will destroy the openness of the kitchen. I do want a utility room, but mostly because I've been to friends' houses and I like the idea of it. I do agree with him that we will be introducing corners and walls into a space that is actually very neat and with good proportions.

So, wise MN-ers, what would you do? And if you do have a utility room, do you love it or hate it?

Well now earslaps it's just dawned on me that's what my friend has in her kitchen. She has deeper cupboards at one end of a fairly wide galley style kitchen and I never thought to wonder where her washer & dryer were. I'm going to have a look one day!

This would take up less space than a room?

or this

This has one of those pocket doors too - this is something we're thinking of for our new extension.

If you are remodelling anyway, buy the dishwasher that makes the least noise. Shops should be able to tell you. They all wash more or less the same, the noise will make the difference!

With that floor plan your DH is right!