Utility Room

[jolies1]

We’ve a utility room in our newish build house, with space set up to house washing machine / tumble dryer with worktop on top. We’ve decided against a tumble dryer (house is super warm and washing line outside) and just have our washing machine in one side. Has anyone done anything creative with the space left over?

I’ve a quote to put a unit in that would match the kitchen, the unit itself without base panel and installation is £220 - so looking to see if any alternatives before going down that route!

I have a large wardrobe in mine at one end in which are all the big coats hats gloves and wellies etc. I also store my kids sports equipment on shelves at the side of it.

Does it have to match your kitchen? If it's a separate room could you not just get a kitchen cupboard from Wickes/B&Q/IKEA etc? We have a utility off our kitchen and the doors are different - both white shaker style but one is solid wood and the other is a cheaper style. It really doesn't notice as there is a door between the 2 rooms.

I'd still have a tumble dryer as I live in the damp/wet North West and hate damp laundry around the house.
Would an undercounter additional fridge be useful for wine or extra food?

Do you have a dog/cat? I’ve seen people put a small curtain across to be a little pet den which my dog would love if we had enough under counter space.

Or just a big nice looking wicker basket or hamper filled with spare loo rolls, other utility type things?

Could you create a storage space for washing baskets next to the machine, then they are always in easy access for taking clothes outside to dry? We have a tumble dryer and washing machine side by side in our utility room but once the tumble dryer dies (it's on its way out) we will use the space for the three small laundry baskets we currently have on the other side of the utility room

I'd definitely put a sink in, and with a rail above so you can hang items on coat hangers for them to drip into the sink. A floor unit so there would be cupboard space underneath the sink to store things. A tall cupboard is also useful for storing mops, ironing board etc if you don't have that storage in your kitchen.

Wall units are also really handy to keep your detergents etc in up high. If you put one on each side of the room so you can fix the hanging rail between them. A shelf above the hanging rail would also be handy for decorative bits and bobs.