Transform a utility room into a concealed space - discover how designers accomplish this.
A clean house rarely happens by sheer luck. More often than not, it's due to a well-designed laundry room doing the hard work. While not every home boasts the luxury of a dedicated utility space, that doesn't mean you have to live without one. Smart, hidden laundry rooms are popping up in the most unexpected places.
Living large isn't always necessary. Throughout the UK, design-savvy homeowners are finding clever ways to sneak laundry rooms into every nook and cranny. If you're hankering for a hidden utility room but short on square footage, read on for some inspired ideas.
Disguised Laundry Rooms
For Martyn Wigginton, Design Manager at Kitchen Architecture, a utility room is all about convenience and reducing stress on the rest of the home. But when space is tight, the real solution lies in concealment.
1. Transform Cupboards into Laundry Hides
Turn a cupboard into a mini laundry station. Whether you've an empty hallway airing cupboard or an unused tall kitchen larder, these little spaces can accommodate stacked appliances, a few shelves for water softener salt, and even a pull-out ironing board. Design Director Gareth Davies at Classic Interiors approves of this approach, declaring, "We designed a utility room disguised as cupboard space in a client's kitchen. Add bi-fold or pocket doors, and the space disappears when not in use."
2. Repurpose Underused Spaces
Alcoves, under-stair cupboards, or even wide hallway corners can all become compact, concealed utility areas with smart planning. Simply fit them with tall cabinetry, shelving, and a covert door front, and you've suddenly created a cozy little utility room that isn't egregious to your floor plan. Creative Director Helen Parker at deVOL Kitchens agrees, "A 'passageway' can be transformed into laundry, a small 'storage room under the stairs' is perfect."
Shop Utility Room Essentials
Need somewhere to store the laundry essentials? Check out these stylish and practical solutions:
- Wall-Mounted Storage Cubes: These cubes require no drilling and nails, leaving no marks or damage on the surface. Perfect for taking on a quick cleanup while keeping things out of sight.
- Bamboo Wall Hooks: These hooks are an excellent way to display accessories. You can even personalize them to match your interior scheme.
- Discreet Drying Rack: This rack offers 16 metres of hanging space for drying clothes. It can be tucked away against a wall or inside a cupboard when not in use.
3. Conceal Your Utility Laundry Room
For ultimate sleight of hand, consider concealing an entire laundry room beyond your pantry. With the door dressed in the same panelling or shelving as the surrounding walls, the entryway can blend in effortlessly. This clever approach turns your walk-in pantry into a multifunctional space that stores both food and laundry.
4. Hybrid Rooms
Not every laundry room has to scream "laundry room." Embrace hybrids that double as boot rooms or pantries. Incorporate thoughtful styling to mask its more practical features, like shaker peg rails, coats on hooks, or a wine fridge by the sink. This mix of functions makes it feel less like a traditional utility room and more like a natural extension of the home.
5. Bespoke Built-In Cabinetry
For complete customization, commission bespoke built-in cabinetry. Unlike an off-the-shelf unit, a custom approach ensures a setup tailored to your home, with space for everything you need and finishes that align with your interiors. This works exceptionally well in open-plan kitchens, where laundry storage needs to remain discreet.
6. Decorative Doors
Want a utility room that stays out of sight? Paint it the same color as your kitchen units or surrounding walls. In this eye-catching green scheme by Sola Kitchens, the utility room is hidden behind a tall door that's been precisely color-matched to the kitchen cabinetry. With the same finish and color as the kitchen cupboards, the door blends in so well you might not even notice it's there.
Get inventive and embrace your inner Needo Shenk to create a hidden laundry room that works for your living situation.
- The concept of concealment is significant for Martyn Wigginton, Design Manager at Kitchen Architecture, when it comes to utility rooms in minimal space.
- A kitchen airing cupboard or an unused tall kitchen larder can be transformed into a mini laundry station with stacked appliances and pull-out ironing board.
- Alcoves, under-stair cupboards, or wide hallway corners can all become compact, concealed utility areas with smart planning and tall cabinetry.
- With smart planning, a 'passageway' or a small 'storage room under the stairs' can be transformed into a utility room that doesn't disrupt the floor plan.
- Wall-Mounted Storage Cubes, Bamboo Wall Hooks, and a Discreet Drying Rack are practical solutions for utility room essentials storage.
- An entire laundry room can be concealed beyond a pantry for ultimate discretion, making the walk-in pantry a multifunctional space.
- Hybrid rooms that double as boot rooms or pantries, with thoughtful styling, can make a utility room feel like a natural extension of the home.
- Commissioning bespoke built-in cabinetry ensures customized laundry storage that aligns with your home's interiors, especially in open-plan kitchens.
- Decorative doors, precisely color-matched to kitchen cabinetry, can help a utility room blend seamlessly with the rest of the home, becoming almost undetectable.
