How to: Incorporate a utility room in your bathroom or cloakroom

In today’s homes, with their need for multi-functionality, maximising space is paramount. One way to achieve this is by incorporating a utility room within an existing space like your bathroom, cloakroom, or boot room. This not only saves space but also adds convenience and potentially value to your home. Here, Senior Designer Jo from Ripples London shares her tips for seamlessly incorporating a utility area into these rooms while maintaining style and functionality.

A utility room is generally a space designated for housing laundry appliances, drying laundry and storing cleaning supplies. Today, more and more clients are opting to incorporate utility areas within their bathrooms, to make the most of the space and to avoid the need to keep carrying laundry up and down the stairs!

Integrating a utility area into a bathroom or cloakroom requires careful planning to ensure it complements the existing space and works seamlessly for both of its purposes.

Key considerations

Space and layout

As bathrooms are usually more generous in size, you can often utilise under-counter spaces or incorporate vertical shelving within your bathroom design. Stackable washer and dryer units are great space savers and can fit neatly into tall cabinets. Imagine a sleek, modern bathroom where one side features a built-in cabinet that houses a washer and dryer. The cabinet doors blend seamlessly with the bathroom decor, hiding the appliances when not in use and keep any additional clutter out of sight.

When it comes to cloakrooms, where space is at more of a premium, I would recommend installing a combination of open and closed storage. A small washer-dryer combo can fit neatly beneath a countertop and laundry items such as washing tablets can be neatly displayed in jars or baskets on an open shelf next to rolled-up towels and a houseplant or two.

Plumbing and electrical requirements

Another key consideration is the plumbing and electrical requirements of the space. You’ll need to ensure that the chosen space has or can be fitted with the necessary plumbing and electrical connections needed for your washer/dryer. This is often easier in a bathroom, where plumbing is already available, but may require more work in a cloakroom.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is also a crucial consideration, to prevent moisture buildup, to ensure the longevity of your appliances and to make sure any drying or stored clothes remain smelling fresh. Installing an extractor fan, buying a portable dehumidifier and ensuring adequate airflow through windows or vents are all essential options to explore.

Noise reduction

To minimise disruption, especially in a relaxing bathroom environment, consider soundproofing the area around your appliances. This can be done with insulated doors or by choosing quieter models of washers and dryers.

Design tips

Creating a cohesive look

In a bathroom, I would recommend matching the utility cabinetry with your existing bathroom cabinets. Use finishes and colours that complement the bathroom's decor to create a cohesive look and opt for durable materials which are easy to clean and maintain.

When it comes to cloakrooms, client’s like to have a little more fun with the design. As the space is likely to be used by guests visitors, it’s a great space to experiment with colour, pattern and texture, creating a space to surprise and delight visitors. If you’re a dog owner and space allows, you might even consider an even more muli-functional space, by incorporating a dedicated dog shower to keep your furry friend from bringing mud into the rest of the home.

Efficient storage

Use multi-functional storage solutions. In a bathroom, this might include shelves or drawers for toiletries alongside cleaning supplies. In a cloakroom, think about incorporating plenty of handy hooks and cubbies.

Lighting

Adequate lighting is essential, especially in utility spaces, as you’ll need dedicated task lighting to help you when you’re handling laundry. Consider installing LED lights under shelves or within cabinets to add an extra layer of interest to the space. In a bathroom, you might like to consider additional sensor lighting which can light the way on any middle-of-the-night trips to the room.

For more bathroom advice from our team of specialist bathroom designers, download or request a copy of our free Style Guide.

Want to find out where to start when it comes to re-designing a bathroom? Read our expert advice with helpful information on every part of the project.