When you’re thinking about a remodel or a renovation, the utility room – sometimes called a laundry room – can be easy to overlook. It’s not usually the most glamorous spot in a home, but it’s probably one of the most important rooms you can have. It plays a big role in our daily lives, being the heavy duty space where a lot of our chores are handled. And this is especially true in rowhomes, where space, lighting, and ventilation can be limited.
And a remodel or renovation of your utility room probably isn’t going to be the same as other rooms in your home. It’s not a hub for a lot of traffic and it’s not a room for recreation, but it’s function is still central to our everyday lives. And if you have to be in the utility room folding laundry, organizing storage, or grooming your pet, making your time there a little easier is the way to go.
If a remodel or renovation for your utility room is in the works, here are some ideas on making that space a little more functional:
Maximize Vertical Storage:
Empty walls make for unused storage. Increase your laundry room’s space by installing shelves, cabinets, or hanging racks. This will free up valuable floor space, making it easier to move around in a tight area.
Mobile storage can also be a great idea. While hard and fast shelving and immobile cabinets are going to be your natural go-to, sometimes a decent work-around is simply adding a shelving cart, which can be moved when needed.
Optimize Layout and Workflow:
If spacing is just too tight, think about evaluating the layout of your utility room. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional; it can take a skilled eye to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow, especially in a home with wall sharing and tight corners. Plus, utility rooms require delicate handling of plumbing and electrical.
But there are some things you can do yourself. Since privacy isn’t normally an issue for a utility room, consider removing the entryway door entirely. But if the door is necessary, a barn or slide door may be an excellent option. You’ll sacrifice a bit of privacy and noise reduction, but you’ll make up for it with more room.
A cabinet hamper can also be a surprising way to move clothes out-of-sight until it’s time to start the wash. Cabinet space is a premium, but if you can do without the extra storage, tossing your dirty laundry in an out-of-the-way spot like a cabinet hamper can reduce hassle and streamline the work.
Install a Fold-Out Drying Rack:
In tight spaces, a fold-out drying rack can be a lifesaver. These racks can be mounted on the wall and easily folded down when needed, providing additional drying space for delicate items or items that cannot be tumble dried. When not in use, the rack can be folded up and out of the way, freeing up valuable floor space.
Improve Lighting and Ventilation:
A well-lit and well-ventilated utility room can make a world of difference. Replace dim bulbs with brighter ones and consider adding task lighting under cabinets or above workspaces. Ambient lighting can also help and is usually a space-conscious option.
You can also install an exhaust fan to improve air circulation and reduce humidity, which can prevent mold and mildew growth. But if that isn’t an option, even a normal box fan can help circulate air out of the room and remove moisture.
Upgrade Your Flooring:
Durable and water-resistant flooring is essential in a utility room. Consider options like vinyl, ceramic tile, or epoxy coatings. These are all easy to clean and maintain while also capable of withstanding the wear and tear of daily use. You can choose a light color to brighten up the space and make it feel more open and airy.
Install a Utility Sink:
If space allows, a utility sink can be a valuable addition to your laundry room. A nice farm sink provides a convenient location for hand-washing delicate items, pre-treating stains, or soaking heavily soiled clothes. Its depth also makes it useful for mops, brushes, and other cleaning tools.
Your Utility Room Remake
It’s not always about appearance. Sometimes a good remodel or renovation is about making the day a little easier. Knowing what to upgrade to make this happen can be a little confusing. Some simple DIY steps can get you started, but if your utility room is a little too tight, sometimes getting a professional to help revamp your layout can do the trick.
Whatever you decide, just keep in mind that utility rooms aren’t the easiest of spaces to renovate. They’re often small, poorly lit, and filled with electrical and plumbing that can make modifications difficult. But it’s also an important room that shouldn’t be overlooked – it plays an important role in our day-to-day.
