A well-organised boot room with plenty of practical storage acts as a stylish transitional space for rain coats and muddy wellies. With the help of bespoke fitted furniture, a modern boot room can be used to provide all sorts of essential ‘behind-the-scenes’ storage for everything from large vases to pet beds.

Boot room facilities can be created in the smallest of spaces by being clever with the details. Dedicated drawers to help locate smaller items like gloves; shelves for riding hats or a rack for fishing rods, walking sticks, dog leads – ensuring everything has a home and avoids the boot room becoming a cluttered, dumping ground. In rooms with high ceilings maximise the full storage potential by fitting top cupboards above a seating area for an efficient storage solution for items that aren’t used daily. Built-in bench seating will give a comfortable place to remove shoes and the space underneath can be used for extra storage. A well planned utility room can also be smart, chic and efficient. Storage is the key. Do you want your room to house a washing machine and/or a tumble drier so you can use it as a laundry room? Move in a fridge or freezer so that it functions as a utility-come-pantry space where you can also do some food prep? 

“The room adjoining the kitchen lets us down. We want to hide the washing machine and organise the chaos of coats, boots, dog leads and sports equipment. A place to sit and dress for outdoors would be good, while the look must complement the design of our kitchen.”

Space filled with practical features that make use of every inch. Fitted units for maximum storage capacity so that it always looks clean, tidy and organised.

Balance usability and ease of access with aesthetics. As one of the first and last rooms you enter, boot rooms and laundry rooms shouldn’t be neglected on the style front. Hand painted units and patterned floor will add warmth and interest and help make smaller rooms feel larger. Butt and bead paneling will create a relaxed welcome and protect walls from scuffs. When painted in a durable finish the paneling can be easily wiped clean. For a streamlined look, hide appliances behind doors.

A butler sink unit with a marble-effect worktop is a practical choice for a utility room. Keep the area behind the sink dry with a tile or glass splashback. Perrin & Rowe hand rinse.