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The functional just got fashionable.

It's a fact: we're a nation obsessed with utility rooms. From where the magic happens (that'll be the washing), to how the cleaning bottles are organised, the functional just got fashionable.

According to kitchen maker Magnet, recent searches for 'utility room ideas' are up 20 per cent in the past month. The must-haves? It depends who you're asking; on TikTok, a ceiling drying rack is the most sought-after feature. Over on Pinterest, the crown goes to the space-saving hack of stacking washing machines, with Lizzie Beasley, head of design at Magnet, suggesting: 'You can incorporate a pull-out shelf into the space so you can simply fold your clothing and pop it straight into the basket.'

At Herringbone Kitchens in Canterbury, Kent, owner William Durrant has seen an uplift of sales for joint kitchen and utility projects rise by 35 per cent: 'It's very much become an over-spill to the kitchen and a way of keeping organised, tidy and clean. People are viewing their utility rooms as an opportunity to experiment with bold colour and pattern.' New features he's enjoying a surge in demand for are spray function taps for hosing down dogs, the kids' sports kit and golf clubs, and fluted detailing on cabinetry: 'it's a lovely addition to a space creating real texture and a bit of fun.'

Not sure where to begin? ​​Alex Main, Director at The Main Company, has the following wisdom: 'Start with floor-to-ceiling cupboards as they provide helpful storage space, incorporate a second sink if possible, as this is great for families with pets, and ensure there are plenty of hooks, hardware and bespoke shelving to create the ultimate practical space to accommodate all belongings.'

We’ve rounded up plenty of inspiration for you, from the small and functional to the downright fabulous. Keep scrolling to see.

The utility isn't just for laundry: if it's positioned near to your kitchen, less beautiful but essential objects like a microwave can find a home here. It's also the place to squeeze in that extra occasional oven.

Pictured: A project by Herringbone Kitchens

Keep something open, whether that’s drawers to pull out semi-occasional supplies such as spices thoughtfully curated in jam or Kilner jars.

Pictured: A project by Inglis Hall

Or utilise shelves for grab-and-go items such as kids' hats and scarves, if the utility is doubling up as a boot room, and pieces which have no function at all – such as a ceramic or plant, to keep a sense of display.

Pictured: A design by Magnet

Do you need hard-wearing stone? Or could you get away with bougie tiles? Underfloor heating? It's easy to get hung up on cabinetry and layouts, so don’t forget to pay as much thought to the type of flooring.

Pictured: A kitchen by The Main Company

A pull-out tray between your stacked washing machine dryer is the holy grail of laundry sorting, as evinced here by fashion insider and co-founder of Wardrobe Icons, Laura Fantacci. The ceiling-height curtain is also a cost-effective move to ensure the appliances are hidden from view.

Picture: Courtesy of Edward Bulmer

If your utility might become home to shoes – muddy or not – having a perch to sit at whilst putting them on will make all the difference. Lift-up banquettes will provide even more precious storage.

Pictured here: A kitchen by The Main Company

Whatever you're buying into – whether it's the traditional country kitchen aesthetic, or contemporary plywood look, then do it with gusto. This space by deVOL features tongue and groove panelling, shaker cabinets and handsome shelves, as well as a Belfast sink.

Pictured: A kitchen by deVOL Kitchens

'A utility larder for ironing board, and bucket' are top of many wish lists, says William. As bespoke furniture is made to whatever specifications you need, accumulate everything that needs housing in the utility room and let that inform part of your design.

Pictured: A project by Herringbone Kitchens

Don’t get too bogged down in the functionality – thoughtful touches which make you smile will take the edge off the chores. Quirky upstands, patterned curtains, and fabric skirts are an easy way to add personality.

Pictured: A project by Holly Vaughan

On the theme of beautifying a hard-working space, take a leaf out of Katie Woods' diminutive utility, which features a mural-like moment thanks to Mosaic Factory's colourful designs.

'Bold colours and statement wallpaper is a new feature we love to see clients embracing,' says William. 'Adding personality and a sleek finish to a utility room allows people to be a bit bolder here.'

Pictured: A project by Herringbone Kitchens

When your space is too tight to conceal white goods behind cabinetry, draw the eye elsewhere. 'We wanted to do something super fun in this utility,' explains interior designer Laura Stephens. 'As it's a small space we decided to take a brave colour onto the tongue and groove backsplash. The blue and white tiles are practical and add a great patterned contrast to the plain walls.'

Pictured: A project by Laura Stephens

Much cheaper than cabinetry is the 'skirt' – a length of fabric pushed on to a tension rod, suspended by a couple of hooks. At its most basic, it really is that simple. In this project by British Standard, the green fabric vibrantly pops against the yellow cabinetry.

Pictured: A project by British Standard by Plain English

If you have the budget, illuminated shelving will shed light on what it is you've stashed away. Also, create a multifunctional space by making your utility double up as a cloakroom.

Pictured: A project by Olive & Barr

Not just the preserve of kitchens, an island is handy space to deposit keys and shopping if your utility is by a back door and serving as an informal entryway that you’ll head straight for after a walk or trip to the shops.

Pictured: A project by Olive & Barr

A sliding door is a savvy space saver in a tight space or one where the utility leads directly off from the kitchen, or where a door might interfere with nearby cabinets. Continuing the cabinetry style and colour scheme, as seen here in a project by Pluck, is a clever move.

Pictured: A kitchen by Pluck

Planning a spot of ironing? Then you'll be thankful for the simple addition of a rail to make life easier. You could also use it to hang up shirts and tees fresh from the washing machine to dry.

Pictured: A project by Olive & Barr

The much-desired airer in action – most of which should feature a pulley function for easy suspension. Position it away from a doorway if possible, and close to where it might catch a breeze from an open window.

Pictured: A kitchen by deVOL Kitchens

Put the joy into doing the dishes or hand washing by carefully considering the positioning of your sink. A porthole-style window or view onto the garden will certainly take the edge off any to-do list.

Pictured: A project by British Standard by Plain English

Tall ceilings? Don't overlook wallpaper and print to fill the void, as expertly employed here alongside cabinets in mood-boosting Persian by Edward Bulmer paint.

Pictured: @kitandco_'s utility room, courtesy of Edward Bulmer

If you have pretty crockery, cake stands and platters which rarely see the light of day, give them a moment to shine with a glazed cabinet. They'll stay dust-free whilst you appreciate them – even if only fleetingly.

Pictured: A kitchen by deVOL Kitchens

In Farrow & Ball's punchy Arsenic, this coatroom-slash-utility room gives an enthusiastic welcome at the top of the stairs in a London maisonette reimagined by Lizzie Green. Stacking a dishwasher and dryer is always a savvy move, and the enamel wash basin feels more utilitarian in such a setting than a ceramic one.

Pictured here: A project by Lizzie Green Interiors

If you have an empty wall you're not sure what to do with, go wild with shelving whether it's filled with baskets, or if you’re a busy family, the mountains of shoes that enter the home.

Pictured: A kitchen by Pluck

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