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Though they may be small, the utility room is an understated luxury. Tucked away in the home they lie, a behind-the-scenes space that hides the functional and helps daily life tick by without a hitch. Often the bridge between outside and in, they can be beautifully fresh when designed with a keen eye. Whether bustling with boots and coats or stacked high with fresh linens, these often overlooked spaces can hold their own type of special personality.
Part of an 18th Century converted Cotswold barn, Cirencester House’s dreamy utility room is awash with nature inspired tones and textures. Its open shelving acts as a log storage, holding terracotta pots, watering cans and tools for cutting and preparing foliage. It’s a room that feels intrinsically connected to the world outside, with light peeking in from the back door and falling onto the rugged stone basin.
The stunning interiors of Cambridgeshire House feature deep, neutral tones accessorised with art and sculptural pieces. The utility area feels just as carefully put together, with its vertical tile splashback and stone sink. The brass accents are particularly lovely, with a menagerie of pretty props framing the space. Beneath the basin, a handmade sink skirt brings a delicate softness to the space whilst acting as a hiding place for hiking boots and storage baskets.
There are many beautiful rooms at this Grade II listed property near Stamford, but its humble laundry room is as charming as any. In-keeping with the rest of The Rectory, this space utilizes a calm palette and nods to its period heritage. The tall ceilings allow for a classic wooden airer and open shelving, making plenty of space for displaying props and products. Marble counter tops reflect the daylight across the tongue and groove walls while bespoke lighting adds that final flourish of character.
Crisp and clean, the utility at Church Road is filled with natural light. Its white walls contrast wonderfully with the deep red tiles underfoot, whilst paneled cabinetry hide the washing essentials from view. The space is quite minimally decorated, making it a perfect blank canvas on shoot days. The traditional wooden airer and cluster of wall pegs allow for tactile draping fabrics, promising height and drama for spring cleaning scenes.
Countryside living runs through the heart of The Willows, a regency farmhouse set in the Wiltshire countryside with a newly converted cow shed and hayloft. The utility space doubles up as a bootroom, with large stone tiles and a smoky tone to the walls. The cabinetry is raw and rustic, filling the room with grainy texture and clean lines at the same time. Beneath the beams and floorboards, this feels like a secret space, a place to stop a moment before entering or leaving the house.
At the ever-popular Anders House, the utility area is a space just off the large kitchen, separated by glass-paned doors. Looking through there is a lovely sense of symmetry, the lines and cabinetry all working in harmony and centered by a timeless butler sink. The palette is neutral yet warm, with a wooden countertop and fluted glass shades hanging overhead. As with the rest of the property, the space shoots beautifully and provides another versatile area to experiment with.
Not every home can boast such a chamber; one that mingles the mundane with the picturesque. Each of these utility rooms are ready to become an inspiring scene, styled with collections of glistening jars and overflowing sinks of freshly-cut florals.
Find out more about the locations featured in this post with our Spotlights on Cambridgeshire House and The Willows.
Discover our shortlist of locations with Feature Walls: Tongue and Groove for versatile shooting spaces with a timeless look.
Explore Blissfully Pink Walls for Spring Shooting for joyous colour inspired by the seaon’s blossoms.
Why not try something new? Channel the warmer days with our recipe for Spring Green Salad or Almond Cake with Peaches and Cream.
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