Love is an international language, but the way love is expressed differs around the world.

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Hands up if you’ve got a kitchen wishlist. Now, hands up if you’ve got kitchen pantry ideas on there. Ok, that’s pretty much all of us. The pantry is having a serious trending moment right now – and for good reasons.

Not only do pantries happily satisfy our constant search for more kitchen storage ideas but, let’s face it, they look damn good doing it. The essence of all pantry designs is to showcase the very best of bespoke cabinetry packed with clever storage options – such as shallow shelves inside the door for herbs and spices, to deeper shelves for dry foods and neat baskets for organising fruit and vegetables. Plus, they come in shapes, sizes and styles to suit every scheme.

‘A truly great kitchen will include great storage for all your family food preparation, cooking and entertaining requirements,’ says Keith Myers, Director of The Myers Touch. ‘We love the re-emergence of the pantry; that tucked away place to arrange and carefully store food, from flour and potatoes to hams and jams. Away from the harm of underfloor heating and tempted pets, these well-ventilated rooms can be as simple as a dark cupboard or as elaborate as a glass-framed mini
kitchen.’

Kitchen pantry ideas

Explore our kitchen pantry ideas to find the perfect way to store goods and produce in your home.

1. Design a space for everything

Image credit: H Miller Bros

If you’re going the bespoke route for your kitchen pantry ideas, make sure to really consider what items you need to store. Once you have these in mind you can design the space to suit your needs exactly. For example, if you’re an avid spice lover, make sure to incorporate racks to fit your herb and spice jars.

Think about the non-food items, too. Appliances vary wildly in size, so measure up for your kitchen shelving ideas here accordingly – especially if you’re using this space as a prep area. Since you unfortunately can’t plan for everything, make sure to add in a pole so you can hang extra items as and when required.

2. Save space by going narrow

Image credit: Tom Howley

‘If you don’t have large areas to play with incorporate slimmer, tall pantry cupboards around the room,’ advises Tom Howley, design director of Tom Howley Kitchens.

‘Position narrower designs in key areas of your kitchen, for example, frequently used appliances and ingredients in main prep zones and dishware or glasses close to social spaces.’

3. Utilise corner space

Image credit: LochAnna

Corners are a woefully under utilised area of most kitchens. Steer clear of this design mistake by working your pantry into this space with built in cabinetry.

Simple shelving works well here, but you could also have wider shelves on each level with turntables on top so you can easily access produce no matter where it’s stored.

4. Upcycle a bookcase

Image credit: Future PLC/Katie Jane Watson

Upcycling a bookcase to become one of the new kitchen pantry ideas is perfect for DIY lovers, as well as if you’re lacking on space. Since you’ll be tight on shelf space, make sure to consider how your items are displayed.

‘Why not decant dried goods into stylish containers?,’ says Tom Howley. ‘This is a great option if you have glass-fronted or open storage as it keeps everything looking beautiful as well as being easy to find. Storing items in containers allows you to throw out bulky packaging and free up some room.’

5. Opt for bifold doors

Image credit: Olive & Barr

Countertop, half-sized pantries are ideal for many sizes of kitchens, but you can go further with your space-saving. Instead of using standard doors on the cupboard, utilise bi-folds. Not only will there be more drama and style when you open it up, but you don’t risk hitting anyone with an open door or blocking another area of the kitchen.

This is especially useful if the pantry is used as a prep space or breakfast nook as you will want to keep the doors open for extended periods of time.

6. Use both sides of shelving

Image credit: Future PLC

Naturally the top side of shelves are the natural place to think about when searching for storage space, but you’re missing a trick by not looking beneath.

Add hooks to the bottom to hang utensils, mugs or teatowels. Attach metallic strips so you can hand metal-topped storage herb jars. Another way to use this space is by adding a rail beneath to store your kitchen roll or baking parchment.

7. Turn a small room into a walk in

Image credit: Tom Howley

One of the most classic pantry designs is, of course, the full-blown pantry room. But even with loads of space on offer, it’s important to learn how to organise kitchen cabinets and the rest of the area properly so you make the most of every inch – both in terms of storage as well as worktop breathing space for food prep.

‘Getting the shelf spacing right can maximise the room you have for storage,’ says Tom Howley. ‘Large, deep cupboards with integrated workspace are ideal for storing appliances you may not want on your kitchen work surface. The easy-to-reach middle section of your kitchen pantry is perfect for tins and jars. Use dividers or shorter spacing to keep foodstuffs separate so you can see everything you need at a glance. A handy storage basket at the bottom of your kitchen pantry is ideal for storing fresh bread or veg.’

8. Utilise pull-out versions

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

‘If space is not an option, then don’t worry, there are pull-out storage solutions that are perfect to maximise small kitchen ideas,’ says Karl Andrews, design expert from Benchmarx Kitchens. ‘If you often find yourself awkwardly stretching to the back of your cupboards to reach items in hard-to-reach areas, for example, then a pull-out pantry offers the perfect solution.

Metal wired baskets and trays are the perfect shelf additions here. ‘This feature allows easy access to your ingredients with all round accessibility. Each basket provides clear visibility and an impressive capacity – making it the perfect pairing for even the busiest of kitchens.”’

9. Mix and match your storage

Image credit: The Myers Touch

One size – or shape – most certainly does not fit all. Include a mixture of open and closed shelving or drawers for ultimate flexibility. You can get away with a bit more clutter in the tucked away portions, and keep the open sections styled to perfection, or at least until the usual chaotic breakfast rush. Minimise mess by keeping the most used items to hand and in sight.

‘Visibility of goods, and easy access are crucial, as is flexibility, allowing for those 3-for-one offers on extra-large boxes of cereals!’ says Keith Myers, Director of The Myers Touch. Even better if you can include a fair-sized worktop for storing plated buffet food when entertaining.’

10. Add a blackboard to the pantry door

Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme

If space doesn’t allow for spice racks or storage on the inside of your door, make the surface work harder in a different way. Attach a slimline blackboard or create one using blackboard paint. This is the ideal spot for shopping lists, as you can add to it as you discover that your favourite biscuits have someone disappeared (again).

11. Save costs with a freestanding pantry

Image credit: Future PLC/Darren Chung

You can still have the dream pantry without blowing the budget, simply go for freestanding kitchen ideas rather than built-in. Opting for a freestanding pantry solution will keep costs low, and provide flexibility on positioning. a freestanding unit is also ideal to take with you should you ever move. Win, win.

12. Set the scene with statement finishes

Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith

Make your built-in pantry design a showstopper with a splash of colour and decorative detailing – think colour and materials. Try using contrasting shades on the interior and exterior for stylish impact. For a contemporary addition, incorporate on trend materials like fluted glass doors and brass fixtures and fittings.

13. Add a splash of colour

Image credit: Neptune

As the new hero of the kitchen  a pantry shouldn’t be hidden away, it should be celebrated in all its glory. Pink kitchen ideas are a dreamy place to begin. Soft pastel shades enhance the beauty of cabinetry and perfectly organised cupboards.

14. Conceal goods with on-trend fluted glass

Image credit: The Main Company

Open up the look of a pantry cupboard by choosing glass doors. On-trend fluted glass is the most popular choice right now, helping to blur the lines by concealing more than plain glass panels. This stylish solution allows just enough insight into the pleasing pantry design behind the doors but the obstructive glass helps to keep it slightly more hidden.

15. Allow a preparation station

Image credit: The Main Company

Create a kitchen pantry that caters for your dedicated needs. This hot drinks station is ideal for storing everything needed to prepare and serve the perfect blend of tea and barista-style coffees.

The high level shelving allows for storage without taking up valuable counter space, which is left free to act as a preparation station – where the coffee machine can live, hidden out of the way.

16. Make a statement

Image credit: Ardingly Cabinet by Neptune

Use a bold coloured wallpaper choice alongside your kitchen pantry ideas to make a style statement. Choose a base shade to match or contrast with a painted standalone pantry for ultimate impact.

‘Even in the smallest of kitchens, it is easy to insert a freestanding pantry, meaning you don’t have to commit to a total kitchen refresh if a pantry is what you’re after,’ says Nerine Vacher, Kitchen Designer at Neptune Fulham. ‘By including a single piece of furniture you can completely transform your kitchen.’ A freestanding coloured piece is also easy to change using painted dresser ideas, meaning the piece can evolve as your taste does.

17. Dedicate a cupboard to creating a DIY pantry

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

Rather than fill a cupboard with a mishmash of bulky household items, like the vacuum and other miscellaneous items, use the space to dig out your own DIY pantry.

Clear out the space and start from scratch, adding carefully planned shelving to fit your appliances, cookbooks and food items.

18. Add lights for ease of use

Image credit: The Main Company

One of the – many – annoying things about badly planned kitchen pantry ideas is the lack of light. Save yourself from squinting at your jars with the addition of simple strip lights or spotlights. Consider adding lighting to each individual level of shelving if you’re in a space seriously lacking in natural light.

Remember to include task lighting if you plan on using the pantry as a mini prep kitchen too.

19. Corner off an area

Image credit: Future PLC/David Parmiter

20. Keep it compact with a countertop design

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

Kitchen pantry ideas don’t need to be a walk-in wonder or even a whole cupboard, it simply has to be a space dedicated to the function of keeping store cupboard goods and essentials. Clever compact cabinet design allows for even the smallest space to be utilised, above wider storage for pots and pans.

Include smart storage in the doors and multiple shelves for dried goods, all in labelled jars to add to the scheme.

21. Squeeze in a vertical version

Image credit: Future PLC/David Still

No matter how small your kitchen you can still utilise any space to fit in pantry-style storage. Think vertically to allow for maximum shelving allowance, because most items for a pantry will be taller rather than bulky – think along the lines of storing bottles and jars. A slim cupboard won’t take up much dedicated kitchen space but if it scales from top to bottom it can provide plentiful space for all your pantry needs.

‘If you have space, include a rack for spices on the inside of the door – it’s convenient if you’re cooking and need to go straight to the ingredients you need,’ advises Tom Howley. ‘Think about the weight of the items you’re storing as well as height. Lighter racking is perfect for cereal and bread while sturdy oak shelving is a good option for holding the weight of jars and tins.’

22. Pack in all your storage needs

Image credit: Future PLC/Robert Sanderson

When choosing a built-in bespoke design you can go to town with the elements. Work with every inch of space to pack in maximum storage potential in one space. in addition to door racks add rustic wicker baskets on rails, to store fresh fruit and veg.

However, if you’re not going for bespoke or built-in storage in your pantry, there are kitchen organisers out there that can play a key part in our lives. For categorising foods and keeping things looking neat and tidy in this room, whether that be ground coffee on your countertop or flour in your pantry.

23. Fashion a pretend pantry

Image credit: Future PLC/Andrew Woods

No room or budget for one of the more traditional kitchen pantry ideas? Transform a regular cupboard into a DIY petite pantry. Chicken wire on the doors adds a rustic touch, while also visually separating the clutter from the rest of the kitchen.

24. Leave the layout open

Image credit: The Main Company

Leave the space open to interpretation. Let the structure determine how hidden away you want the pantry area to be, but having no doors allows the space to flow. Walk-in pantries are becoming super popular but not all homes have the space, so an open structure is a happy compromise.

25. Stack creates for hearty storage

Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith

If you need a pantry that maximises your kitchen storage needs, choose to fill the space with more plentiful solutions such as crates. Stacked from top to bottom on door glides that allow for easy pull-out access they cater for all manner of food supplies. This pantry idea is less about show, more about smart storage to make the most of the space.

26. Carve out a space near the cooker

Image credit: Future PLC/Alistair Nicholls

When designing the layout it’s always important to consider how you use your kitchen while cooking. It makes more logical sense to keep your supplies of spices and dried goods near the stove, to make them easily accessible to grab as you prepare delicious dishes.

27. Create a slimline walk-in wonder

Image credit: Future PLC/Jody Stewart

Make the most of a narrow space with a walk-in pantry. Effortlessly create the effect with simple wall shelving stocked with tinned goods and jars of pasta and dried grains. Use the floor space beneath to house wicker baskets with kitchen essentials. On the opposite wall hang a rail to store kitchen linens, to prevent the main kitchen space from looking cluttered or untidy.

28. Add a ladder

Image credit: Plain English

Make the most of every inch of space of your walk in kitchen pantry ideas by reaching right to the top. A library ladder and rail add a chic, classic touch, while also being an incredibly practical addition.

It means you can store more things up in your highest cupboards without dreading standing on a rickety kitchen chair to retrieve them.

What’s the difference between a pantry and larder?

‘Although there are differences between a larder and a pantry, we find that the words are often used interchangeably and tend to generally refer to a storage space designed for food and occasional crockery,’ says Karl Andrews, design expert at Benchmarx Kitchens. ‘Traditionally, a larder refers to a purpose-built, cool space for storing food that needs to be kept chilled, whereas a pantry tends to be a cupboard which can store anything from dried foods to beverages.’

Therefore, essentially a separate walk-in pantry combines food storage and prep area, keeping the main kitchen clear for cooking and entertaining. A larder is typically the same premise but at a lower temperature for keeping ingredients cooler, not refrigerated – just cooler.

What is a good size for a kitchen pantry?

A good size for a kitchen pantry is one that works within the space, no matter how generous or how small. A successful pantry is not just about the size. ‘Kitchen storage is personal,’ says Alex Main at The Main Company. ‘Every household will differ so it’s important to firstly consider what you will be storing before you design your larder or pantry.’

‘If you need space for wine, for example, think about integrating some dedicated wine shelving into your larder. Or if you would like to keep your small appliances out of sight, consider space for your toaster, kettle and coffee machine to be neatly tidied away.’

For kitchens slightly more limited on space, consider opting for a breakfast pantry which can be easily adapted to fit in most sizes of kitchens. ‘Smaller than a walk-in pantry, a breakfast pantry is a great place to hide all the everyday chaos,’ says Tom Howley. ‘Choosing doors with bi-folding action gives neater, more usable access to the contents of the cupboards without blocking other cabinets. The space inside is expansive, often with work surface space for smaller appliances such as your kettle and toaster. It’s also a great place to store your cereals, crockery, tea, coffee and cookbooks.’

Where should a pantry be placed in a small kitchen?

With small kitchen layouts a slim, vertical pantry is best. This gives the freedom to slot a small pantry in beside the fridge or between supporting walls and cabinets. If you wish to create more of a larder feel choose a colder area of the kitchen. Consider a countertop design when space is tight. Or go for freestanding to allow for movement.

‘Even in the smallest of kitchens, it is easy to insert a freestanding piece, meaning you don’t have to commit to a total kitchen refresh if a pantry is what you’re after’ says Nerine Vacher, Kitchen Designer at Neptune.

The post 28 kitchen pantry ideas for the most stylish storage around appeared first on Ideal Home.

If you’ve got some money put aside, and are looking to invest in your future, why not ask yourself the question: should I overpay my mortgage?

While paying off a mortgage as early as possible is a goal for many homeowners, especially those fortunate enough to have the savings to do so, overpaying a mortgage does have both pros and cons to consider. We’ve got expert advice that spells out everything you need to know when considering overpaying on your mortgage agreement.

Should I overpay my mortgage? The pros and cons

If you’re lucky enough to have savings, and with the best mortgage rates ever right now, overpaying your mortgage might be a good choice. You usually have the option of making a one-off lump sum payment towards your mortgage or increasing the amount you pay back monthly.

Even if you’re only in a position to reduce the size of your mortgage, a one-off repayment or regular extra repayments is still well worth it.

Image credit: Future PLC/ Alison Hammond

However, check with your mortgage provider to see what it allows. This is particularly important if your current mortgage offer – a fixed or discounted rate for a set term, for example – still has time to run.

Many providers only allow overpayments of 10 per cent of the remaining balance during this term. By contrast, if your deal has finished and you’re now paying your provider’s standard variable rate there shouldn’t be any limits on the amount you can pay.

Both options will lower your total interest payments, but the former will result in a bigger saving. Also, a lower overall balance on your mortgage could be a benefit when remortgaging and may open up better deals to you.

If you can pay off your mortgage in full, you’ll no longer have to make monthly repayments. Plus, the total cost of the loan will be lower than expected, because you’ll be paying interest for a shorter period than you originally anticipated.

Should I overpay my mortgage? Is it worth it?

This comes down to a personal decision based on your circumstances. Currently, the returns available from a savings account are poor, so reducing or paying off your mortgage is likely to be more financially valuable. Check on how the costs involved, including early repayment fees, might change that calculation.

It’s also important to consider if you will need your savings anytime soon. If there’s a chance you will, you may prefer to have the cash in an account that you can access when you want to. Some mortgage providers do allow underpayments as well as overpayments. This means you may be able to pay extra now, to reduce your mortgage interest, and then take back some of the cash later, by underpaying for a period.

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

Do you have other debt that should be a priority?

If you have any other debts which you’re paying interest on, these should take priority over repaying your mortgage. This is because, in most cases, this debt will be more expensive.

For example, if you’re paying interest on a credit card or loan, the rate is likely to be more than the interest rate of your mortgage.

If you have debt you are managing which doesn’t charge you any interest – an interest-free loan on a home improvement, say – this falls into a different category. Unless you choose to, there’s no need to clear this debt as long as you’re comfortable paying it off. Ensure there’s no danger of you having to pay interest on it in the future.

Keep an emergency savings fund

Before you ask the question, ‘should I overpay my mortgage?’ look at your savings situation first. Everyone should have an emergency savings pot stored in a savings account. Choose one you can access if you need to and make sure it earns interest. You should aim to have between three and six months of your regular income in this account.

This savings pot is for unforeseen emergencies – anything from a broken-down car or a faulty boiler to a period out of work. It’s for the things you can’t predict; having this money set aside will mean you don’t have to reach for a costly loan or credit to tide you over.

How can you pay your mortgage off early?

With savings rates at rock bottom, thanks to a prolonged period of low interest rate from the Bank of England, putting any extra money you have into your mortgage instead could be a good option. You’re almost certainly paying a higher rate on your mortgage than you could earn on savings cash.

How much will it cost to make a mortgage overpayment?

It’s important to check with your provider before making a payment. Some charge penalty fees for doing this. The amount you’ll pay depends on the balance of your mortgage, and how close you are to clearing it completely.

Image credit: Future PLC

Would investing the money elsewhere make more sense?

Overpaying your mortgage is one option for your savings but there are many other places you could put the money.

Bank and building savings accounts are just the start, although they do have the benefit of offering you easy access to the money if you need it.

1. Pensions

Putting money into your pension is another option. Plus, you’ll get an extra top up from the government for any money you put in, because tax relief is available on pension contributions. A pension calculator will show you how much you could claim.

2. Stock and shares

Investing in the stock market is another choice. Everyone gets an allowance of £20,000 to put into an individual savings account each year. This money can be invested in a very wide range of assets, including cash savings, but also in shares and bonds. All returns – both income and profit – are then tax free.

The aim with stock market investment is to secure a better return over the longer term; say five years or more. That’s what’s happened in the past, with shares outperforming other types of investment over longer periods more often than not.

What’s vital is to recognise that there are no guarantees. Investments can fall in value as well as rise. You need to be prepared to lock up your money for the long term. Otherwise, the risk is that you need to access it at a time when it has fallen in value. Take a look at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for more information about investing smart.

Sarah Coles, a spokesperson for Hargreaves Lansdown, explains: ‘The return you’re likely to get from investments over the long term is likely to be more than the money you save on your mortgage. But, this isn’t the only calculation you need to bear in mind.

If you have a long mortgage that takes you into retirement, you might be worried about repayments in future, so it might give you peace of mind to overpay. If you’re carrying a huge mortgage and you’re worried about how it would be affected if interest rates rose, you might choose to pay it down.’

3. Split your funds

‘If you have a manageable mortgage, and robust finances in general, meanwhile, you might prioritise the potential for extra returns from an investment,’ continues Sarah.  ‘Alternatively, you might take the middle way and use some of the cash to pay down your mortgage and some of it to invest.’

The post Should I overpay my mortgage? The pros and cons appeared first on Ideal Home.

No matter what size your home, we have plenty of small utility room ideas to ensure you have a space for sorting and folding laundry and keeping all your cleaning paraphernalia. While utility rooms used to be something perhaps only your Nan had, now a days, they are seen as the ‘must-have’ space in any busy family home.

But we’re not all blessed with large spaces to house our washing machine and air our laundry, so knowing how to get savvy with the space you do have, is key. Kitchens lend themselves to a small utility section at one end, and even a downstairs cloakroom could double up as that all important utility space.

Even the smallest utility room can be smart, chic and efficient. A well planned room can turn household chores into pleasures (well, almost). And it is storage that is the key. Brushes, vacuums, dusters, cloths and cleaning products stored away in well thought-out cupboards or stacked on shelves will keep cleaning tasks efficient and stress-free. Laundry baskets, products and airers, all stowed for easy access will make wash day a dream. Whatever you use your compact utility room for, beautifully organised storage will make it ship-shape, fit for purpose and efficient. Imagine the time you’ll save for all those things you really want to be doing…

Small utility room ideas

When looking for small utility room ideas start by thinking about appliances. Do you want your room to house a washing machine and/or a tumble drier so you can use it ostensibly as a laundry room? Or might you want to move in a spare fridge or freezer so that it functions as a utility-cum-pantry space where you can also do some food prep.

Whatever the purpose, our small utility room ideas can inspire a solution for even the tiniest of spaces.

1. Hide away appliances in a cupboard

Image credit: Future Plc/Tom Meadows

A space in a hallway, the end of a kitchen or even off the bathroom, can be turned into a small utility space that can be hidden behind doors. As long as there is access to plumbing, your appliances can sit just about anywhere and don’t necessarily need a room of their own. An alcove is a good spot to squeeze in a washer and dryer as well as some shelving, which can be disguised behind simple sliding or folding doors.

2. Dedicate a corner to your cleaning products

Image credit: Dunelm

Just a corner of your kitchen or bathroom could house all your cleaning products, to make them super easy to find. Stylish caddies are great for housing sprays and bleaches and opt for more pleasing wooden brushes and scrubbers so you can keep them out on display. Try to keep a small surface clear to fold laundry or scrub out stains and keep cloths and dusters hung on hooks under the work surface.

3. Save on floor space with a rail

Image credit: Lifestyle Floors

If its floorspace you are lacking for hanging and drying clothes, try a rail hung above your work top. This makes the most of the space between work surfaces and the ceiling and means clothes can be hung to dry as soon as they come out of the washing machine. Always try to use wooden hangers as not only are they better for your clothes, but they look much nicer when hanging ‘naked’ and won’t make your space look too student like.

4. Opt for blue for a cosy utility space

Image credit: Olive & Barr

Dark blue continues to be hugely popular for both kitchens and utility spaces so choosing this rich shade puts you in good company. Whatever size your utility space, dark blue works so well to create a contemporary, cosy feel and is less likely to show up marks and scuffs- great news if you have pets (or small children). Brass hardware always looks amazing paired with a dark, inkey blue, so be sure to add a touch of luxe by fitting brass handles to your cupboard doors, even if you just spray your current chrome or wooden ones!

5. Keep it all white

Image credit: Armac Martin

An all white scheme will undeniably make a small space seem roomier, so if dark, dramatic and cosy isn’t for you, white is a great option for walls, cupboards and tiles. While a matching washer and dryer looks super smart, it’s not always practical (or cost effective) so think about choosing integrated appliances for a super sleek look. Knowing what utility room design mistakes to avoid, is key to getting the most out of your laundry space.

6. Give everything a dedicated space

Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole

‘Think about what needs storing before kitting out your utility area and ensure there’s a home for everything,’ says Vicky Silverthorn, Professional Organiser at You Need a Vicky

‘Remember to factor in space for cumbersome items like the vacuum cleaner, laundry basket and mop. Make your space easy-access with open shelving that lets you see everything at a glance, so you can grab what you need easily’

7. Keep a compact space clutter-free

Image credit: Future Plc/Ben Robertson

The key to a smart utility room is banishing all product packaging from view. To do this, assemble a collection of practical enamelware tins with lids, Kilner-style bottles, jam jars and any other pretty containers you fancy. Use them to store soap powder or liquid, laundry softener, descaling and dishwasher tablets. Pack away shoe polish and dusters, dishcloths and scourers and see what a difference it makes to your room.

Remember never to decant corrosive or harmful chemical products; always store these in their original bottles. Hide them at the back.

8. Make the most of awkward spaces with smart designs

Image credit: Future Plc/Caroline Arber

An extendable, wall-mounted dryer design makes the most of a small alcove-like area. An otherwise unused slice of small wall now provides plentiful room for drying clothes and storing bits and bobs. Given the recessed space the rack is mounted in an area of the utility room that would otherwise be wasted. Mounting an extendable drying rack above an appliance or low level cupboard utilises the free space above.

9. Streamline a small utility space

Image credit: Future Plc/David Still

For a super-streamlined look, go for fitted cupboards to hide all the clutter. Here full-height, floor and wall units create a bank of storage on a single wall that matches the worktop. This room, with easy access to the garden, hides everything from view so that it always looks clean, tidy and organised. The Low-sheen grey cupboards help to inject a touch fo style to the streamlined solution.

10. Add a space-saving peg rail

Image credit: Future Plc/David Brittain

A peg rail can be enormously useful in a utility room. This one, fixed somewhere between dado and picture rail height, has been used to hang an ironing board, chalkboard, dustpan and brush and duster. Run it as a rail all around your room and you can also hang coats, aprons, shoe bags and towels. An open storage unit like this one can help take up any overspill of paraphernalia from the kitchen, while also making the perfect food store for the autumn garden harvest.

11. Stack appliances to save space

Image credit: Future Plc/Sussie Bell

When space is premium look for ways to make more space for bulky appliances. In this compact space the large appliances, a washing machine and tumble dryer, are stacked one on top of the other to save floorspace. Of course the higher appliance is mounted safely on a worktop, not directly on top of the other.

If using this idea ensure the top appliances has minimal movement, to make sure it doesn’t nudge its way forward. A tumble dryer above is the safer set up, as a washing machine will move a fraction when on a high spin cycle.

12. Incorporate a utility room into a small kitchen

Image credit: Future Plc/Clive Doyle

Utility rooms tend to be small, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be streamlined and efficient. This small kitchen is filled with practical features that make use of every inch. Fitted units have been added wherever possible for maximum storage capacity. A traditional pulley-powered airer keeps washing out of the way up high while, below, a wall-hung tabletop can be pressed into service when needed.

13. Disguise appliances behind a curtain

Image credit: Future Plc/Trevor Richards

Bring a touch of vintage style to your utility room with an old-fashioned cafe-style curtain. Use it to screen any bits and pieces you’d prefer not to have out on show, such as washing loads or dog beds. Choose a jolly fabric that will introduce pattern and colour into the neutral space. Open shelving and a tiled floor are simple easy-to-clean choices which add to the nostalgic vibe.

14. Create a sense of space with open shelving

Image credit: Future Plc/Dominic Blackmore

A butler sink unit with a marble worktop is a practical choice for a utility room. Decant ironing and laundry products into Kilner-style jars, bottles and enamel tins and store on smart open shelving. Here dusters and mops are kept orderly on wall-hung clips, while the towel-on-a-roller is always find-able. The area behind the sink is easy to keep dry thanks to a splashback of metro tiles.

15. Build bespoke storage

Image credit: Future Plc/Clive Doyle

Floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall utility room storage will hide everything behind closed doors. Here that includes appliances, an ironing board and all the accessories and products for cleaning, ironing and laundry that you can imagine. These bespoke units produce the perfect utility room space: one that doesn’t look like a utility room.

16. Make the small space multipurpose

Image credit: Future Plc/Mark Scott

The joy of a utility room is that it can become the home for all sorts of bits and pieces that just don’t quite fit into any of the other rooms in the house. Instead of overcrowding a hallway with coats, boots and dog leads, why not give them a home here? A handy locker takes centre stage in this utility room and it breaks up the space between dog bed and storage. A mid-tone green creates a mellow backdrop.

Otherwise, the utility makes for a perfect place for a heated clothes airer to live. These are especially handy if you don’t have a tumble dryer, otherwise, they can help dry items of clothing that can’t be tumble dried, fast and effectively.

17. Choose practical furniture

Image credit: Future Plc/Jon Day

Keep furniture choices to a minimum in a small utility room, to prevent the presence from feeling overwhelming. This tall yet slim cabinet does the job of providing a tidy storage solution for all the basic necessities. from an ironing board to a broom, yet it’s slim enough not to take up too much floorspace.

Use wall-mounted hooks to provide any additional storage, to keep things elevated off the floor – to create a sense of more space.

18. Utilise wall space

Image credit: Garden Trading

Use every inch of wall space available in a small utility room, because this room requires a lot of ‘stuff’. Due to the amount of lotions, potions and accessories in a laundry/utility room it pays to make the storage solutions work harder. Lining the walls with shelves all the way to  the ceiling allows for maximum storage potential. It keeps everything off the countertop too, meaning a clear deck for when you need to get chores done.

How do I get the most of a small utility room?

Plan your cupboards around your appliances: do you want to be able to see your appliances or do you prefer to hide them behind doors for a more streamlined feel? Balance usability and ease of access with aesthetics and decide what will work best for you. What about storage cupboards: freestanding or fitted; shelves or drawers? Work out what you need to store first and then decide which form of storage works best and what you have space for. Plan wall storage, too. Cupboards will keep things hidden away and tidy; open shelves are easily accessible and can look lovely if you have lots of nice enamelware tins and baskets to put on show. Open shelves give you that classic utility-room feel.

If doing laundry in your utility room, there will be additional things to plan for. Look for floor-standing collapsible clothes airers or versions that you can fit on a wall to free up floor space. If you have a period home with a high ceiling, consider old-fashioned ceiling-hung airers with pulleys so that you can pull that wash load up and out of the way. You can also buy heated airers that you plug in and heated wall-hung towel rails are another option.

How do you organise a tiny utility room?

One simple way to keep a small utility room looking organised, streamlined and efficient is to avoid placing bottles and packets of product directly on shelves. Instead, look for labelled enamelware tins, fabric bags, pretty cardboard or plastic boxes and pull-out basket drawers and store all your bits and pieces in those before sliding them onto shelves, stashing in cupboards or dropping into drawers.

Don’t underestimate the usefulness of hooks. Peg rails are invaluable for hanging up storage bags. For that boot-room feel, add stands for coats plus, boot racks and shoe stores.

‘Incorporate a drying rack so your’ve got somewhere to air clothes when the weather’s bad,’ says Vicky. ‘Try a space-saving retractable airer hung on the wall or ceiling. Slatted shelves are handy too for storing freshly-laundered towels and linens as slats allow air to circulate.’

What is the smallest size for a utility room?

Image credit: Harvey Jones

How small is too small for a utility room? We ask the experts what sort of space is needed to incorporate a utility room comfortably.

‘I have designed working utility spaces from as little as 0.36sqm by maximising the ceiling height – compact yet practical’ explains Rhian Williams, Harvey Jones Senior Kitchen Designer. ‘It really does depend on what you are hoping to accommodate within the area, what the objective of the space is and what space you actually have to work with, of course. An average-sized ‘utility room’ typically varies from 2.5-5sqm in most properties.’

A top tip for accommodating a utility area within a compact space,  Rhian suggests; ‘Focus on what the area needs to achieve. What are your key reasons for converting the space? Additional storage for awkward household items such as the vacuum cleaner, steamer, ironing board, etc.? Or is it to accommodate a washing machine or tumble dryer to maximize the kitchen space?’

‘Being space savvy is key, so measure every item on the ‘utility space shortlist’ for precise planning. Utilising any available height that you have is also really important as it will allow you to stack your appliances, so think m3 rather than m2. Clever pull-out storage solutions will help you make the most of awkward spaces. Also, if space is tight, consider a good quality combination washer-dryer to give you optimal laundry functionality.’

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