17 utility room ideas to make the most of extra space

The utility room is a bit of a modern home luxury. A well-designed utility room serves to bridge the gap between indoors and out, preventing outdoor dirt from entering the kitchen and main living areas, as well as holding bulky white goods, utility products, and everyday family clutter.

"The so-called engine room of the home is deserving of its name," says Tom Howley, founder of the eponymous kitchen company. "A well-designed utility room can include a washing machine, tumble dryer, sink, a place to store clothes maidens, the ironing board and iron, extra storage for shoes and even additional pantry space.

"Busy lifestyles can be challenging. Work, leisure, and family life have never been more demanding meaning any help we can get to make things easier can come as a welcome relief."

Here, we look at 17 classic utility room ideas to inspire an update in your own home.