Grand vs Bijoux Utility Rooms
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Leading the way in the design, planning and installation of today’s most practical and luxurious residential and contract interiors, Brandt Design, offer you up-to-the-minute advice on the latest utility rooms as dedicated laundry space enjoys a renaissance of popularity.
So why is having a dedicated room away from the main kitchen and living areas, equipped with laundry appliances and space for domestic work, now a benchmark of the modern home? Julia Steadman, Commercial Director at Brandt Design says “Creating space is essential in the home these days with the kitchen becoming all rooms to all people. Having to accommodate both practical and social aspects of modern life is key and so finding new ways to maintain high functionality yet keep noise levels to a minimum has given the utility room new focus.”
Taking the time to do a ‘laundry audit’ is highly recommended, as this will give you a better idea of how much laundry is being done each week and how it is currently managed to ensure your new utility room can fully support your needs.
Take some inspiration from two utility room projects by Brandt Design and find out which room layout is the best fit for you and your home...
Bijoux: This bijoux utility room is designed in a galley-style format with direct access to the garden, handy bench seat and full wash zone complete with laundry appliances. Fitted furniture is definitely your best solution if working with a more compact arrangement, as it allows you to integrate a range of appliances and custom storage options to suit the space in question like the elevated laundry combo, as pictured. By choosing a Shaker-inspired furniture range, Brandt has created depth in this galley-style kitchen and its choice of rich mid grey cabinetry adds a timeless quality that is accentuated by the natural daylight and well-considered task lighting.
The featured bijoux utility room project by Brandt Design, includes:
- Brandt Design Heritage furniture in Worsted finish by Farrow & Ball
- Calacatta Exotic worktops available from The Brandt Collection
- Appliances by Miele GB – washer and dryer combo
- Perrin & Rowe Mayan taps, English Bronze finish / Shaws 600mm Belfast sink, White
- Gaumont Handles by Armac Martin
Grand: If you have the luxury of space, then this grander scheme brings all the elements of a traditional boot room but with the added functionality of washing and laundry facilities. Helping to streamline and manage daily life without impacting on the rest of your home, this spacious open-plan utility room features a custom-framed bench seating area complemented by a porcelain floor. The integrated seating area creates a ‘lifestyle’ vibe and provides the ideal storage space for sports kits, school bags, outerwear and general pet accessories. Shoes can also be housed safely and floor-to-ceiling units will provide you will ample space to store anything from cleaning products to camping gear and pet food.
The featured grand utility room project by Brandt Design, includes:
- Brandt Design Heritage furniture in Purbeck Stone by Farrow & Ball
- Alaska White worktops available from The Brandt Collection
- Appliances by Miele GB – Washer WEG665 WCS, Tumble Dryer TEF645WP
- Perrin & Row Mayan taps, Chrome finish / Shaws 600mm Belfast sink, White
Now you know which layout you need, it’s time to iron out the finer details with these top tips from Brandt Design:
1. Integrated storage solutions will make the best use of space, keeping all wash day essentials on hand but safely out of reach from pets and young children
2. Fold-out ironing boards and pull-out drawers will help to maximize every inch of storage space, as will open shelving for storing laundry baskets and everyday linens and towels
3. Think about the extra savings at the design phase and upgrade to eco-friendly appliances, which will save you time and money by reducing your level of energy and water consumption
4. Go big and choose an extra deep kitchen sink that will accommodate more cumbersome tasks like pot washing through to soaking and handwashing your delicates’
5. Double up with a twin set of appliances so you can get your laundry washed and dry in half the time and if you don’t have the space, consider up to a 9kg drum which is ideal for average family-sized loads
Try to keep an open mind when considering a new utility room in your home, as your kitchen designer will inevitably bring new ideas and creative solutions that could transform how you work, rest and play in your home.