The Utility Room can be a stylish and functional space.


Carson Light Fixture via Rejuvenation / Ferns Poster by Cavallini via The Paper Place / Custom Bowery Knob with Collins Trim in matte black via Schlage Canada Melia wastecan via V de V / Galvanized laundry rack via Pottery Barn Canada / Klunka laundry basket via Ikea Canada / Pizzara Black tile via Stone Tile / Mediterranean Vinyl Rug via Home Smith House / Alape Bucket Sink via Rejuvanation / Connor Cross Handle Wall Mount Faucet via Rejuvenation / Ivy plant via V de V / Duck Green Paint via Farrow & BallPeg rail via Mjolk /


Topan VP6 Pendant Light by Verner Panton via Finnish Design Shop / Doug the Dachshund poster via Finnish Design Shop / Juniper Summer Wallpaper by Kate Golding via WynilThe Custom Bowery Knob with Century Trim via Schlage Canada / Idasen High Cabinet via Ikea Canada / Large Wonky Weave Basket via Crate and Barrel Canada / Truss Laundry Hamper via EQ3 / Agora Tile with concrete look via Ciot / Nido Rug via Adama AldaKohler Gilford Scrub-up Sink via Home Depot Canada  / Triton Double Cross Handle Utility Sink Faucet via Kohler  / Eames Hang It All Rack via EQ3 / Paint, Pointing via Farrow&Ball /


Utility rooms don't need to be boring.  Whether yours is part of a laundry room, mudroom or in a corner of a basement, why not make the most of this multi-use space.

I've partnered with Schlage Canada for part two in a series showing you how you can add a custom look to any space with their line of custom door knobs - simply switch out the trim or knob and mix and match to suit your decor.  I've created two inspiration boards with ideas for creating a stylish and functional utility room - one inspired by pretty gardener's shed, the second geared to creating a fresh and modern multi-use space.

Let's start with how you use the space.

Many utility rooms are multi-use spaces. Maybe it's part of a laundry room, mudroom, bathroom, or workroom.  Maybe it's where the kids or pets run inside with muddy feet, where laundry happens or if you're plant-obsessed like me, it could be an indoor potting space. Add in a worktable and it can become a place to be creative.

Regardless of how you use it, storage is important and this hard-working space needs sturdy, easy to care for cabinets or storage pieces that can be stocked with essentials to suit your needs. Whether it's a simple peg rail to hang a broom tools or a shopping bag, or a cabinet to hold everyday cleaners there are lots of great options to consider.

Let's also make it look good too.

Storage

Before you buy something new, think about what you can reuse in this space. Maybe an old cabinet or dresser that can be given new life with a fresh coat of paint? Open shelves can be a simple and inexpensive way to create storage. Plain wood boards can be cut at a hardware store and paired with sturdy brackets. Antique markets and thrift stores are often full of pieces that can be given new purpose. An old table can be used as a laundry folding space or a spot to do crafts or take care of plants if that's how you use the space. Vintage lockers are also a fun storage option. Clean them up with a fresh coat of paint and use them as storage cabinets. Ikea makes several locker-like cabinets including the new Idasen cabinet made of steel.

A place to clean up

A sink to wash dirty hands is a handy thing in a utility room. You may not have the need or the space for a full-size laundry sink, so a smaller wall-mounted utility sink will do the trick. I love the look of the enamel Alape Bucket sink from Rejuvenation. I think it would also look great in a powder room.

Lighting

Task lighting is important here - bright overhead lighting that isn't too fussy but looks good too. Whether it's an old-school warehouse style pendant or a playful pop of colour with a classic Scandi design, make sure this space is well lit.

Stylish Details

Don't forget the hardware. Hooks, brackets, and door knobs should compliment your overall design aesthetic. Schlage's custom interior door hardware makes it easy to customize the look of interior doors to suit your space, simply by switching out the trim style or finish. See how the Bowery knob looks great in both spaces, just by changing the trim style and finish? In fact, both choices would look great in either space. In the Gardener's Utility room, I included the Custom Bowery knob with  Collins trim in matte black, while in the more modern room I used the same knob with a slightly different trim ( Century Trim ) but in Satin Brass.

Walls

In the gardener's inspired room, I envision wainscotted walls painted out in deep, dark green - like Duck from Farrow & Ball. The top half, light and white with vintage art decorating the walls. I love the idea of adding Victorian floral paintings, but a cheap and cheerful option would be to frame some of Cavallini's vintage posters available at The Paper Place and Cartolina. I like Fiona's tip for hanging the posters. She attaches strips of wood to the top and bottom of a poster and adds a piece of string at the top to hang them. Check out her Instagram for inspiration.  If you have the budget and the patience, go for wallpaper. I'm a little obsessed with Kate Golding's wallpaper designs. They are whimsical but fresh and modern.

Floors

Practical. Easy to clean. That's what you need here. I love concrete floors in a space like this, or a slate tile. You can also consider one of the gorgeous porcelain options out there. If you opt for a throw rug, make sure it is also easy to clean. All the new vinyl mats on the market make it easy for you. They are great for adding a bit of colour and pattern too.

Smaller storage

Bins and baskets are de rigueur in a utility room, don't you think? Choose sturdy options that can be easily carried like the Klunka laundry basket from Ikea Canada. Don't forget a wastebasket and bins for stashing away things you want at hand, but out of sight.

Disclosure: I've partnered with Schlage Canada in this sponsored post. All opinions and text are my own. 














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