Leese & Nagle - Magazine - Page 12
PRACTICAL UTILITY ROOM
REFRESH: FUNCTIONAL STYLE
FOR THE FAMILY HOME
F
ebruary is a month for fresh starts. The festive
season has ended, winter still lingers, and
families are looking for ways to bring order
and calm into their homes. One area that often gets
overlooked but can have a significant impact on
both daily life and property value is the utility room
or laundry space. A practical refresh in this area is
not only achievable in a relatively short timeframe
but also delivers long term benefits for family
organisation and overall home appeal.
WHY FEBRUARY IS THE PERFECT
MONTH
After the flurry of Christmas and New Year, many
families are already sorting through decorations,
winter wardrobes, and household clutter. This
makes February the ideal time to focus on spaces
that support efficiency and ease of living. The utility
room, laundry space, or even a small cupboard
dedicated to household chores is a hub for everyday
life. It is where washing is sorted, coats and
shoes are stored, and cleaning products are kept.
Transforming this area improves your own day to
day experience while creating an impression of a
well organised, functional home to potential buyers.
START WITH ORGANISATION AND
STORAGE
The first step in any utility room refresh is to
assess what you actually need to store. Consider
laundry detergents, cleaning products, ironing
equipment, and seasonal items such as winter
boots or raincoats. Once you have a clear picture,
you can introduce purposeful storage. Wall shelves
are a simple way to free up floor space and keep
frequently used items within easy reach. Labelled
baskets or boxes help ensure everything has
a designated place, making tidying faster and
simpler.
A practical refresh might also include adding a
small folding or sorting station. A countertop over
a washing machine, a collapsible folding board, or
even a dedicated table can make laundry tasks feel
less cumbersome. In family homes, this efficiency is
particularly valuable. It keeps the process organised
and reduces the likelihood of clutter spilling into
other areas of the house.
12
PROPERTY NEWS
FLOORING AND SURFACES THAT WORK
HARD
Utility rooms often endure heavy use, from muddy
boots to wet towels, and even the occasional spilled
detergent. Flooring that is durable, easy to clean,
and visually appealing will make a big difference.
Options such as luxury vinyl tiles, slate effect
laminates, or practical ceramic tiles are all widely
available in the UK and can dramatically elevate the
look and feel of the space.
Countertops or work surfaces should also be
considered. Even a small investment in a waterproof
laminate or a wooden surface that is properly
treated can make a utility space feel organised and
