7 ways to create a smart and stylish utility space
Discover 7 ways to transform a neglected utility room or potting shed into a beautiful and functional space
1. Conquer your clutter
Often the final destination for odds, ends and everything in between, utility rooms and potting sheds can quickly become a tavern of clutter. Opt for a stylish storage unit with plenty of drawers and cubbies, like this one from Home Barn, and keep the mess to a minimum. Choose your favourite accessories, such as pretty vases, watering cans and aprons, and display them proudly in a fuss-free space.
2. Add a natural touch
Open shelving, plain white accessories and hints of wood and terracotta give this utility space an instantly soothing feel. Try Sparrow & Co for terracotta jugs, or Aesop for simple and stylish skincare.
3. Keep it simple
If you're starting from scratch, try sticking to a neutral palette for an easy-to-plan scheme. Co-ordinating floor tiles, units and splashback give the space a harmonious feel, whilst touches of rattan and enamel add a utility-style edge. Bring in a subtle stripe of colour with this roller towel from Labour and Wait.
4. Hang 'em high!
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
Make the use of every inch of space with a super-practical peg rail. Perfect for hanging everything from tools to a chalkboard, it's an easy way to keep the essentials within reach. Try Garden Trading for unpainted short and long options.
5. Pretty it up with prints
If you're not a fan of a pared-back scheme, then a burst of pattern is just the ticket. Add a permanent print by opting for blinds or curtains, or choose something changeable such as a tea towel or bunting, for a lively little lift. The Summer Strawberries print (below) from Sanderson at Jane Clayton is a bright and cheerful option.
6. Embrace the elements
Rather than completely overhauling an imperfect space, why not work with its quirks to create a room that's naturally beautiful? Here, an uneven stone floor, peeling brickwork and an old farmhouse door give the shed an authentically rustic feel, whilst rows of terracotta pots bring instant warmth and life. For a similar table, try a selection from Alexander & Pearl.
7. Cover up
Bunting, cubbyholes and enamel storage - this garden workspace has it all! For a final flourish, try housing pots, utensils and twine in rustic terrariums or glass domes; they're easy to reach but protected from the elements. For similar bell jars, try a selection from Nordic House.
Don't forget to read 6 ways to make your outdoor space look amazing!
******
-
Rats in the compost bin? Here's what to do about it, according to pest experts
Rat-proof your compost bin with these simple tips
By Sophie King
-
Do you sleep on your stomach? This is the type of mattress you should have on your bed according to sleep experts
An osteopath and a physiotherapist weigh in on the best type of mattress for stomach sleepers
By Zoë Phillimore
-
I was frustrated by a lack of flow and natural light in my kitchen, but this small structural alteration has been a game changer
In hindsight, adding a new external doorway was such a worthwhile decision, I wish I'd done it sooner
By Sarah Handley