ON•TREND by TruKitchens
Thoughtful Utility Spaces Make Life Easier UTILITY SPACES LIKE MUDROOMS, laundry rooms, and pantries are never the main drivers in discussing a client’s dream home. Homeowners spend much more time fantasizing about the spaces that guests will see, like the kitchen and living room. However, it’s the often-unseen spaces that are crucial in keeping families organized, containing the mud and mess, helping prep for meals, and keeping piles of laundry contained every single day. Considerable time is spent in these spaces so considerable time should be spent in designing these spaces. The success of the utility spaces can mean the difference in a client loving their home or feeling like their home doesn’t fit their lifestyle. Mudrooms/Garage Entries The backdoor entry is not usually the place designed to set the first impression for guests. It’s the dumping ground for backpacks, keys, muddy shoes, and jackets for every Midwest season. But a backdoor entry should be an extension of the design of a home, not an afterthought. Important functional considerations should be made to make it more enjoyable to come home and instantly feel at ease because everything has a place. The design of this space should also make it easier to leave home feeling less frazzled.
space is limited, hooks, or pegs, with a built-in storage bench below also do the trick. Lower cabinetry with countertops create useful surfaces for setting mail and keys. Even better, are the integration of utility sinks and dog wash stations to keep the mud contained. For added luxury, a washer and dryer right in this space can make quick work of those dirty outdoor clothes and towels.
Custom cabinetry provides a beautiful place to hide the mess. Tall locker-type cabinets either in the garage or in the entry itself, are helpful in inspiring kids to keep their things organized. If
Laundry Rooms Laundry is rarely a favorite chore; add a few kids and it’s also the chore that’s never finished. In today’s busy world and thanks to modern appli-
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ances, laundry is a task that often gets done in between all the other to-dos of the day. This translates to mountains of laundry jammed into one space or scattered throughout the home. A dedicated, thoughtfully designed space is a musthave when it comes to laundry. The laundry room location is flexible but placement nearest the bedrooms is best. Upper cabinetry keeps laundry products hidden but within reach. Lower cabinets with countertops create surfaces that make it possible to fold and store laundry until it can be put away. Utility sinks for
