What is a Bootility-Room?
A bootility room is a hybrid room that combines a traditional utility kitchen or laundry room and a mud room into one.
While these hybrid rooms are designed to be versatile and functional, there are still bespoke and stylish ways to elevate even the smallest of spaces and personalise them to your needs and lifestyle.
SHOP THE COLLECTION
Table of Contents
Photo Source: Humphrey Munson
Photo Source: Kelly McGuill Home
Our Top Tips for Designing a Functional & Stylish Bootility Room:
Before you start, it is important to make a comprehensive list of all the functions you want your bootility room to serve. This includes the appliances needed, the amount of storage, and understanding who the room is for.
For example, do you require double washers and dryers? A dog or boot wash station? A mix of built-in and free-standing horizontal and vertical storage? A utility sink? Bench seating?
Once you have your list, then you can start selecting the colours, materials, flooring, lighting, and more!
Photo Source: Humphrey Munson
A Bootility Room Colour Palette
We recommend selecting a colour palette that is both calming and functional while catering to your existing decor style.
Soft or earthy neutrals like whites, grays, taupe, charcoal, brown, or beige can create a clean and timeless backdrop.
However, it can also be a fun opportunity to add a creative flair, creating a focal wall with patterned wallpaper, or painting the ceiling or wall with paint colours such as green, or blue.
Photo Source: Humphrey Munson
Alternatively, limit pops of colour to accessories like baskets, artwork, flooring, or plants. These can be interchanged from time to time to freshen up the space between seasons.
For a touch of lustre, incorporate metallic accents in finishes that suit your existing decor style.
Ideas include polished nickel, copper, brass, bronze, gold, chrome, or matte black, in hardware, laundry fixtures, and lighting.
Photo Source: Bootility Room
Photo Source: Jessica Nelson Design
Bootility Room Flooring
When selecting flooring, opt for hardwearing materials such as patterned vinyl flooring, brick, solid hardwood or engineered wood flooring, slate, or encaustic, terracotta, or porcelain ceramic tiles, or a classic checkerboard design for a country feel.
Flooring can also be used to define different zones within the space. For example, a beautiful welcome mat, or runner can frame the mudroom corner, whereas vinyl flooring can be used to visually differentiate the laundry area.
Some durable rug ideas include indoor/outdoor rugs, jute or sisal nook rugs or runners by Armadillo and Co, or patterned wool vintage-style runners.
Lastly, for a touch of luxury and warmth throughout the cooler months, consider an underfloor heating solution.
Armadillo Nook | Sahara | Charcoal
$200.00
The Sahara Nook Rug is incredibly robust thanks to a double layer of jute woven into an effortless knit-like texture. Soft tassels on either end lend a tactile touch without overpowering smaller spaces. Materials: Jute Colour: Charcoal Features: *Please note this… read more
Photo Source: Humphrey Munson
Bootility Room Lighting & Window Treatments
When it comes to Bootility rooms, a comprehensive and layered light scheme is essential.
While an abundance of natural light is ideal, opting for a combination of natural and artificial lighting will allow you to personalise your lighting to your needs and the time of day.
First, you will want to look at a recessed lighting solution that offers even light coverage. You can get light dimmers for recessed lights, controlling the lighting based on your needs.
Add personality with a ceiling pendant, crafted from metal and glass for a sophisticated feel, or woven materials for a laid-back atmosphere.
Photo Source: Mitch Wise Design Inc.
Next, consider incorporating task or accent lighting near the folding station, above the utility sink, and within your built-in storage solutions.
This includes wall sconces, adjustable wall lights on arms, or LED strip lighting.
To soften any harsh daylight and ensure nighttime privacy, bootility window treatment ideas include fabric Roman blinds, roller blinds, or wooden shutters.
Gallery Art Light Wall Sconce | Antique Brass | W33cm, Depth 19cm
$570.00
STORE PICK UP/LOCAL DELIVERY ONLY/FREIGHT QUOTE ON APPLICATION Due to the size and weight of this piece we are unable to offer our regular Australia wide delivery. For Australia-wide deliveries, a freight quote does apply for this piece.This is not calculated online… read more
Livorna Swing Arm Wall Lamp | Matte Black | With shade | Depth 28-48cm
$540.00
STORE PICK UP/LOCAL DELIVERY ONLY/FREIGHT QUOTE ON APPLICATION Due to the size and weight of this piece we are unable to offer our regular Australia wide delivery. For Australia-wide deliveries, a freight quote does apply for this piece.This is not calculated online… read more
Photo Source: Sophie Paterson Interiors
Photo Source: Humphrey Munson
Bootility Room Furniture & Storage Solutions
Arguably the most important element to a successful bootility room is the right free-standing and built-in furniture solution.
To accommodate the multipurpose nature of these spaces, Bootility rooms require ample storage to keep things organized.
Built-In Furniture Solutions
Some ideas include built-in floor-to-ceiling mudroom cabinets. These can be further customised to include shoe cubbies, a built-in laundry hamper, bench seating, a sheila maid, floating shelves, and hangers and hooks to store laundry essentials, cleaning supplies, coats, shoes, and bags.
Photo Source: Real Homes
Free-Standing Furniture Solutions
If built-in cabinetry is not an option, consider a free-standing hall stand, tall shelving unit, or tallboy. Just be sure to select a cupboard tall enough to store brooms, mops, and the vacuum cleaner.
Other free-standing pieces include laundry hampers on wheels, step stools, or oversize wicker baskets to keep extra linens, cleaning products, and other utilities.
Photo Source: Sarah London Photo Burlane
Another useful addition is a folding station that serves as a designated area for folding laundry. This could be a sturdy countertop, butcher's block, or a folding table.
If room permits, incorporate seating options like a bench, stool, or a couple of chairs to provide a comfortable spot for putting on and taking off your shoes and outerwear.
Lastly, adding a utility sink can be a convenient addition to a bootility room as it can serve as a place for handwashing delicate items, or cleaning dirty boots, and can even double as a dog wash!
Ninne Indoor Outdoor Bench | Classique
$2,049.00
For Australia-wide deliveries, a freight quote does apply for this piece. This is not calculated online and will be in addition to your purchase. Shipping & Delivery Options: In-Store Collection: This item can be collected from our Moss Vale store. Freight Quote for… read more
Photo Source: Burlanes
Photo Source: Humphrey Munson
Bootility Room Accessories & Living Energy
When it comes to bootility rooms, opt for decor items that are both functional and stylish such as a beautiful decorative hook rack for hats, scarves, or bags and stylish baskets or decorative storage baskets to store smaller items.
Adding a few personal touches can also go a long way in making the space feel welcoming. This may include small-scale artwork, a wall-mounted mirror, decorative cushions, old watering cans, chicken wire baskets filled with dried or fresh flowers, and lightly fragranced diffusers, hand soap, or linen sprays.
Lastly, if you have a fireplace, the bootility room can also be a space to keep your logs and kindling dry throughout the winter months.
We recommend the sleek and stylish range of fire tools and accessories by Eldvarm, including the wall-mounted Emma wall set, the log baskets, wall hooks, and their versatile indoor/outdoor benches.
Eldvarm 5 PIECE Emma Wall Set | Paris
$829.00
STORE PICK UP/LOCAL DELIVERY ONLY/FREIGHT QUOTE ON APPLICATION Due to the size and weight of this piece we are unable to offer our regular Australia wide delivery. For Australia-wide deliveries, a freight quote does apply for this piece.This is not… read more
Meurice 3 Hook Rack | Nickel Finish
$139.00
A stylish storage solution for any interior, the Meurice 3 Hook Rack is a functional, yet elegant addition to your entryway or guest bedroom. Materials: Aluminum, nickel finish Features: Classic Contemporary Style 3 hook design Dimensions: 41L x 19D x… read more
Photo Source: Jessica Nelson Design
Organise & Disguise
For a streamlined aesthetic, consider hiding larger appliances away in your built-ins, or disguising them with curtains mounted on a tension rod hide the washer and dryer.
Lastly, regularly declutter and organize the space to maintain its beauty and functionality. Assign specific storage areas for each item, and encourage family members to keep things in their designated spots.
Square Rattan Tissue Box | Old Grey
$40.00
Rattan Items Please be aware that rattan is a natural material, so each rattan product is unique. Natural variations are expected and normal, meaning that not all rattan items will have the same colour consistency. You may notice slight differences… read more
Square Rattan Bin | Antique Brown
$180.00
Rattan Items Please be aware that rattan is a natural material, so each rattan product is unique. Natural variations are expected and normal, meaning that not all rattan items will have the same colour consistency. You may notice slight differences… read more
Thank you for reading this week's styling journal. We trust you feel inspired to elevate your current utility room into a versatile, multifunctional, and stylish space!
With thoughtful planning and attention to detail, you will be able to create a beautiful and efficient space that makes laundry chores a little more enjoyable, while designing a welcoming space to come home to each day.
Remember, when designing a home you love, the beauty is in the detail.
