The unexpected rise of upstairs utilities

Hutton Indigo Cameo 1
Pictured: LochAnna Kitchens newly launched Hutton range in Indigo, featuring 800mm Extra Tall Laundry Stacker Larder. Meeting the growing demand for versatile storage solutions, this specially designed vertical unit is a full laundry in one neat unit, available in six attractive shades across all twenty of their kitchen collections. Slightly deeper than conventional kitchen units, it easily accommodates all mainstream washing machine and dryer brands and features a reinforced base to support the weight of the appliances, a clever locking retractable shelf for the laundry basket, and a tall space to the side to house an ironing board for added functionality.

As UK homeowners increasingly seek to enhance the convenience and functionality of their living spaces, a new design trend is emerging, the upstairs utility room. Inspired by American home designs, this concept is gaining traction in the UK, driven by a collective desire to streamline household tasks and maximise living space for a more organised and efficient home. While rooted in practicality, this trend also aims to elevate everyday living by rethinking the traditional upstairs-downstairs layout.


Speaking on the trend for upstairs utilities, Sinead Trainor, Kitchen Category Manager at LochAnna Kitchens, comments:


“Historically designed with function over form in mind, utility rooms generally allocate space under worktops within a smaller downstairs room to house free-standing washing machines and dryers. However, as homeowners seek to optimise every inch of available space to include a whole host of modern ‘must-have’ appliances, this setup is evolving into something new entirely."


"Considering our home's usage, clothing changes and storage usually occur on the first floor near the family bathroom, while washing and ironing tasks are relegated to the downstairs. Relocating the laundry space upstairs can alleviate the inconvenience of unnecessary trips with laundry baskets up and down stairs, saving both time and effort, while the need for often unsightly bedroom hampers becomes obsolete, freeing up additional floor space. Moreover, with careful planning, an upstairs laundry area can seamlessly integrate into existing spaces, such as large bathrooms, unused en-suites, or box rooms, all of which can conveniently share plumbing with adjacent bathrooms.”

Newbridge Brigade Washer Dryer Stack (3)
Pictured: LochAnna Handmade Newbridge Washer Dryer Stack in Brigade.
LochAnna Handmade Newbridge Secret Laundry Room (Closed) in Taupe
Pictured: LochAnna Handmade Newbridge Collection in Taupe, featuring Hidden Extra Tall Pantry Doors.
LochAnna Handmade Hidden Extra Tall Pantry Doors - Newbridge Collection In Brigade And Taupe
Pictured: LochAnna Handmade Newbridge Collection in Taupe, featuring Secret Laundry Room.
LochAnna Kitchens Elswick Sapphire Washer & Dryer Stack Available From £4,696
LochAnna Kitchens Elswick range in Sapphire featuring Washer & Dryer Stack.
LochAnna Kitchens  Extra Tall Corner Larder in the colour Eterna Ossido Grigio From £1,550
LochAnna Kitchens Eterna range in Ossido Grigio, featuring Extra Tall Corner Larder.

For expert comment, imagery, or further kitchen related content from LochAnna Kitchens, please don’t hesitate to reach out to connor.fogarty@dmcpr.co.uk.

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