Interior Design

Notes On Design by Mary Graham

We kick off the first in our series of ‘Notes on Design’ with founder Mary Graham answering your questions from our Instagram Q&A. We hear Mary's design insights about perhaps the most hard-working room of the house at this time of year, the boot room, mud room, utility or laundry room.

Bootrooms and Utility Spaces

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What are the practicalities that often get overlooked?

It's important to consider not just how the room looks, but how it will be used in practice. One of the most common mistakes is not creating adequate workspace for laundry and other tasks. People often focus so intently on storage that they forget to allocate space for actually doing things. A great tip is a heated pipe at the back of welly storage, which is excellent for drying out footwear. Small details like these can greatly enhance the day-to-day functionality of the space.

What do you prioritise if you're low on space?

It’s really about identifying what you need to prioritise and acknowledging that some tasks may have unusual homes based on what works best for you. If possible, I would always try and keep laundry separate from the kitchen which will prevent your cooking smells and clothes mingling.

The importance of worktop space is also often over looked. For example a lot of people stack their washing machine and tumble dryer on top of each other, however this removes a space for folding clothes and if you’re folding for 4 or 5 people in a household this type of flat space is hard to find elsewhere in the home.

What flooring would you recommend for a boot room?

We often recommend durable materials such as slate or stone. While aesthetics is important, functionality takes precedence in this particular space and the goal is to choose a flooring option that can maintain its appearance and integrity despite frequent cleaning and heavy foot traffic.

My husband wants classic colours, but I want joyful vibrancy. Help!

A classic dilemma! Utility spaces are a great place to add colour and pattern because you want the added energy of brighter tones and patterns. However, if you’re trying to balance out stronger colours we would recommend using classic colours for the main elements like flooring and walls and add pops of colour within cupboards and pantries.

You could also try beginning with a more neutral base and adding colour through textiles and accessories within the rooms. Before you know it you’ll have a wonderfully joyful space that doesn’t feel overwhelming because you’ve layered everything on top of each other.

What are your favourite organisational bins/baskets?

For visible storage, I often recommend rattan baskets which add a nice bit of texture to a room. A versatile storage trolley is another favourite, as it can be used throughout the house and is easy to hide under a skirt. I generally prefer open shelves to cupboards for easy access. In pantries, glass jars for decanting look fantastic, but it's perfectly acceptable to keep original containers if that's more practical. Clear storage is useful if you need to see what’s being stored, but I would only use within a cupboard as they’re not necessarily the prettiest.

How do you deal with ventilation issues if the utility is in a windowless space?

It’s the usual tips for keeping humidity at bay, keeping the door open will help prevent a dramatic change in humidity between rooms and so on. If you can use a flat faced vent, then we often cover it with the room’s wallpaper to blend seamlessly into the wall.

How can I create a room that doesn't feel boxed in with lots of cabinetry?

Using sink skirts instead of low level cupboards can soften the look and reduce the visual weight of cabinetry. Experimenting with concealed storage behind false walls and incorporating hooks or pegs can also help create a balanced room. Overall, I would recommend using a combination of different storage solutions to break up cabinetry, such as in my own boot room where I have different types of storage against each wall.

What's your favourite hardware for utility spaces?

Practicality is paramount, consider whether cupboards will need to be opened with wet or dirty hands, so you can opt for handles or pulls instead of turning knobs. In classic country homes, antique brass handles can complement the style beautifully. Don’t worry too much about the aesthetics, these areas need to be practical and hardworking first and foremost with hardware supporting functionality above all else.

What's the best way to finish tongue and groove at the ceiling?

We typically use a 'broomhandle' finish, it's important to note that taking the panelling all the way up to the ceiling should only be done if you have exceptionally flat and straight walls, if not finish the tongue and groove about a foot below the ceiling.

How to add colour to a boot room but still keep it "elegant"?

I find using a single bold colour on walls and cabinets is a great way of adding colour with confidence whilst still retaining a simple and elegant look. Using textiles for curtains and blinds can introduce colour and pattern elegantly and as these don't necessarily need to be functional you can go for something that you really love and may not be able to use elsewhere. The boot room and other utility spaces are also a perfect place for fun, personal pieces like family portraits or artwork that you love but might not want to display in main living areas.

Would you recommend a door or a curtain for a boot room?

If the boot room is particularly cold or drafty, I would go with a door as it can effectively seal off the area from the rest of the home. However, if there isn't adequate room for a door to swing open comfortably, a curtain becomes a more practical option. They can easily be changed to update the look of the area and can be pulled back when not needed. A perfect solution when space is limited!

What are the best worktops for utility areas?

Choice of worktop for utility areas really depends on individual preferences and priorities, we typically recommend either stone or wood. Wood is excellent for preventing breakages and teak in particular has natural water-resistant properties. Stone or marble worktops show less wear and are ideal for keeping food cool in pantry areas. For clients who may not like the signs of life to show as much, we suggest a composite material like quartz.

How do you attach the fabric behind chicken wire doors?

There are a few methods for attaching fabric behind chicken wire doors, we typically slot gathered fabric on to slim brass poles secured at the top and bottom of the open panel on the back of the door. A cheaper alternative is to use net curtain wire instead of brass rods. Finally for a more tailored look you can pleat fabric over thin boards and sit those behind the open panels, finished off with an applied bead for a more polished look.