By offering stylish furniture and innovative storage solutions to streamline spaces, as well as smart tech laundry appliances for maximum convenience, retailers can turn utility rooms into big business opportunities, says Sally Smith. She takes a look at the latest products on the market.
A well-designed utility room that is super-well equipped is definitely on the wishlist for consumers. It has to be an integral part of the overall kitchen design, organising their living space by creating a stylish laundry room that is ergonomic and efficient.
"The utility room presents a huge potential area of sales for retailers," explains Matt Phillips, head of UK operations at Rotpunkt. "Our modular-style furniture include specially designed cavities for washer dryers, tall units with integrated laundry baskets, adjustable shelves and angled storage options. There’s even scope to create a utility room, adjacent to a dressing area so that laundry can be turned around quickly without a trip downstairs. This opens up more options than just the traditional kitchen/utility split on the ground floor. It's definitely a section of the market that is ripe for future growth and a great opportunity for retailers," he adds.
Increasingly, more brands are offering laundry-specific furniture solutions that make designing a utility room a desirable and cost-effective option for kitchen designers to offer.
"Retailers can create a seamless organised utility room, with a choice of medium and high wall cabinetry, including complementary pull-out laundry baskets and recycling bin storage options. Our latest innovative laundry storage solution is designed to maximise every centimetre with specially designed furniture for stacking washing and drying appliances, as well as space for an ironing board and everyday cleaning essentials," says Sophie Devonald, designer at Crown Imperial.
Sinead Trainor, kitchen category manager at LochAnna Kitchens, has seen firsthand how a kitchen retailer can ‘up sell’ by designing a utility room for customers. "The placement of the sink, for example, plays a crucial role in both design and practicality. Positioning it in the centre can enhance workflow whilst keeping everything within easy reach. Alternatively placing it beneath a window allows for natural light and a view while washing up."
When it comes to sinks in utility rooms, Nigel Palmer, head of communications marketing for House of Rohl, says: "Fireclay is an excellent choice for sinks as it offers a tough, stain-resistant surface that is both practical and beautiful paired with a high-quality brass mixer tap. Incorporating deep drawers for laundry baskets and easy-to-access work surfaces, makes all the difference in ensuring the room is as practical as it is stylish."
Dedicating a space in the utility room for pets can also be a game changer for busy homeowners, keeping the mud and mess contained and the rest of the house clutter free.
"A utility room is the perfect spot to store muddy footwear and dry off damp pets after a long walk, removing the need to tread dirty footsteps through the kitchen. If space allows, incorporate a pet washing station with a shower handset, and opt for hardwearing materials that are durable and scratch-resistant for longevity," says Emma Sandford, brand manager at Second Nature.
Laundry appliances have seen some impressive innovations in recent years that will significantly enhance the functionality and convenience of a utility room. Chloe Blanchfield, product marketing manager for Hisense UK, says: "One of our standout features is ‘Smart Link’ technology, it connects the washer and dryer via Wi-Fi through the ConnectLife App, enabling seamless communication between the 2 appliances. This also allows users to remotely monitor and control both of the appliances from their smartphone, giving them even more flexibility in managing laundry tasks."
The latest advancements in laundry appliances are transforming utility rooms into intelligent, highly efficient spaces. These ‘smart’ connected appliances mean homeowners can set custom laundry routines.
"AI powered features can recognise the fabric, the weight of the load, and monitor levels of dirt. The washing machine will then adjust the detergent and water accordingly to suit the customers requirements. As intelligent automation allows cycles to be controlled remotely, homeowners will be less reliant on the physical placement and specific proximity of their laundry appliances. This could see utility spaces taking on new layouts in the future," says Tanya Weller, director of the domestic appliances (DA) division at Samsung UK & Ireland.
Sophie Lane, product training manager at Miele GB, says: "When it comes to creating the ideal utility room, homeowners prioritise good-quality, smart appliances as one of the most important factors. Our TwinDos technology provides effortless laundry care by automatically dispensing the perfect amount of detergent in two phases. The WiFi connectivity enables remote control capabilities, real-time cycle monitoring, smart maintenance alerts, energy optimisation, and seamless integration with smart home systems like Amazon, Alexa and Google Assistant."
Connectivity and its usage has been a key focus for Haier as Antony Peart, brand & communications director for Haier Europe, reveals. "There is a wide range of AI features in our laundry products that help consumers to cut down on energy and water consumption. Our h0n app has been developed to deliver efficiency across our connected appliances making it easy for customers to use the remote delay function."
Consumers are ideally looking for their washing machine, tumble dryer, ironing essentials and maybe even a drying cabinet in one designated space.
Jessica Rhodes, product & marketing manager at Asko, says: "What makes our full appliance collection a cost-effective solution to customers is that it can be installed in less than 1sq m – the perfect option for consumers who are short of floor space. Incorporating a drying cabinet alongside the washer and dryers adds an extra layer of convenience, providing a gentle, energy efficient alternative for drying delicate fabrics, outdoor gear, or shoes," she adds.
