Project: Boot Room/Utility

Possibly the most used room in the house, make storage your biggest priority, then have some fun with bold colours and fun decorative touches.

1. From handwashing to flower prep, a sink is essential in a utility room – Run Projects.

2. This mini boot room is packed with storage and a useful bench to perch on when putting on shoes – Green Sheen.

3. Have cupboards from floor to ceiling to maximise storage – Granit Archiecture + Interiors.

4. Boot rooms can be as bright as you like, with coordinating wallpaper and paintwork – OLBC.

“A LITTLE STOOL IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM CAN MAKE LOADING AND UNLOADING THE WASHING MACHINE AND DRYER A LOT EASIER AND COMES IN VERY USEFUL FOR REACHING THE TOP CUPBOARDS!” CLARA BEE

5. Add interest with a busy patterned tiled floor – Stanza ID.

6. The smallest nook can be used to store coats and shoes – Yoko Kloeden.

7. A drying rack hung from the ceiling makes use of all available space – The Vawdrey House.

8. Ensure your boiler is in tip top condition. “If it runs super efficiently it will help mitigate the rising energy costs,” says Jon Garvey of Northcote Plumbing & Electrical.

RUNNING A TIGHT SHIP

• Be sure you know the location of all your shut-off valves – gas, water and electric
• Get your boiler serviced every year to avoid unnecessary breakdowns and costly repairs
• Test your carbon monoxide alarm every month without fail – so quick to do and vital for the safety of everybody under your roof
• Invest in the right boiler – A-rated boilers will save you money in the long-run
• Unplug all electricals such as chargers, televisions and laptops when not in use; leaving them plugged in still uses energy, even when not switched on. Unplugging could save up to £30 a year and every little helps, especially in these times when the cost of living is sky-rocketing