Shutter Works Photography

Miele Dryer raised and built into joinery

A curious quirk of the long-standing popularity of open plan kitchen /dining spaces is the need to incorporate boot rooms into kitchen re-design plans. We all know that open plan kitchen – dining rooms are absolutely perfect for modern family living but the downside is that for every wall knocked through, precious storage space is lost, which can mean that clutter inevitably ensues. Designating an area just off the main kitchen, ideally near the back entrance, which incorporates storage and a cloakroom is the ideal placement for a boot room. For families whose focus is on outdoor pursuits, incorporating additional storage under bespoke seating that can hide away wellies, walking boots and trainers will always prove invaluable particularly during the colder months. A well-designed boot room is not just about storage though, it’s about creating a practical space that suits the needs of the whole family while keeping the design aesthetic in line with the rest of the project. With tall cupboards and under seating storage, it’s easy to pack away things that you don’t use on a daily basis but require from time to time, but what about everyday items you need to hand? Incorporating artisan shelves with coat pegs ensures that coats and jackets are easily accessible when coming in and out of the home and also provides additional storage above for bulkier items like cricket helmets or horse-riding hats. In terms of ensuring continuity and consistency with the overall project design, we always recommend installing the same cabinetry design and hardware as the main kitchen, however, changing the paint choices to reflect a change in light and space is always an excellent idea; thoughtful consideration of the colour palette is always time well spent in the long run. Lastly, a key consideration for the boot rooms is the flooring. A hard-wearing and robust stone flooring is essential in what is inevitably an area of high traffic.

Full height fitted cabinetry with hanging space, belfast sink, granite worktops

Crib Creative

A curious quirk of the long-standing popularity of open plan kitchen /dining spaces is the need to incorporate boot rooms into kitchen re-design plans. We all know that open plan kitchen – dining rooms are absolutely perfect for modern family living but the downside is that for every wall knocked through, precious storage space is lost, which can mean that clutter inevitably ensues. Designating an area just off the main kitchen, ideally near the back entrance, which incorporates storage and a cloakroom is the ideal placement for a boot room. For families whose focus is on outdoor pursuits, incorporating additional storage under bespoke seating that can hide away wellies, walking boots and trainers will always prove invaluable particularly during the colder months. A well-designed boot room is not just about storage though, it’s about creating a practical space that suits the needs of the whole family while keeping the design aesthetic in line with the rest of the project. With tall cupboards and under seating storage, it’s easy to pack away things that you don’t use on a daily basis but require from time to time, but what about everyday items you need to hand? Incorporating artisan shelves with coat pegs ensures that coats and jackets are easily accessible when coming in and out of the home and also provides additional storage above for bulkier items like cricket helmets or horse-riding hats. In terms of ensuring continuity and consistency with the overall project design, we always recommend installing the same cabinetry design and hardware as the main kitchen, however, changing the paint choices to reflect a change in light and space is always an excellent idea; thoughtful consideration of the colour palette is always time well spent in the long run. Lastly, a key consideration for the boot rooms is the flooring. A hard-wearing and robust stone flooring is essential in what is inevitably an area of high traffic.

A practical working area integrated into the bespoke boot room. Oak joinery houses deep drawers below a stone work surface with an inset sink. Open hanging above allows garments to be aired or pressed, supporting daily routines. Shelving at high level provides additional storage without closing the space in. Utility and detailing are balanced to ensure the room remains calm, ordered, and highly functional.

Laundry room with subzero integrated wine storage

The deep blue cabinetry in this utility space makes a confident design statement while still delivering everyday practicality. Paired with brass cup handles, a white butler sink, and solid wood worktops, the palette feels rich yet grounded. The brass tap introduces a warm contrast against the blue, while potted geraniums and a countryside painting soften the scheme with colour and charm—reminding us that utility spaces can also be joyful. Clever storage above and below ensures clutter is tucked away, while the worktop provides a generous prep or folding area. It’s a hard-working space that doesn’t compromise on style.

Guest bathroom with sliding doors to laundry room

Benedict Dale

Neil McCoubrey