Make the Hardest-Working Room Work Beautifully
Utility rooms have a reputation for being purely functional. Washing machines, laundry baskets, cleaning products, muddy shoes and the occasional wet dog all have to coexist somewhere — but there is no reason that somewhere can't look considered.
Wall tile is particularly well suited to the utility room because it provides a practical, easy-to-clean surface in the areas most likely to encounter splashes, dirt and everyday wear.
Behind a sink, around a washing machine or along the wall beside a back door, tile can protect the areas that need it most while introducing a deliberate design element.
A simple metro tile is an obvious choice, but the possibilities go much further. Soft neutrals can create a clean and timeless backdrop, while richer greens, blues and earthy shades can give the room considerably more character.
The important thing is not to separate practicality from aesthetics.
The best utility rooms do both.
Rather than asking “Where do I need something washable?”, think about “Where can a tiled wall make the biggest difference?”
Design thought: The most practical room in the house deserves the same attention as the most visible.