Work the room
Small spaces such as pantries, laundry rooms and ‘bootilities’ need to punch above their weight. Here’s the experts’ guide
Q ‘Bootility’ is the new buzzword. What does it mean?
AIt’s a laundry/utility room with extra storage for boots, coats, logs and even for washing the dog, allowing you to prevent too much mud and mess being brought into the main house from outside. ‘A dog shower was a big must for this homeowner – it was straightforward to install and also doubles as a wellie wash and for rinsing large containers and other items,’ says Rowena Sim, managing director of Bybrook Bespoke, which designed this bootility (left). ‘When planning a dog shower, consider the size of the breed and whether they’re likely to jump out when being washed – if so, you may need a harness hook or front door. Plus walls and floors need to be slip- and damp-proof to handle a lively wet dog.’
Q Does the bootility have to be at the back of a home?
ANot at all. This bootility (right and below) is used as the home’s main entrance and was created by taking space from the living room. ‘When you walk in, there’s bench seating and storage for shoes, hats, gloves and scarves,’ says Rebecca Nokes, from John Lewis of Hungerford, which created it. ‘Seating in a bootility allows you to sit down when putting on and taking off wellies, and the storage is useful for muddy coats and boots so you can keep them away from your main wardrobe. The washing machine and dryer are in the entrance, but hidden when not in use. We also put in deep shelves for stacking wood for the living room’s stove.’