Introducing ‘Bootilities’: The trend that prioritizes practicality without sacrificing style

Behold bootilities, the kitchen trend of the moment that is almost too beautiful to be practical. 

Above all, bootilities, or bootility rooms, are a practical space that houses everything you need to keep your home running. From wellies and jackets to laundry detergent, the area acts as a utility room with a chic twist. 

Unlike a conventional utility room, bootilities offer storage room concealed storage space behind tall cabinetry – meaning you can hide your domestic essentials behind bespoke kitchen features. 

As a smart and chic solution to your storage problems, we’re not surprised that bootility rooms are emerging as one of the most sought-after interior trends of the season.

‘It’s vital that a bootility room is stylish as well as smart, so it’s not just a room with functionality, but it needs careful design considerations. If your utility room is destined to be a multifunctional space – combining utility, laundry, and a boot room,’ explains Design Director at the eponymous kitchen company, Tom Howley.

But why are bootilities trending now? And how can you embrace this practical trend while maintaining your stylish scheme? Here is everything you need to bring this cottage kitchen idea into your interiors. 

Why are bootilities trending? 

While the desire for more aesthetic storage systems is not entirely new, the demand for good-looking, practical features has significantly increased over the past year, as Tom explores.

‘Bespoke cabinetry will help to build a room that is both a utility room and a boot room, creating a seamless transition in a shared space. We know that people are trying to make the most of their homes, and multifunctional living has become a necessity as we have spent so much more time in our homes.’

Similarly, deVOL’s Creative Director Helen Parker notes a shift from wholly stylized spaces to a craving for practicality that serves a purpose. 

'Having a picture-perfect home is the top priority. Still, the rooms do have to work, so as well as learning how to combine comfort, function, longevity of look, and completely mind-blowingly beautiful spaces,’ Helen says. ‘You have to be sensible.’ 

How to bring a bootility room into your home 

1. Invest in full height cabinets 

Perhaps the most important thing to consider when designing a bootility is choosing the right size cabinets. Tom recommends ‘using full-height cabinets to create a place for a washing machine and tumble dryer to place on top of one another.’ 

This will ensure you’re not take up two spots of floor space and will keep all your appliances in one concealed place. 

2. Use floating shelves to create a secret laundry space  

Everybody has laundry, but bootilites can keep your washing out of sight – and out of mind – whilst maximizing your storage space. ‘You’ll no longer need to cart an armful of laundry down the stairs,’ says Tom. 

‘Let your walls share the workload. A mixture of concealed cabinets to hide laundry and floating shelves to store everyday items such as wash detergent or even a dog lead and treats.’ Is this the small kitchen idea we all deserve? We certainly think so. 

3. Consider your drawers carefully  

While drawers may not be at the top of your design list, Tom suggests that these features are the secret to a stylish bootility space that will keep your home flowing. 

He suggests mixing ‘concealed cabinets, drawers, and pull-out shelves [allow you to] designate specific spaces to store laundry products, keep laundry baskets out of the way and properly fold clean clothes.’ 

4. Simple shelving is key  

Similarly, Helen recommends choosing simple shelving ‘so everything is easy to store and pile up and get to without opening cupboard doors.’

‘This means having the right baskets and watering cans and terracotta pots. You have to get the look spot on, and you really can if you stick to things that are original, fit for purpose, and good quality,’ she adds. 

5. Avoid over-accessorizing

While the size and shape of drawers and shelves are undeniably a priority, Helen suggests that creating an alluring bootility room is less of a concern. 

‘There is no need for decoration in a utility unless it’s useful, so don’t put up pictures or carefully place ornaments; just let the room and what you use it for dictate its decoration,’ she says. However, there is one ornamental feature that Helen does allow. 

‘If you are a gardener, nothing is prettier than packets of seeds handwritten in brown envelopes with a little twine around them. The idea, however, of doing this for display is wrong; it has to be authentic.’

We're sold; this is the kitchen idea of the season. We have a feeling this micro trend is going to stick around for some time to come.