Maude and Edwards Architects

17/04/2026

We are lucky to have a Utility Room at all, we know this is the top of many wishlist, but currently ours is dated and largely an unusable dumping ground. As we start works on our extension and refurbishment we are hoping to improve this room - without changing its size at all.

Here are some of the key design choices that will improve its functionality:

• Stacking the washer and dryer - This will free up valuable space to the lower levels and make loading/unloading easier.

• A smaller, more compact sink - We find in our home this sink is largely just used for washing children’s football boots (I actively avoid buying hand wash clothing!) so we will shrink the sink considerably to free up work surface.

• Changing the swing door to a sliding - I feel like this will be a game-changer, meaning that the room (and appliances) are easier to access and allows a less awkward space generally.

• Reversing the swing to the external door - Changing this to an outward opening door will mean again, a more usable space and easier to move in and out with a basket of laundry.

• A pull out laundry bin - This will just make an easier spot for abandoned socks, school jumpers, pants! In our home, these tend up wind up on the worksurfaces otherwise!

• Storage for the laundry basket - We have nowhere to put this at the moment so a dedicated space will keep it from being dumped on the floor or worktop.

• More cupboard space - Stacking the washing machine and dryer will also free up a valuable extra cupboard space which is much needed in this room!

Building works begin next week, so follow along to see our progress!

17/04/2026

We are lucky to have a Utility Room at all, we know this is the top of many wishlist, but currently ours is dated and largely an unusable dumping ground. As we start works on our extension and refurbishment we are hoping to improve this room - without changing its size at all.

Here are some of the key design choices that will improve its functionality:

• Stacking the washer and dryer - This will free up valuable space to the lower levels and make loading/unloading easier.

• A smaller, more compact sink - We find in our home this sink is largely just used for washing children’s football boots (I actively avoid buying hand wash clothing!) so we will shrink the sink considerably to free up work surface.

• Changing the swing door to a sliding - I feel like this will be a game-changer, meaning that the room (and appliances) are easier to access and allows a less awkward space generally.

• Reversing the swing to the external door - Changing this to an outward opening door will mean again, a more usable space and easier to move in and out with a basket of laundry.

• A pull out laundry bin - This will just make an easier spot for abandoned socks, school jumpers, pants! In our home, these tend up wind up on the worksurfaces otherwise!

• Storage for the laundry basket - We have nowhere to put this at the moment so a dedicated space will keep it from being dumped on the floor or worktop.

• More cupboard space - Stacking the washing machine and dryer will also free up a valuable extra cupboard space which is much needed in this room!

Building works begin next week, so follow along to see our progress!

12/04/2026

Time is flying by and we are now getting very close to starting our build. While exciting it is also going to turn our lives upside down for a short period as most of our ground floor rooms will be affected (and having two small boys in tow).

In this run up to starting works, there are some key tasks that we must prioritise in the coming week (these have been largely put back due to being busy on other projects, school holidays and a tiny bit of procrastination!).

My hope is to use this page to document the highs and lows of extension work and the realities of the day to day. Even though we do this for a living, this is the first build project of our own - so it will be insightful, eye opening and educational for us! While we are not adding a huge footprint, the work will completely change the feel of our home and we do genuinely think it will transform how we live.

Like most people, we are also working to quite a tight budget, there isn’t as much contingency as I hoped so some compromises will be needed along the way.

05/04/2026