Functional rooms are no longer relegated to the long dark hallway at the back of the house. These days, laundry rooms, pantries and closets are designed with such pizzazz that the keep-them-closed doors can now be thrown open for all to see. Innovative new appliances, fresh decorating details and smart space solutions make even the most utilitarian areas a pleasure to peruse. Take a sneak peak into some of the most private (and fabulous) rooms of the home:
LAUNDRY ROOM
Designers no longer overlook this multi-functional room that now comes fully loaded with all the bells and whistles
Barware, stemware, plates and glasses—Everyday ingredients mix with entertainment items in these functional (and beautiful) rooms that make entertaining a snap
No door needed here when the pantry is as pretty as a picture. Just off the kitchen, this space stands out and draws you in with painted cabinets and glass front doors. Spare china and serving pieces have a roomy home here.Now this is a party pantry! Wide open and welcoming, this butler’s pantry features plenty of storage for serving pieces, along with the requisite icemaker and wine refrigerator for easy entertaining. The focal point of the room is a porcelain floral piece by local artist Cynthia Giachetti. (Room by Lionel Bailey, Bardwell Homes and Kitchen to Bath Concepts/photo by Melissa Oivanki)A pantry does not have to have a room of its own to be spectacular. Here, well-planned design ensures that the refrigerator, wine cooler and other storage elements are within easy reach while flowing seamlessly with the rest of the space. (Room by Lou Ravasio, Frank Alpan and Karen Giffel/Photo by Chipper Hatter)