CULTURE

The Rise of the Bespoke Utility Room

Because some people are running out of ways to demonstrate wealth

I always put on heels to do my laundry, and you should, too. Photo by on

It was the trend that broke me.

Have you seen the fridge interiors featuring not just neatly stored food but flowers, framed pictures, candles and little fridge tchotchkes of all kinds?

Nothing else so clearly shows how differently some people live.

It all started with kitchens

Kitchens used to be work spaces where people prepared meals and washed dishes. Some people seldom do either task anymore, but still want a luxurious, on-trend kitchen. I guess from there it didn’t take much of a leap to start decorating the insides of refrigerators. Can cute designs for microwave interiors be far behind?

Bathrooms used to be places where you got in and got out but now they are supposed to double as luxurious home spas.

Heck, I remember when mudrooms were casual enclosed back porches in which everybody stashed their shoes and coats, but now these spaces, too, have to look charming and camera-ready at all times. You’ll need a rug that says something like “The Mud Stops Here!”

Then they came for the laundry rooms