Why Thoughtful Cloakroom Design Deserves More Attention

At Grace & Morris Architects, we believe that the smallest spaces in a home often present the greatest opportunities for design precision and impact. The cloakroom, typically overlooked in favour of larger living spaces, can become a showcase for material richness, detailing and atmosphere when approached thoughtfully. As experienced Harrogate house extension architects, we frequently guide clients in elevating these compact rooms into spaces of real architectural merit.

A Cloakroom as a Statement of Character

In both new builds and extensions, the cloakroom offers a moment of compression between the public and private realms of a home. When handled with care, this space can introduce guests to the material language, tonal sensibility and spatial ethos that defines the wider property. Rather than treating it as a purely functional afterthought, we encourage clients to consider how light, texture and layout can be used to articulate a distinctive identity.

Materiality and Detailing

We have found that cloakrooms offer an ideal setting for expressive surface treatments and bespoke joinery. In our House No.2 project, deep green terrazzo floor and wall tiles to envelop the room were utilised, providing a sense of cohesion and richness. Fluted cabinetry in a soft off-white finish introduced vertical rhythm, while concealed storage and a slimline vanity ensured that the space remained practical without sacrificing elegance.

The design also integrated carefully selected personal elements. A grid of photographs on slim display ledges added warmth and memory, enriching the experience of the room without introducing visual clutter. Pendant lighting and a restrained colour palette created an atmosphere that felt both grounded and sophisticated.

Proportion and Spatial Hierarchy

Well-designed cloakrooms can alter one’s perception of scale within a home. At No.284, we addressed a long, narrow footprint by employing full-height cabinetry with reeded detailing, drawing the eye vertically and reducing the sense of compression. A floating vanity with a vessel basin preserved floor space, while concealed lighting ensured the room felt bright without appearing clinical.

By understanding the nuances of proportion and visual hierarchy, even modest cloakrooms can feel balanced and intentional. This becomes especially relevant in heritage properties or constrained urban plots where every square metre must serve multiple functions.

Cloakrooms in House Extensions

In many of our Harrogate projects, particularly where clients are extending period homes, the inclusion or reconfiguration of a cloakroom becomes a key consideration. Whether integrated beneath a staircase, within a side return or as part of a larger ground floor remodelling, the cloakroom must respond to both practical requirements and architectural language.

As Harrogate house extension architects, we work closely with clients to ensure that cloakrooms do not feel like leftover spaces but are instead fully integrated into the circulation and spatial logic of the home. This includes careful consideration of door positions, privacy, acoustic separation and daylighting.

A Space Worth Investing In

While the cloakroom may occupy only a few square metres, it can offer significant returns in terms of daily usability, guest impression and design continuity. We advocate for high-quality finishes, durable fixtures and subtle layers of lighting to ensure long-term functionality and beauty.

At Grace & Morris Architects, our commitment to material clarity and spatial intelligence extends to every room we design. Whether part of a rural conversion or an urban extension in Harrogate, the cloakroom is never secondary. It is a space where design can be both playful and precise, restrained yet impactful.