With these tips, your outdoor service area can become a functional, organized, and much more stylish projects.
Submitted at Mar 26, 2025, 4:19 AM
Letícia Nannetti - EnCantos. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2024. (Bia Nauiack)
Space optimization is key to a functional and well-organized external service area. To start, do a review of all the items you really need to store and, if possible, reduce the quantity of objects. Using shelves and wall-mounted cabinets helps to free up floor space, making the projects more fluid and accessible.
You can also incorporate baskets or organizing boxes to separate and store materials such as cleaning products, laundry detergent, and other utensils. Additionally, don't underestimate the use of hooks, which are great for hanging brooms, mops, and other items that don't take up much space but are essential.
If the space is small, invest in modular furniture that can be reorganized as needed. Drawers and built-in cabinets are an excellent option, as they make better use of space without compromising circulation. Another important trick is to use vertical space, with tall shelves, to store items that are used less frequently.
Since the external service area is exposed to the elements of the weather, choosing durable furniture and materials is essential to ensure longevity and durability. Opting for materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, treated wood, plastics, and ceramics that are resistant to the weather and humidity is essential.
Metal cabinets or those with a resin coating are excellent for external projects, as they are sturdy and do not risk damaging from rain or sun. If you prefer wooden furniture, choose treated woods and specific woods for external projects, such as eucalyptus or pine, which are resistant to fungi and humidity.
In addition, the fabrics and cushions used on benches or chairs should be made from waterproof and washable materials, such as acrylic fabric or canvas, so they withstand temperature and humidity variations without losing appearance and comfort.
Often, the external service area is a space with an exposed laundry, which can create a messy look and uninviting atmosphere. An effective way to hide the laundry area and maintain a clean look is to use screens, curtains, or panels. These options are versatile, can be adapted to different styles, and help to disguise what you don’t want on display.
Furthermore, using closed cabinets or closed niches is a practical solution to hide items like dirty laundry baskets, clotheslines, and cleaning products. If you have a larger service area, you can even create internal divisions to separate the laundry from the other functions of the projects. Another trick is to install a wall or trellis screen that, in addition to helping to hide, can be decorated with plants, creating a harmonious and green look.
To ensure the projects remain clean, opt for neutral colors and soft tones on the walls and furniture, which bring lightness and help to better reflect light, creating a feeling of spaciousness. Keeping the space clean is also essential, so invest in practical organizational solutions to ensure everything has its proper place.
When space is limited, the secret is to choose multipurpose furniture and creative solutions to optimize the projects. Invest in countertops that can serve both as a washing machine platform and for folding clothes, and consider opting for stacked washers and dryers to save space.
Invest in tall cabinets, shelves, and built-in niches, in addition to using the walls to hang hooks and supports. To add a touch of charm, incorporate plants, such as hanging pots or a small garden, which bring freshness and life to the projects.
In the following gallery, get inspired by projects that show how to make the most of compact and well-planned service areas.
