6 Ways to Maximise Your Service Yard Space and Make It More Functional

Serving looks and function.

Generally tucked away at the back of HDB flats, the service yard is typically used for laundry, drying clothes, and storing household essentials.

But while it's a hardworking space, it’s also one of the most overlooked during renovations. With limited space, minimal built-ins, and basic fittings, many service yards end up underutilised.

The good news? With the right design ideas, even the smallest service yards can be transformed into smart, functional spaces that pull more weight in your daily routine.

1. Build more counter and storage space

Installing a countertop adds functionality by giving you a dedicated surface for folding laundry, organising cleaning supplies, or simply keeping things tidy.

For instance, this service yard in a Jurong West resale flat has a clean-lined countertop that sits neatly above a front-loading washer, creating a practical nook for laundry prep and folding. It seamlessly extends from the kitchen thanks to the use of matching shaker-style cabinets, creating a visual continuity that makes the overall space feel bigger. Overhead cabinets also offer ample room for storing lesser-used items, while the bottom cabinets can help conceal commonly used ones like cleaning tools or detergents.

Planning to install your washer or dryer within the carpentry? While most appliances have fairly standard dimensions, it’s still best to inform your interior designer of the exact model you intend to use. This ensures precise fittings and eliminates awkward gaps.

2. Add a sink or drain for laundry and cleaning needs

Having a utility sink or drain area in the service yard can make a huge difference when it comes to handling everyday chores.

The design above cleverly incorporates carpentry around the washer and dryer to store cleaning supplies, as well as a sink to wash delicates or other cleaning needs. A sliding fluted partition was also added to keep things out of sight when not in use, and allows airflow to dry the sink after use.

Similarly, having a tap and drainage area can help to streamline your cleaning routine in a space-efficient manner. Think easy access for hand-washing clothes, handling messy clean-ups, or even rinsing out mops and buckets without dirtying your bathroom or kitchen sink.

3. Optimise space vertically

Speaking of space-efficient solutions, optimising space vertically is one of the best go-to moves when designing your service yard.

Stacking your washer and dryer or incorporating floor-to-ceiling built-ins can maximise space efficiency while keeping your laundry zone neat and organised.

How about pairing a vertical laundry setup with built-in cabinetry and an overhead clothes rod? This design organises laundry essentials and creates a space for your empty hangers, which can also serve as additional hanging space to air-dry your garments.

Another clever idea? Concealing your washer and laundry items behind custom carpentry as depicted above. Built-in cabinets with slim pocket doors keep things sleek and clutter-free—no more bulky doors swinging into your already tight service yard.

4. Add a coffee counter (with a view!)

Your service yard isn’t just for laundry — it can double as a lifestyle nook too. If yours happens to face a scenic view or receive ample sunlight, carving out a compact coffee counter is a clever way to maximise the space.

Case in point: This cosy al fresco-style coffee counter integrated with the kitchen that transforms what’s usually a purely functional zone into a tranquil corner for morning brews or evening wind-downs.

5. Turn the space into a gardening nook

No balcony? No problem. If you’ve been dreaming of a space to grow your own herbs, flowers, or leafy greens, your service yard might be the hidden gem you’ve overlooked.

For homeowners who don’t have a designated planter or outdoor area, this often-underused corner of the home can be cleverly repurposed as a gardening zone.

Consider adding some vertical shelving units between the kitchen and service yard, if you don’t need to separate the two spaces. In this example by Ovon Design, it not only serves as storage space and houses greenery that thrives in the sunlight, but also adds visual interest and a biophilic touch that ties both spaces together.

Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, adding greenery can instantly brighten your laundry zone and make chores feel a little less mundane.

6. Install a pet shower corner

This one’s for the paw-rents. Consider installing a pet shower corner—a practical upgrade that every paw-rent will appreciate. Not only does it make bath time more convenient, but it also keeps muddy paws, shedding fur, and post-walk messes out of your main bathroom.

Having a dedicated pet wash station in the service yard means less stress for both you and your furbabies. You’ll have all your grooming tools and cleaning supplies within reach, plus an easy-to-clean zone designed specifically for splashes and fur.

Want a functional service yard that works for you?

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This article was originally published on 30 January 2018 and last updated on 29 May 2025.

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