You'd think the answer is obvious — but it isn't. The truth about whether your utility room door should stay open or closed is surprisingly counterintuitive.

A well-designed and planned utility room can play a pivotal role in how smoothly your home runs on a day-to-day basis, providing a space in which to carry out all those dirty, messy, practical tasks ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Terri Williams is a journalist covering housing trends. Laundry rooms have been popping up in several home design trends this year ...