14 Storage Solutions to Make Your Life Easier
Effective storage is essential in home design if you want an organised and clutter free living space. Ideally, every item should have a place. When you are planning a home or room redesign you should consider what your current and future storage needs are for that space.
Kitchen with open shelving
Top tip: Plan early! We considered storage way back at the design phase of our build. Some things we considered was adding a run of tall storage cupboards in the hall and having a dedicated storage room. Instead, we opted to retain the sizes of the bedrooms, to give each bedroom sufficient space for adequate storage. We did, however, take some of the space allocated for the kids shower rooms. We reduced each room by 70cm and now have a large cupboard outside the bedrooms which is perfect for linens and towels.
Here’s some more ideas that can help you meet your home storage needs:
Consider the entire space – particularly if you are building or renovating. Consider the whole space not just each room. Can you move doors, windows etc to give you alternative layouts that provide more optimal storage solutions? For example, we moved a window by 25cm to allow us to get another kitchen cabinet into the space instead of there being more dead space on the other side of the window.
Wonderful bespoke library shelves and alcove cupboards
Image: Instagram @Crack_the_shutters
2. Bespoke Storage Solutions: built-ins, shelves, and furniture tailored to the available space can make even the smallest area more efficient for storage.
3. Maximizing Vertical Space: Make use of your vertical space by incorporating floor-to-ceiling storage solutions, such as tall bookshelves, cabinets, or wall-mounted units. This optimises space without cluttering the room.
Coffee table, storage & desk in one! Homary
4. Multi-Functional Furniture: multi-functional furniture can offer storage options. Examples include ottomans with hidden compartments, bed frames with built-in drawers, and coffee tables with lift-up tops.
5. Closet and Wardrobe Organisation: wardrobe layouts, often using systems with shelves, hanging rods, drawers, and shoe racks can maximise storage capacity while keeping everything organised. We’ve used the Elfa storage system in our linen cupboard and Ikea Pax and Platsa systems for wardrobes. If you are in the UK or Ireland you can get 10% off the Elfa system from GYLO using my discount code HOME10.
The Elfa Storage system we used in our linen cupboard
6. Kitchen Storage Design: plan your layout to optimise storage, incorporating enough for all your needs. You need to think about all of those kitchen gadgets you have and where they are going to go in your new kitchen. You should to ensure the cabinets are big enough, shelves deep enough and they are convenient for you to get at.
A vintage dresser can make a wonderful bathroom vanity. Image: @house_at_ballycoose
7. Bathroom Storage Solutions: Make sure your bathroom has sufficient storage for toiletries, towels, and other essentials. This may involve installing vanities with drawers and shelving. You can think about making use of vintage dressing tables for vanities or china cabinets for towel storage.
8. Incorporating Nooks and Crannies: Look for unused or awkward spaces, such as under staircases or in alcoves, and transform them into functional storage areas. These can be used for bookshelves, built-in desks, or closets. We turned wasted space in the office into a built in wardrobe just by adding doors and inserting internal shelves and a rail.
Pretty and practical window seat with shelves and drawers for storage
Image: Pinterest
9. Window Seats with Storage: If you have the right set up a window seat incorporating built-in storage is a lovely idea for enjoying the view whilst also providing a discreet space for storing items. Perfect for kids toys!
10. Creative Storage Ideas: There are lots of ideas on Pinterest and Instagram for creative storage solutions, such as incorporating wine racks into kitchen islands, creating built-in pet food and water stations, or designing under-bed storage for children's rooms. If you ever have a storage issue just search Pinterest and you are bound to get ideas!
11. Hidden and Concealed Storage: Depending on your interior style you may want to consider installing hidden storage, such as lift-up panels, concealed drawers, and secret compartments behind panels or artwork. This will keep your space clutter-free.
Secret storage hidden behind panelling and paintings. Image: Pinterest
12. Coordination: If possible you should ensure that storage solutions are consistent and coordinated throughout the home, creating a cohesive and organised atmosphere.
13. Employ Professional Services: If your space and clutter is overwhelming, you could consider employing an interior designer to come up with the best storage solution for your space. Some designers may work in conjunction with professional organisers who can help clients declutter and make the most of their storage spaces.
Fabulous outdoor storage where everything is close to hand. Image: Pinterest
14. Outdoor Storage Solutions: Don’t forget your outdoor storage needs! You don’t want to have to store outdoor equipment indoors. Outdoor storage solutions like deck boxes, garden sheds, or outdoor cabinets help to keep gardening tools, cushions, and outdoor furniture protected.
I hope you found the above ideas useful.
If you need help in devising effective storage solutions for your home that will not only resolve storage issues but also enhance the overall design and functionality of your space, please contact me at houseatballycoose@hotmail.com .
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