OK, now that we’ve spent the month of January decluttering and getting our home ready for the spring we need to start thinking about how to maximise storage to keep clutter at bay. One way to do this is by making the most of unused spaces.
We would recommend you start at the entrance to your home. It’s key to make sure everything has a place here, you don’t want to be falling over discarded shoes and coats or losing your keys. An organised entrance sets the tone for the rest of your home.
If your entrance is near the stairs, create a cupboard for your jackets and shoes under the stairs. Failing a cupboard you can close, a shoe rack and coat hooks are perfect as long as they aren’t overcrowded. It’s better to have a space for an extra pair of shoes or an empty hook than overflowing shoes and jackets.
Hang a key box on the wall so that you won’t need to spend half an hour trying to find them next time. Look for a unique vintage find for a little extra personality.
To get clever with your storage, especially in small apartments, think high.
Create a shelf around the top of your kitchen for the jars and pans that you don’t need every day. Hooks also work great for pots and pans, and make a feature in your kitchen.
Add a high shelf in your living room too and use it for books and boxes of files. Use art and hanging plants to add colour.
There are many ways to add extra storage in your living room. Change the coffee table to an ottoman. A footrest, extra seat and storage all in one! Add a tray to the top so that you can put your glass, some books and those remote controls on there without them falling off.
If you have a fireplace that you’re no longer using, add some doors, drawers or open shelves to create more storage. We’ve done this in a dining room for storing glassware and a bathroom for storing towels.
We’re most often asked to help clients create extra storage in their bedroom.
One simple change we often make, which is very easy to do, is to move wardrobe and cupboard shelves up to add in an extra shelf. This can instantly double your clothing storage without adding extra furniture! You’d be surprised with how much wasted space is inside standard storage.
The best way to make storage a part of your own unique style is by upcycling.
Yes, Ikea may have a thousand smart storage ideas but you can really make storage out of anything! Use an old ladder to hang your scarves on or paint a vintage cabinet to give it a new lease of life.
We have a whole blog post devoted to vintage styling for more tips.
We love this upcycled standalone cupboard created by Painted Lady Swindon which is now being turned into a gin cabinet!
The same client also turned a vintage Chinese cupboard into her bathroom cabinet above a similarly upcycled China bowl sink!
It’s great to think differently about how we can achieve a tidy, stylish home with unused spaces or upcycling of an old piece of furniture. More evidence that thinking sustainably when styling is better than rushing to your nearest home decor shop.
Don’t forget that not all storage needs to be hidden behind doors. We love how Big Blue Co have used one of their oversized faux shells as a jewellery holder.
Finally, maximising unused spaces for storage doesn’t mean adding cupboards and boxes to every available corner of your home. Empty space is important for creating balance and calm in your home.
Still have an empty space to fill but have enough storage? You can’t go wrong with a statement chair!
