Storage is always something we say we need more of in a home. If all our belongings have a place of their own, we feel more organised and relaxed. Creating effective storage solutions does not need to be costly and if done right, can make your space more user-friendly and improve aesthetics. In this article, we outline 4 smart storage ideas to help your home become more functional.
Utilise the space under furniture
Lounges and beds take up a lot of valuable floor space, so storing items underneath them makes perfect sense. Many lounges and beds have in-built storage functionality, but if not, get creative and make your own. A tray on wheels can be an effective solution for books, magazines or even seasonal decorative items you have on a rotational basis. Large boxes that are not too high work well under beds and are great to house extra blankets or doonas that you don’t have room for in your linen cupboard. Consider using black boxes, as they will disappear more than any other colour.
Hanging with hooks
Incredibly practical, hooks can house many items. They can be used in all rooms and don’t cost a lot of money. One of the most popular, well-placed spots for hooks is in the entrance to your home. If you don’t have space for a cupboard, you can use hooks to hang bags, coats, scarves and hats on as you enter the house. Another extremely sensible area is the kitchen. Hooks in the kitchen are useful for pots, pans, cooking utensils, tea towels and even plants. Consider placing these hooks on the side of a cabinet, on the splashback or from the ceiling. There are many designer looks for hanging items on hooks; take inspiration from Pinterest. Even IKEA have large selection of hooks, or what they refer to as ‘wall organisers’.
Modular shelving systems
Customising your storage solutions does not need to be expensive. You can completely tailor shelving to suit you and your space by combining a series of predesigned storage pieces that connect and work together. This type of system combines individual expression and personal style with practicality and utility. Modular systems make perfect storage solutions for living rooms and offices, as some storage systems allow you to insert additional cupboards or even desks into the design. Shelving systems can also make fantastic room dividers that can house books, artwork, sculptures and photographs. Again, IKEA have a large range of modular shelving systems and they have made these systems extremely cost-effective.
Utilising staircases
Understair storage does not have to be expensive and time-consuming to design and install. If the area under your stairs is enclosed, consider installing a small door and create a hidden wardrobe inside, with racks for clothing, shelves for shoes and hooks for accessories. Another dual-purpose solution for this space could be a home office. The stair treads are wide enough to install a small working bench with shelving above, a small filing cabinet and fun decorative chair/stool. Staircases can also be used for a variety of purposes, such as storage for wine, bikes or even a pet refuge — a space dedicated to your four-legged friend.
As the saying goes, a tidy house means a tidy mind, and implementing these smart storage ideas will assist you to be more organised and in control of your home life. Ensure you do your research first to make the solutions functional and look good too. In some cases, you may even increase the value of your home!
