We've gathered up some of the best storage ideas we've seen from interior designers and architects. From space maximising shelving to sliding doors and shoe baskets, there are ideas both big and small for every room in the modern home, so you can start the new year in an orderly fashion.
TALL ORDER
Next time you’re passing through your landing, spend a moment considering its potential. Are you making the most of the space? You could take a leaf out of this homeowner’s book with bespoke bookshelves that run right to the ceiling (check the height of your books and ask your joiner to space the shelves accordingly). Don’t forget about the space above the doorway either — it’s another neglected niche.
GET THE LOOK Hector Pleat wall lights, Original BTC. For bespoke bookcases, try Neville Johnson.
IT'S A WRAP
A slate grey shelving system ensures that the TV doesn’t dominate this plush living room belonging to Massimo and Jessica Minale, owners of home fashion label Buster + Punch. Note the couple’s skilful use of black Nero marble panelling, which helps to move the eye around the space.
GET THE LOOK Bespoke shelving, C. Bros Joinery. For similar marble, try Nero Marquina, The Marble & Granite Centre.
A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING
Savvy storage is the key to stopping your home’s entrance becoming a dumping ground. Think hooks for coats (including kid-friendly, low-hanging ones), baskets for shoes and, if you don’t have the budget for built-in seating, a simple slimline bench. The secret to success here is that the storage blends with the walls so it feels part of the design.
GET THE LOOK Bespoke shelving and coat hooks, Hut Projects.
ON A ROLL
There’s little doubt that an ordered working environment has a positive impact on your well-being and a tall free- standing bookcase like this one is brilliant for achieving that. Consider going bespoke if you have an awkward space to fill – a carpenter will be able to advise you. Make like these homeowners and inject a library vibe with a rolling ladder so you can access the top shelves.
GET THE LOOK Bookcases, Jesse. Try the Library Ladder Company for a bespoke ladder.
SPLASH OF SUNSHINE
It’s always summer in Skye McAlpine’s kitchen, where cheerful yellow cabinets make the space feel warm and welcoming even on the greyest of days. Wooden shelves create a vintage vibe that’s enhanced by the tools of Skye’s trade as a cook and food writer. This simple approach to styling shelves never fails, with glass jars of different shapes and sizes coming together to create a beautiful, unified look.
GET THE LOOK Kitchen design by Ben Pentreath.
STEP UP YOUR STORAGE
Conceived as a series of plywood boxes with treads that double up as bookshelves, a staircase like this is perfect when space is limited and you don’t want to use valuable floor area. ‘Lighting was important, especially as we chose a solid-ply balustrade to suit the simple aesthetic of the bedroom and shade the staircase from the main bedroom lighting,’ says David Money of David Money Architects. ‘The solution was cabinet lights embedded in the inside face of the balustrade, illuminating individual treads and the brick wall.’
GET THE LOOK Staircase, David Money Architects. Saltbak rug, Ikea.
DOUBLE DUTY
Colour is used to lessen the impact of storage in this busy space that doubles as a study and cloakroom. The moody hue throughout makes it look and feel more open and less cluttered. It also lends the free-standing furniture a sense of permanency, which is perfect if your budget won’t stretch to built-in.
GET THE LOOK Walls and storage unit in Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball. Try Ikea for a similar storage unit.
WALK THROUGH
Interior designer Suzy Hoodless has squeezed a dressing room en route to the en suite here. If space is tight, use sliding doors to save on the floor area you’d need to leave clear for swing doors. Make sure your en suite is well ventilated: this is crucial in all bathrooms to prevent mould growth and particularly important in a set-up like this to avoid damp problems in the dressing room.
GET THE LOOK Interior design by Suzy Hoodless, with dressing room in Theatre Red by Little Greene.
PAD OUT
A little fabric goes a long way in this tailored master bedroom created by Wolf Lewitt Interiors, where upholstery lends a soft touch to plain wardrobe doors, instantly elevating them from ordinary to extraordinary.
GET THE LOOK For a similar upholstered wardrobe, take a look at Hill Upholstery & Design. Curtain fabric, Osborne & Little. Rug, Tim Page Carpets.
CURTAIN CALL
Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead of 2LG Studio agreed that they wanted to keep shoes behind a curtain in their dressing room. That way, they had the option to hide them or have them on view.
GET THE LOOK Joinery, RISE collection designed by 2LG Studio for John Lewis of Hungerford in Early Lavender by Mylands. Neon yellow latex curtain, The London Curtain Girls.