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SIX INSPIRING
STORAGE SOLUTIONS
There’s no such thing as too much storage space. And that goes double for thoughtfully designed, carefully constructed cabinets, closets, shelves, and other home stowage solutions.
The most successful built-in storage answers a specific need; it might be micro scale, like a drawer to store and charge electronic devices, or a macro project, such as outfitting an entire mudroom, but its usefulness, durability, and aesthetics will depend on how good the planning, materials, and execution are.
Here are six examples of inspiring home storage solutions for your home:
1. In-drawer charging station
Smart phones, tablets, and other personal electronic devices, along with their tangle-prone power cords, are a perennial source of clutter. A dedicated drawer equipped with a charging outlet gets the gadgets out of the way - and looking great while they power up.
2. Pots and pans drawers and pullouts
A big problem lots of us face is how to keep pots, pans, and other culinary equipment close to a cooktop without creating a jumble. A deep centre drawer holding bulky saucepans makes for an organised kitchen which is also accessible. Flanked by a pair of vertical pull-outs for smaller utensils and bottles of cooking
oil, adding more drawers to your kitchen is a practical and elegant solution.
3. Kitchen island storage
You can make use of the centre island’s inherent storage possibilities. Open shelves and deep cubbies not only help break up a visually massive piece of furniture but also provide neat pigeonholes for magazines and attractive display space for silverware, ceramics, and wickerwork.
4. Under-stair storage
The wedge-shape void beneath a staircase is often underutilised real estate in multilevel residences. You can put this space to use by creating a triangle of custom built-in cupboards and drawers. Exquisitely calibrated to use the maximum available space, a storage wall also creates an almost sculptural work of decorative design.
5. Built-in wine storage
The space at the top of a staircase can be almost as problematic as the underside. By creating custom shelving, cabinets, and wine-storage system to create a welcoming and practical cellar in what otherwise could be a wasted nook.
6. Mud room built-ins
Make the most of your mudroom by creating cubbies for each member of the family. While you can all share a communal bench for taking off boots, having a personal cubby for each person will keep the space organised, maximising the spaces potential storage.
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