Stylish storage solutions

Often homeowners think storage can’t be stylish and the two only go together with a hefty price tag. That’s definitely not the case and there are lots of savvy solutions that add elegance and flair to a home. Storage is an important factor when short letting. A question we are often asked is ‘what can I do with my own things’. If you have adequate storage, that reduces the effort needed. Read on to find out why. 

A home without storage becomes cluttered, things get lost, languish under something else or in the back of a cupboard not easily accessible. This increases stress levels and makes everyday activities like getting ready for work or cooking more difficult. The less clutter there is, the less chaotic you feel. It also means it’s easier to keep a home clean and dust-free. Decluttering expert Marie Kondo would be proud.

Adequate storage is particularly important in city homes including London, where properties tend to be smaller and there are more flats. 

Think outside the box!

Smart storage solutions do take a bit of creativity and imagination. It’s worth thinking outside the box (excuse the pun) and tackling it for easier living and to make your home the very best it can be for you and your guests.

The more storage you have, the easier it is to prepare your home for short-lets by quickly transferring your possessions into your allocated space thus freeing up storage for guests.

These days many of us work from home at least part of the week so creating a space where you can comfortably focus on work rather than leisure is another reason why clever storage is vital. It’s a good idea, if a room is big enough, to section off a portion and add a small floating shelf unit which will act as both a divider and storage. Inserting a rattan or wooden box onto a shelf adds interest and means you can seal off documents or paperwork when guests are in situ.

Room by Room…..

The hallway is an often neglected space. First impressions count so don’t let it become a dumping ground for shoes, coats, brollies and bags. Think hooks for coats or a coat stand and a slimline console table with drawers and shelves where stylish boxes can sit for shoes and bags.

Onto the living room. Carpentry sounds expensive but bespoke built-in shelving in alcoves with cupboard space underneath doubles as a piece of furniture and utilises every bit of space. If you have a bay window, a seating unit with under-seat storage is another effective solution. Or build a corner cabinet and paint it a heritage colour. Remember to use every inch you have by building as high as you can.

In the bedroom, think double duty. An Ottoman chest at the end of the bed is both a piece of furniture, seating and a storage chest for linens and clothes and it can be sealed off. Next time you buy a new bed invest in a lift-up one which gives oodles of storage underneath. If this isn’t right for you get one with drawers (four preferably) - it’s like an extra chest of drawers that doesn’t take up any space! If wardrobe space is limited buy an over-door hanging rack and a portable free standing hanging rail. 

Given a modern day kitchen usually has many built-in wall and base cupboards, why are the work surfaces always full? Probably because there is no structure in the cupboards and space is wasted. For instance putting a storage rack with compartments in cupboards means you can use the entire height. Glass jars, tea caddies and boxes can be kept inside a cupboard or on counter tops. 

Of all the rooms in the house the bathroom needs to be clean and hygienic and that can’t happen without proper storage. Small touches like a shower rack for soap and sponges will make a big difference or buy stylish stone or marble effect dispensers and decant shower gels and soaps into these. 

The more natural looking accessories like rattan, wood or stone in your home, the better the look.

Small changes, big impact!