As homes shrink, storage spaces are becoming smaller too but innovative thinking can come to your rescue.
Storage is the key to good interiors and is the backbone for good design. Using the space available to your advantage and intelligently is a key element of making the most of what you have and still ensuring storage needs are not compromised.
Make a Plan
With rising property prices and home decor trends increasingly moving towards utilitarian spaces, multifunctional furniture is quickly becoming a popular feature in modern home interiors. “A simple way to save on space in the bedroom is to opt for a bed with built-in storage space. Wall hooks by the door are great for coats, umbrellas, and keys especially if they are used every day. A great way of saving floor space is to use wall-mounted shelves and storage boxes. You can also decorate your storage boxes to personalize or sort them. A few themed stickers or ribbons can be used to indicate what is in the storage box. Sofa beds are also a great way to increase your space while also making room for visiting guests. A quirky substitute for a guest room, sofa beds are elegant, sophisticated and fit in perfectly with the look and feel of a comfy living room,” says Pradeep James, Director of Design, Urban Ladder. Using multipurpose furniture is also a good idea to save space while making room for storage. Nagabhushan Hegde, Head of Design, Script, Godrej & Boyce avers, “furniture pieces such as cabinets and wardrobes are multifunctional masterpieces that allow you store anything and everything you desire in a manner that is well-organised and aesthetically pleasing. Keeping storage in mind never compromise on a cabinet/wardrobe that perfectly fits into your living space.”
Ideas and More
Using more wall hung units increases the floor space. Painted compact dressers flushed to the wall which opens into a mirror and shelves will be a beautiful addition to the bedroom. Radeesh Shetty, Founder and Director, The Purple Turtles says, “accent pieces with clever in-built storage not only add to the decor of the space but also provide ample area to stack items which might be adding to the visual clutter. For instance, stools/ottomans or coffee tables with storage have a function and smaller living room items such can be hidden away.” A kitchen in any house plays a significant role and is the most used common area. Storage is of utmost importance in this space. “Installing an appliance lift, that goes right into the cabinet helps in maintaining a clean kitchen top. While designing the utensil area it is a good idea to store pans together in one section and include slide-out racks. Additionally the sink area can be leveraged is by installing a dish-drying cabinet directly above the sink,” explains Aiyappa Alemada, Business Head, Purva Streaks (A Puravankara Company). Rukmini Ray Kadam, Founder & Editor, Trumatter who lives in a 550 sqft apartment has some practical tips. “Considering buying a storage cabinet? But have you considered boxes? They are versatile, they store well, a wooden box can also double as your seating option and a stack of vintage boxes can very well be a conversation starter. From books and utilities to wire and clothes, you can store everything in boxes. From bathroom to your living room, a good ladder can store like a horse and it looks good too. Hang your towels {even if you don’t care to fold it properly}, flank it with a few plants that minimizes odour or stack your books and throws and candles.”
Maximize Space
Storage is very important in bathrooms open storage can be made in the form of ladder. “the bathroom caddy can also be made interesting by adding a tall unit that can take care of the geyser and clothes. The caddy under the basin can take care of toiletries, napkins, towels and laundry baskets,” says Asumi Rawat, Principal Architect and Creative Founder, Asumi Rawat Desiign. Inbuilt drawers in floating shelves can also add to storage. “The idea of combining drawers into cantilevered shelves when it comes to making pronounced use of space, while having the spaciousness of the room intact works really well. Their minimal and chic look is an interesting addition to the aesthetics as well. Likewise, open shelves don’t look good in a headboard in small bedrooms. A bit of twist can make up for a very hidden storage unit in the headboard which would open from front or top taking every piece stored behind and reducing the visual clutter,” says Shailja Awasthi, Founder, Stories Design Studio. So learn to store smart and live clutter free this year.
This story first appeared in Deccan Chronicle Bengaluru dated 18th Mar 2019 here:
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