Contrary to what many might think, storage requirements need to be tackled in the early stages of the design process. On a practical level, view your home as a large container for all of your belongings.
Every single activity that takes place in your home will demand its own storage nook. Consider how the space will function and be flexible enough to allow for change in use or design – this will help you avoid piecemeal solutions that look like an afterthought.
Nifty storage solutions are key to maintaining the clean space that you so carefully planned and designed. Built-in storage will go a long way in providing that extra space specifically in the bedroom with floor to ceiling wardrobes, in the kitchen with cupboards above your tall units, and in the living room as part of the main unit. For the sake of convenience, incorporate lighting within the unit that switches on when you open the door – this will eliminate dark spots and enhance ease of access.
Room by room, the kitchen is a good starting point. First of all, consider your cooking style. Do you buy mostly fresh food that requires refrigeration or do you stock up on dry ingredients that demand larder storage? Then proceed to assign a specific task to each area. Tackle your kitchen tools – start from the larger items such as small appliances and bottles and work your way down to pots, pans and utensils which require smaller storage space.
The living room will also need sufficient storage to house all our entertainment gadgets such as Wi-Fi network equipment, DVD and music collections, game consoles, speakers and any personal items you wish to display.
Clever storage solutions can be found in what could otherwise be dead space
Consider which items are to be on display and which need a greater ease of access according to frequency of use. This will act as a guide as to what type of storage you need, whether closed or open, opaque or semi-transparent. The size and shape of the object will also indicate the height, depth and width of the shelving. Careful planning will maximise the effective use of storage space.
To maintain a clean space, aim to take most items off the floor area by using hooks and shelving. This will also contribute to an uncluttered and visually clear home.
Make use of inner cabinet dividers for smaller items such as plates, filing, jewellery, and clothing. These are normally object specific but think outside the box if you require a more tailored solution.
Clever storage solutions can be found in what could otherwise be dead space, such as the space between your kitchen cabinets and the ceiling, under the stairs or under a bed.
Transform this space into a desk, cabinet or reading corner. Custom cabinetry can be a great tool in providing neat storage solutions, especially in a small space where storage opportunities are limited. Keep in mind the architecture of the interior and this investment could build significant value into the house.
The key to successful storage is knowing your requirements and translating them into effective solutions to suit your needs.
Davina Preca is an interior architect and designer.
www.davinapreca.com