Go for bold and keep mess to a minimum
SAMANTHA MASSEY looks at some colourful storage options
FROM makeshift classrooms to temporary home offices, the family home is once again being used in ways many of us would never have dared dream about before 2020. And if you’re struggling with the increasing clutter that working from home and home-schooling generates, in addition to the runof-the-mill everyday life, now might very well be the time to rethink your storage.
Clever storage hacks from online retailers are available for every room in the home. Best of all, today’s storage solutions are designed not only with practicality but aesthetics in mind too. Meaning you don’t have to compromise on interior style just to get the kids’ textbooks out of sight.
WALL SPACE
UTILISING every inch of the home is more important than ever, and walls are no exception.
Those whose working from home situation looks set to last longer than originally planned might want to make some permanent additions to help create that office vibe.
The industrial look is always a winner in home offices, and lightweight metal crates which can easily be attached to walls are great for storing a plethora of office essentials, from stationery and files to the humble house plant and all its biophilic boosting properties.
Wall crates also help keep desks clutter free, ideal if space is at a premium and a smaller desk is your only option.
If traditional shelving is more your go-to storage solution, open shelving has become a huge trend in recent years.
Instead of hiding away your favourite bits and pieces, open shelving allows you to really make a feature of your favourite everyday items, meaning you can utilise precious cupboard space for more unsightly objects.
CRATE EXPECTATIONS
IF YOU’RE looking for somewhere temporary to stow the children’s textbooks, worksheets and crayons, consider investing in a stash of foldable crates that can be tucked into the corner of the room or even under the dining room table. The internet is awash with brightly-coloured crates that not only click together easily when stacked on top of each other, but fold away when not in use.
And while they might be filled to the brim with school work, they can always be repurposed when school returns to help keep bedroom clutter at bay.
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
WHILE home-schooling and working from home might be temporary, the need for decent storage is one faced by most homeowners and it’s worth looking at every spare nook and cranny to see if you can make your space work that little bit harder.
If you can afford it, a bespoke solution is a great option and truly allows you to make the most of every inch of your home. Speak to local tradespeople who may already be familiar with your home’s layout and have plenty of ideas which have worked brilliantly in similar properties.
If, however, you are sticking to a budget, Pinterest and Instagram are going to become your best friends. Search ‘home storage solutions’ and get a glimpse of how other homeowners have transformed their space with clever storage tricks.
From headboards with built-in shelving to transforming the space under the stairs into a mini-utility area, the ideas are endless.
Also don’t forget to consider storage when replacing key pieces of furniture. In the living room for example, if your coffee table has endured one spillage too many, why not replace with an ottoman.
Furniture designers are well aware of the increasing demand for great-looking storage and there are some stunning pieces currently on the market. And finally, if homeschooling has got you yearning for your own school days, one of the big success stories in storage right now is old school lockers.
Depending on taste, you could choose to scour second-hand sites for salvaged beauties complete with slam marks; or those who want a quirky take on the look might want to check out the colourful collections from Mustard (mustardmade.co.uk).