How to control your clutter
Maximise the space in your home with these bright ideas, says
Frantically throwing things out with the zeal of a new January diet? Stop. clutter has a habit of creeping back. instead, follow our expert tips and find new ways to make the most of your space.
Knocking down walls is the first port of call for ian Hogarth, director of Hogarth architects, which has recently re-invented a broom cupboard in Kensington, london. the tiny space, measuring just 14 ft x 13 ft, is now a stylish studio flat priced at £225,000.
‘By using an open-plan layout, you can lose wasteful corridors and use the space in an overlapping layout,’ he says. ‘Sharing a cooking area with your sitting room makes a big difference to the amount of space you create. and to save every inch possible, ditch your radiators and use underfloor heating.’
Hogarth recommends searching the whole house looking for unused and under-utilised spots. ‘Gaps under the stairs, your loft and a cellar can, with some careful design, all be turned into useful storage,’ he says.
‘and don’t forget to review your existing storage which can be enhanced with clever shelving, drawers and hanging rails.’
Built-in storage units are key spacesavers, says Ella Wright, an architect at coffey architects. She (and colleague Phil coffey) used such a scheme at Hidden House — a home built on 72 sq m and shortlisted for this year’s title of Grand Designs House of the year.
the single- storey home houses two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large, combined living, kitchen and dining room. With oak panelling used throughout, all life’s necessities are carefully concealed.
‘ the interior of Hidden House is clad with full-height European oak panels, either fixed panels, doors into other rooms or doors into built-in storage cupboards.
By hiding the storage away in the walls it becomes less cluttered and therefore feels larger. there is even a sliding panel in the kitchen to hide the kettle and toaster.
‘it also pays to use dual-function furniture. incorporate a cutlery drawer into a dining room table or, for larger, rarely used items, plump for wall shelving units that allow you to store belongings high up.
Peter Erlandsson, co-owner and director of shelving company String, takes a different approach. He believes belongings should be celebrated, not hidden away.
‘Decluttering is a healthy and sometimes necessary task,’ he says. ‘But don’t be too severe. Style your belongings artfully on a shelf. this gives your so-called clutter it’s own place, as well as a new lease of life. ‘From a practical point of view, shelving draws the eye upwards, which creates the illusion of a larger space.’ and there are plenty of storage products that are useful and pleasing to look at. clotilde Passalacqua, interior design leader for ikea UK and ireland, recommends modular storage units that can be tailored to specific room shapes. ‘they can be useful in freeing up some room. the fluid spaces trend is all about flexible products that can adapt to different functions. ‘Storage units with a simple design such as Eket and Himlinge work well in any room design.’ Ms Passalacqua adds: ‘rooms need furniture, so why not have furniture with built-in storage? the Brimnes bed has storage built into the headboard and the Popptorp chair has storage inside the seat — great for playrooms and children’s bedrooms.’ Brian Woulfe, interior designer and staging expert, founder of Designed by Woulfe, maintains that you can make a statement out of your storage. ‘For an instant supply of extra storage, invest in a beautiful credenza or console unit. not only can you fit lots inside the cabinets, but the extra surface provides a wonderful platform for design. ‘Style books, speakers, lamps and even sculptures on the console, and hide the rest away inside.’