NEW ORDER
Offering flexibility and tailored solutions, our edit of the latest and greatest storage pieces will keep your home clutter free
LIVING & DINING
Now that more of us are working from home, never has a room divider seemed more necessary. That was the thinking behind Vincent Van Duysen’s modular ‘Hector’ shelving for Molteni & C ( 1), which lends itself to open-plan living (it has the option to include handy cupboards to hide away laptops and printers at the end of the day). Similarly useful, the ‘Plain’ modular bookcase by Francesco Rota for Lema ( 6) offers the possibility of combining closed storage with open shelves; the ‘Dalton Chrome’ bookshelf by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti ( 5) makes a striking statement with thick shelves held in place by contrasting, vertical metal segments; and at Carl Hansen & Søn, the new ‘BM0253’ flexible shelving system by Børge Mogensen ( 3) is taken from the influential Danish designer’s forgotten drawings. Brilliantly simple, veneered shelves of varying sizes can be added above or alongside a wooden cabinet. Also in tune with the current interiors mood is the sculptural ‘Azzal’ bookcase at Baxter, designed by long-term collaborator Studiopepe ( 2). Part of the 2020 collection, which was based around soft, reassuring shapes and materials, it pairs concrete mounts with leather-covered shelves. Other multipurpose storage solutions include B&B Italia’s refined ‘Liagò’ storage unit ( 4), where the side and back panels have been assembled so that electrical cables for televisions, speakers and lamps can pass through unseen, and the Florence Knoll ‘High Credenza’ ( 7), a now iconic design that works just as well for storing crystal glasses in the dining room as it does vinyl records in the living room.
Make a feature out of office storage by displaying colour-coordinated box files, notebooks and stationery on minimalist shelving that can be configured according to your work needs. Launched over 70 years ago, String’s iconic modular system ( 3) is multifunctional and super flexible, with components including classic wire side panels, cabinets with sliding doors and magazine shelves offering unlimited combinations. Equally streamlined is the ‘Planner’ shelving unit, designed by the late American designer Paul McCobb in 1949 for Fritz Hansen ( 2), which comes in three varying heights and layouts. With a slim, black powder-coated steel frame and simple oak veneer shelves, it marries an industrial aesthetic with a sense of lightness. Or, for those craving a pop of bright colour, the ‘Montana’ system (36 different sized modules, with an array of shelving, drawers, doors and trays) comes in a choice of 40 eco-friendly lacquer shades such as the evocatively named ‘Turmeric’, ‘Azure’ and ‘Rosehip’, all developed with award-winning Danish colour expert Margrethe Odgaard ( 1). Now there’s no excuse for office storage to be dull.
To ensure your hallway feels welcoming when you walk through the front door and less like an unruly dumping ground, invest in practical yet stylish storage solutions.
The ‘Any Day’ console by Christophe Pillet for Flexform ( 4) combines a metal structure with a wood or marble top, and practical drawers – ideal for displaying a vase of flowers or propping up a favourite painting while also hiding away stacks of post and keys. For keeping jackets, hats and shoes tidy, the ‘Aero V’ by Shibuleru for Living Divani ( 1) lends a new purpose to the original Aero bookcase (choose from different finishes and shelf depths), while the contemporary oak ‘Garment Holder’ by The Conran Shop ( 5) combines a versatile rail with a useful slatted tray base. Alternatively, if space is at a premium, stick to eye-catching wall hooks such as the ‘Jupiter’ cast-glass discs by Porada ( 3) or the limitededition marble ‘Hang It All’ set of spheres by Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra ( 2). For the latter, put several together to extend as needed. Functional yet fabulous, all are guaranteed to make a good first impression.
From luxury finishes to clever lighting, the latest wardrobe systems are the ultimate way to showcase beautiful garments and your favourite accessories. Rimadesio’s ‘Abacus’ customisable walk-in closet ( 3) features back panels in a new synthetic leather (lacquered glass and tactile fabric are alternatives), which can be paired with sleek ‘Graphis Plus’ sliding doors, as well as LED lighting. The latter is placed underneath the thin geometric-style aluminiumfinish shelving for a minimal look. Porro’s modular ‘Storage Dressing Room’, designed by Piero Lissoni ( 2), has a new wireless lighting system where all the technical details are embedded in the shelves and the clothes rails themselves light up (the brightness can be adjusted). To achieve a lighter effect, its pale melamine-finish back panels, with a grain reminiscent of cherry wood, are combined with glass doors that put whatever is hanging inside on display. Similarly chic, Poliform’s ‘Senzafine’ walk-in closet ( 1) can be totally tailor-made with rails, shelves and pull-out trays that can be modified as your fashion choices evolve.