INSIDER INSIGHT
MAXIMISE YOUR STORAGE WITH IDEAS FROM THE PROS
MODERN DAY LIVING ‘As we spend more time at home, we become more aware than ever of the need for space,’ says Simon Tcherniak, senior furniture designer at Neville Johnson. ‘Rooms that were once forgotten are being rejuvenated as tranquil spaces or multifunctional living zones. The home office is where the demand is greatest at the moment. Homeowners are looking for a dynamic space that allows them the time to focus on their daily tasks but also one they can close off in the evening to really benefit from the additional family time we have all been afforded in recent months.’
WHAT’S ON THE INSIDE ‘There are a number of tricks that will help you maximise every space in your kitchen. From drawers in drawers for everything from cutlery to condiments, to triple layered larders that will offer a concertina-like shelving system to stow away storecupboard staples,’ suggests Nerine Vacher, kitchen designer at Neptune Fulham. ‘Don’t forget that often overlooked spot under the sink too, adding flexible stacked storage under here will give you the perfect place to put cleaning products and cloths.’
MIX AND MATCH ‘Consider pieces that feature both drawers and open shelving,’ says Rachel Galbraith, creative director at Ercol. ‘This versatility allows for bulkier items to be stowed out of sight, while eye-catching accessories can be styled on surfaces at eye level. If you love to mix up your interiors on a regular basis, free-standing designs are a perfect option and can be moved around the house.’
GO BESPOKE ‘Getting the configuration right is what makes or breaks the design and its functionality,’ says Rachal Hutcheson, national retail manager at Sharps. ‘A sensible place to start is by assessing your storage needs. Think about the volume of clothes and shoes that you have, whether you might need areas for bedding and towels and how much space you might need in the future. For example, if you have a collection of long coats or dresses, double height hanging rails are a practical choice. You can combine this section with pigeonhole storage to maximise the space,’ she adds.
THINK ABOUT FUNCTION ‘Ultimately in most of our top list of priorities, is an easy clean bathroom – so wall-mounted cabinets and niches in showers mean no dirt traps to clean,’ says Kirsten Wain, designer at West One Bathrooms. ‘Consider recessed mirror storage in stud walls over basins or wall-mounted toilets – it will give the illusion of mirrors but with additional storage behind.’
“STORAGE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE ABOUT CLOSING ITEMS
AWAY IN CUPBOARDS. BESPOKE JOINERY CAN BE
DESIGNED TO DISPLAY PERSONAL BELONGINGS IN
THEIR BEST LIGHT”
AMOS GOLDREICH, architect, agarchitecture.net