LIVING BIG (WHEN SPACE IS TIGHT)
If your home is a bit cramped, it’s more important than ever to find clever storage solutions. Here are 12 inspiring ideas that can really make a difference…
1 FIT FOR PURPOSE
Utilise ‘dead’ space at the top of stairs or on an upstairs landing by building in fitted cupboards. If there’s enough space, you could buy off-the-peg cupboards and create your own, but if it’s a narrow area, bespoke is the best solution. Find stylish storage at Go Modern.
2 OPEN HOUSE
Rather than having wall cupboards in a kitchen, think about open shelving. It allows light to filter through, so looks less heavy than solid units, and means you can display favourite items too. This bespoke unit has been made to fit the narrow space between the wall and window frame. Find similar industrial-style shelving at Nkuku.
3 BOX CLEVER
How about this for a unique and striking look? Make a feature of an alcove by adding shelves of different sizes and shapes with a chunky profile edge, then paint the background in a dark colour to make everything stand out.
4 HIDDEN AWAY
If you have a small area like this, it can make a great utility room. Pocket doors are an ideal option for hiding it all away – they take up little space and don’t open out, so won’t encroach on the room next to it.
5 WORK PLACEMENT
Even the tiniest of nooks can be useful. Here, a small study has been created in a space between two rooms. All it takes is a desktop with brackets to support it on one wall, then on the other, a wooden upright set out from the wall provides a space for mini shelves in the gap. Find a Vitra Eames rocking chair at Utility.
6 LONG DIVISION
In an open-plan space, zone the areas with a low room divider. This version has recessed shelves for pictures and books. A similar look could be achieved with media units – find stylish designs at Boconcept. Behind, shallow cupboards are a practical place to display pictures without damaging the walls.
7 TUCKED AWAY
Here, a coffee table fits neatly underneath a side table – great if you need an extra surface when you have guests. Or the smaller unit could be used separately beside the sofa. Find similar nesting tables by Ercol at Furniture Village.
8 LIGHT ZONE
The area under the stairs is often overlooked, but it makes the perfect spot for seating. It’s handy for when you come in from outside to take shoes off or put bags on, and a light and airy space when it’s underneath open-tread stairs. There are drawers and a box beneath the seat for extra storage too. Find colourful stripy cushions at Amara.