Philippine Daily Inquirer

NEWP LACES TOHIDE

- By Arch. Vittoria Lou Mawis @INQ_Property

You can never have too much storage space. Whether you live in a house or a condominiu­m unit, the need for a place to hide items is always essential. However, many of today’s homes are getting smaller as real estate prices continue to rise. Though the best solution would be to limit your possession­s, there are just some things that can’t be thrown away.

So if you aren’t keen on the idea of renting a storage unit or throwing stuff out, how can you make the most of your space? Is there an alternativ­e to minimalist living when you just can’t let go of things?

Thankfully, many designers nowadays would answer with a resounding yes.

Today, different storage solutions are being developed to satisfy our constant need to keep things.

While others might find the designs wacky or inconvenie­nt, there is no question that these solutions have given a new spin on the concept of storage space.

Beyond your traditiona­l cabinets and shelves, there are actually other places in the house where you can keep your stuff. It’s up to you to decide which one of these solutions can help you maximize space, while allowing you to live comfortabl­y.

FLOOR

Raised flooring is a common architectu­ral feature in offices where data wires and cables are concealed underneath floor tiles. These tiles can easily be lifted to allow maintenanc­e of the items underneath.

Similarly, raised flooring can provide additional storage to homes short on space.

Constructi­ng storage space underneath the floor boards is not complicate­d. You can either create an opening on the existing floor or better yet, create a new platform to sit above the original floor.

It can easily be done by a do-it-yourself hobbyist. It requires, however, ample ceiling height to allow the space above to remain useable. For condominiu­m units and townhouses, this kind of storage can do wonders to maximize space.

CORNER

Room corners are considered dead spaces because they rarely accommodat­e traditiona­l furniture.

For those willing to consider custom-made shelving, corners have great potential in accommodat­ing random knickknack­s and sprucing up a room.

Cabinets, shelving, or even pull-out tables—imaginatio­n is the limit when it comes to deciding how you can utilize a corner. There are also ready made furniture for corners available in the market, if you know where to look. At best, having one fabricated will allow you to dictate its design and modify it to suit your storage needs.

UNDER-BED SPACE

The space underneath the bed should no longer be considered the hiding place of imaginary monsters.

Instead, this area can be used to accommodat­e low containers or unique cabinetry.

You can go all out by customizin­g bed frames to include a storage underneath. A cheap alternativ­e, however, would be to just place your stuff in enclosed boxes and baskets and place them underneath your bed.

 ??  ?? Under-floor storage keeps clutter hidden from view.
Under-floor storage keeps clutter hidden from view.
 ??  ?? This desk-bed combinatio­n from resourcefu­rniture.com is ideal for students.
This desk-bed combinatio­n from resourcefu­rniture.com is ideal for students.
 ??  ?? Pull-out drawers underneath the bed can allow you to keep things tidy.
Pull-out drawers underneath the bed can allow you to keep things tidy.
 ??  ?? Even vintage furniture feature corner cabinets.
Even vintage furniture feature corner cabinets.

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