GET CREATIVE WITH Home STORAGE

Turn practical storage into a striking design statement like Alex and Edward Hayes have Create space Furniture options

The storage in Alex and Edward Hayes’ period home – from the long open kitchen shelving to roomy and smart glazed cabinets – not only keeps clutter under control, but plays a large role in its clever design. Creating the perfect balance between too much clutter and beautifully curated displays of decorative objects is tricky, but planning in a range of storage options will help you pull it off. Every room in the house needs an area to store essential items and the trick is incorporating stylish storage that feels like an integral part of the design. Think beyond standard units to come up with creative storage solutions. Your home is likely to be full of areas of dead space that could be utilised. If you have high ceilings, look up and use the full height of the room. The space around and above doors is another often-overlooked spot. You may not find the perfect-sized piece of furniture for every nook and cranny, but bespoke solutions are a great way to ensure that these areas don’t go to waste and mean you can slot in storage to maintain a sleek, seamless look that makes the most of the space. When looking for cabinets and cupboards, clever dual-purpose designs are great, as well as pieces with hardworking internal storage options, especially in rooms such as the kitchen, where the demand for storage is high. ‘Pantry and larder cabinets with retractable doors allow items such as coffee machines, mixers and small appliances to be hidden from view, leaving the main worktops clear while still allowing for easy access when required,’ advises Scott Nicholson, from Chamber Furniture. Choose pieces of furniture that are both practical and make a statement – this could be through the design of the piece itself or with the display possibilities it offers.