SAVVY STORAGE
Creative ways to establish a reassuring sense of order
MULTIPURPOSE JOINERY
Commissioning a bespoke piece of joinery can be transformative; to justify the investment be sure to create a hard-working design. This piece of floor-to-ceiling furniture for a breakfast room features a banquette seat and plenty of storage as one whole proposition. The joinery was designed by Teco Bespoke for interior design firm Barlow & Barlow. It’s been made with extra tall glass doors to give it a more contemporary, refined look. Key to the success is the colourful artwork by Aboriginal artist Bob Gibson, sourced through specialist dealer Jennifer Guerrini-maraldi. ‘I’m a big fan of a banquette seat, especially if you can add storage and artwork to make it pop,’ says creative director Lucy Barlow. →
“THE EFFECT OF THE PEDIMENT ADDS AN ELEGANT, CLASSICAL TWIST TO THE DESIGN”
BUNNY TURNER,
co-founder, Turner Pocock
HIDDEN STORAGE
‘Clever detailing of the panelling helped to disguise these tall cupboards framing the dining area,’ explains architect Clare Stevenson of De Rosee Sa. This sleek joinery houses glassware and a drinks cabinet.
CLASSICAL FORM
If proportions are generous, create a focal point with storage. When the piece doubles as a media unit, include books and decorative objects to take focus from the screen. This bespoke unit was designed by Turner Pocock.
IN THE FRAME
‘Start with the art’ has long been the mantra of interior designer Sophie Ashby. At the heart of this room is a painting by Jack Penny that is designed into the chic joinery; the picture slides across to reveal storage space behind.
OPEN AND SHUT
A clever trick to avoid overcrowding a narrow space is to use a mix of closed and open storage – too many cabinets can make a kitchen look too functional. This scheme by Todhunter Earle employs a balance of the two approaches.
BELOW STAIRS
If workspace in the kitchen is limited consider taking inspiration from this nook by interior designer Rebecca Hughes. ‘We needed to find additional storage and came up with creating this area with practical drawers and cupboards.’
ACTION STATION
Soothing hues with a confident hit of metallic glamour combine to create a sophisticated home office in this scheme by interior designer Tamsin Johnson. Creating niches for books will encourage them to be organised by subject or style.
“IF YOU DON’T HAVE (OR DON’T WANT) AN ABUNDANCE OF FITTED KITCHEN CABINETS, SHELVES ARE THE PERFECT WAY TO MAXIMISE STORAGE AND
KEEP YOUR CHERISHED POSSESSIONS ON DISPLAY”
KATE EARLE, co-founder, Todhunter Earle Interiors
IN THE WALL
In addition to bedside tables, Nina Campbell recommends creating shallow niches on either side of the bed. ‘I find it maddening not to have somewhere to put a glass of water or a book, so I have done this a few times,’ she explains.
ABOVE THE LINE
When designing built-in wardrobes, try to ensure that they don’t end up dominating the space. A simple design such as this one by Studio Peake, which has no frame and classic V-grooved panels, works well.
MUTED MARVEL
‘We’ve framed the window to make a feature for the room while creating a useful seat,’ says James Thurstan Waterworth of Thurstan Design. Painting joinery in the same colour as the walls ensures it melts into the background.
“WHEN DESIGNING BEDROOM STORAGE, WE ARE ALWAYS CONSCIOUS OF KEEPING PRACTICALITY IN MIND. AN OTTOMAN
WITH CONCEALED STORAGE IS GREAT FOR
HIDING SHOES AWAY”
KATE COX, interior designer, HÁM Interiors
NATURAL BENEFITS
Natural wood introduces a subtle texture and pattern into a room. Not only that but it has health-giving properties and is practical, too: lining the interiors of any wardrobes with cedar wood is good for preventing moths. This fitted wardrobe was designed in collaboration with Sebastian Cox and House of Grey and features doors made from a whitened English oak frame, woven with English ash. Inside is a full selection of storage options including hanging rails, shelves and drawers. ‘Our selection of choice materials, such as ebonised oak, blackened ash and English cedar wood, all encourage easier breathing and improved air quality by moderating humidity,’ says designer Louisa Grey. →
SLEEP SANCTUARY
Having a calming bedroom is one way to improve sleep – and that requires plenty of space to house clothes and clutter at the end of the day. Irene Gunter of Gunter & Co designed this joinery: ‘Reminiscent of nature, it puts you at ease.’
GOOD EXPOSURE
For those who love fashion as much as interiors, consider an open design to make clothes part of a display. Rimadesio raises the bar. ‘Cover Open is designed with maximum compositional flexibility,’ says designer Giuseppe Bavuso.
VANITY FAIR
One-piece vanity units are an artwork in their own right. This design is made out of New York marble, which has pretty lilac veins. ‘It’s a celebration of the skills of the craftsman,’ explains interior decorator Tamsin Johnson.
“WE LOVE TO USE CHESTS
AS BEDSIDE TABLES – NOT ONLY DO THEY OFFER
EXTRA STORAGE, BUT THEY PROVIDE ENOUGH SURFACE SPACE FOR A LARGE TABLE LAMP, A LAVENDER PILLOW SPRAY, A SCENTED CANDLE, A JUG OF WATER
AND A GOOD BOOK”
TIFFANY DUGGAN, founder, Studio Duggan