Latest looks update

Invest in timeless designs for hardworking rooms

Mostly monochrome Make even the narrowest of hallways feel more spacious with ample storage for shoes, boots and coats Hanging peg rails at different heights means every member of the family can reach their coats Paint them matt black to match the cabinets. Try Farrow & Ball’s Railings A wall-hung full-length mirror takes up no room, increases the feeling of space and means you can check your outfit before leaving the house. Paint the frame the same colour as the peg rails for a coordinated look Use a bench for a place to sit to put on shoes as well and somewhere to put your handbag when you come in. Choose a design with a shoe rack underneath for even more storage. Tjusig shoe bench (above), £65, Ikea Put a couple of baskets by the front door – they’re great for keeping extra hats, scarves, footballs and frisbees in order

Town and country

Keep herbs, spices and condiments in custom-designed racks inside the doors of a larder cupboard

The Harptree kitchen larder (above) has plenty of space inside for small appliances and crockery. Harptree in-frame kitchen, from £18,000, Caple Make the most of every nook and cranny when designing your kitchen. Narrow gaps can be used to store trays or house slim drawers so surfaces remain clear

Simply Shaker

Sort out bathroom bits with freestanding units in narrow designs that fit into the tightest of corners. Single towel cabinet, £185; tallboy, £295; both John Lewis A bath bridge, £40, John Lewis, keeps washing essentials handy Don’t leave unattractive dispensers and packets out on display, instead decant hand soap and cotton wool into pretty glass containers, from £18, John Lewis Simple decoration creates a feeling of space

Perfectly pared-back

To create a calm, clutter-free bedroom, opt for an ottoman storage bed such as the Classic Tube bed, from £525 at Bed Monkey. It has plenty of room for keeping everything from clothes and shoes to yoga mats and sports equipment Make the bed the feature of the room by choosing a rich midnight blue velvet cover and paint the walls and floor in a soft white, such as Little Greene’s Slaked Lime

Utility chic

Team gold-coloured wire storage with a wooden desk, bamboo chair, chalky white walls and weathered floorboards for a modern rustic scheme A wire wall rack, such as the Vogue noticeboard (above), £70, Perch & Parrow, is practical for all manner of paraphernalia Collect waste paper ready for recycling in a smart, generous-sized bin next to your desk. Oscar bin, £65, Perch & Parrow

Colour block

There’s no room for clutter in a living space where statement wall colours are the main feature, so choose wall-fixed storage, making use of the full height of the room

For similar try String’s modular system, which includes shelves and cupboards, from £1,384, nest.co.uk With walls painted in Denim Drift, Tin Red and Mustard Blanket, all 29.99 for 2.5L, Dulux, a pale wooden floor keeps the look modern

Clever cubism

If you have a statement bed, keep the rest of the decor pared back – a pale wood floor and soft grey walls complement the bed’s white-painted finish The 4You King bed with storage, from £895, Cuckooland, is a fresh take on the classic four-poster that incorporates shelving, and has a compartment behind the headboard. It’s fully customisable – there’s the option for a lift-up mattress with even more storage beneath it

Pastel geometry

The beauty of modular storage is that you can buy as much or as little as you need. Ditch traditional woods in favour of bright pastels and matt white lacquer. Novamobili 06 composition, £2,060, Go Modern This range includes a library ladder so you can use the full height of the room and increase the amount of accessible storage Angled spot lighting or adjustable wall-hung lights are smart and practical

Flower power

Blur the boundaries between storage and art with this opulent floral set of drawers, £360, MiaFleur Ensure the pattern really stands out by painting the walls a deep grey, such as Crown’s Slate Grey, £13.94 for 2.5L, B&Q Retain a contemporary feel with white on the floor. Try Rust-oleum’s Chalk white chalky floor paint, £29.23 for 2.5L, B&Q Complete this lavish look with sumptuous velvet, brass accents and quirky accessories