Display, upcycling and storage ideas to make life easier

Upcycling, storage and display ideas to make the everyday easier and more stylish

Under-stair system

Use peg rails end to end to make space for coats. Fix to cut-to-fit pegboard (from DIY stores) and, with the addition of pegboard hooks, turn the entire wall into a place to hang keys and bulldog-clipped memos. Give every family member their own basket, labelled with a luggage tag.

Hallway shoe cabinets

Keep your floor space clear and uncluttered by wall-mounting shoe cabinets. Top with a length of oak to create a hallway shelf with the added bonus of storage underneath.

Wall-hung mini wardrobes

Repurpose free-standing cabinets (minus the feet) as wall-hung alcove storage, complete with a pull-out clothes rail inside for hanging shirts and jackets. Choose doors and drawer fronts in soft, neutral colours so you can vary the wall colour around them as your tastes change.

Alcove bedside chests

Make the most of every inch of space by creating your own bespoke built-in combination next to the bed. Team alcove wall cabinets with simple drawer units that fit flush, then accessorise with your favourite pieces.

Love the look but don’t need the storage? Use a lookalike wallpaper instead Set of three rope baskets, £19.99, Vonhaus, are a match

Trones storage, £22 for two, Ikea Add a mirror with a shelf attached for stashing post

If you want to mix things up, apply washi tape to add colour and pattern Wall units made from Skatval door with hinges, £19 each; Platsa white frames, £35 each; Hjalpa pull-out clothes rail, £5, all Ikea

Platsa chest of three drawers, £111; Osternas leather handle, £10 for two, both Ikea Add leather strap drawer pulls to personalise the look