When less is MORE
Thinking of downsizing? Well here are some solutions to those perennial storage issues
LIVING a minimalist
lifestyle makes sense for all the right reasons: lower fuel bills, less maintenance, easier upkeep …but what about the ‘stuff’?
Having cleared out, donated or sold everything superfluous on a cathartic high, what remains needs to find a place in your new and more compact home – which means looking for space-saving furniture that has more than one function.
Luckily designers really love a challenge, so you may be amazed at the ingenious lengths some have gone to in squeezing storage space out of thin air. Bibliophiles might want to start by filling a wall with freestanding bookcases, which look good even if they only collect dust.
Other options include trunks that can double as coffee tables. Large decorative boxes look pretty and can be stacked in a corner of the bedroom to keep small items safe, while oversized bags can be useful for storing seldom-used items under beds or in cupboards – labelling bags helps to retrieve contents quickly.
Hall storage is essential for footwear, bags and all the detritus that can clutter up this through-zone.
Where there is a need there is a niche. Being creative and making the most of hidden spaces or areas not normally utilised for storage or shelving – around doors, up a stair wall, behind stair treads – will ensure treasured possessions and memorabilia survive downsizing.