Clutter is the enemy of good design. And since you can’t donate or sell every knick-knack in your apartment, consider some innovative storage solutions for your home. Have no fear: our senior designers have these tips for giving your apartment some extra storage space.
Under-the-Bed
Your bedroom should look like a heavenly retreat, not a storage locker. If you’re looking for ways to free up some floor space in your bedroom, then consider an under-the-bed storage option. You can use it to store extra bedding, or you can do do away with a dresser or armoire. Our client, a young professional living in Chicago, was in desperate need of some extra space, so we selected a chic bed frame with under-the-bed storage for her studio apartment.
Storage Ottoman
When trying to add some extra storage to your home, consider furniture pieces that can double as a storage unit. And if you’re looking for a convenient place to store pillows and throw blankets, consider a storage ottoman. We placed one in this Westchester family home. A chrome tray allows this ottoman to function as a coffee table, and can be removed when the family needs to dig out a few extra blankets.
Built-In Storage
While it’s certainly not a weekend DIY project, built-in storage units are exponentially more efficient than freestanding dressers or armoires. In this Upper East Side apartment, we installed grey built-in drawers along a windowless wall. Sets of floating wood shelves frame either side of the television, creating a nifty media console.
Open and Closed Storage
When considering storage options for your apartment, go for a mixture of open and closed storage solutions. Put your most decorative wares on display, and keep everything else behind closed doors. Check out how we divided the mix of open and closed storage in this Upper East Side apartment. Just make sure that your open storage wares are carefully selected and have plenty of space to shine.
Put Bookshelves to Good Use
Bookshelves are good for more than just holding books. If you have a large, open space that you’re trying to corral, then consider using bookshelves to divide the space in two. Check out how we did it in the chic, rustic loft overlooking Union Square.
Every Nook, Every Cranny
If you don’t know what to do with an awkward space, chances are that you can turn it into storage. Our clients in this rustic, chic Hoboken apartment wanted to stow away kitchen appliances that they don’t use regularly, and so we placed a few wood crates above their cabinets. They perfectly match the home’s chic, rustic vibe, and are always within arm’s reach.
Add Some Color
Think of your storage solutions as one more way to exhibit your personal design style. In this penthouse overlooking Central Park West, we gave this small nook an orange accent, and then installed a modular wire storage system. A collection of orange boxes gives the unit a cohesive and colorful vibe.
