Last updated on October 27th, 2023
Storage is about functionality and aesthetics. It’s not difficult to straddle both worlds to get the best out of your space. A concern that we commonly have is that overhead cabinet units will cramp our style, leading to a mish-mash of ungainly storage cabinets.
However, we are going to dispel this myth and show you that it’s about how you approach the project, and how to look at storage solutions as a whole. When you tackle storage woes one at a time, your worst fears will be realized; unappealing cabinets frowning down at you. To get a handle on the right approach, check out these golden rules.
A Comprehensive Approach to Storage
Ideally, you should plan for extra storage as a project for your entire home, rather than in fits and starts. These rule-of-thumb ideas will point you in the right direction:
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Factors that should be considered– Your lifestyle, shopping habits, requirements, and the number of people in the family. You will have to figure out habits such as gym, sports, or hiking to the equation. Things can get shaky when you don’t factor in your son’s sports activities and end up adding a cabinet for his sports gear. Start with a pad and a pen and not with a hammer!
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Take a holistic approach– When you have a list of storage essentials, planning is the next step. Iron out these issues before you begin.
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Go for multi-functional storage- Where possible, take the multi-functional approach. An ottoman is the ideal storage bin for your kid’s Lego or games. A foldout bed is a must when you have regular overnight guests.
Storage Mistakes to Avoid
Sure, we all make mistakes. But to avoid storage pitfalls, let’s check out some of the disastrous mistakes you can avoid down the line:
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Look at the functional aspect of your storage unit before you go into the aesthetics. Factors such as access and easy maintenance need to be figured in too.
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The overhead cabinet in your neighbor’s bedroom may have knocked your socks off, but if your head is going to bang into it every time you get up, it’s an unforgivable faux pas. Remember, one glove doesn’t fit all.
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Kids outgrow clothes, toys, and furniture. Plan a flexible storage unit to accommodate their future storage needs. This will be a huge saving along the line.
Living Room Storage Tips
Go light with your living room furniture. However, multi-functional storage such as built-in units, under-the-window seat storage, a foldout couch for guests, or storage space in your ottoman will take care of your storage needs.
Bedroom Storage Tips
For tiny spaces or studio apartments, Murphy beds are a great option. As far as possible, incorporate your dressing table in the wardrobe to save space. A mirrored wardrobe shutter not only makes dressing easy but also expands the space.
Guestroom Storage Tips
If you don’t have frequent guests, a settee or a pullout bed should suffice. The space can come in handy as an office or a study room for kids. A platform bed is a wonderful idea as it affords a lot of storage underneath and is also a great place for kids to hang around.
Kitchen Storage Tips
If you are planning your kitchen design from scratch, focus on the work triangle first. This means the stove, fridge, and sink need to form a triangle to make your job easier. Once you have that in place, work around these essentials for storage of pans, spices, appliances, etc. For more tips on these, click on this link.
Summing Up
Storage in small spaces can be challenging. However, when you get it right, these so-called tiny spaces will not only have enough storage for your essentials but will pack a punch design-wise too. For more tips on storage and designing spaces, check out our interesting ideas on homebliss.in. You will surely find other inspiring tips, too, when you visit us!
