Creative Storage
Under the Floor Returning to the apartment in Greece, another part of the room has a built-in bookcase placed 90 degrees from the norm. It is one example of using the space created by building up a floor for storage. Hatches that double as flooring are another good means of providing access to whatever is below the floor, therefore allowing one to traverse the floor.
Add spacious underseat storage. Bay windows look beautiful, but they can sometimes be awkward to put to practical use in terms of storage. Transforming them into comfortable seating, with space for your favorite books just below, as seen here, is a good option. I like the open storage, rather than doors, as it makes this woodwork appear visually lighter. Note how the cabinetmaker has added floorboards around the base to help the unit meld into the architecture of the existing room.
Suspend it overhead. This U-shaped kitchen is cleverly laid out with lots of counter space and undercounter cabinets. However, there is very little wall space against which to position upper cabinets. No wall? No worries! Here, a row of shelves hangs from the ceiling above the counter, providing additional storage in an innovative way. Keeping the shelves open instead of putting doors on them helps maintain an airy feeling.
Knockout shower niche. A custom shower niche built into tilework adds a level of refinement that can’t be achieved with even the sleekest of shower racks. When designing your shower surround, make sure the size of your niches corresponds with the size of your tile. You don’t want to see cut tiles around a niche
Create a spot for exercise. Gym equipment can be some of the most bulky and difficult-to-store items to integrate into a home. This rowing machine was often in the way until a clever storage “pit” was formed under the floor. Three flush-fitting trapdoors, finished in the same flooring as the rest of the area and fitted with squash court handles, conceal the machine when it’s not in use. By simply propping open the trapdoors, the workout can be done and then forgotten about for another day.
Frame a view. Finding wall space in bedrooms for closets can be tricky when doors/windows take all the likely spots. Here, the cabinetry, finished in a visually soft walnut veneer, covers an entire window wall, framing the view in a way that makes it feel particularly special and creating a delightful window seat
During the day, the small space accommodates a desk, bookcase and seating banquette. At night, a Murphy bed folds down out of a wall of storage over the top of the banquette seat. Clever details include recessed lighting in the soffit above the bed, and millwork painted bright orange to complement the clear-finished maple woodwork
Custom built-ins—This tricky-shaped corner could easily have been wasted space, but by building in bench seating and shelving, homeowners have created a beautiful/practical design feature instead. If you have a similarly awkward corner in your living room, talk to a carpenter/builder about a custom solution, and see whether you can use a sloping roof/angled corner to your advantage
Maximize slim alcoves. The clever storage choices in this slim alcove ensure that no space has gone to waste in this living room. It would have been tricky to install full-height cabinets in such a shallow spot, so a single row of closed base units that slightly extends into the room has been built instead. Narrow shelving for displaying smaller items covers the rest of the wall. Now everything—books, ornaments, even fireplace logs—has a home
Turn a window into a shelf. This snug room is cozy, but petite proportions mean every inch has to work hard. A coffee table in the center of the room would have obstructed the pathway. By tucking a low table into the window recess, the owners have created a neat perch for a coffee cup w/o cutting into precious floor space
Charging station: Outfit your closet, desk or kitchen w/a charging station, and you’ll be able to keep your cables out of sight but at hand when you need them. Consider getting a custom drawer unit like this one from a closet company. Or drill a small hole in the back of a cabinet and thread the cables through the opening yourself
Picture rails: let you change your art display whenever the mood strikes, w/no need to hammer a new nail every time you want to move a photo a little to the left or make room for new pieces. Installing picture rails is relatively easy. All you need is a screwdriver and a level. In a tight foyer or hall, these ledges also can act as a place to set down keys, mail/other small items instead of having to squeeze in a full-depth shelf/console
What would have been a wasted section of wall space here was transformed into hidden shelving that’s perfect for storing spare toiletries.
Hidden desk. A wall of floor-to-ceiling storage makes great use of the space in this sublime London bedroom. The center doors slide open to reveal two rows of floating shelves and a desk affixed over an old fireplace cavity, which makes an ideal cubby for a little stool.
Toekicks
Floating Drawers
Hidden pocket door cabinets
Back-of-Door Organizer Expand your organizing possibilities with back-of-door shelving designed to hold bottles and jars one-deep. To make the most of this prime pantry space, use it to store your most frequently reached-for spices and staple ingredients. The best back-of-door shelves have guardrails (as seen here) so items don’t topple off every time you open and close the door.
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