Attractive Storage Solutions
In Signature Spaces Part 1, we talked about how you can make the interior of your house feel more like home by upgrading various rooms to best suit you and your lifestyle. Today, we’re going to focus on how to take advantage of often-overlooked nooks and crannies within your custom build to create beautiful storage solutions in the areas you need them most.
Mudroom
The mudroom is often where we store our warm winter coats during the hot Lowcountry summers, in addition to miscellaneous items like backpacks for the kids, dog food, and more. But that doesn't mean we actually need to see these items all year round.
Consider adding some of the following to maximize the space you have available:
Bench with Hidden Storage - Need extra storage AND extra seating? A bench with a hinged seat is your perfect solution, leaving you room to store small items ranging from blankets to unused jackets. Plus, benches are a great place to sit and put shoes on—or kick them off. Our designers will help you pick the perfect cushion material to ensure this custom piece is as fashionable as it is functional.
Built-in Storage - In addition to a storage bench, we can incorporate built-in shelves, cabinets, drawers, and cubbies along one wall of your mudroom for a seamless design. To keep cubbies from becoming cluttered, we suggest utilizing woven or cloth baskets to tuck things away while also adding a bit of texture.
Coat Closet - Adding a sliding door or decorative curtain to your coat closet is an easy way to hide everything from raincoats to vacuums!
Window Seating
Making the most of your window seating requires more than adding a few of your favorite decorative pillows! Ramp up the usability of this space by incorporating one of these storage solutions:
Window Bench with Hidden Storage - Like the bench with hidden storage we mentioned above, a window bench can either have a seat that lifts up or pull-out drawers underneath that are perfect for organizing small items (seasonal decor and accessories, anyone?). Open cubbies with woven baskets are another attractive storage solution well-suited to this space.
Built-in Shelves - Expand your window seating area to become a full reading nook by incorporating built-in shelving. Don’t forget to include plenty of outlets for charging your Kindle and plugging in a reading lamp!
Home Office
If you’re stuck in the home office from 9 to 5, the last thing you want to see is a bunch of unorganized files and office supplies scattered around your desk. Consider incorporating any of these storage options into your custom home in the Lowcountry to tidy up your space:
Overhead and Vertical Storage - If you have a few office items that you don’t use on an everyday basis, consider storing them above you! Rather than taking up space horizontally, incorporate vertical storage options to save room for larger furniture pieces like your desk and office chair. Cabinets, floating shelves, and wall filing systems are all great options that work well above eye level.
Add a closet - To save space and maintain a streamlined appearance within your office, a sliding barn door can be used in place of a standard closet door.
Desk with Storage Options - If you own a standard table-top desk, consider upgrading to a desk with drawers and/or cabinets. This will help clear up your desk and give you the space you need to work efficiently.
Bedroom & Closet
Is clutter keeping you up at night? Try one of these storage solutions for the bedroom:
Bed Frame with Built-in Storage - Why waste the space underneath your bed? Consider selecting a bed frame with built-in cubbies or drawers—perfect for storing bed sheets, blankets and pillows, and more! Our designers can help you source the perfect dual-purpose piece for your room.
Floating Bedside Tables - Installing floating nightstands is an easy way to keep your bedside from looking cramped. Add a wall sconce on either side of the bed to free up table-top space for your favorite book, photo, or plant!
Antique Chest - Give your room a lived-in look by incorporating an antique chest at the foot of your bed or inside the closet. You can’t go wrong with a stack of vintage suitcases either.
His & Hers Closets - Tired of sharing space with your spouse? Let us build you the separate his-and-hers closets you’ve always dreamed of in your custom home, complete with built-in shoe racks and shelving. While we’re at it, why not create a separate linen closet so that you have extra storage for your bathroom, too?
Living, Dining Room & Kitchen
Open floor plans are hugely popular in the Lowcountry. Keep the focus on entertaining—not excess belongings—in these highly-trafficked zones by stealing these storage ideas for your living room, dining room and kitchen:
Storage Ottoman - A classic furniture piece for living rooms in the Lowcountry, the ottoman functions as movable seating, a soft footrest, and of course, a storage unit. Ottomans come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, so you’re sure to find something that suits your taste—and, of course, a custom fabrication is always an option!
Understairs Storage - Convert the space underneath your staircase into a coat closet or mini mudroom so guests have a dedicated place to leave their jackets and bags.
Bar or Bar Cabinet - If you plan to do a lot of hosting in your home, creating a built-in bar with stemware racks, drawers, and wine bottle storage is a great idea. Don’t want to sacrifice quite that much space? A smaller bar cabinet will still provide you with plenty of room to store your favorite wine glasses and cocktail components.
Enclosed Kitchen Island - Incorporate enclosed lower cabinets into the design of your kitchen island for convenient storage of pots and pans. An overhanging countertop can still be included to give you room for barstools.
Pantry & Wine Storage - Keep the focus on your countertops—not unnecessary clutter—in the kitchen by incorporating a butler’s pantry, wine storage, or a secondary prep kitchen into the blueprints of your build.
The beauty of building a home is that you have the opportunity to customize every single detail of your space to suit your lifestyle. As you can see, there are plenty of solutions you can try to save space and get organized while ensuring your home’s interior still looks terrific!
