Is 2024 the year you want to get everything sorted? After all, a tidy home is a happy one. Here's some handy storage ideas to get you started.
Words: Róisín Carabine
Is your new year’s resolution to tidy your home? It’s a common complaint that we all have too much stuff and this time of year seems a good time to sort it out. Happily, we’ve got 10 chic storage solutions for every room to help you achieve your goal.
1. Invest in an ottoman bed
You don’t need research to tell you that a cluttered bedroom is not conducive to a good night’s sleep. But rather than adding extra furniture consider swapping out your bed for an ottoman instead; it’s more discreet and space-saving too. Choose a design (upholstered or wood framed) that fits in with your décor and pay attention to the base. A sprung-slatted base is more affordable; boarded bases with ventilation are sturdier but costlier.
Calabasas king ottoman storage bed frame in Duck Egg, €2,145; Cath Kidston Printmaker two-seater sofa in Kingdom Ditsy, €1,719, both Dfs
2. Choose a flexible system
As useful as wall-to-wall cabinetry is, sometimes you want storage that’s less structured and streamlined. One solution is a flexible shelving system that uses wallbands and brackets allowing you to configure the layout to suit your space and storage needs. Look for high-quality systems that come with different shelf depths and lengths, and even gliding drawers, so you can swap things around when you want a different look. Don’t be afraid to leave free space for pictures, leaning mirrors or freestanding storage.
Elfa shelving system; steel uprights from €16 each, melamine shelves from €17. The cost of a similar layout (pictured) is €385, The Organised Store
3. Have fun with boxes
Like art or statement lighting, clever storage ideas can become a focal point in their own right – and needn’t be expensive. Wall-hung box shelving can be arranged into any configuration to create an almost sculptural display. Mix up the look with different height boxes and add doors or contrasting materials or colours for extra interest. Plants and curated objets will help bring the look to life.
Eket open cabinets, €22; Eket cabinets with door and one shelf, €50; Eket cabinet combination with legs, €95; Jattebo modular storage sofa with chaise longues, €1,840, all Ikea
4. Take it to the top
When you’re squeezed for kitchen floor space, walls need to work extra hard. Make the most of every inch with storage that runs right to the ceiling. For a perfect fit go bespoke and opt for a full-wall dresser with shelves for crockery and glassware and closed cabinets for more bulky items. Paint the same colour as the walls for a seamless look or highlight in a contrasting shade for impact.
Neptune, Henley solid oak kitchen painted in Charcoal, from €22,000. See the Neptune website for Irish stockists
5. Carve out a niche
Sometimes the simplest ideas can have the biggest impact. In space-starved bathrooms consider turning a stud wall into a storage opportunity with recessed shelving for toiletries and other essentials. These can be plastered and painted or tiled over. Want to make them a feature? Add lights.
Ca’ Pietra Woodland Glade matt porcelain 21.5 x 24.5cm hexagon tiles in Melange Green, box of 24, €POA, Browsers
6. Frame a window
Underused spaces, like a landing, can throw up some brilliant storage solutions. The best way to maximise these is with built-ins. Take inspiration from this design idea by interior designer Denise O’Connor and frame a window with up and over shelving and low-level, pull-out drawers (rather than hinged lift-up cabinets) that double as seating. Just add cushions for comfort.
From an interior design project by Optimise Design
7-9. Spend on stylish staples
When you need to target clutter hotspots, freestanding furniture is ideal. Style out your space with a mix of storage that is open and closed (or a combination of both) so you can display what you want on show and hide the not-so-pretty stuff you don’t.
Dutchbone Boli cabinet (small), €439, Woo Design; Terrazzo pink and gold metal drinks trolley, from €460.75, Oliver Bonas; Petite Sideboard 1050 by 366 Concept, €1,590, April and the Bear
10. Integrate into panelling
Storage doesn’t always have to shout out to stand out. This smart solution by interior designer Denise O’Connor sees a bank of floating units integrated into a panelled oak feature wall. Cladding them in the same oak has made them almost invisible and enhances the streamlined look of the room.
From an interior design project by Optimise Design
Looking to make more subtle improvements to your home? Don't miss these 10 easy updates for spring.
