To help, we’ve come up with 10 top valuable ideas that make so much sense you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Whether you’re building, renovating or simply redecorating there are solutions to your
space problem, so it’s time get a head start on spring cleaning and shift that clutter forever.
in there to create extra bench space.
1 INTEGRATED SHELVING
One for all the builders and renovators. Make use of the dead space in your island bench by integrating shelving on the end of your bench. These will provide excellent storage for cookbooks and other kitchen-related clutter that inevitably ends up on the bench.
The example above from Darren James Interiors has the shelves themselves lining up flush with the edge of the bench, but there are many design options that would work. For a similar effect homeowners with an existing island bench could purchase a small bookshelf the same or similar height to the bench.
2 CREATE A MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM
Often the laundry has space you can use for extra storage, especially for things like school bags and sporting equipment. But before you groan that the laundry is already full, making the most of your space is about organisation. Reorder existing storage space and consider adding extra cabinetry if space permits. If you have a large house, consider using an external door to convert the laundry into a mud room similar to this one created by Wonderful Kitchens in a home in Sydney’s north (above).
3 UNDER THE STAIRS
Banish images of Harry Potter’s cosy little space from your mind and make use of the dead space under your stairs. Enclosed, it makes a perfect place for your vacuum and other cleaning tools.
“We can even use this as clever shoe storage or linen space,” says interior designer Narelle Cuthbert of Plus Architecture.
Alternatively, use it to store wine. Not only is it a smart solution for something that could otherwise take up a lot of space, it also makes your wine a design feature. There are lots of modular wine racks on the market so this is something you can do this weekend.
4 GET DOWN LOW
Next time you’re in the kitchen, bend down and see how much space is between your bottom cabinet or drawer and the floor. That, right there, is extra storage space.
Yes, it’s down low and will generally be quite shallow but it’s the perfect spot for oven trays, kitchen appliance manuals, takeaway menus or even chopping boards, freeing up extra bench/cupboard space for other stuff.
These kickplate drawers, by The Kitchen House, are set back from the main cabinetry so they’re not obtrusive. “I designed them after a lady wanted extra storage for her flat items, such as platters and baking trays,” says Stephen Barns of The Kitchen House. “Over the years people have used them as safes, paper storage and things they like to hide.”
You may be able to get a carpenter to retrofit some drawers. There are online tutorials that explain how to build essentially a freestanding drawer that will slip underneath your cabinet. It can be finished with base moulding to match.
5 UNDER THE BED
OK, so storing things under the bed isn’t exactly a novel idea but instead of stuffing those old suitcases into a space where they don’t really fit, furniture with built-in storage is far more sleek and you won’t end up with things sticking out where they’re not wanted.
King Living has two beds in its range with built-in storage which is easy-to access, including the Serenade Storage Bed (above).
If you’re not in the market for a new bed, try King Living’s Delta sofa, $4880, which employs the same principle and is perfect for storing extra cushions and throws.
6 DON’T FORGET YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Don’t forget the backyard when it comes to finding extra storage space. Think outdoor bench seating with built-in space for storing outdoor cushions and blankets or barbecue and pool equipment.
If you have an outdoor fire pit this practical idea (above), from landscape designer Steve Taylor of COS Design, would definitely save some space.
Not only does the firewood look great tucked under low wall seating, but it also keeps it out of the way in your garden or backyard. The addition of lighting turns this storage idea into a design feature.
7 THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BENCH
The island bench is a beacon for storage space you never knew you had. The front side of the bench is a great space to install shelving which can run the length of the bench and can be as deep or shallow as space permits.
If you are building or renovating consider this extra space and build it into your bench design. If you’re retro-fitting shelving check how much space you have before going ahead.
If your sink or drawers reach all the way back to the front wall of the bench, consider getting some shelving custom made to fit snugly under the bench without jutting out too far. Alternatively check stores such as Ikea and Freedom for shelving the same dimensions as your bench.
8 CREATE EXTRA CABINETRY — WITHOUT THE CABINETS
Kitchen cupboards fill up quickly with all sorts of gadgets. But instead of having cupboards that are full-to-bursting, if you really can’t get rid of that piemaker you bought on a whim 10 years ago, install some open shelving.
No space? Try smaller units like the Holman Entertaining Shelves (above), from $106, from Pottery Barn. This will keep essentials within easy reach while freeing up cupboard space for bulkier items.
If your pantry is large enough (and has a power supply), Narelle suggests putting your microwave
9 HEAD OUTSIDE – EVEN IF YOU LIVE IN AN APARTMENT
Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of your outdoor space. Look for durable outdoor shelving units like these ones from Ikea. The Hindo range features shelving units with and without lockable cabinets and, for those green thumbs, a greenhouse cabinet with glass doors, $99 (above).
10 REACH UP HIGH
If you’re anything like most people your bedside table is chock-a-block with books, a lamp, tissues, a clock and charger. But what about the space above the bedside table? If you’re running out of storage in the bedroom think about adding cabinets above your bedsides which reach all the way to the ceiling. Keep them in the same colour as your walls so they won’t appear too cumbersome.
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