Creative Storage Solutions for Every Room in Your House

One of the most clutter-prone areas in the house is the entry. Shoes, coats, hats, gloves, scarves, dog leashes, it all finds a home here. But it doesn’t have to be messy or disorganized. In fact, it should be a pristine space to welcome guests and showcase the beauty of your home. Try some of these ideas:

• Add hooks and open shelving to an unused wall – try pegs that can do double-duty as boot racks
• Fill an empty corner with vintage cabinetry
• Add storage to bench seating
• Take advantage of the area under the stairs or even along the stairway wall

There are so many ways to add storage to a living room or family room. One of my favorite and easiest solutions? Incorporate multi-functional furniture that doubles as storage – coffee tables with hidden storage, media cabinets, console tables. Here are a few more:

• Create a full wall of cabinetry, floor-to-ceiling, with a combination of open and closed storage
• Add baskets for storing blankets, pillows, magazines or toys
• Build a window bench seat with storage underneath
• Display collections on a fireplace mantel or create open shelves or niches as part of the fireplace façade

Glass and serving ware, tablescape décor and china collections all need a home in the dining room. Not to mention the need for a serving space. Furniture pieces like hutches, sideboards, china cabinets and armoires are great options. But don’t limit yourself to just free-standing pieces.

• Build a wall of cabinetry with a combination of glass and wood, open and closed storage/shelving; include a countertop to serve as a buffet
• Low on space? Even a narrow cabinet or shelf can be a big help
• Thirsty? You can add a built-in beverage or wine refrigerator here too
• Consider creative wine displays as part of the overall room design

Your imagination is the only limit to kitchen storage solutions.

Countertop Appliances

• Deciding how to store kitchen appliances is a decision made based on their size and shape, but also how often you use them
• Store appliances you use daily on the countertop, weekly in a base cabinet and those you rarely use in a storage space like a pantry

Mixing Bowls and Tupperware

• Place the mixing bowls together, nested, in the cabinet closest to your prep station
• Choose a low cabinet with a deep drawer for Tupperware or storage containers; a pull-out cabinet organizer will make them easy to reach

Baking Sheets and Cutting Boards

• Store baking sheets vertically in a cabinet or drawer
• Roasting pans can be stored vertically, like baking sheets
• The simplest method for cutting boards it to simply prop them against the cabinet wall for easy retrieval

Casserole Dishes

• Store heavy items in lower cabinets
• Nest them together with lids removed, or lids on, lined-up next to one another
• Use roll-out storage like a drawer or cabinet

Pots and Pans

• Stack pans using dividers to protect cooking services or store them vertically using a bakeware holder
• Hang your most frequently used pans near the range – they can be decorative too

Silverware and Prep Tools

• You must have a drawer organizer for your silverware
• Knives can be kept in a drawer on a knife dock, in a knife block on the counter or on a magnetic strip hung on the wall
• Store hand tools like spatulas, tongs, and wooden and slotted spoons in divided drawer organizers close to the stove; if you prefer open storage, store them upright in an upright, topless container
• Store frequently used cookbooks on a kitchen shelf or in a cabinet so you can easily retrieve them

Spices

• Store spices nearest to your range
• Try decanting them into glass jars or uniform containers
• Display them on open shelves or in pullout cabinets/drawers for easy access

The home office typically has two optimal layout options, depending on the allotted space: Desk and storage integrated into one single unit or separated into two different entities. Regardless, it’s important to have a combination of open shelves and closed cabinetry/drawers for books, files, office supplies and printer. Different industries have different requirements (multiple monitors for day traders for example) so determine your priorities and needs, especially when it comes to outlets.

• Symmetrical storage towers flanking a desk is a great and effective storage solution, same with armoires or hutches
• Rolling drawers can conceal printers and fax machines (does anyone fax anymore?)
• File cabinets on wheels can tuck under finished cabinetry/countertops
• Fun desktop organizers for pens, pencils, scissors, etc. can save drawer space; I love Kate Spade’s gold and acrylic set
• A small corner can become an office space with the help of accented wainscotting that also acts as a shelf for shallow storage

Closet storage is always at a premium. So, maximizing dresser and nightstand space is a must. But there are other, more creative ways to incorporate additional storage into a bedroom, whether for adults or kids.

• Select a bed with drawer storage to house bulky sweaters or off-season clothes; some beds even have full storage capacity underneath the mattress or inside the headboard!
• Create built-in storage solutions – build the bed into a niche with surrounding cabinetry and nightstands
• Incorporate a storage trunk or bench at the foot of the bed
• Design bunk beds with added storage – steps to the top bunk can function as drawers or cubbies, trundle beds can be tucked underneath the lower bunk, a desk with open shelves can be integrated into the bed design too

In addition to well-designed vanities and storage cabinets that utilize every square inch of space to the max, there are several other ways to make the most of your bathroom space.

• Stylish medicine cabinets with lots of great bonus storage
• Functional and beautiful open shelving systems for towels and toiletries
• Baskets for towels and supplies
• Drawer organizers to separate cosmetics, store hairdryers and hair products
• Built-in niches and cubbies
• Built-in drawer outlets for hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners, electric tooth brushes and shavers

The laundry/mudroom is no longer just for laundry anymore. In most houses it’s increasingly become an important family hub, which makes it essential for this space to be well organized. A well-designed laundry/mudroom should have great storage, be comfortable to work in and help facilitate chores. (2)

• Integrate foldout drying racks or closet rods for hanging fine delicates
• Cabinetry with a mix of open shelving and closed drawers/cabinets provides the ideal functionality; you can add a lot of storage while literally closing the door on clutter
• A hidden ironing board helps keep the space tidy and organized
• A folding table is a great addition to any laundry space; a countertop works well too
• Any additional storage can be used to store pet food, grooming supplies and even household items like flashlights