When I was a kid, I used to dream of living in a big, spacious home. Who doesn’t? I’ve wanted a home with more rooms, wider floor spaces for social gathering and entertainment, a bigger living room where I can fit my dream grand piano, and a spacious bathroom with a tub. But as I grow older, my preferences change.
Now, I don’t want to live in a big house. I want a smaller home – a tiny yet clean and organized home with lots of smart storage solutions.
I’m referring to genius hidden compartments, sliding units you can tuck in and out, recessed walls, and shape-shifting furniture and fixtures. These are smart storage units that make the most out of a home, regardless of its size. And it all starts with thoughtful planning and effective relationship with your home builders.
If you’re building a new home, here are 10 smart storage solutions worth investing in.
- Invest in “secret” storage units
Hidden storage units are gems. When they’re closed and not in use, hidden storage units look clean and unassuming. They even blend seamlessly with the overall design of your home.
Before buying a new shelf, as your new home builders about hidden storage units. Take a sleek wooden plank wall, for example. Little did your guests know that the wooden surface they see has some sliding panels or pull-out knobs that can be moved to reveal the secrets inside of it.
- Save space with recessed wall storage
Instead of putting more shelves and cabinets that take up room on the floor, consider built-in recessed storage you can squeeze between wall studs.
Apply this trick to the smallest and narrowest area in the house, like your bathroom space. Ask your home builders to create a recessed open shelving unit to display beautifully-folded linens, toilet papers, and bathroom accessories. A hidden storage unit is also great for storing unsightly plungers, toilet brush, and chemicals.
- Transform your staircase
One popular space-saving trick is to use the area under your staircase as storage. You can build under the stair closets, bookshelves, and a hidden doorway.
You can use the steps themselves as storage and transform them into drawers. Think about pullout steps, particularly a few close to the bottom Of the staircase. They can be useful for storing smelly shoes.
- Hang a hanging pot rack
If you have a smaller kitchen space, with fewer storage rooms for heavy pots and pans, it’s time to think vertically. Hanging pot racks are a stylish and functional way to store your pots and pans. They look absolutely stunning overhead your kitchen island.
- Look into glass-front cabinets
If you love the light feel of open shelving but you don’t want to deal with dirt, dust, and grime, you may opt for glass front cabinets. They’re a beautiful way to display your home accessories and collectibles while protecting them at the same time. Consider having them in your kitchen too, for a wonderful display of your dinnerware collections.
- Utilize your corners
Inspect your bedroom and look for unused corners. Instead of buying a new cabinet for your for your extra clothes, hats, belt, and accessories, install corner hanging bars. They’re stylish and they don’t take up physical and visual space. You may also consider creative corner shelves for added storage and style.
- Add window seating
Do you have bay windows? Or an awkward niche from a bump-out? They’re a perfect excuse for building a comfy window seat with under-seat storage. They provide extra storage when fitted with cabinets and drawers.
- Compartmentalize the cabinets
Make your kitchen cabinets even more functional by breaking down bigger spaces inside of your cabinets to smaller storage units. Think about what you’ll use the storage for during your project’s planning stage before adding some cubbyhole shelves and mini drawers for a more organized storage. Compartmentalize your major drawers too.
- Store more with pull-out solutions
Scan your home for nooks and crannies – these are great opportunities for pull-out solutions. Start with your kitchen and make use of those skinny negative spaces next to the cabinet. They might be used for installing a slim slide-out storage tower or a slide-out rack for hanging cooking utensils.
- Decorate with an ottoman
Looking for a comfy upholstered seating and stylish storage container in one? Say no more, with a storage ottoman.
You can use it at the end of your bed or use it as extra seating in your living room. An ottoman may also double as a coffee table. Your guests will never know you’re storing old books or even a few pairs of shoes inside.
To learn more about new home builds be sure to check out Carlisle Homes
