My top tips on storage for your home

We are always asked about how to incorporate more storage into our client’s homes whilst ensuring that their property still feels spacious, welcoming and is not just floor to ceiling cupboards and doors! More storage is almost always a top priority for our clients when they are looking to remodel their house or flat, whether that be finding the perfect place to house their wine collection, hat collection or simply more storage space for utilities and cleaning equipment. Having more effective, innovative storage solutions means that you can really enjoy the spaces that really matter without them feeling heavy or cluttered.

At our Almington Street House project – a Victorian terrace in Islington, home to a young family – we looked closely at how to integrate storage without sacrificing spaciousness. The kitchen, although compact, still manages to house all the standard appliances and storage functionalities. The entrance arrangement provides two large cupboards, one for hanging coats and placing shoes, the other providing storage for utilities and cleaning equipment without taking valuable space from the living and kitchen areas. 

As with most Victorian terraces, we were fairly limited with floor space on the entry level to integrate storage. However, the floor to ceiling height was very generous and so we designed every storage cupboard to be full height to maximise the storage volume available, with bespoke joinery inside so every item had its place. We placed a skylight above to ensure the clients personal belongings, such as photos and artwork, are always presented in their best light. 

There are a number of really great storage solutions that we like to try to incorporate into our projects. Crucially, you have to explore your property and find any forgotten spaces or niches that you can exploit to maximise your storage opportunities. A simple example of this is installing pull-out drawers to the risers of your stairs - an ideal space for shoes or other items you might require before leaving the house. 

You also have to question whether there are any items that you use intermittently that could fold out or be pushed away. An example could be a fold down desk or pull out storage unit that moves in and out of a niche. Another neat solution we like is making your bed into a piece of bespoke joinery, optimising the spaces underneath, above or to the sides. If you have adequate floor to ceiling height, a floor storage unit with opening hatch can provide invaluable storage.

Always think laterally, or vertically, to maximise any potential storage opportunity. If you have left over niches, ask yourself if they can this be used for a bespoke cabinet or cupboard? Storage doesn't always have to be about closing items away in cupboards.