When the Christmas decorations come down, one thing is on my mind – getting organized! There’s something about the clean slate of a New Year that inspires us to tidy, sort and arrange our homes. For most of us, the biggest challenge is finding storage space. First, of course, you must edit your home and sell/repurpose/discard things you no longer need. Then you’re ready to store the items that remain, making them easy to access and replace when you’re done using them. Here are a few of our favourite storage ideas to get your home better organized in 2016:
Bookcases. A misnomer for sure, bookcases are much more than a place for books. Virtually anything can be displayed or stored on bookcases. Consider bookcases to showcase your collectibles, family treasures, etc.; they are functional and beautiful. You can also custom build bookcases that will accommodate your specific requirements – go floor to ceiling and wall to wall. In busy spaces like a family room, they can be a lifesaver. HINT: Use lots of baskets or boxes to divide and conquer clutter and keep it out of sight.
Industrial Collection Bookshelf available at Stoney Creek Furniture
Shelves in Unexpected Places. Whether you purchase a small shelf or build it in, evaluate your home creatively to find new storage areas. I added a tall shelf on the landing of my basement stairs for an instant pantry. Where can you find space? How about that nook under the stairs? Or maybe cupboards above eye level for seldom-used things? Corner shelves are also practical for small spaces like powder rooms.
Open Shelves. This look is very trendy right now as well as being practical. Open shelves are ideal in kitchens, bathrooms and children’s rooms – anywhere you need quick access to in-demand items. The trick is in making it look visually pleasing and cohesive. We suggest keeping everything in the same colour family if you can. HINT: This is the year to make all your bathroom towels white.
Create a Mini-Office. You don’t need a dedicated room to create an office. A desk can occupy a corner in your bedroom (and look super stylish). Or if you need more work space, custom build a shelf wall to wall, ground it with drawers and tuck under a chair (or 2 to work side by side). Consider building it in your kitchen, hallway or family room.
Tower Suite Writing Desk Coming Soon to Stoney Creek Furniture
Furniture Storage Solutions. Double duty furniture can solve many of your storage problems. Beds with drawers are a must-have for children’s rooms, as well as coffee tables with storage drawers, hall benches with storage and ottomans with storage. Today’s styles work hard and look great!
Danielle Collection Coming Soon to Stoney Creek Furniture
Hall Chests. Instead of a hall table, choose a chest. Instantly you’ve got ample storage space for gloves, scarves, keys, sunglasses and toys – whatever you need to grab quickly when you’re leaving the house. Plus, you’ll free the top from clutter, leaving room for a bouquet.
Chest by Hooker Furniture coming soon to Stoney Creek Furniture
Curio Cabinets. Where do you showcase those treasures you received for Christmas? With new styling, curio cabinets have recaptured our imagination.
Howard Miller Curio available at Stoney Creek Furniture
Wishing you a happy, healthy and organized 2016!
I love all these designs and ideas, but my favorite is the Hall Chest. I have always wanted to be able to put a chest in my hall. I haven’t found one that will fit, I have a pretty tight space. I really like the design of the one you have shown here. Great space saving idea and looks great too.