Storage hacks from an interior designer

From London to Tokyo, design brands are dreaming up innovative new storage solutions

Small-space living means plenty of opportunity to be creative with displaying – or hiding – possessions (Vita Copenhagen)

On average, those in the market to buy a house in London will be looking at just under £500 per square foot. Small-space living is part and parcel of living in a city, wherever you are in the world. From London to Tokyo, design brands are dreaming up innovative new storage solutions, and here’s how you can incorporate them into your own home – just like an interior designer.

For me, storage and shelving falls into two categories: subtle or statement. A subtle storage system will be undetectable to guests, and won’t impose on the overall look of a room. A great example of a subtle storage system is an ottoman bed, which features a mattress resting on tension or hydraulic springs, providing a huge space underneath for unsightly spare duvets/pillows.

A statement storage system would be a beautiful set of shelves or antique cabinetry. Open shelves are a brilliant platform to explore your inner interior stylist. Style your shelves with trinkets and objet d’art from your travels, or anything you have collected over the years.

String shelving gives any space, traditional or modern, an instant design-led feel (String System)

Think about levels and layers in your display to captivate and entertain. Display tall vases next to smaller ornaments and mix up textures and colours. A great option for contemporary open shelving is the string system, which gives any space, traditional or modern, an instant design-led feel. The iconic shelving has truly stood the test of time as a design staple in the Scandinavian design portfolio since its conception in 1949.

Storage solutions need not be clunky, plastic eye-sores. In fact, rule the big plastic boxes out of the equation completely. Yes – even the clear plastic ones. There are many, many more creative ways to store, or even show-off your clutter.

For me, the big plastic boxes only draw attention to the mass of winter jumpers and old shoes, long forgotten. My initial advice would be to get rid of as much stuff as you can live without, then find a way that works for you when it comes to storing the necessaries.

Declutter, and then get creative with your storage (Brian Woulfe)

For an instant supply of extra storage space, invest in a beautiful credenza or console unit. Not only can you fit lots inside the cabinets, but the extra surface provides a wonderful platform for design and styling your belongings, much like you can with an open shelf.

Style books, speakers, lamps and even sculptures on the console, and hide the unsightlies inside. For example, Vita Copenhagen has launched a fantastic new console unit, quirkily named the Audacious Cabinet, which features sliding doors and shelves designed with the dimensions of tall spirit and wine bottles in mind.

An ottoman bed provides a huge space underneath for spare duvets and pillows (Brian Woulfe)

So, no matter how few square feet you may be dealing with, first declutter, and then get creative with your storage. From handy ottomans for spare duvets and the like, to open shelving for the most beautiful knick-knacks you’ve amassed. Embrace your inner stylist and have some fun.

Tips from the above

• Ottoman beds on hydraulic springs are great for storing large items like duvets, pillows and even spare sheets.

• Open shelves can be used as display units for your most prized possessions. Why store them away when you can proudly display them?

• No plastic storage boxes – invest in a spacious console or credenza with closed cabinets for unsightlies.

• Consoles and credenzas are great platforms for design. Again, get creative.