Crazy staircase storage

What do you think of this staircase?  I’ve never seen anything like it before!  I’d imagine the storage space would be really handy in a small apartment. 

I can’t help thinking it may feel a little chlaustrophobic but a great idea nonetheless!

posted by Emily

The Fridge Monkey

You’ll wonder how you ever lived without one of these!  The Fridge Monkey by Mode is “a flexible rubber tidy designed to maximise storage space by stacking almost any combination of bottles or cans”.  This invaluable device prevents the bottles from rolling around in your fridge and keeps them compact and tidy. 

So now you can stock up on beer and have enough chilled ready for those summer barbecues!  Also available in pink and orange, £3.99.

Every girl’s dream

It may not be as luxe as the examples shown but I can still boast that I have every girl’s dream- a walk-in wardrobe!  The majority of us are guilty of owning one or two more bags/belts/pairs of shoes than necessary and if you are anything like me, you need lots of space to keep everything!

It goes without saying that a tidy, organised home helps to make life that little more stress-free by creating a calming atmosphere.  Start in the bedroom by organising your clothes and putting them away an accessible, methodical manner. I’m not suggesting you become obsessive- a little mess never hurt anyone!  If the space isn’t available for a walk-in wardrobe, why not invest in a wardrobe complete with inner selving and separated compartments?  Try Ikea for some fabulous storage suggestions!

Go from this…

To this!

Group clothes for ease, for example hang workwear together, keep knits folded and neatly piled, separate items by colour and function.  This way, you know exactly what you have and where to find it.  And after all, you have spent money on these items, so try to keep them tidy crinkle-free!

I really love the wardrobe below, the finish is so stylish and modern but in a traditional sort of way! I’m not so sure about the doors being clear, though. One advantage is that clear doors allow the wardrobe to become part of the room, thus creating the illusion of a bigger space. But then is there any need for a door at all?  A disadvantage is that as some of the clothing is still on view, which has the potential to be not so pleasing on the eye.  The layout is very much like walking into a clothing store- you can see where everything is straight away… no more rumaging for that special top!  

The different compartments in the wardrobe below are really useful.  I do think that it would benefit from a door though, to reflect and continue the simplicity in the room.

Who said a wardrobe is just for clothes?  Hang your bags, too to make them easily accessible.  Why not use small wall hooks to display jewellery and other small accessories!

Practicality Perfect in Every Way!

Forget vac-pac bags and flimsy plastic shoe holders which only last two minutes- here are some practical storage solutions!  It is possible to de-clutter Ann Maurice-style, without having to throw any of your possessions away.  Everyone accumulates miscellaneous ’stuff’ which doesn’t need to be on show but does need to be to-hand and easily accessible. 

Divide unused areas such as beneath the stairs (see below) into sections to make better use of the space.  A closet which opens to reveal a mixed-up, messy mound of household appliances is no good to anyone (I think we have all been guilty of this one at some point)!  Wicker baskets have been used to keep smaller items at your fingertips and the large units glide outwards with ease thanks to the concealed wheels.  Who would have thought so much could hide inside a small space!

The shelving below caught my attention, not simply because it is a unique modern piece of furniture but also because oddments of different shapes and sizes can be attractively displayed.

Simple but so effective, why haven’t we all got dividers in our drawers?!  It would save time rummaging in the early hours of the morning before work.  These bamboo dividers, below, are ideal.  Use for your makeup too, girls!

As kitchen companies strive to introduce something ‘new’ to the industry,  the choice of innovative design is excellent.  I’ve always despised the corner cupboards, where utensils seem to disappear forever right to the back, never to be seen again!  Not any more with this idea below…

And finally, I really love this idea.  The piece of canvas-style artwork on the wall becomes cupboard space!  Brilliant.