Sophisticated Storage Solutions: 5 Spaces To Transform This Spring

Spring is officially here! And with it comes the desire for a fresh start, especially when it comes to your home. Yes, we all at least attempt some spring cleaning, but do you ever wonder why it's less clean and more cluttered by summer? It may be that your home lacks essential storage space! I'm not talking about those flimsy, off-the-rack shelving systems. I'm talking about custom, "created just for you" storage solutions that hold all of your things perfectly while simultaneously elevating the overall aesthetic of your home. It's the storage you don't notice because it looks like it's always been there. When it comes to creating storage solutions that bring sophistication into your spaces, these rooms are the best placed to start:

Home Office

Once an afterthought, the home office is now a top priority for many of our clients. The home office is a great place to take design risks, from detailed trim and intricate moldings to dramatic colors and custom cabinetry. As for function, on the other hand, it's best to play it safe and think it through. Start by reflecting on how you work best. Do you prefer a digital environment with a mounted television, room for multiple monitors, and an accessible yet concealed space for your computer? Or do you have a more pen and paper approach to work? In that case, custom cabinetry featuring file systems and document storage will be essential for you. Once you determine your storage needs, you can have some fun with your design.

Playroom

Creating a space for your kids is really a long-term investment that, when done right, can serve them from tot to teen. For young kids, cabinetry with doors is key to storing games and toys without worrying about keeping them presentable and organized. Want young ones to be able to access the storage? Consider roll-out shelves for easier access. Incorporating desks can serve kids as they transition from coloring books to textbooks.  

Formal Living Space

When you think of storage in a formal space, your first thought is probably of timeless built-ins flanking an elegant fireplace. The shelves are always perfectly appointed and are more for visual appeal than actual function. Let's face it - it's not actually about the storage. That begs the question: is there a way to incorporate storage solutions into a more sophisticated space? Absolutely! Take the concept of built-ins and apply it to all the nooks and crannies in your formal room. Custom cabinetry flanking an exaggerated doorway is a great example. Incorporating more trim and molding also makes a storage piece look like it was there all along. In a formal space, camouflaging storage with architectural details is the name of the game.

Entryway 

Now that spring has sprung, the traffic going in and out of your house is probably increasing… and quickly. Whether it's soccer practice, dance recitals, or yard work, it seems like more of those "grab and go" items find a home in your entry. Good thing updating your entry is not only relatively easy, but it will also have a huge impact on the quality of your life. The perfect entryway will have space for shoes, hooks for coats, and concealed storage for everything else. Want to really get organized this spring? Work with our interior design team and cabinetry designer to create an entryway system with space for each individual member of your household (including Rover)!

Kitchen Pantry

Typically, updating your kitchen is best done all at once during a full kitchen remodel. That's how you optimize your footprint and make sure the kitchen flows and functions for how you use it on a regular basis. Even if you aren't ready for the complete kitchen remodel, it is smart to pay attention to what you may need when the time comes. For example, get creative with your pantry space and consider how you can optimize every inch. Perhaps it's by adding a ladder to maximize your tall ceilings or turning the exterior into a feature wall that divides your space. Better yet, if you have a spare eating area, why not turn the whole thing into a pantry space with extra prep space too! Having a game plan now will benefit you greatly when that day to transform your kitchen does come along.  (And when the time does come, check out our previous article for kitchen remodel ideas). 

No matter your budget or the size of your space, there are clever ways to incorporate more storage solutions into your home. The Marks-Woods team can show you all of your options for stunning, sophisticated, and sleek storage solutions!