Minimalist Storage Solutions to Hide Your Naughty Clutter Secrets
Are you the sort of person who loves to keep clutter but hates to have it on show? Then these storage solutions are right up your alley
Jaana Bithell
20 April 2015
While I absolutely love modern and simplistic spaces, I can fully appreciate that as a basic fact of life, we as humans have a knack for accumulating things *insert suspenseful music here*. There are the things we find ourselves using day in and day out … as well as those dreaded “I-can’t-EVER-throw-these-out” things. By being clever about the way you organise your home, and employing some simple storage techniques, there’s no need to go to extremes and eliminate all of your worldly possessions. Your home can continue to look as streamlined as it did the day you moved in.
CLUTTER SECRET: DVDs, CDs
SOLUTION: Window seats
Window seats are multi-purpose storage dreams! Not only a great space for curling up with a cup of tea and a good book, they can also hide all of those CDs and DVDs that accumulate over time. The best thing about them is that they can generally be an afterthought and don’t always need to be fixed.
Perhaps you want the flexibility of storage, but don’t need a permanent fixture there 100 per cent of the time. Look into mobile storage box solutions that you can team with a comfy cushion top for your very own mobile window seat! These are great for those times where you need additional seating for a party or get together – just wheel in your storage seat to save the day!
SOLUTION: Window seats
Window seats are multi-purpose storage dreams! Not only a great space for curling up with a cup of tea and a good book, they can also hide all of those CDs and DVDs that accumulate over time. The best thing about them is that they can generally be an afterthought and don’t always need to be fixed.
Perhaps you want the flexibility of storage, but don’t need a permanent fixture there 100 per cent of the time. Look into mobile storage box solutions that you can team with a comfy cushion top for your very own mobile window seat! These are great for those times where you need additional seating for a party or get together – just wheel in your storage seat to save the day!
CLUTTER SECRET: Papers and post
SOLUTION: Stairway to (storage) heaven
If you’re lucky to have a second floor or split level in your home, you may have an untapped gold mine of potential storage space. A simple way to use this prime space is to close it in with cupboards/drawers so it becomes part of the overall mass of the stair. If the stair is near an entry, this is also a great space for things like shoes, bags, keys and coats that you take off/dump on your way in and out of the house!
20 storage ideas that say: “Now, why didn’t I think of that?”
SOLUTION: Stairway to (storage) heaven
If you’re lucky to have a second floor or split level in your home, you may have an untapped gold mine of potential storage space. A simple way to use this prime space is to close it in with cupboards/drawers so it becomes part of the overall mass of the stair. If the stair is near an entry, this is also a great space for things like shoes, bags, keys and coats that you take off/dump on your way in and out of the house!
20 storage ideas that say: “Now, why didn’t I think of that?”
CLUTTER SECRET: Toys
SOLUTION: Underfloor storage
When I think of caravans and mobile homes, there are an array of storage solutions in the furniture and floor to hide the clutter. Why should your home be any different?
Here, the floor has been raised and access to storage is by removable panels in the floor. No need to sweep it under the rug when you can sweep it into the floor!
If this is something you’re looking at employing in your own home, be sure to make sure you have enough height in your room – the last thing you want is a Willy Wonka effect in which you end up with a room where the ceiling is much closer than you think!
Also think practically about how you would access the panels without the need for exposed handles, which would be a tripping hazard.
SOLUTION: Underfloor storage
When I think of caravans and mobile homes, there are an array of storage solutions in the furniture and floor to hide the clutter. Why should your home be any different?
Here, the floor has been raised and access to storage is by removable panels in the floor. No need to sweep it under the rug when you can sweep it into the floor!
If this is something you’re looking at employing in your own home, be sure to make sure you have enough height in your room – the last thing you want is a Willy Wonka effect in which you end up with a room where the ceiling is much closer than you think!
Also think practically about how you would access the panels without the need for exposed handles, which would be a tripping hazard.
One more on toys…
Toy boxes are great for kids’ playrooms and living areas, and can make way for inventing a fun game to encourage tidiness! They can tuck away into recesses to neaten up the place, or make for additional seating in a tight family room.
DIY IDEA: Toy boxes naturally lend themselves to being handy seating by adding a simple top! Maybe you want to have a bit of fun with the kids? Why not try finding some sturdy boxes (or make your own if you have the tools!) and have an afternoon decorating them together.
Toy boxes are great for kids’ playrooms and living areas, and can make way for inventing a fun game to encourage tidiness! They can tuck away into recesses to neaten up the place, or make for additional seating in a tight family room.
DIY IDEA: Toy boxes naturally lend themselves to being handy seating by adding a simple top! Maybe you want to have a bit of fun with the kids? Why not try finding some sturdy boxes (or make your own if you have the tools!) and have an afternoon decorating them together.
CLUTTER SECRET: Utensils you can’t throw out
SOLUTION: Drawerception!
So you have the usual utensil suspects such as tongs, whisks, spatulas, etc, and then there are those obscure utensils like the thing you got at a Tupperware party once as a gift and you’re not really quite sure of its actual function … BUT one day it will come in handy (maybe?)
If you find yourself asking ‘Where do all of these things live?!’ – never fear – the power of drawer is here! Drawers are great for getting the maximum amount of storage from your cabinetry with minimal effort.
One way to keep the outside of your kitchen looking streamlined, while making the most of what’s behind, is to use multiple drawers hidden behind one drawer front.
TIP: To make the most effective use of this scenario, make sure the drawer you use most often is attached to the drawer front, (which is the part you open), and store items used less frequently in the hidden drawer above. That way, you still have access to the stuff you use every day, but know there is additional storage hidden away when you need it!
If you’re looking at refitting your kitchen or laundry and want to embrace the drawer, speak with a designer or kitchen manufacturer to work out what is exactly right for you and your space. They are likely to have ideas you may never have dreamed up yourself.
SOLUTION: Drawerception!
So you have the usual utensil suspects such as tongs, whisks, spatulas, etc, and then there are those obscure utensils like the thing you got at a Tupperware party once as a gift and you’re not really quite sure of its actual function … BUT one day it will come in handy (maybe?)
If you find yourself asking ‘Where do all of these things live?!’ – never fear – the power of drawer is here! Drawers are great for getting the maximum amount of storage from your cabinetry with minimal effort.
One way to keep the outside of your kitchen looking streamlined, while making the most of what’s behind, is to use multiple drawers hidden behind one drawer front.
TIP: To make the most effective use of this scenario, make sure the drawer you use most often is attached to the drawer front, (which is the part you open), and store items used less frequently in the hidden drawer above. That way, you still have access to the stuff you use every day, but know there is additional storage hidden away when you need it!
If you’re looking at refitting your kitchen or laundry and want to embrace the drawer, speak with a designer or kitchen manufacturer to work out what is exactly right for you and your space. They are likely to have ideas you may never have dreamed up yourself.
![Modern Bedroom by thirdstone inc. [^]](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/bedrooms/lg-house-interior-thirdstone-inc-img~4891af010f0c7a1d_2399-1-4c48af0-w618-h463-b0-p0.jpg)
CLUTTER SECRET: Off-season clothes you won’t wear until next season
SOLUTION: Under-bed storage
If you’re anything like me, I have an item of clothing for every occasion, which means my hanging space is always struggling to stay standing under the weight of my clothes.
A simple way to get around this is to rotate your wardrobe between seasons. Under the bed is a great place to store these clothes while you don’t need them, but means they are never too hard to reach should a cool January evening ambush you.
Even ensemble beds can be utilised for storing out-of-season clothes that take up premium space in your wardrobe.
There are a range of beds you can get that have integrated storage in them. But if you don’t have the luxury of having a bed with built-in drawers like above, simply find some boxes on wheels that you can slide in and out when you need them.
Storage solutions that make your guest bedroom work harder
SOLUTION: Under-bed storage
If you’re anything like me, I have an item of clothing for every occasion, which means my hanging space is always struggling to stay standing under the weight of my clothes.
A simple way to get around this is to rotate your wardrobe between seasons. Under the bed is a great place to store these clothes while you don’t need them, but means they are never too hard to reach should a cool January evening ambush you.
Even ensemble beds can be utilised for storing out-of-season clothes that take up premium space in your wardrobe.
There are a range of beds you can get that have integrated storage in them. But if you don’t have the luxury of having a bed with built-in drawers like above, simply find some boxes on wheels that you can slide in and out when you need them.
Storage solutions that make your guest bedroom work harder
CLUTTER SECRET: Shoes and bags
SOLUTION: In-stair storage
This is a solution that requires a lot of forward planning, so please don’t go banging holes in your staircases to put drawers in them!
If you’re building, your staircase (adjacent to an entryway) can be a sneaky space to add extra storage for things like shoes and bags as you enter the house. The great thing about this is the stairs can also act as a seat when you’re putting on your shoes to go outside. Score!
If you did want to do this at home, speak with a builder or stair fabricator to find out if it’s possible. There will need to be additional structural considerations, so the drawer functions while providing a safe step for you to use – but for the extra functionality, it’s worth it!
SOLUTION: In-stair storage
This is a solution that requires a lot of forward planning, so please don’t go banging holes in your staircases to put drawers in them!
If you’re building, your staircase (adjacent to an entryway) can be a sneaky space to add extra storage for things like shoes and bags as you enter the house. The great thing about this is the stairs can also act as a seat when you’re putting on your shoes to go outside. Score!
If you did want to do this at home, speak with a builder or stair fabricator to find out if it’s possible. There will need to be additional structural considerations, so the drawer functions while providing a safe step for you to use – but for the extra functionality, it’s worth it!
CLUTTER SECRET: Cosmetics and beauty products
SOLUTION: Bathroom vanity
For me, cosmetics fall into the same category as utensils and clothes. I probably don’t need the cream that unpuffs my eyes and makes me appear 15 years younger, but the TV said it worked for 80 per cent of people who tried it, and the TV wouldn’t lie … so of course I own it. (I have this internal argument with myself every time I pick up a new beauty product, which means they stack up pretty quickly!)
Bathrooms are great because they have mirrors, and mirrors naturally increase the feeling of space in a room. They are also also a fantastic place for storage.
If you are building and can plan for it, partially recess overhead cabinetry into the wall. This means the cupboards won’t encroach on your bathroom space, and you get the benefit of the additional depth of storage!
SOLUTION: Bathroom vanity
For me, cosmetics fall into the same category as utensils and clothes. I probably don’t need the cream that unpuffs my eyes and makes me appear 15 years younger, but the TV said it worked for 80 per cent of people who tried it, and the TV wouldn’t lie … so of course I own it. (I have this internal argument with myself every time I pick up a new beauty product, which means they stack up pretty quickly!)
Bathrooms are great because they have mirrors, and mirrors naturally increase the feeling of space in a room. They are also also a fantastic place for storage.
If you are building and can plan for it, partially recess overhead cabinetry into the wall. This means the cupboards won’t encroach on your bathroom space, and you get the benefit of the additional depth of storage!
Team with a sleek vanity with large drawers to house your cosmetics and products and you have the makings for a super-slick bathroom space!
For those of you who have less bathroom product than your average beauty aisle at the supermarket, try this scenario on a smaller scale.
10 ways to add extra storage to your bathroom
For those of you who have less bathroom product than your average beauty aisle at the supermarket, try this scenario on a smaller scale.
10 ways to add extra storage to your bathroom
CLUTTER SECRET: Dirty laundry
SOLUTION: Laundry … Eurostyle
Laundry cupboards are becoming increasingly popular, not only in homes that are short on space, but for homes that don’t feel the need to have a separate room for their appliances and general laundry storage. Laundries don’t always need to be separate rooms that you walk into.
By discreetly locating appliances and sinks behind cupboards, you get the benefit of a fully-functional laundry in just the right amount of space. Overhead storage and benchspace still mean things can be stored neatly behind, and you can keep the door shut if you don’t want anyone to see your mess!
If you’re planning a new build, think about integrating a smaller laundry into your floorplan. That way, you can utilise the additional floor space in places you use more often, like the kitchen or family room.
SOLUTION: Laundry … Eurostyle
Laundry cupboards are becoming increasingly popular, not only in homes that are short on space, but for homes that don’t feel the need to have a separate room for their appliances and general laundry storage. Laundries don’t always need to be separate rooms that you walk into.
By discreetly locating appliances and sinks behind cupboards, you get the benefit of a fully-functional laundry in just the right amount of space. Overhead storage and benchspace still mean things can be stored neatly behind, and you can keep the door shut if you don’t want anyone to see your mess!
If you’re planning a new build, think about integrating a smaller laundry into your floorplan. That way, you can utilise the additional floor space in places you use more often, like the kitchen or family room.
For want of a better word, ‘clutter-free’ homes are about absolute due diligence.
Yes, I will say it: I know it’s easy to look at these photos and comment on how pristine and well styled they are – and you’re absolutely right. But it’s important to remember that it is the very point of architectural photography. No one wants to be wowed by photos of a beautiful space, only to see a pile of dirty clothes the kids left on the floor in the corner.
But that doesn’t mean achieving solutions like you’ve just seen above are unattainable, so don’t make excuses as to why you can’t adopt these ideals into your own world. Organisation is easy – all you have to do is start somewhere!
YOUR SAY
Are you a neat freak or snowed under in clutter? Share your storage crisis, or tricks and successes in the Comments section.
MORE STORAGE TRICKS
9 Genius Clothes Storage Hacks
14 Kitchen Storage Solutions Houzzers are Shouting About
9 Salvaged Cast-Offs Reinvented as Storage
Yes, I will say it: I know it’s easy to look at these photos and comment on how pristine and well styled they are – and you’re absolutely right. But it’s important to remember that it is the very point of architectural photography. No one wants to be wowed by photos of a beautiful space, only to see a pile of dirty clothes the kids left on the floor in the corner.
But that doesn’t mean achieving solutions like you’ve just seen above are unattainable, so don’t make excuses as to why you can’t adopt these ideals into your own world. Organisation is easy – all you have to do is start somewhere!
YOUR SAY
Are you a neat freak or snowed under in clutter? Share your storage crisis, or tricks and successes in the Comments section.
MORE STORAGE TRICKS
9 Genius Clothes Storage Hacks
14 Kitchen Storage Solutions Houzzers are Shouting About
9 Salvaged Cast-Offs Reinvented as Storage
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What a clever, realistic, useful article! Congratulations to you Jaana - this is one of the best things I've read on Houzz in the years I've been dipping in and out. I'm 'storing' it straight away! (Thank goodness that only occupies electronic space).
millthumpian - they are not easy to remove!