Cupboard LOVE

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE SOOTHING POWER OF GOOD STORAGE… GET YOUR LIFE IN ORDER WITH WELL-ORGANISED CABINETS, AND LOTS OF THEM!

- THEA BABINGTON-STITT

OPEN AND SHUT CASE

Open plan is still very popular, but it can cause problems for storage. Rows of built-in cupboards will make the space seem smaller and darker. To avoid this, find a gentle balance between cabinets with doors and open shelving. Consider what the purpose of the units is and what you will need to house in them, as this will dictate the shape and size of the cabinets and shelving.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

‘Storage is a key consideration for us when designing any interior,’ says designer Emma Sims-Hilditch. Here, a clever mix of built-in storage options provided total flexibility, as the closed cabinetry allows the space to stay uncluttered. ‘The shelving offers a great opportunity to be creative with styling, displaying a variety of artwork, books and ornaments to create character and style in the room,’ adds Emma.

GOOD TO GO

In high traffic areas such as boot rooms and porches, clever built-in storage is key to helping keep things organised. Shoe and welly space is top of the agenda, so incorporate shelving units with varying heights for these. Be sure to include a bench to make switching footwear easy and for all those miscellaneous items, from dog leads to gloves, consider adding baskets to the shelves, which will keep things ordered while hiding the mess. Including a tall, well-ventilated cupboard makes it easy to store muddy anoraks and damp raincoats.