Designers possess a wealth of knowledge in architecture, construction, and organization. However, they too can make mistakes. Here, six designers share five storage lessons they’ve learned over the years.
1. Angled Shoe Shelves: While many desire closets that feel clean and boutique-like, Liz Hoekzema, owner of KLH Custom Homes, advises against angled shoe shelves. She suggests flat, adjustable shelves that accommodate all types of shoes, purses, and sweaters, especially useful for shoppers or those living in regions with all four seasons.
2. Woven Baskets: Alexis Woodbury Earman of The Woodbury Home argues against woven baskets for storage. Though aesthetically pleasing, they lack functionality, making it difficult to stack or label them for quick item retrieval. For items like toys or blankets, consider alternative storage solutions.
3. Asymmetrical Shelving: Amy Courtney, principal of her design firm, discourages asymmetrical shelving due to the challenge of finding suitable objects for varying-sized openings, often resulting in large voids with taller openings. Traditional shelving offers practicality and simplicity, allowing for more versatile use.
4. Built-Ins: Sheila Broderson, interior designer for Safavieh, acknowledges the appeal of built-ins for maximizing storage but points out their high cost and lack of portability. For those not planning to move, built-ins may be a good choice, but clever furniture like storage ottomans, lift-up beds, and cabinets might be a better investment.
5. Open Storage: Kshama Shah, founder of House of Design, warns against the pitfalls of open storage. While visually appealing, they require constant maintenance to avoid clutter and dust accumulation. Well-curated storage solutions should be practical and easy to maintain.
Holly Heffinger, founder and lead designer of Heffinger Interiors, agrees. She says that in mudrooms, she likes to include a separate coat closet alongside built-in lockers. ‘Hiding the clutter makes for a more relaxed and refreshing start to each day,’ she explains.
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