Designers are not just purveyors of pretty things. Their decorating expertise extends to architecture, construction, and organization. However, they are not immune to making mistakes. Six designers share five storage lessons they’ve learned over the years.
Angled Shoe Shelves: Liz Hoekzema, owner and creative director of KLH Custom Homes, recommends against angled shoe shelves. She says they are more limiting than flat, adjustable shelves built into the main closet or mudroom. If you’re a big shopper or live in an area with four seasons, this is especially worth considering.
Woven Baskets: Interior stylist Alexis Woodbury Earman of The Woodbury Home insists that baskets, although a go-to storage solution, are not very functional. She can’t stack them or easily label them for quick item retrieval. If you’re looking to corral toys or blankets, woven baskets may not be the best choice.
Asymmetrical Shelving: Amy Courtney, principal of her namesake design firm, begs you not to opt for asymmetrical shelving. Varying-sized openings make it challenging to find the right objects for each space and often leave large voids with taller openings. You’ll appreciate the practicality and simplicity of conventional shelving and can play with modern, geometric lines elsewhere.
Built-Ins: Interior designer and design director for Safavieh, Sheila Broderson, says maximizing storage is a tough question. While built-ins are often a logical solution, they are costly and can’t be taken with you if you move. If you’re settling into your forever home, that’s one thing. Otherwise, she prefers clever furniture like storage ottomans, beds with storage underneath, and cabinets for various rooms.
Open Storage: Kshama Shah, founder of House of Design, insists that exposed cubbies, shelves, and cabinets look beautiful in photos but are powerless against real life. You need to constantly keep them clutter-free or they’ll become an eyesore. They can also quickly turn into dust magnets and require frequent cleanings.
Holly Heffinger, founder and lead designer of Heffinger Interiors, emphasizes the importance of efficient kitchen storage. She suggests incorporating a separate coat closet along with built-in lockers in mudrooms. This design approach, she believes, helps to hide clutter and creates a more relaxed and refreshing start to each day.
Design experts advise to avoid certain trends if you want to clean less often. They recommend skipping these 7 design trends for a more manageable upkeep.
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