At Real Simple, we are passionate about finding creative ways to utilize and optimize space. The designers of the 2023 Real Simple Home truly understood this mission. We were enamored with each transformation and how they effortlessly incorporated the Real Simple ethos into their spaces.
Here are some of the designers’ best out-of-the-box storage hacks. From a surprising closet idea to double-duty storage solutions and even a discreet clutter blocker.
Turn a Closet Into a Bar Area
Designer Linda Hayslett was given the task of transforming the roof deck and the second-floor landing leading to it. The challenge? The indoor space has a small footprint. With outdoor entertaining in mind (it’s a roof deck in New York City, after all!), Linda decided to transform the closet into a bar area instead of using a beverage cart that would take up most of the landing’s floor space. This is a brilliant way to store fragile glassware nearby. And since it’s a bar cart on wheels, you can roll it out if needed. Guests can easily move in and out from the roof top just a few feet away to mix drinks.
She also lined the interior of the closet with beautiful wallpaper and painted the trim and door a blush shade (Southern Road by Valspar). The art and brass-plated shelf are the finishing touches that really enhance the wow factor.
Use a Bar Cart as a Side Table
As you can see, we all love a good bar cart! Designer Michelle Gage included one in this study. It holds drinks and glassware, but when placed next to this velvet armchair, it functions almost like a second side table. The extra shelves are perfect for storing books, tech, glasses, writing materials, and anything else you might curl up with.
Let Ledges Double as Lighting
Surprise! In the evenings, the ledges to the left of the range hood in this gorgeous kitchen styled by Kim and Scott Vargo (the design duo behind Yellow Brick Home) illuminate. The slim shelves are equipped with strip lighting that emits a beautiful soft glow and offer just enough space to store glasses, mugs, and spices. Stacking these shelves up to the ceiling maximizes storage space while making the room feel bigger.
Set Up a Pretty Room Divider
This one is extra sneaky. Bobby Berk is hiding a secret behind that pretty folding divider in this living room he designed. There’s a not-so-pretty HVAC panel behind it! We love this idea because it can be applied to many other unsightly situations. Let a divider hide a pile of unfolded laundry in a corner, mask a vacuum, or cover an electrical box. The possibilities for what a divider can hide are endless! Of course, you can also use it to divide a large space and create zones. We’ve seen it successfully used to separate gym areas, desk setups, and more in multipurpose rooms.
Meet the Designers of the 2023 REAL SIMPLE Home.
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