If there’s a single common theme among homeowners it’s the desire for more storage. Regardless of how much is available we always seem to require more. From the kitchen to the laundry room, storage is in high demand.
If we weren’t lucky enough to have custom designed a home with ample storage, it’s left up to us to create our own solutions. Those can be done through storage solutions purchased from a retailer or it could be millwork custom designed for your specific needs. There are plenty of options to fit every budget. Once we decide on the idea of storage solutions we also have to consider the aesthetics of these solutions. A lot of the options are functional but not something we want displayed in our home. The best solution is to find storage systems that are invisible, hidden behind doors or otherwise beyond our vision. Here are my favourite ways to incorporate hidden storage into your home.
Invisible Storage Systems for Your Home
1/ Under Bed Storage
This is probably one of the most well utilized hidden storage techniques. The mattress sits on a panel that is lowered and raised using hydraulics to make it a cinch to open and close.
There is a surprising amount of storage hidden under the mattress. This is a perfect spot for bulky items like suitcases which often take up too much precious space in our closets. Another common use is to store out-of-season clothing. Again, this removes them from your closet so you can maximize that space depending on the season.
2/ Toe Kick Drawer
This will require a bit more effort and likely some detailed drawings but it’s an amazing way to utilize space that normally goes unused.
It can be added after your kitchen is installed but ideally you would include this If you’re planning a kitchen renovation. It's the perfect time to include this hidden storage to maximize your kitchen’s potential. While the space isn’t significant it can be a place to store the hard-to-store baking pans, cutting boards or even table napkins and linens.
3/ Under the Window Seat
The space under a window seat is often overlooked but there’s a goldmine of opportunity here. Window seats are coveted for their charming aesthetic but the storage capabilities make these seats both functional and decorative.
When designing these spaces you should first consider what your needs are. I like to include separate drawers when I’m storing smaller items like table linens or towels. In a bedroom this storage could be useful for sheets and pillowcases.
When designing for larger items like pillows and quilts I choose to use a bench seat that lifts and lowers to access the entire space below. This is also a great space for seasonal decor items, candles and small decor items that you keep in rotation.
4/ Behind Panelling
It’s truly amazing how creative some homeowners are when it comes to designing storage. This walk-in-closet is hidden behind the panelling, leaving no trace of it when the door is closed. This allows the bedroom to be calm and peaceful without the noise of another space creeping into the room.
Even if you can’t manage to include an entire room behind your wall there are plenty of options. There is hidden space behind your walls that can be uncovered and turned into small storage solutions. If you’re interested in millwork solutions that incorporate hidden storage, read this post where I share creative ways to incorporate millwork into your home.
5/ Utilizing Dead Space
I love seeing a space that’s absolutely maximized for storage and this use of space is brilliant. What would normally be a dead area at the end of a bank of cabinets is turned into a hidden storage for ironing. This gives you easy access and doesn't really cost any of the room’s other storage.
When you’re custom designing any kind of storage solution be sure to think of every nook and cranny. There are often spaces that designers refer to as dead space. These are the areas where there may be a few inches or even a few feet sometimes. It’s often due to creating balance or working around something structural but it’s possible to utilize the space effectively rather than just let it sit there unused.
6/ Murphy Bed
Even if you don’t have enough room for a guest suite there is always a way to fit a bed into your home. If you really can’t manage to install anything you’ll have the option of purchasing a sofa bed but if you can make this work, a murphy bed will be a more comfortable sleep.
Most commonly we see a murphy bed included in an office space. This maximizes a space that is most often only used during daytime hours and turns it into an around the clock living space for you and your guests.
If you want to maximize your room’s functionality you can design a murphy bed with attached side tables and shelving. It’s also possible to turn your bed into a desk when not in use so the options are endless with a murphy bed.
7/ Clothes Drying Rack
For a lot of us there’s never enough space in a laundry room. This is particularly true in newer homes where a single storage closet is the only storage included. Clever storage solutions can create a functional space so if you’re designing a laundry room look for ways to maximize your hidden storage.
This pull out drying rack will allow you to tuck it away when it’s not needed but have easy access when you do require it. The hanging bar above isn’t hidden but makes for a perfect pairing and even in this small space, it’s been efficiently maximized.
8/ Pull Out Shelves
Shoe storage in small homes and condos is always a concern. Looking at the entry in this photo it appears there is enough room under the cabinet for only two pairs of shoes. This makes hidden storage a necessity.
The image shows just how effectively a space can be used with careful planning. What would likely be just a foot or two of wall space has been converted into this clever shoe storage system that pulls out and recesses back into the wall. It’s easy to access but keeps the entry looking neat and tidy.
9/ Laundry Storage
I love that every square inch of this small laundry area has been used to its maximum. This isn’t just a trick for the laundry room but rather it's for any space where cabinetry ends and you have an extra foot or two remaining.
These pull outs can be used in so many spaces in your home. From storing spices or wine in the kitchen to hiding away laundry detergent in the laundry room.
You could also consider this hidden storage for bathrooms since they are notoriously short on storage solutions. Anywhere you have built in cabinetry is a potential for hidden storage. You just need to be creative and look for solutions that you may not have previously considered.
10/ Hidden Bar
While there are lots of beautiful bar carts to show off, if you prefer something more subdued how about a hidden bar? When not in use this closes and is completely obscured from view by the doors. This makes for easy entertaining and if you can’t get to the dirty dishes until tomorrow, just close the doors and walk away.
I hope this gives you some ideas for your own home about how to manage hidden storage. If you are planning a renovation and need a designer to help guide you through the process, reach out to me. I’d love to discuss how I can help you.
