Interior Design
12 Storage Solutions to Keep Clutter Away
Incorporate these nifty drawer inserts, pull-outs and other innovative ideas to organise every room of your home
In the Kitchen
Inserts
Cabinet inserts and accessories are a common request I see in kitchen renovations. There are in-drawer inserts, such as knife blocks and spice holders, that can be custom-made (or cut down) to size to fit in any drawer.
Kitchen drawers that make life easier
Inserts
Cabinet inserts and accessories are a common request I see in kitchen renovations. There are in-drawer inserts, such as knife blocks and spice holders, that can be custom-made (or cut down) to size to fit in any drawer.
Kitchen drawers that make life easier
There are also roll-out inserts, as shown here, which are typically installed in lower cabinets, and roll out to hold a variety of items, such as utensils, pots and pans, and cutting boards.
Don’t have a wine room? No space in the fridge? There are dedicated roll-out inserts for storing wine in base cabinets too.
Appliance garages
Also sometimes called appliance closets, these are cabinets designed around size requirements for mixers, blenders, toasters and pretty much any other small appliance you may have and want to store. They put those appliances within easy reach when you need them and help tuck away and hide them when you don’t, keeping your kitchen tops free of clutter.
Where’s the best place for your microwave?
Also sometimes called appliance closets, these are cabinets designed around size requirements for mixers, blenders, toasters and pretty much any other small appliance you may have and want to store. They put those appliances within easy reach when you need them and help tuck away and hide them when you don’t, keeping your kitchen tops free of clutter.
Where’s the best place for your microwave?
Appliance garages also can be equipped with outlets, mixer lifts and roll-out platforms that allow you to use an appliance without having to unplug it and move it.
Drawer inside the bin drawer
Bin drawers are a well-known solution for organisation within the kitchen. However, adding a drawer inside the bin drawer (where there is usually wasted space above the bins) is an inventive, hidden way to store things such as rubbish bags, oven mitts and hand towels.
Bin drawers are a well-known solution for organisation within the kitchen. However, adding a drawer inside the bin drawer (where there is usually wasted space above the bins) is an inventive, hidden way to store things such as rubbish bags, oven mitts and hand towels.
Tall, skinny drawers
Be creative with otherwise impractical spaces. Tall, skinny drawers have become increasingly popular for their demonstrated utility. Install one on each side of your cooktop to store spices and oils. Or place one next to the sink for dish soaps and other cleaning supplies.
Be creative with otherwise impractical spaces. Tall, skinny drawers have become increasingly popular for their demonstrated utility. Install one on each side of your cooktop to store spices and oils. Or place one next to the sink for dish soaps and other cleaning supplies.
Under-sink storage
Another storage opportunity is the typically unusable area directly under the sink. Instead of putting a false panel on the front, consider installing a tip-out tray where brushes and sponges can be placed when not in use.
Another storage opportunity is the typically unusable area directly under the sink. Instead of putting a false panel on the front, consider installing a tip-out tray where brushes and sponges can be placed when not in use.
In the Bathroom
Medicine cabinets
These have come a long way since they were first introduced. Big, chunky wooden pieces that stick out from the wall have been replaced by recessed boxes with mirrors that can smoothly slide open to reveal shelves, lighting, magnifying mirrors and even TVs.
Medicine cabinets
These have come a long way since they were first introduced. Big, chunky wooden pieces that stick out from the wall have been replaced by recessed boxes with mirrors that can smoothly slide open to reveal shelves, lighting, magnifying mirrors and even TVs.
Electrical plugs installed inside the cabinets
These are great for using hair dryers and straighteners while making sure they stay off the vanity countertop when they’re not in use. Some companies make drawers and cabinet inserts specifically for this purpose.
See more bathroom vanities
These are great for using hair dryers and straighteners while making sure they stay off the vanity countertop when they’re not in use. Some companies make drawers and cabinet inserts specifically for this purpose.
See more bathroom vanities
Niches
These are an absolute must for me when designing a shower, shower/tub combo or even just a tub. Niches can be big or small, visible or hidden, one level or two. As a product hoarder, my ideal niche is about 75 centimetres wide, 45 centimetres tall and, if possible, placed on a wall that makes it invisible when you enter the room.
These are an absolute must for me when designing a shower, shower/tub combo or even just a tub. Niches can be big or small, visible or hidden, one level or two. As a product hoarder, my ideal niche is about 75 centimetres wide, 45 centimetres tall and, if possible, placed on a wall that makes it invisible when you enter the room.
Roll-outs
Roll-outs are more commonly seen in the kitchen, but they can be just as useful in your bathroom. Installing a couple into a full-height cabinet can make for easy storage and allow quick access to face creams, hair products, hand towels and other daily necessities.
Roll-outs are more commonly seen in the kitchen, but they can be just as useful in your bathroom. Installing a couple into a full-height cabinet can make for easy storage and allow quick access to face creams, hair products, hand towels and other daily necessities.
Another great place for a roll-out is in the cabinet underneath the sink, as shown here. Often, plumbing gets in the way of seeing (and using) all the space in this area. A roll-out helps eliminate this problem, making much of the space below easily accessible.
In the Utility Room
Valet rods
A valet rod is an awesome little piece of hardware that I personally believe is underrated. It can be installed on a wall or the outside of a cabinet and extended when you need to hang something, then put away when you’re all done.
Where can I hide my laundry?
Valet rods
A valet rod is an awesome little piece of hardware that I personally believe is underrated. It can be installed on a wall or the outside of a cabinet and extended when you need to hang something, then put away when you’re all done.
Where can I hide my laundry?
Ironing board drawer insert
Bear with me, because I’ve got to harp on my love of drawer inserts one more time. There are drawer inserts that open to reveal a foldable ironing board, as shown here. Yes, a standard wall cabinet is another storage option, but if you’re a clean freak like me, a more covert solution like this one is too good to pass up.
Bear with me, because I’ve got to harp on my love of drawer inserts one more time. There are drawer inserts that open to reveal a foldable ironing board, as shown here. Yes, a standard wall cabinet is another storage option, but if you’re a clean freak like me, a more covert solution like this one is too good to pass up.
Plinth storage
This is a perfect place to store things such as pet food and water bowls. Close to the ground but easily out of sight, plinth storage is ideal for you and for your furry friend. Another common item I see kept in plinths are small step ladders. These nifty additions are great for kitchens too.
This is a perfect place to store things such as pet food and water bowls. Close to the ground but easily out of sight, plinth storage is ideal for you and for your furry friend. Another common item I see kept in plinths are small step ladders. These nifty additions are great for kitchens too.
Of course, this is not an all-inclusive list. Don’t feel dismayed if these solutions don’t work with your renovations. Rather, take inspiration from what’s already out there and create something brand new that suits your exact needs. After all, no one knows what you need and want better than yourself.
Tell us
How have you managed to bust clutter in your home work spaces? Share your tips in the Comments below.
More
Read more stories about smart storage
Tell us
How have you managed to bust clutter in your home work spaces? Share your tips in the Comments below.
More
Read more stories about smart storage
To prevent those kinds of scenarios, think strategically about your storage, no matter which room you’re renovating, and put relatively affordable innovations such as drawer inserts and roll-outs to good use. Here are a few of my favourite storage solutions for kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms.