Storage meets design in modern homes

Arushi Sakhuja

“In the world of design, there is one key change that we can see – the merging of design and utility. As spaces gets smaller and real estate prices shoot up, it is imperative to champion efficient and effective use of space. Trends and styles keep evolving, so designers think of modern ideas to enhance urban interior settings. The real thrill is that with practice, experiences become enriched,” says Ajay Arya, Founder & Interior Designer, A Square Design.  A decorated interior doesn’t work in the long run if it is not functional, hence an adequate and intelligent storage solution is the backbone for an efficient design. The design should accommodate everything a household requires without being out of the theme. Although today’s furniture is intrinsically intertwined with function, it’s worth noting that it adds a great deal to storage. “It is true that modern day designers are bringing together style and functionality, but it is more to utilize the space smartly and ease the accessibility rather than just increase the storage,” says Dilip Rathi, Managing Director, Etreluxe. Further, Saba Kapoor, Co-Founder & Designer, Nivasa believes that “Functionality is going to continue to stay crucial in-home furnishings.”  

With the ever-strengthening culture of consumerism and the willingness to buy more, storage woes are a common concern. But there are innumerable ways to utilise space and optimise it with the right interior design. Interior designers and furniture experts are coming up with new and innovative storage spaces. From cabinets to stools with storage, camouflaged cupboards, folding beds and more; contemporary homes are increasingly innovating to add in storage. But the question is this new surge a result of playing with a shortage of space or does with work for the minimalistic aesthetic? No matter the case, storage should include a well-designed play of drawers and shelves for maximum use. Saba is of the opinion that today, the living room is a room, which the family would like to use and enjoy on a regular basis and therefore comfort takes precedence over its pristine-ness. “More and more people have started realizing that the home is meant to be enjoyed and used rather than just be a statement of one’s status. Therefore, the earlier concepts stand totally turned around and the very basis of luxury vis-à-vis homes stands challenged. ”  

Tips to keep in mind while planning the design  

While designing a space, one often gets caught up in the mundane task of sticking to a theme. However, it is important to redirect your attention back to keeping functionality at the core and large storage spaces is one such clever way. Well-concealed design elements are an ideal way to fuse storage and design within the home’s décor theme. It helps in and eliminating any unnecessary structures that constricted the feeling of openness.  Speaking from a designer’s perspective Ajay Arya, believes that … “The clean and minimal aesthetics of the house demands plenty of storage space to keep all the stuff in place, whereas the maximalist design language also demands ample storage space with fine design sensibilities. Style and functionality go hand in hand while designing storage spaces.” 

Before starting the process, however, one must ensure to do an analysis of the existing storage space and the amount of extra space that you may require to make it more efficient. Yet another great tip is to keep the things closest to where they are used to decrease the travel time through the house. And finally, consider all possible places that can be used in the interiors. For instance, space under the staircase and storage space under the windowsill are a few not-so-obvious options.  

Different kinds of storage spaces  

The best part about creating storage spaces is that if you go to the right vendors, each piece of furniture or home design can be a bespoke creation especially suited to your needs. These days many new innovations are being done globally for the storage systems within different areas of the home believes Dilip. He further throws light on new innovations like rotating television panels with hidden storages behind; pocket doors in kitchen areas; camouflaged vault doors for secret room entries; Hydraulic lift-up storage below the beds (which now also includes an automated system), and the bar area storage can now be fully automated with different smart features. Coming to the kitchen, the designs now have an option to plan the storage behind the dado panels, which earlier used to be a completely dead space adds Dilip. “With the changing trends, now most of the wardrobe companies are introducing systems that have eliminated middle partitions within the cabinets giving a free flow access to the whole storage area along with the possibility of planning the doors in front There are also options now, where a cabinet can be accessed from both the front side as well as the back side, with the help of which we can replace the walls with the cabinets.” 

Built-in Storage  

The easiest way to add storage to a home is by using built-in storage space while adding a pleasing aesthetic. With the right focus on quality, it can also further help to add depth and dimension to any room and lend a new and refreshed look.  Some of the key furniture designs for built-in storage the name suggests are cupboards, cabinets, units of draws and artistically created racks or shelves. The shelves can be used for plants to add a touch of greenery or simply as a space to showcase curiosity and your collection of books.  

Under-bed Storage 

For all the storage items that you wish to keep tucked away, under-bed storage is your best option. These organised and hidden spaces can be broadly categorised into three types, hydraulic designs that feature lids that open from the top, box designs which have two or more storage compartments and a bed with a pull-out drawer is the most conventional. Although some of these designs have existed for a couple of decades now, each year brings with it new design innovations to make them look contemporary.  

Niches  

Landing spaces and niches are often overlooked when it comes to the efficient utilization of space. Instead, they are often left empty, but empty spaces should not be side-lined. A great way to use niches is in TV cabinets that blend open and closed shelves to stack essentials and other items you may wish to conceal. Yet another way one often misuses space is when wardrobes don’t go from the floor to the ceiling. This leads to an immense waste of space; lofts are a great place to stow away your age-old belongings that have been passed on over generations the clothes you don’t wish to wear.  

Vertical Storage  

Be efficient with the utilization of empty areas and make every space (even the walls) a storage space. The power of vertical storage is often underestimated. A must-have in functional zones like the kitchen, vertical storage makes working a breeze and enables you to add some extra elements to the decor. From suspended shelves to a vertical herb garden or simple shelves between pillars for decorative elements or lighting can transform the visual appeal of any space. Being a believer in vertical storage Ajay shares, ” Vertical space is the secret storage weapon that can change the entire layout of your closet. Top shelves, doors, and even that dead space between your floor and the hems of your hanging dresses can be used as extra space to install DIY shelves that hold jewellery boxes or handbags.” 

Convertible furniture  

The definition of two-in-one, convertible furniture or furniture with more than one utility can be a great addition to space-saving interior design. For example, drop-leaf tables can be used as desks, dining tables, and consoles. Similarly, two side-by-side consoles can be rotated and switched back-to-back for table seating with bar-level height. “It’s really important for designers to design things that are multifunctional so that the same piece of furniture or that same space can have multiple utilities. For instance, instead of making a separate space a study room or a home office, you can have a lift-up table that does so. Furthermore, incorporating multifunctional furniture pieces is also good for the environment as you are using lesser natural resources,” Saba told Luxebook. 

All about design 

While the options in the market can be mind-boggling, we spoke to experts to break down the top multifunctional storage pieces for each room of your home. One of the most common furniture items according to Ajay is an interesting chest of drawers for the bedroom and living room and a “consoles are an excellent way of keeping the items in place while delivering a strong design statement in your dining area.” He is also of the opinion that if chosen well it can turn around the space completely. But when it comes to closet space Ajay shares a pro tip. “If you don’t want to go for a closet renovation, get creative with what you have. Take note of features like vertical storage space, built-in shelves, or multiple hanging rods. For the areas of the closet that aren’t much in use like your hard-to-reach upper shelves, you can use a hanging shoe organizer or large plastic bins to store beach clothes, bathing suits, and hats.” However, the bottom line is bringing together aesthetically pleasing and functional designs to maximise space.  

Meera Pyarelal, Founder and Interior Designer at Temple Town also sports the concept of in-built drawers. Additionally, she suggests adding coffee tables with ample storage, beds with built-in storage and… “a full-length mirror on your wardrobe doors so that you can do away with a dresser and the room appears larger too.” Finally, install floating shelves, hooks and wall-hung units to clear up floor space. 

Over the years, the concept of luxury for a home has evolved immensely. Instead of a living room being a typical formal room or a drawing room, today it is a room, enjoyed on a regular basis. Further, the new-age hallmarks of luxury are multifunctional furniture pieces and spaces. “It’s really important for designers to design things that are multifunctional so that the same piece of furniture or that same space can have multiple utilities. Furthermore, incorporating multifunctional furniture pieces is also good for the environment as you are using lesser natural resources, “concludes Saba. 

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