Super space savers

Built-ins, pull-outs, and cleverly concealed storage spaces have become an integral part of contemporary homes during the past decade. BY LYNDA PAPESCH.

The popularity of tiny homes has been one area leading the charge for creative storage solutions, yet many of those options also work successfully in larger homes, especially when channelling a minimalist aesthetic.

They can also be incorporated into older-era homes, such as Edwardian, Federation, Art Deco, and Georgian builds, thanks to clever design. An obvious one is a bathroom mirror that opens to reveal shelving behind it. The same idea can be applied in other rooms, either built into wall cavities behind mirrors or artwork.

If you have a full-length mirror in your bedroom or walk-in wardrobe, for example, with a bit of remodelling it could open to reveal a sizeable jewellery box, an array of cosmetics, or a secret stash of handbags neatly lined up. Just as some art works hide an in-wall office safe, so too they could be a front for a jewellery box, television, or even a small in-room caffeination station.

Drawers under a bed are a popular solution for clothing, sheets etc, while there are numerous options for staircase compartments, ranging from pull-outs to basket inserts.

Alternatives include coffee tables with drawers, hidden storage in bed headboards, chairs and seating, and one of my favourites, toe kick drawers. These are usually slide-out drawers, built in behind skirting boards or at toe level, opened by a nudge from a foot.

If you’re short on ideas, pop into a few of the local show homes to see the latest in storage solutions.