Storage

Hallway Storage Ideas for Wide and Narrow Spaces

The first group of hallway storage ideas are more suited for wider hallways. Further below I go over ideas for more narrow spaces.

The simplest way of adding storage to a hallway, is to buy a hall tree. These are more suited to areas near the front door – as they are used to store shoes, keys, scarves, hats, etc. Or instead of a free standing unit, you could create your own storage combo by the front door. Check out the hallway storage bench, hook, and shelf combination in picture (2).

If you are looking for storage ideas for the space around the staircase, well that awkward space under the stairs can built to have shelving, and much more (3). Have a look at my mood board here for more ideas: The Space Under The Stairs: Ideas and Designs.

A side table always looks good in a wide hallway. Not only can it be used to store items in draws, but it can also have a mirror, lamp and decor items sitting on top – letting you create a stylised area in the hallway.

A Hall Table: $113 Wayfair | B Naples Hall Tree: $346 Wayfair | C Rosston Hall Tree: $114 Wayfair

How great would it be to curl up on a window seat and peacefully read a book? So how about creating a little cozy nook in your hallway (4) – with a comfy bench or day bed with some wall shelves to store away books. You can also get benches with a top that opens so you can store items inside like shoes or umbrellas.

Some other storage ideas include:

Wicker baskets are useful for storing items and keeping things out of view – plus they look good (5).
Shadow boxes are a decorative way of having wall shelves (6)
A coat hanger can be used by the front door
Crates can be stacked on top of each other to create custom furniture shelving

Storage Ideas for Narrow Hallways

Here are some ideas and solutions on how to add hallway storage if you have a narrow space:

Hang up some floating shelves as these won’t take up any floor space (7)
The same goes with wall hooks
You can even have a hook and shelf combo just like the one in picture (8)
A recessed shelf is a fancy addition to a hall, but more for decorative items than storage
A corner shelf unit can also help save space
A ladder makes for a portable and simple hanger (Ideas for Decorating With Ladders)
Built in storage units make the most of a hallway’s space. They will be built to blend in with the design of the hallway so it won’t feel as imposing compared to using free standing units
Make the most of the height in a hallway by building built in floor to ceiling storage cabinets (9)

See if you can hang up a mirror. Not only will it add depth to narrow hallway, but it will bounce and reflect light around making the space feel larger. Also try and mix art pieces with your hallway storage pieces, such as framed wall pictures seen in picture (10), so that your storage units don’t dominate the look of the hallway. Also, it might be a good idea to streamline the colors in the hallway to 1-2, to create a cleaner and more organized look.

For ideas specific to hallway shoe storage, check out my mood board here: Unique Closet and Entryway Shoe Storage Ideas.

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March 26, 2014 in Storage

Unique Closet and Entryway Shoe Storage Ideas

When it comes to all the shoe storage ideas, you’ll want to ask yourself a few questions to find the right solutions for you. Do you want to keep the shoes hidden away so you won’t have visual clutter? Are you looking for storage ideas for yourself or for your kids? Do you want to be able to see all your shoes so you can find the right pair easily? Or do you want to put your shoes up on display? Below I’ll go over a range of ideas that will cover all the different options.

Storing Shoes by The Entryway

This is the place to keep your shoes that you use on a more daily basis. Later I’ll go over ideas on storing shoes in the bedroom or closet.

An all in one storage unit, such as a hall tree, lets you store everything you need by the front door – just like in picture (1). A ladder is a unique idea for storing shoes (2), either by the front door or even in the bedroom. You can even fit hooks to the sides of the ladder to hang up your keys.

Other foyer and entryway shoe storage ideas include:

Hanging up floating shelves or railings on the walls (3). This can also work for storing shoes in the garage, mudroom, or hallway
Using large pvc piping to create shoe cubbies (4)
Crates can be hung on the wall to create your own personalised cubbie wall (5)
Follow along with the paid guide here to make your own lazy Susan shoe tower (6)
By grouping together your shoes in a wicker basket/tray, just like in picture (7), you create a clutter free and organized look
A glass door storage cabinet lets you store your shoes, and makes it easy to see each pair (8)
Some people would rather have their shoes out of sight, as this create a more minimalist look. To do this, get some closed cabinets just like the ones in picture (9) or for a modern style the cabinet in picture (10) which can be bought here.
Another way to hide your shoes is to store them in an ottoman or a shoe storage bench that has an open top
Crown molding can be used to hang up heels by the front door or in the bedroom (11)

Kids Shoe Storage Ideas

For kids, you’ll want to make it as easy as possible for them to store away their shoes, otherwise they’ll be left all over the place. By the front door is the way to go. Since kids won’t have too many shoes they don’t really need to be organized. Large buckets (12), baskets or a large cubby are great for kids to throw their shoes into.

Closet Shoe Storage Ideas

For those who have a shop worth of shoes, storing them in the bedroom or closet helps keep the entryway tidy. You could go all out and build your own shoe closet. The one in picture (A) simply uses IKEA EXPEDIT closets, which have the right size cubbies for shoes.

Much simpler shoe storage ideas for small spaces and closets include:

Using a vertical hanging shoe organiser. Either hanging down from a closet railing seen in picture (B), or over the closet door (C)
Coat hangers can be bent so you can hang up your shoes in your closet (D)
Even file organisers can be used. They can separate and store sandals and flats on a closet shelf (E)
You could also use clear stackable plastic shoe storage boxes. Not only will these help store away your shoes, but lets you easily see what is inside each box.

The space under the bed can also be used to store shoes. Wicker baskets could be used, or there are storage boxes on wheels – like the ones from IKEA. 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12 | A/B/C/D/E

More storage mood boards:

March 15, 2014 in Storage

Organizing in Style: Shabby Chic Storage Ideas

Every room needs storage furniture and containers. If you choose well designed pieces, they can be left out in the open and add to the decor and style of the room. Here are some shabby chic storage ideas that will help transform your space.

Upcycling Furniture

Shabby chic furniture is distressed, and the best way to do this is to upcycle furniture finds. Repaint them, and add decorative elements. The free standing shabby chic closet in picture (1) has been distressed painted in blue. You’ll want to keep to the shabby chic color palette if you decide to paint any piece. So colors like mint, baby blue, yellow, pink, cream, and white – keep to the pastel shades. For a DIY guide on how to distress paint furniture, my post here has a link to a step by step guide.

Another way to upcycle your furniture and storage closets is to add fabric. That is what the shabby chic style is all about – a soft feeling space, covered in fabric. Use lace and crochet, or floral patterned fabric. The cabinet in picture (2) has had lace fitted on the inside of the glass panels. If you have open shelves, why not create a backdrop by fitting shabby chic style fabric to the back walls (Creative DIY Ideas for Living Room Shelves).

A easy way of adding storage to a room is to drape fabric over a table. Say you have a side table with legs in your living room, you can just drape some shabby chic style fabric over it. Now you can store items undercover.

Shelving Ideas

Here are a few creative ideas for shabby chic shelves:

Create framed shadow boxes just like in picture (3). For more ideas on using shabby chic frames around the house have a look at my mood board here: Photo Display: Ideas for Shabby Chic Picture Frames and Stands.
Use cast iron shelving brackets (4), or even decorative cast iron floating wall shelves.
Decorative crown molding is another way to create unique wall shelving. In picture (5) it is being used to hang up shoes.
You can buy bird cage style wall racks. These can be used to store and organise jewellery (6), photos, or keys.
Reclaimed wooden ladders, with their distressed look, can be used to hang up clothes (7), blankets in the living room, or towels in the bathroom.
Reclaimed wooden windows fitted with clothes hooks can be hung up and used to hang up clothes . For pictures have a look at my mood board here: Home Decor Ideas: Using Reclaimed Old Windows.

Shabby Containers

Wire and wicker baskets or storage boxes are great for storing things all over the house (8) (9). You can even have white or lace fabric lining them. For wicker baskets you can go with the rustic wooden look, or white painted ones will look good in a shabby chic room.

Burlap is another material that fits in well with the shabby chic look. In picture (10) burlap has been used to decorate storage jars.

The plant pots in picture (11) are cheap IKEA flower pots with paper napkin decoupage. Here they are being used to store art supplies. They can also be used to group clutter in the living room or by the front door. They can also be used to store kitchen utensils or TV remotes.

Buckets, either galvanised or painted with a high gloss pastel color, can be handy storage containers. They can be used to house plants (12) or used as a trash can. They can store magazines, extra pillows, blankets, or fire wood.

Vintage style bottles (13) can be used to as plant stem stands. In the kitchen or bathroom they can replace your plastic branded bottles (washing liquid, hand soap, etc.). Have a look at this mood board for more ideas on using vintage bottles around the house: Home Decor Ideas: Using Vintage Glass Bottles.

Other storage container ideas:

Enamel containers look great for kitchen storage (Vintage Kitchen Storage Ideas: From Milk Baskets to Wicker Baskets)
Avoid using plastic containers, and instead go with glass

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For more shabby chic inspiration, have a look at my mood boards here:

March 7, 2014 in Design Styles, Storage

Smart and Decorative Bathroom Storage Ideas

From the smart double shower curtain rod to the mirror shadow box, here are a range of creative and stylish bathroom storage ideas.

Smart Bathroom Design

Towel Storage Ideas

If you find it hard to hang a towel bar on the walls around the sink, then one smart place to fit one would be under the sink just like in picture (1). A second option would be to fit a bar to the front of the vanity counter. For more ideas have a look at my mood board here: Unique Ideas for Bathroom Towel Bars and Racks.

Another smart towel bar idea is the invention of the double shower curtain rod seen in picture (2). What makes it so smart? Say you are showering. After you are done you open up the shower curtain and then have to reach over or step out to get your towel. With the double curtain rod, you simply open the shower curtain which is hung on the rod closet to the shower. On the second rod, protected from the shower by the curtain, is your towel hanging right in front of you.

Smart Shelving Solutions

Have a look at the backsplash in picture (3). It also acts as an elegant shelf – creating the ideal placement and easy access to toiletries. This prevents all the clutter surrounding the sink.

Having a recessed shelf in the shower makes for convenient storage of soaps, shampoos, and conditioners (4). A recessed light fitted to the top of the shelf adds a luxurious touch and lighting in the shower area.

10 Bathroom Toilet Paper Storage Ideas and Styles

Space Saving – Small Bathroom Storage Ideas

Some space saving bathroom storage ideas include:

Built in storage makes the most efficient use of the space in a bathroom – as it is customised to your specific layout. Since the built in units will be painted and decorated to blend with the bathroom, it will make the space feel larger.
Make use of the walls as much as possible – over the toilet, above the sink, etc. Floating shelves, mirror cabinets, wall cabinets, or a shadow box mirror just like in picture (5) are some wall storage ideas. For more shelving ideas have a look here Design Guide: Bathroom Shelving Ideas Mood Board
The back of the bathroom door can be fitted with hooks or a towel bar helping to save space if you have a narrow bathroom.
If you have a bath, a simple plank of wood acts as an elegant shelf (6).
The storage tower unit in picture (7) is a smart design. It can be spun around to show different shelves. This is ideal if your bathroom is used by a number of people. Each side of the unit can be allocated to a different person.
In some bathrooms the space under the sink is wasted. This space can be fitted with shelves, draws, or can be curtained off for floor storage.

Furniture Ideas and Decorative Storage

More decorative storage ideas include using a ladder to hang up towels, just like the bathroom in picture (8). Wicker baskets are also great for storing fresh towels, linens, dirty laundry, and toilet rolls – and they look good too.

Invest in luxury items like the shaving set in picture (9) or the wooden toothbrush holder in picture (10). Leave these items out on display as the elegant craftsmanship of the pieces make them great decor pieces.

If the area around your sink suffers from clutter, get some clutter trays. By grouping everything in these trays you clean up the area a bit.

There is one last bathroom storage idea, this one is for people with large bathroom spaces. An island, like the ones you get in kitchens, can be fitted in a bathroom for added storage and countertop space (11). 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11