Put it away!

OUR desire for s t r e a m l i n e d , contemporary i n t e r i o r s means we’re demanding attractive and imaginative ways of dealing with today’s ultimate interiors sin – clutter. Designers are responding by creating solutions which store possessions efficiently – and make a style statement at the same time.

‘‘Many of us have to live in homes much smaller than we might desire,’’ says interior designer Joanna Wood (joannawood.co.uk).

‘‘Generally, we also underestimate the number of possessions we have by about a third, which can lead to a storage conundrum. But that doesn’t mean you have to abandon your design ideals.

‘‘With thought and careful planning you can make the most of every inch of space using beautiful solutions combining function and good looks.’’ A calm atmosphere is essential in living areas. Open shelves and cupboard storage can allow treasured and decorative items to star while everything else is concealed but to hand.

‘‘In contemporary interiors there’s no room for jarring clutter,’’ says Wood. ‘‘Storage has become an art form which enhances rooms and is at the top of the list when designing an interior.

Sleek doors which open at a touch are popular, while others have handles that are a feature in themselves and made in materials such as leather, mother-of-pearl or crystal.

‘‘The key to success is to recognise no space is too small to store something. Every corner, recess or landing can be utilised to provide a home for belongings. Even stair treads can be transformed into drawers.’’ It’s vital that a home office feels organised and conducive to work in.

‘‘This room will often be multi-purpose and used by different members of the family as a den or homework area as well as an office, and ideally each person will need their own allocated storage,’’ says Wood. ‘‘Nowadays, these are planned down to the last inch in the same way as fitted kitchens. Enclosing everything within fitted cupboard doors reduces distractions and makes the whole area feel organised.’’ If a whole room’s not available, she advises making the most of an awkwardly shaped area, such as a loft or under the stairs, with built-in storage for an office.

If you’re having problems relaxing in a bedroom that’s bulging at the seams with clothes, it could be a sure sign that your storage is inadequate.

‘‘This is a room where you want a tranquil, calm atmosphere and as little clutter as possible,’’ says Emma Sims-Hilditch, a partner at furniture company Neptune.

‘‘Try to have in it only the things you need, rather than allowing it to become a part-time ironing room or office. The investment of commissioning built-in bedroom furniture is worthwhile if you plan to stay in your home for the foreseeable future. I find a mix is most practical: free-standing bedside tables and chest of drawers and, if space allows, a builtin wardrobe tailored to your needs.

‘‘Avoid masking architraves, cornices and skirtings with fitted furniture as you can lose the character of the room, and if you want a more free-standing look avoid taking built-in joinery right up to the ceiling. Instead choose a pretty cornice for the top of the wardrobe or cabinet.’’ Children’s rooms seem to shrink as the inhabitants grow and gather their multitude of toys and possessions.

‘‘Children have more need for storage than anyone else. But whatever solution you choose it should be easy for them to use so they can learn as early as possible to do their own tidying,’’ says Wood.

‘‘I recently designed a playroom for four children and created a vast cupboard filling a 5m wall. It was divided into myriad compartments with more than 30 drawers and door fronts painted in four colours, with one colour designated for each child.

It was fun to use, looked like an abstract painting and its style will still be appropriate as they get older.’’