The minimalist aesthetic has been trending in interior design for years — and it does not seem to be subsiding anytime soon. As a result, interior designers are always looking to take advantage of space-saving storage ideas, such as hidden storage furniture or modular storage systems.
Regardless of the size of the home or the layout of the room, a skilled and qualified interior designer will be able to develop and implement smart storage solutions that improve the functionality of the space without compromising its overall design.
Evaluating Your Storage Needs
As you start brainstorming minimalist storage ideas, you will want to assess the space and determine your storage needs. According to the National Association of Realtors, modern homes offer less storage space than homes built generations ago, requiring both homeowners and interior designers to get creative when developing storage solutions.
Assessing Space Limitations
Organizing small homes is substantially easier when you take the time to assess your space before you develop a strategy. Consider the size and scope of the room that you are designing as well as the storage space available throughout the entire home. Knowing your space limitations and what type of storage is needed most will allow you to create an effective, personalized storage strategy.
Prioritizing Functionality
Functionality is key to successfully implementing an effective storage solution. There are several home organization tips for improving storage functionality:
- Choose storage solutions that seamlessly blend into the room design, and avoid blocking walkways, doors, windows, or closets.
- Incorporating some kind of storage into every room ultimately encourages organization and order in the space.
- Consider freestanding storage solutions that can be utilized in many areas of the house.
Innovative Storage Solutions for Small Spaces
Creative storage solutions for small spaces allow you to improve the functionality of the room without sacrificing the comfort of the space or overall aesthetic.
The following are some small apartment storage ideas to consider:
Multi-Functional Furniture
Multifunctional furniture not only offers storage but also can improve the overall appearance and design of the room. Green Building & Design magazine notes that multifunctional furniture is able to:
- Increase the available square footage in a room.
- Add storage opportunities where there might not otherwise be storage available.
- Improve the overall versatility and use of the room.
Examples of multifunctional furniture include:
- Wall sofas that serve as both a sofa and a bed.
- Tables that can be stored in a wall when not being used.
- Beds that can convert into a desk space.
Vertical Storage
Vertical storage solutions are defined as organizational systems that maximize space vertically rather than horizontally. These innovative storage solutions are ideal for small, high-traffic spaces, such as a bathroom, laundry room, or mud room. Wall-mounted shelves, hanging racks, and over-the-door storage are common vertical storage solutions used in small spaces.
Maximizing Closet and Wardrobe Space
Closets and wardrobe spaces are designed with storage in mind, but as an interior designer, you can improve the functionality of these spaces by utilizing the most creative closet storage ideas. By investing in compact storage solutions, you could maximize space in the closet and ensure that every item stored there has its own designated spot.
Closet Organizers and Systems
Architectural Digest notes that closet organizers and systems can revolutionize any closet space, allowing you to maximize the functionality of the room while also creating a clean and orderly storage area. Some of the best storage solutions for closets include:
- Wall shelves that can accommodate decor and clothing items.
- Shallow drawers for small items (like accessories).
- Wire racks for hanging shoes.
- Wall hooks for displaying jewelry and other small items.
Seasonal Clothing Rotation
In addition to investing in hidden storage solutions for your closet, you could create a seasonal clothing rotation plan. Storing only the items in your closet you are using for that particular season, can reduce clutter in the space and improve the overall functionality of the room.
Clever Kitchen and Bathroom Storage Solutions
The kitchen and bathroom are perhaps two of the most frequently used rooms in any home, but storage in these areas can be particularly tricky in a small house. It’s important to create a storage solution for both the kitchen and the bathroom that increases the functionality of the space while preserving as much square footage as possible.
Utilizing Unused Spaces in the Kitchen
Regardless of the size of your kitchen or the type of cabinetry you have available, you may find that unused spaces can be transformed into a storage solution. According to Better Homes and Gardens, these home organization hacks can help you improve the functionality of your small kitchen:
- Use dividers to allocate space within your cabinets or drawers.
- Add pegboard to empty wall space to add storage for pots and pants.
- Conceal frequently used appliances by creating hidden storage solutions.
Organizing a Small Bathroom
In a small bathroom, innovative storage solutions can allow you to store your favorite bathroom products without compromising the available space. Popular bathroom organization tools include over-the-toilet shelving and mirror storage solutions and organizers.
Creative Storage in Living Rooms and Bedrooms
Technological advancements have significantly changed the way we use living rooms and bedrooms in modern homes. For instance, the streaming era has effectively eliminated the need to store entertainment items (such as DVDs or CDs). However, other items still need to be stored in these rooms, so interior designers must think outside of the box when developing minimalist storage solutions.
Hidden Storage Options
Hidden storage compartments are becoming increasingly popular, especially in living rooms. These compartments are hidden in plain sight and may include an ottoman that lifts to become a toy chest or a sectional couch with an armrest that reveals a small storage area for remote controls. These hidden storage compartments are the ideal complement to any minimalistic design because they increase the functionality of the room without adding clutter or distraction to the space.
Storage-Friendly Decor
Storage-friendly decor allows you to increase the storage in your living spaces while also enhancing the design of the room. Examples of storage-friendly decor might include a mirror that doubles as a jewelry storage solution or built-in bookshelves that can house books, games, and small decor items.
Smart Storage in Entryways and Hallways
Entryways and hallways might be designed to improve the flow of traffic in a home, but they can actually play a powerful role in your overall home organization strategy. By implementing smart storage solutions in entryways and hallways, you can maximize the available space in the home without disrupting your open-concept floor plan.
Maximizing Narrow Spaces
Narrow spaces, such as hallways near stairs, may seem like wasted space in a home — but you can incorporate innovative storage solutions that allow you to take advantage of this area. Under-the-stair storage solutions like built-in shelves or cabinets are becoming increasingly popular, namely in small homes where storage opportunities are limited and space needs to be maximized.
Utilizing Behind-the-Door Storage
Behind-the-door storage is another top small apartment storage idea, particularly in narrow spaces. Products such as over-the-door racks or shelves allow you to store frequently used products conveniently while still keeping them out of the way.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Storage Solutions
While modular furniture for small spaces can help improve storage and under-the-stair storage can increase the functionality of a narrow space, many homeowners and interior designers are also seeking ways to implement eco-friendly storage solutions that prioritize sustainability in the home. Sustainable and eco-friendly storage solutions are designed to reduce the environmental footprint of storage solutions themselves all while increasing the availability of space in a given room.
Repurposing and Upcycling for Storage
According to research published in the Frontiers for Sustainability Journal, minimalism is more than just an aesthetic trend; it’s a sustainable practice that homeowners and interior designers are adopting to reduce their consumption and minimize clutter in their residential space. One of the best ways to implement sustainable storage solutions is to focus on repurposing or upcycling existing storage products.
For example, an interior designer could take an old wooden entertainment center and repurpose it so that it could be used as a bookshelf or another type of storage in the room. It saves the entertainment center from being hauled off to the local landfill and provides the homeowner with a bespoke piece that improves functionality while elevating the aesthetic appeal of the room.
Eco-Friendly Materials for Storage Furniture
As you look into multifunctional furniture and hidden storage compartments, evaluate the materials used to create the products. Some of the most eco-friendly materials for storage furniture include all-natural wood and bamboo, both of which can be created sustainably without the excessive use of chemicals or other products that can harm the environment and the health of individuals living in the home.
Learn More About Creative Space Management at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
The scope of the interior design industry extends beyond creating beautiful spaces. Interior designers must also consider the functionality of the space and innovate unique storage ideas for small spaces.
At Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, we offer an on-campus Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design program as well as an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design degree. With an emphasis on creativity and innovation, the curriculum helps students build their expertise in the fundamentals of interior design.
Request more information about our degree programs today.
