When storage is limited, items without a home end up in piles on the floor and every other surface. Visible storage solutions like boxes, jars and baskets often add to the clutter problem and can make your space look messy.
So what’s the solution? Hidden storage, multifunction and transformable furniture are the answer. Think clever double duty pieces; smart, well thought out purchases will help hide life’s necessities giving your space a clean minimalist feel. Let your sofa, artwork or great view be the star of the show!
Here are our picks for apartment living. And the good news is everything is available in Australia…(the last item on our list is a teaser of the future and not yet available but stay tuned).
Ottoman with storage
Ektorp Footstool in Nordavalla Dark Grey $249 IKEA. Photo credit: Ikea Australia.
Works as an extra seat or hide magazines or toys in the storage space under the seat. Available in other colour combinations to suit your décor and style.
Side Table with Storage
Melle Storage Side Table in White, $243 By Calibre from Zanui. Photo Credit: Zanui Australia.
Soothe your interior design while keeping your knick-knacks organised. The practical size works well in any room in the home, from a side table in the living room, to a bedside table, or even extra storage in a home study space.
Sofa to Sofa Bed
The Sondra Sofa Bed in Biscuit Beige $599 from Brosa. Photo Credit: Brosa.
Sofa beds often get a bad wrap amongst design experts however here is proof that they can be stylish and versatile. Hosting extra guests is easy; switching between sofa and bed swiftly and conveniently.
Sofa beds often get a bad wrap amongst design experts however here is proof that they can be stylish and versatile. Hosting extra guests is easy; switching between sofa and bed swiftly and conveniently.
Coffee Table to Dining Table
Occam Coffee Table with Lift Top in White/Chrome $795 from Expand Furniture. Photo Credit: Expand Furniture.
The simplest solution is always the best. If you eat or work at your coffee table then why are you leaning over it, have the table lift up towards you. Dual lift top opens to lap level towards you and sideways towards another. This is the ultimate in living room efficiency!
Bed with Storage
Cabin Queen Size Bed plus Under Bed Storage Box in Australian Hardwood $2,299 by Kimberly James Furniture from House of Home. Photo Credit: House of Home.
The benefits of under bed storage are numerous; extra closet space, mattress stability, emergency clutter control and keeping dust to a minimum. Those without storage under their bed are all too familiar with getting down low to either retrieve a lost item that has rolled under there (Murphy’s Law is usually it’s in the hardest spot to get to). Under bed storage will certainly cut down on the clutter and help you achieve that minimalist design atheistic .
Wall Mount Drying Rack
Space Saving Wall Mount Drying Rack $109 (small) or $136 (large) from Improvements Catalog. Photo Credit: Improvements Catalog.
Laundries are not known for being spacious even in the largest of homes. It is one room in the house that can always do with strategic purchases to assist with organisation and getting your chores done efficiently.
Space saving and makes use of what would normally be a blank wall in the laundry (Unless of course you would prefer to hang your Sidney Nolan in there!).
All In One Robotic Furniture System
Ori Systems. Photo Credit: Ori Systems
One room, a hundred ways. The Jetsons fictional and functional home of the future just got one step closer to reality. Guided by the principal that interior space, particularly in high-density urban areas, has become too expensive to be static and unresponsive, Ori’s breakthrough innovation, technology and design create dynamic environments that act and feel as though they are substantially larger.
You can’t buy Ori Systems off the shelf in Australia at the moment; currently they work with property and real estate developers in the USA for installation in apartments but stay tuned for what’s to come.
