Leslie Fine: Innovative Storage Solutions

I’ve got this problem, and I’m sure you do as well—too much stuff! Storage always seems to be an issue for homeowners. Obviously, the smaller your space, the more challenging your storage options. But even for those who have adequate closet, garage and attic space, storing items in a functional and organized fashion is not always easy to do.

When I work with my clients, the topics of storage and organization are just as important as, for instance, the colors that are selected or furniture pieces that are ordered. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to create unique and wonderful storage solutions, and I thought it would be fun and informative to share these with you.

Here are three recent projects in which a storage challenge was solved with a unique storage solution:

Project: Mud room for a family with three young children
Challenge: How to store each child’s belongings in an organized and attractive manner
Solution: I created a locker room space (wood storage closets that are made to look like typical metal gym lockers) in which each boy has his own unit, with extra storage above for out-of-season items and plenty of hanging space inside. Hand-painted plaques identify each locker, with an extra locker labeled for a guest.Project: Master bedroom storage
Challenge: How to organize fashion accessories (belts, scarves, costume jewelry, etc.)
Solution: I designed a custom accessory dresser. Each shallow drawer has velvet-lined divided spaces, the size of which is dependent upon what is specifically being stored. The dresser organizes the client’s accessories so that they are easily retrieved.

Project: A teenager’s bedroom
Challenge: How to achieve the most storage in a limited space
Solution: I designed a platform bed with drawers underneath and surrounded by a wall of built-ins. The stacks of drawers on each side of the bed act as end tables, and the shelves above accommodate books and other belongs.

Do you have any unique ways of storing your belongings? Or, do you have any particularly challenging storage situations in your home? I’d love to hear from you!
Leslie Fine of Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc. in Boston is an award-winning interior designer involved in residential projects all over New England and beyond. In addition to her design career, she also blogs about design. Leslie can be followed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/lesliefineint and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LeslieFineInteriors.