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Lori Madden, MANGROVE REALTY ASSOCIATESPhone: (941) 780-8443
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Save Space With These Built-In Storage Ideas

by Lori Madden 09/19/2021

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, you need storage. Designing your home with spectacular, well-designed storage nooks in mind can make your life so much easier. Consider building these storage solutions into your new home. 

1. In-Wall Storage Solutions

Utilizing the space between studs to create built-in shelves or storage nooks is a brilliant option. 

  • In-wall nooks beside a sitting area may eliminate the need for an end table.

  • In-wall niche shelves in a kitchen can offer a lovely way to display organized canisters, spices and other sundries worthy of keeping out in the open. 

  • In-wall medicine cabinets and/or cleaning supply nooks in the bathroom take up less space, blend seamlessly into your decor and offer just that little extra space for necessities.

2. Under-Stair Storage 

If you have a traditional staircase, you might just have plenty of space for storage underneath. This type of storage is perfect for larger bins of seasonal items you want tucked away, but easier to access and better-protected than the basement or attic. 

3. Dormer/Attic Space Storage

In an attic space with steeply pitched walls, cabinets built along the lower edges of the room make it possible to capitalize on what would otherwise be awkward, unused space. And homes with architectural features like dormers offer another tremendous opportunity. Drawers can be built into the insides of many dormers, and window seats offer an aesthetically pleasing, cozy spot to relax with a generous amount of storage space underneath. 

4. Harness the Power of the Built-In 

Built-in shelves surrounding a fireplace, adorning a living area wall or encapsulating a TV/entertainment area can add incredible versatility. Consider cabinets across the bottom and open shelving at higher levels. The downside? You’ll need a fairly good idea of your furniture arrangement options before settling on a built-in design. But built-ins tend to add value and style to a home, whether they’re built into a sleek contemporary space or a more traditional one. 

5. Pay Attention to Your Closets

Take the time to look up closet design and storage ideas. This will help you determine what type of storage solution would work best for your wardrobe and storage needs. Building shelving, appropriate-height rods and other storage features into your closets greatly increases your storage efficiency. 

6. Make the Most of Your Garage/Outdoor Storage Space 

Think beyond the vehicles you’ll need to park as you plan your outdoor storage space. An attached shed, built-in garage shelving and cabinets might be the solution for storing your yard tools and outdoor recreational supplies. Look into slat-wall garage storage options or ceiling-mounted storage accessories to make the most of your garage space. 

7. Consider Fold-Up Furniture 

In some homes, a fold-down desk or work surface can transform a space into a multi-use area that eliminates the need for extra furniture and streamlining storage needs. Many Murphy beds and folding desks incorporate attractive shelves on either side for storage. It might be nontraditional, but it’s a solid option when you’re trying to capitalize on space.

About the Author
Author

Lori Madden

As a Florida native growing up in Sarasota, I have seen my hometown grow from a sleepy coastal town to a highly sought-after destination along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. After working in Chicago for 5 years, I returned to Sarasota and saw it through a new lens and really began to appreciate what makes Sarasota so desirable, including temperatures that allow for year round outdoor activities including tennis (a personal favorite), golf, boating, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, or just relaxing and/or shelling on our pristine sandy shores, including Dr. Beach’s #1 beach in the United States for 2017, Siesta Key! Sarasota’s cultural amenities are many and diverse, appealing to a wide range of arts lovers. Downtown Sarasota has become a destination in itself, drawing many new developments for those who want to be within walking distance of Main Street's offerings and the picturesque bayfront and marina. Foodies will find an eclectic mix of locally owned and operated restaurants offering something for everyone, and there are now Farmers Markets every day of the week in various locations throughout Sarasota, but the Saturday morning Farmers Market in downtown Sarasota draws the biggest crowds. Since 1988, my passion has been selling real estate, representing both buyers and sellers. I have been recognized by my clients and customers for an uncompromising work ethic and dedication to helping them achieve their real estate goals. Relying on my experience as a real estate paralegal and being highly organized, I am able to help make the transition between contract and closing a smooth one for my clients. With an eye for interior and landscape design, I've been known to pitch in and help Sellers minimize and/or reorganize their belongings in order to stage their home to maximize its sale potential. I specialize in out of state buyers looking for their piece of paradise along the Gulf Coast and make it a priority to keep them up to date on our quickly changing local real estate market. I welcome the opportunity to share with you all Sarasota and her surrounding islands have to offer!