Storage Ideas by Groth and Sons
When embarking on interior architecture and design storage solutions it is well worth the time to sit down and nut out what your actual needs are. Here are a few things for your consideration
What are your particular requirements? It is worth taking the time to write oneself a detailed brief. Bubble diagrams are a great tool to assist with your calculations.
What type of storage? Open or enclosed? Concealed storage offers items to be hidden from view, this doesn’t mean to say that this means unorganised clutter behind closed doors, it does, however, allow for the organisation of your less attractive possessions.
What is the percentage of available space do you have? Do you require secure storage? What needs to be lockable? Are you storing the family jewels or is an area for legal documents required? For the latter, you may need to consider the integration of a safe deposit box.
Do you have the luxury of a separate storage room? There is something quite luxurious about creating specific areas such as a butler’s pantry, home library or a walk-in-robe/ dressing room.
Do certain items need specific storage conditions? For example a dust-free area or compartments of a bespoke shape and size.
Doors or drawers? Storage behind doors may be visually more appealing but doesn’t offer the convenience or practicality of storage drawers. You may consider inner drawers behind door panels.
What is your Budget? When weighing up the cost take into account the duration of time that you are likely to stay in your current property. Even though you won’t be able to move built-ins when you relocate, you will have the benefit of value adding to your property, that is of course if they were designed and built right in the first place.
Storage Tips
Do you have available dead space? You may be able to capitalise on the narrowing of a room or hallway, utilising the under- side of a staircase or the top of existing low cupboards. There may be an opportunity to convert an attic area or box room. You may just need to tweak existing storage by adding extra shelving, inner- drawers or the addition of door mechanisms and internal storage racks. A classic opportunity is the available space either side of a Chimney breast, this is an ideal opportunity to add flanking book shelves.
How about integrating storage into some wainscot panelling or even behind a secret door?
If storing audio-visual equipment, careful attention must be taken towards the required levels of ventilation, to expel the warm air generated by amplifiers; this is also true of refrigeration units and wine conditioners. The provision of a convection current (allowing for the complete circulation of air) is beneficial as it forges hot air away from the source.
When constructing office cabinetry or audio-visual units think about using sliding shelves to give better access to equipment and to gain access to wiring.
Kid’s storage? Here, adaptability is paramount, careful consideration must be taken to their changing needs. Children grow quickly, and the wants and needs of an eight-year-old are very much different to that of a teenager. Be careful about the theming of children’s rooms, what might be favoured today could be the focus of embarrassment to a child several years down the track. The room, like the child, needs room to evolve.
Think about utilising every possible storage opportunity, a window seat can give the added benefit of extra, deep storage by integrating drawers into the construction.
Interior Design for a TV Room Sydney by Groth and Sons
Built-in or freestanding? There is nothing more decadent than the use of a room full of freestanding custom-made furniture, but if space is at a premium, built-in solutions are a firm favourite. Built-ins are often a more reliable approach in terms of the management of scale and proportion within their environment.
Open shelving should be adjustable wherever possible, allowing for flexibility in the longer term. And don’t build storage and display deeper than required.
Utility is a must but needn’t be at the expense of Style and aesthetics. Take into consideration the architectural heritage and character of your building.
Storage for individual rooms – it is wise to store items in an appropriate area, in close vicinity to its area of use.
Think about the correct lighting solutions and different layers of illumination. Do you require task lighting, feature lighting or ambient lighting, or all of the above? Lighting needn’t be restricted to just the façades, how about the interior, as well as adding drama it is also very practical, making ease of storage access.
For all your storage solutions please call Groth & Sons on 0419 408 988.
