Decorating
Storage Dilemma: Do You Hide Your Things ... or Show Them Off?
The following ideas may just help you decide whether you should display your wares, or hide them well away...
If you’ve always preferred the clean lines that come with hidden storage, fair enough but, as you’ll see below, putting your wares on display for all to see can be just as fabulous. Likewise, if you can’t see a reason not to show off favourite finds, you might discover that sometimes, less is more.
And yet… How else are you going to show off a collection as fabulous as this one? Hiding away these gorgeous plates would be a crime.
BATHROOM
Mosaic mystery. This seriously gorgeous bathroom doesn’t compromise on storage capacity despite its limited floorspace.
Mosaic mystery. This seriously gorgeous bathroom doesn’t compromise on storage capacity despite its limited floorspace.
And yet… This Asian-style bathroom is just as appealing. The key to its success lies not in hidden storage, but in a display unit that allows for candles, rolled-up towels and decorative items to set the mood.
KITCHEN
Slick move. To many, hiding ovens away behind a sleek sliding door is an act of wizardry – it’s the ultimate way to streamline surfaces and reflect light into a modern kitchen.
Slick move. To many, hiding ovens away behind a sleek sliding door is an act of wizardry – it’s the ultimate way to streamline surfaces and reflect light into a modern kitchen.
And yet… This contemporary kitchen is just as streamlined, but manages to incorporate appliances in a way that adds to the impact rather than takes away from it.
Secret stash. This kitchen is all about clean lines and blank walls, and combines the use of timber and white to dramatic effect.
And yet… What a highlight these display shelves are. Hiding everything away is not always as effective as choosing some beautiful items for a thoughtful display.
GARDEN TOOLS
Pure genius. This cluey hideaway storage solution keeps gardening tools well out of sight.
Pure genius. This cluey hideaway storage solution keeps gardening tools well out of sight.
And yet… If all the tools were hidden away, you couldn’t create a space so full of character. This is one garden shed that would be a joy to hang out in.
LETTERS AND KEYS
Neat and nifty. There would be no more losing the keys in this house, and the stacks of mail that arrive for different household members can be stashed and retrieved from the one place – goodbye benchtop mess.
Neat and nifty. There would be no more losing the keys in this house, and the stacks of mail that arrive for different household members can be stashed and retrieved from the one place – goodbye benchtop mess.
And yet… A Mid-century piece like this gives a home entrance real appeal, and the keys and mail are just as accessible. Best of all, you can dump your wallet, sunglasses and phone the minute you come through the door and you’ll know exactly where to find them the next time you head out.
UNDER THE STAIRS
Stairway to heaven. This hidden solution takes advantage of all available storage room. The clean lines create the illusion of a bigger space, and the panels hide deep cavities capable of housing a host of different belongings.
Stairway to heaven. This hidden solution takes advantage of all available storage room. The clean lines create the illusion of a bigger space, and the panels hide deep cavities capable of housing a host of different belongings.
And yet… Hidden storage eliminates the opportunity to make a statement with an under-stair shelving unit like this one. Sure, the area can’t hold quite as much stuff, but its good looks surely outweigh its smaller storage capacity.
SHOES
Stair master. This heavenly hidden storage is a fantastic option for small home and apartment dwellers desperate to keep clutter at bay.
Stair master. This heavenly hidden storage is a fantastic option for small home and apartment dwellers desperate to keep clutter at bay.
And yet… Isn’t it just easier when you can see all your shoes in a backlit display like this one? If space is not a problem, this storage option will make you feel like a movie star.
BEDROOM
Flipping out. A wall bed makes a room far more versatile. This bed actually sits between the kitchen and living room in a small apartment. When folded up, the apartment can accommodate social gatherings with ease.
Flipping out. A wall bed makes a room far more versatile. This bed actually sits between the kitchen and living room in a small apartment. When folded up, the apartment can accommodate social gatherings with ease.
Natural beauty. A bench conceals storage underneath the windows, and takes no attention away from this minimalist dining area. The natural light flooding into this room is the star attraction.