I was recently turned on to A&E’s frightening series “Hoarders.” What lies behind closed doors can truly be overwhelming for some, but even for those of us that don’t collect junk, it got me thinking about storage. Who doesn’t need more storage in their home? I recently moved into a new place and doubled my square footage, however, am still searching for appropriate storage solutions.

The next time you’re faced with over-stuffed closets and cardboard box overload, think about the three Ss of storage: style, smarts and sustainability. When all of these criteria are met you’ll not only get adequate storage but also a décor piece that adds style and function to your home. This should be the mantra for your living room, bedroom, or even garage.

Stylish
Storage is about function: true; but it doesn’t have to be ugly. Those large plastic bins with snap-on lids are especially handy, but not if they are sitting in the corner of your living room and used for extra seating. Keep those bins in the basement or under the stairs and fill them with items you don’t use often, like holiday décor.

For those items that you will be reaching for regularly, like toys or blankets, looks for storage pieces that will add beauty to your room. There are great boxes available that have bold colours and prints on them or that are covered in fabric. Many of them can also double as seating for extra guests or a place to put your feet up as well.

For smaller items like remote controls or CDs, try using small, patterned and colourful boxes and put them on a standard bookcase with those items you want to show off. Try using several boxes in the same colour but in varied sizes to hide your excess, it can make for an interesting and functional display, keeping your home organized and serene.

Smart Solutions
When thinking storage you always want to be smart about the pieces you are choosing.  Here are a few examples of what I mean by “Smart Solutions”:

A credenza or sideboard in place of a TV stand will not only provide ample storage for your electronics (and hide those hideous cables), but the additional storage can be a perfect home for DVDs, CDs, and other items you may not use everyday in your living space.

There are also some great dividers available that can create smaller, more organized spaces in your larger drawers. By dividing these drawers into sections you can avoid cramming small random items in one place, often known as the “junk” drawer. By grouping these items you’re more likely to create a “go to” drawer rather than a “junk” drawer where things get wrecked.

Sustainable
In the kitchen, storage is key. Everyone has that one cabinet that is filled with mismatched Tupperware containers and lids, but for some reason we can’t part with them in case their match reappears. Enough of this wastefulness, it’s time to upgrade to glass containers. They are better for the environment, are washable, don’t get stained, and are easy to stack.

Another aspect to think about when buying storage pieces is multi-use. You’re better off buying square or round pieces than irregular shapes, not only will you be able to fit them better in the cabinet you’ll be able to put more things in them.

Baskets are another fantastic sustainable product for storage because of their versatility. Look for baskets made of natural materials and if available those made by hand. There are eco-stores and fair-trade import stores popping up across Canada that have unique and functional items.

Most importantly, learn to spot the difference between décor and clutter. If you find yourself with several ‘collections’ on display you might be ready for an episode of Hoarders yourself.

Choose the best of your collectables and create a small feature to avoid overdoing it. You can always rotate these items to freshen up your décor and keep the clutter at bay.

Happy Organizing!

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Alykhan Velji
Having a successful design career for the last several years, Alykhan Velji has definitely made a name for himself on the Alberta design scene. Coming in as one of the top three finalists for HGTV’s Designer Superstar Challenge in 2006 and then landing a role as a Stylist/Design Assistant on The Style Dept. also was a great boost to his career.
As well as having his own design business, Alykhan Velji Design, Alykhan has been featured in many local and national publications, offering his expertise on design and trends. Finding inspiration in his travels and keeping abreast with the design industry’s new and innovative trends ensures his design esthetic is always fresh, all the while remaining original and timeless. In its fourth year as a design firm, Alykhan Velji Design specializes in both residential and commercial projects.
http://www.alyveljidesigns.com