Stylish Solutions for a Clutter-Free Home

Let’s be honest — no one ever gets excited about storage. It’s rarely the Pinterest-worthy bit of a room. But here’s the thing: when storage is beautifully designed, cleverly integrated, and part of your aesthetic story, it becomes one of your home’s biggest unsung heroes.

And yes, it can still be stylish.

Photo Credit: Katie Landreth

No one wants their beautifully styled living room hijacked by plastic tubs or clunky flatpack shelves. But when life gets busy and things start piling up (hello, post, school bags, throws, dog toys…), clever storage becomes essential.

The good news? Storage doesn’t have to scream, "I’m storage!" In fact, it can be so seamless, it not only keeps things tidy — it actually adds to the beauty of your home.

For many of my clients — especially the busy ones out there juggling family life, work, and the occasional hosting moment — storage is top of the wish list. But they don’t want to live in a glorified utility cupboard. They want their homes to look elegant, feel calm, and make a great impression when friends drop by (even if the inside of the cupboard is another story).

So this blog is all about clever storage that disappears into the background — or better yet, becomes a feature in itself.

Photo Credit: Mies Interieur, Jessica Elizabeth Horton, Laurel Home

Built-In Cupboards That Blend In

Built-in shelving doesn’t have to mean wall-to-wall flatpack. If your home has awkward corners or alcoves (hello, classic British terraced house), lean into them. Custom joinery can turn dead space into stylish storage that also frames your favourite things.

There are so many ways to sneak extra storage in when you’re building bespoke. A cupboard squaring off an awkward corner is the ultimate win in my book. Style the top with a pretty lamp and a print, and suddenly it’s a feature — not an unused corner.

Paint it the same colour as the wall to make it feel like it’s always been there — or go bold with a contrast to make it pop.

Styling tip: Mix closed cupboards below with open shelves above. Style the shelves with art, books, ceramics — and keep the “less pretty” stuff hidden.

Photo Credit: End Grain, Zeitraum, Pinterest Unknown

Secret Wardrobes & Hidden Doors

A full wall of built-in wardrobes gives you floor-to-ceiling storage without crowding the room. Compared with freestanding furniture it lets you maximise height and use every inch. And if there’s a door in that run? Why not hide it within the design for a seamless finish?

A secret door — childhood dream, right? Or was that just me?

Photo Credit: Orton Haus, Habitus Living, Elegant Interieurs Studio

Understairs, Overachieving

Whether it’s part of your living area or tucked into a hallway, utilising the space under your stairs is a game-changer. Understairs storage can house anything from shoes and coats to pet beds, study stations, downstairs loos — even a hidden bar.

It’s like discovering a whole new room.

Photo Credit: e.v.e, De Maatwerker, Pinterest Unknown

The Hallway Bank

First impressions need to work hard. If you need more storage by the front door, consider ‘borrowing’ a bit of space from the room behind. Install built-in hallway cupboards which add impact visually — and practically — right where you need it most.

Photo Credit: DigsDigs, Plastkort, Pinterest Unknown

Under Eaves Magic

No more hiding the Christmas decorations in the corner of your new loft room. More and more homes are opening up lofts for extra space — but then, where does the stuff go when there’s no more loft to hide it in?

Planning storage into your loft conversion is essential. Tight layouts mean you’ll need to be smart: bespoke eaves storage, tall cupboards where ceiling height allows, and even up-and-over storage above doors or beds. Don’t overlook that vertical space — above-door storage can be beautifully blended in with colour-matched cabinetry to keep it feeling light and intentional.

Design tip: If you’re worried about it feeling top-heavy, match the storage colour to the wall so it blends in.

Photo Credit: Soho Home, Pinterest Unknown, Luke Arthur Wells

Hidden Bench Storage

Whether it’s under a bay window, at the end of your bed, or in a hallway nook, a beautifully upholstered bench softens the space — and hides a multitude of sins. Think toys, shoes, spare bedding, or paperwork you haven’t filed yet. And there’s plenty of options from ottomans, storage benches, and footstools all with hidden compartments.

Designer tip: Choose fabrics with texture or shape that add to your scheme — so the piece earns its spot visually too.

Photo Credit: Rose and Grey

Statement Storage: Furniture That’s Beautiful and Useful

Sideboards with curved doors, vintage trunks, tallboys with slim profiles — these are your go-to pieces. When designing a room every piece of furniture in there needs to work hard and have a purpose (or two if possible). And storage is the same. You can add eclectic style or quiet, low profile elegance with storage furniture. And anywhere you can stash away the clutter is never bad when guests come calling!

And of course there is the old favourites…baskets. Not hidden, but woven baskets can be beautiful and practical — perfect under a console table, beside the sofa or in a bathroom. Opt for natural textures or bold colours so they feel styled, not stashed.

Style tip: Choose furniture that complements your overall interior style — not just function-first options.

Photo Credit: MWAI, Graham & Brown, Breaking the Waves

Disappearing Magic

One of my favourite tricks? Wallpapering cupboard doors to match the wall — the storage disappears, and the room gains a layer of texture and intrigue. Think fluted wood fronts, slatted doors, or colour-matched panelling for a polished finish. Or how about a shot of contrasting colour when you open the doors for a fun touch?

If your home is feeling a bit chaotic, the answer isn’t always more storage. It’s the right kind of storage — pieces that support how you live, match your design aesthetic, and give you breathing room.

Photo Credit: Zoe Feldman Design

Done well, storage becomes invisible. Or better yet, it becomes part of the story your home tells.

Need help creating calm behind the scenes and beauty on the surface? Whether it’s a room refresh or a full redesign, I’d love to help.