Chic Decorative Storage Ideas for Your Home or Business

What does every picture-perfect home or business have in common? It doesn't take a professional interior designer to see that beautifully designed homes and businesses make good use of space by keeping everyday items neat and organized. Clutter can make even the best spaces appear disorderly and unattractive. The solution? Chic yet utilitarian storage solutions to keep things in order. Here are some stylish solutions designed to tackle common storage quandaries.

 

Pick custom furniture with built-in storage

 

Today's wide array of home furnishings offer the best of both worlds: useful storage pieces and cabinets that don't skimp on design style. It's now easier than ever to find fine furnishings designed for practical use. For living areas, choose a hard-working coffee table that doubles as a storage unit where you can easily stash books, magazines, mail and TV remotes. Stylish tufted ottomans can pull double duty as both eye-catching decorative accessories as well as handy storage pieces. At the kitchen table, a chic banquette not only replaces traditional seating options, but also includes the added bonus of extra space beneath the cushion.

 

Take boring office storage and give it a style twist   

 

There's no doubt that home and business offices can be drab. But it doesn't have to be that way. A striking wood desk sets the tone for the entire office and filing cabinets made of fine woods add a touch of class. Bookcases and shelving provide great storage and you can add things like whicker baskets and boxes that make decorative storage containers and never go out of style.  

 

You can also take your favorite home décor pieces and convert them into unique office storage solutions. For example, an antique glass or ceramic vase can be used as a pen or pencil cup. A vintage tray can become a swanky business card holder or paper tray. Use colorful storage boxes to contain visual clutter like receipts, office supplies, manual, pamphlets and other stray pieces of paper.  

 

Kitchen storage solutions that shine

 

Who doesn't need just a little more kitchen space? Whether you're blessed with a large airy kitchen or doing your best with a smaller space, creative storage solutions can make all the difference between a grand or bland kitchen space. If you have room to work with, add character and extra storage space with a unique freestanding storage unit like an antique dresser, old card catalog or vintage baskets. Use a fun crock as a utensil catchall where you can keep wooden spoons, spatulas, and whisks. Add a colorful shelf under the cabinets for extra space.

 

Keeping kiddie clutter at bay

 

Overflowing toy bins, scattered puzzle pieces, toy soldiers underneath the sofa cushions: these are the everyday design challenges faced by many households. Traditional oversized toy chests, no matter how cute, can make it difficult to access toys and have a tendency to become cluttered. Opt instead for individual storage units of different sizes, choosing colors that coordinate well with existing décor. Colorful cubbies, neatly arranged at kid's eye-level, are perfect for a child's bedroom. In living areas, stylish baskets keep toys out of sight but within easy reach, all while serving a dual role as decorative accessories. Home furnishings like upholstered benches and shelving units outfitted with fashionable bins can also help contain kids' toys in common living areas.