Five tips for an organised and functional space

Bedroom bliss

A beautiful upholstered ottoman that opens can provide deep storage for linen and blankets. Pop in a few cedar balls to deter moths.

Find similiar items here: ‘Brimnes’ bed frame with storage and headboard, Ikea. Slim-line under-bed organiser, Howards Storage World. 

Brigid Arnott

Open-plan living

In open living room layouts, beautiful joinery or cubed bookshelves can double as storage and a room divider. The trick to pulling this off is to fill shelves with decorative pieces paired with beautiful wicker baskets or recycled timber boxes.

Find similiar items here: Ethnicraft ‘Nordic’ low 6-drawer rack, Globe West. Keats’ bookcase in Oak Natural, Freedom. ‘Vivian’ bookshelf, Equator Homewares

John Downs

Open shelving

Floating shelves and shadow boxes in a variety of colours and shapes can turn toy collections into mini works of art. Show off the covers of beautifully illustrated picture books on easy-reach open shelves, and add a beanbag or cushions below to create the perfect reading corner.

Find similiar items here: ‘Sia’ bookshelf in Light Blue, Life Interiors. Ubabub ‘Booksee’ book rack, Lilly & Lolly.

Simon Whitbread

Double-duty

Store toys in baskets and clear tubs on low shelves. Separate them into categories, such as cars, music or dress-ups as this helps prevent everything coming out at once.

Display the things you love and conceal the things you don’t, while still keeping everything accessible. Double-duty furniture is also a great storage idea as low cabinets can be turned into a bench seat with the addition of a few pillows on top.

Find similiar items here: Bloomingville ‘Fox’ mini storage box, Leo & Bella.

John Downs

Wicker baskets

Baskets are a great way to categorise and store items. They are also visually appealing and help to add warmth to the white cabinetry.

Find similar items here: ‘Buco’ frame box in Natural, Freedom. Muuto ‘Restore’ basket in Grey, Lilly & Lolly.

Sue Stubbs