The value of storage in multi-unit residential interior design

"We live in a consumerist culture, and most of us have a lot of stuff," says Angela Amerigo of Boston Wardrobes.

Maximalist or minimalist, everything should have its place. A cluttered, poorly organised home is not only damaging to any aesthetic but is known to be detrimental to well-being. In the modern residence, efficient and well-planned storage solutions are essential and should be prioritised.

"A lot of us have lived in a house with inadequate storage and all the frustration that comes with that," Angela shares. "Ask any realtor: potential buyers or tenants will be considering the storage space when evaluating a home. Properties with ample, well-designed storage will likely be more attractive and possibly even command a higher price. Storage is a key component of residential spaces, so it shouldn't be overlooked or left to the last minute."

The most common storage solution is the shelf-and-rail wardrobe, a low-cost option particularly common in older homes. Traditionally considered a simple, all-in-one option, the contemporary reality is much the opposite. This type of storage is rarely able to stand alone. Instead, it prompts the addition of more furniture and more purchases: chests of drawers, flimsy hanging shelves, and shoe racks, to name a few. 

"This may work for a time, but a discerning homeowner wants their fixtures to be well thought out, of high quality, and of beautiful presentation, which is very hard to achieve with these makeshift solutions," Angela explains.

Architects, property developers, and homeowners should consider several factors when integrating storage solutions into their residential projects, including timing, the intention of use for each space, and the home's specifications.

Most importantly, start planning storage early in the design process. "⁠Sometimes moving a door or wall slightly left or right can be the difference between a good wardrobe and an exceptional solution," Angela shares. "Similarly, changing the size of the space slightly or the opening of the wardrobe area can transform the space, so easy to do at the right time, but almost impossible to do once building is underway."

The storage built within each room should be considered based on the space's planned function and usage. For instance, a laundry and utility area will require ample, smartly designed storage fit for smaller spaces.

Where possible, storage design should also consider the occupants' lifestyles. For instance, floor-to-ceiling shelves for the avid reader, or large, tucked-away units for the growing family with young children. 

For mid-to-high-end projects, a walk-in wardrobe is a necessity for the master bedroom, for instance, the ‘Luxe’ wardrobe. While additional bedrooms don't absolutely require this, each should feature more than just a shelf and a rail. The Select wardrobe offers a robust, cost-effective solution. 

With decades of experience in multi-dwelling developments, Boston Wardrobes has developed an intimate knowledge of the common challenges faced within residential storage design in large-scale projects and how to overcome them. These include limitations to space and budget, coupled with the need to maximise functionality and aesthetic appeal. 

"The challenge is always: how do we get the most out of a limited space and within budget?” Angela explains. “All jobs have budgets, be it the value-end or the luxury-end. Our focus is to maximise the appeal and functionality.”

Simple but clever configurations include placing custom storage in underutilised spaces, such as under the stairs or awkward corners, or adding additional storage in spare rooms, while the addition of lighting in walk-in wardrobes creates an impactful, functional design. 

“From some dimensions and a brief, we can create line and rendered views of any wardrobe spaces, linked to preliminary estimates, to be presented with confidence to clients or included in documentation and proposals,” Angela adds.

The core purpose of storage is to provide a home for valued possessions. In the context of wardrobe design, Angela explains, “Collectively, clothes, shoes, and jewellery are some of our most valuable personal assets and usually comprise a large number of items.”

When there is a place for everything, and everything has its place, the impact is felt daily. Well-designed storage ensures a calming spatial experience and ultimately protects some of the most valuable objects the occupant owns. 

The design style of the project should inform the integration of storage. An industrial, minimalist interior design may favour the ‘Innova’ wardrobe with its sleek metal stanchions, a Victorian character home will likely favour the panelled ‘Villa’ wardrobe doors, or perhaps a luxury residential design will seek a Boston Wardrobes bespoke solution. 

“Ensuring that the solution is beautiful, functional and ties in with the overall decor and other fixtures within the space will add immeasurable value to the project,” Angela adds. 

Investing in high-quality storage solutions also ensures the durability of products that will likely be interacted with every day. This resilience is crucial to reducing the need for replacements and add-ons so often found within the ‘shelf-and-rail’ style, therefore mitigating the need for the use of extra resources.

As an increasing number of people are putting ample, appropriate storage higher up their list of priorities in the property search, looking ahead, Boston Wardrobes anticipates that homeowners will seek to make storage, and particularly wardrobes, a feature of their rooms rather than hiding them in the background. 

The latest emerging trends are indicative of this hypothesis, incorporating more colour, materials, and lighting to curate a storage solution that reflects the homeowner's style and personality. 

Storage is a critical component of residential spaces that should be prioritised. A well-designed storage solution enhances both functionality and aesthetics, contributing to the overall satisfaction and value of a residential project. With this in mind, Angela’s advice is clear: engage a specialist in the early planning stages to ensure the storage solutions are properly integrated into the project. 

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