good storage begins with understanding what needs a place in the home. the most useful solution is not always another cupboard, but a clearer relationship between possessions, daily routines and the room’s proportions.

these six pieces were selected for our 2019 archive. their individual availability may have changed, but the underlying ideas remain relevant to furniture selection and bespoke joinery design in a considered melbourne interior.

open shelving

the metal and glass ikea bookcase pictured gives displayed objects a light framework. a balance of books, vessels and open space can keep the arrangement composed.

consider which objects deserve to be seen and which require closed storage. shelving should be sized and installed for the intended load, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

wall hooks

muuto’s the dots offers a simple way to introduce storage at the point of use. a considered grouping can serve an entry, bedroom or utility space while retaining a sculptural quality.

resolve height, spacing and fixing requirements for the objects to be hung rather than arranging hooks only for their appearance.

Slim timber desk with drawers and fine metal legs.

storage at the desk

the wyatt desk from freedom paired timber with steel and integrated drawers in our original selection. it illustrates the value of keeping regularly used items close to the work surface.

review drawer dimensions, cable management and seating clearance alongside the overall proportions of a home workspace.

Woven baskets used for plants and storage beside a timber stool.

flexible baskets

woven baskets bring texture and can accommodate items that move between rooms, such as throws and toys. choose a size and construction suited to the contents.

a small number of related baskets can sit comfortably within the interior palette. avoid using loose storage to conceal a need for more carefully planned joinery.

Black ladder-style towel stand displaying pink and white towels.

a place for textiles

the decorative ladder from target in our archive offered a compact way to display towels or throws. its suitability depends on stable placement and the intended load.

treat a decorative ladder as a display piece rather than a climbing ladder. confirm the manufacturer’s use and fixing guidance.

Timber coffee table with open storage beneath a rust-toned sofa.

furniture with another purpose

the west elm coffee table pictured combines an open shelf with a concealed compartment. dual-purpose furniture can be useful where floor area is limited, provided its mechanisms and dimensions suit the room.

our essendon studio coordinates storage within the complete home, selecting individual pieces or designing custom joinery around the client’s particular requirements.

a place for everything