Utility spaces

Use wardrobe shelving to create office storage

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Corner desk

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I like the plate racks incorporated into the shelving!

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One of the greatest inventions I have implemented not only in my house, but in countless client homes, is to create a lost-and-found box near the entrance of each house. This container is simply where you pop things that people have left behind after a visit. A toy, platter or jumper left can quickly be popped into the lost-and-found box until you see them next. It’s also a great place to put items to return to friends and family. If you’ve got to return a book or dish, these go in the box too so you know where they are. Get into the habit of checking your lost-and-found box before you leave to visit friends and family and you’ll find you’re returning things much quicker, and not worrying that you’ll lose items people have forgotten in your home.

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Svalnäs wall-mounted storage combination: $660

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Myrheden Frame Brass: $14.99

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Fabrikör glass door cabinet (on right): $249

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Add interest to simple shelves by arranging them in a quirky pattern. Here, the designer has positioned them in a staggered pattern to turn them into a real feature of the room.

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“Pull-out desk drawer. This subtle home office looks more like a built-in bureau than a desk area. But when it's time to pay the monthly bills, the false front drawer reveals an entire working surface. This application's beauty is twofold: When it's not in use, everything resting on top of the drawer can stay in the same spot when you push it back.”

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“If space is tight, consider incorporating a secretary desk in your cabinetry. The work surface folds up to hide your mess. For a solution like this, place the desk at a height that will work with your counter stools or kitchen chairs, so you can just drag one over when it’s time to get to work.”

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