Last night I was peeking around Ask Curbly, and found a comment someone had left looking for advice on storage techniques that would not take away from a retro look.
So, I was inspired to share some of the things that we’ve done in our home. Living in a small space and having an affinity for things can definitely be a challenge. It’s not always easy to store your stuff without your space looking dorm-y {or just plain messy}. Plastic containers scream “college” to me, so instead, we opt for more classic looks.
Etsy and Goodwill are our greatest resources. You can find real vintage steals that warm up your space with a nostalgic appeal while also being incredibly functional. Here’s what we’ve learned over the years:
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7| There is plenty of space for boxes under beds, and for board games under couches. Don’t neglect this valuable space. If you have any plastic bins with wheels this is the place for them — they won’t be an eye sore in the middle of the room, and you won’t just be junking them either!
6| Make a visible closet with a dowel or pipe. Neatly hang your favourite fabrics and show them off! I think closets with doors should be reserved for the ugly stuff — the boxes, the tools, and that dehydrator you’ve never actually used. Put the pretty things out for your guests to see!
5| Give your furniture a makeover. If you don’t like the look of the storage stuff you do have, a fresh coat of paint or some stenciling can go a long way! Choose a bright solid color then get creative!
4| Put your favourite pieces on display! Anything can be art if you hang it as such.
3| Trunks: Fill them with junk, close the lid, and you’ve magically got a new seating area (invaluable if you like to host gatherings)!
2| Buy vintage suitcases, picnic baskets and hat boxes at Goodwill or on Etsy and use them for storage. You can even stack the hatboxes and suitcases so they double as side tables.
1| Think outside of the box. Books don’t have to go on a bookshelf and shoes don’t have to go in the closet.
Good luck + don’t forget to have fun with it!
xx.
