Interior design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality and maximizing the space you have. Whether you’re working on a luxury home remodel or a smaller project, designer storage solutions can make a huge difference in how a space feels and functions. Deanne Bridenstine, a seasoned interior designer, founder of Pure Design Ohio and Director of Merchandising and Design for Tailored Living, shares her insights on how effective designer storage solutions can elevate your design projects.
Smart Storage Solutions Start with Understanding the Client’s Needs
The first step in implementing effective designer storage solutions is understanding your client’s needs and lifestyle. Deanne emphasizes the importance of having conversations with clients to pinpoint the pain points they experience in their daily routines. For example, a cluttered garage that’s so full it can’t even house a car is a common issue in many homes. Deanne recommends assessing what items need to be accessible daily versus those that can be stored away.
Balancing Beauty with Functionality
Storage doesn’t have to be dull or utilitarian. Deanne highlights the trend of adding texture and design elements to designer storage solutions. Whether it’s incorporating recycled leather fronts or using aluminum and glass accents, these touches can transform a functional storage area into a stylish statement. The key is to blend aesthetics with practicality, ensuring that storage solutions enhance the overall design of the space.
Tailored Solutions for Every Room
While closets are often the focus when discussing designer storage solutions, there are plenty of other areas in a home where smart storage can shine. For instance, garages are often overlooked as potential storage powerhouses. With customized solutions, even a cluttered garage can become a well-organized space where everything has its place. Deanne shares the importance of hiding clutter behind sleek doors while also providing easy access to frequently used items, such as sports equipment or gardening tools.
Similarly, rooms like the laundry room and home office are ripe for storage upgrades. A well-designed laundry room with easy-to-reach shelves and organized spaces can make the chore less daunting. In the home office, consider ergonomic designs that place essential items at the perfect height and make room for necessary but often cumbersome equipment like printers.
Flexibility is Key
One of Deanne’s favorite client success stories involves the use of flexible storage solutions that grow with the family. By combining wall-mounted hooks with hidden cabinets, she provided a dynamic system that could adapt to changing needs over time. This flexibility is especially important in spaces like garages or mudrooms, where storage needs can vary dramatically depending on the season or the household’s activities.
The Designer’s Role in Storage Solutions
As an interior designer, your role in providing designer storage solutions goes beyond picking out pretty cabinets. It’s about understanding how to make your clients’ lives easier through design. Deanne advises working closely with local storage solution providers, like Tailored Closets or Premier Garages, to create customized storage that fits your client’s unique needs. These partnerships can also open up additional revenue streams, whether through referral fees or direct sales.
Key Takeaways for Designer Storage Solutions
By incorporating thoughtful, tailored storage solutions into your projects, you can help your clients achieve a more organized, functional, and beautiful home. Whether it’s rethinking a garage, upgrading a laundry room, or maximizing closet space, the opportunities for creative storage solutions are endless. As Deanne’s experience shows, these solutions not only enhance the design but also make your clients’ lives easier.
When you’re ready to increase your interior design business profits, work exclusively with ideal clients, and enjoy the time and resources for your extraordinary life, explore your coaching options. We’ve got your back in the business of design and the business of home.
