Clever Storage Solutions for Period Homes
Period homes can be a challenge to furnish, so I've looked around to come up with some creative storage suggestions to help you make the most of your space whilst taking your interiors to the next level.
1. American Style Built-In Media Units
Picture a space that effortlessly combines practicality with style, where every corner has a purpose and adds to the overall function of the room. That's the magic of built-in cabinetry – an architectural and design feature that doesn't just save space it is basically custom storage or furniture that's seamlessly part of the room's structure. Unlike standalone furniture, these installations are made to fit the space like a glove, using every nook efficiently.
They come in all sorts of designs and one of the best things about built-in cabinetry is how it makes the most of your space, by using walls, alcoves, or those underused areas. Awkward corners or uneven walls become opportunities for storage solutions, giving the room a seamless and purpose-built vibe, which is perfect for period homes.
Image Credit: James Major Home
Image Credit: Pinterest
2. Banquette Style Seating
What is not to love about the flexibility of built-in banquette style seating, as it is a bespoke product you can be really flexible about what you want to achieve with that space, do you need extra storage? cupboards or drawers? Don’t hesitate to get really specific about would you want to store and how.
Alternatively it could just serve as a great seating area with some personalised cushions and/or upholstery to sit on, I think it does depend on how built up the rest of the kitchen is, you don’t want it to look too clunky, so having some space underneath is always worth exploring.
Another thing I love about banquette/built in style seating is that it is super space saving, which can be great in period homes as they can have a more compartmentalised footprint, whilst providing a suggestion that is really bespoke and personalised for your interiors.
Image Credit: Pinterest
3. Bespoke Library Shelving
Are you a book or magazine horder?! Have no fear the bespoke library wall is here!
I often recommend a library wall for office spaces as they are a great way to store things that you’ve built up over time, especially if you go down the bespoke approach you can design it for anything you want. But, an alternative place I suggest to my Client is these between spaces, maybe you have a little entry way on your way into the main part of the house, built over a door way! It is such a wonderful way to add texture, intrigue and visual interest whilst also creating a really fun moment in your home.
Image Credit: Pinterest
Image Credit: Pinterest
4. Wardrobes
I know what your going to say, WARDROBES?!
But seriously, there are some pretty incredible ways to get creative instead of just installing the usual options and as a Interior designer I live and breath texture. How can I bring more texture into a space to make sure the interiors of my Client don’t fall flat! I love the idea of these beautiful material inserts for wardrobe doors, it is so different and adds such a great depth to the space whilst also offering a replacement to just a big wall of wardrobes.
If you aren’t feeling this, than I would always recommend having some sort of shaker beading or a strong wood grain for your wardrobe doors, it is a great way to avoid slab door that can be so visually unappealing.
Image Credit: Pinterest
Image Credit: Pinterest
5. Built-In Beds
If you know me or follow me on Instagram, you will know that I have an unhealthy obsession with Murphy beds! My Instagram feed also has then popping up everywhere, and with this obsession there comes a bit of what I like to a call crusade, where I try to get a Murphy bed in every bodies homes. (If it works with the brief of course). If you don’t know what a Murphy bed is, then it is essentially America’s answer to the ‘sofa bed’, only better, much better! The bed folds away but it is surrounded by some completely bespoke cabinetry that fits like a glove in the space. It also makes the room, much more flexible, rooms can be dual purpose without compromising on beauty.
Another type of build in bed I’m seeing everywhere at the moment are great options for children, they can be added to the room when they move away from the cot and if you get the design right, they would serve until they leave for college or university. Often built-in and flanked by these incredible storage options, beautiful niches for decorative pieces, built in lighting and the option to have privacy curtains as they get a bit older, what is not to love about these stunning alternatives.
Image Credit: Studio Jenna Rainey
Image credit: Shannon Eddings - Photography Molly Culver
Having rounded up lots of my favourite types of bespoke cabinetry, you can really see the wide array of options for your home. How truly bespoke some of those options can be and how they can really make your home something bespoke, let me know in the comments which is your favourite - it better be the Murphy bed.
If you’re renovating a period home don’t forget to explore my services I offer remote and in person consultations which work best if your looking for some light advice or I offer bespoke full service interior design services which is perfect if your looking for a more hands on approach.
I focus on creating a solid client brief, so your voice is central throughout the design process, understanding how you live and how you want to live.
Jessica x