We reached out to industry experts to uncover the most pressing storage problems people are looking to solve in 2021 and the future.
After a year that brought about significant changes in our daily routines and increased at-home activities such as work, school, and entertainment, the storage capabilities of our homes have been put to the test.
To address these challenges, we reached out to industry experts to uncover the most pressing storage problems people are looking to solve in 2021 and the storage solutions that are expected to endure in the future. This year, the focus is on rejuvenating our living spaces and maximizing their functionality, allowing our homes to accommodate our needs more effectively.
After a year of adjusting to new routines and spending more time at home, the need for efficient storage solutions has become more crucial than ever.
From accommodating work, school, exercise, and entertainment activities under one roof, our homes have been stretched to their storage limits. To address these challenges, we reached out to industry experts to gain insights into the storage problems that people are eager to solve in 2021, as well as the storage solutions that are expected to endure in the future.
The focus this year is on finding innovative ways to refresh our living spaces and optimize their functionality, reducing clutter and enabling our homes to work harder for us, ultimately making our lives easier and more organized.
Stylish Storage for an Organized Home
Personalized Mudroom Storage:
According to Lee Crowder, a design expert at Taylor Morrison, mudrooms will remain in high demand in the coming year.
Beyond being a drop zone for belongings, mudrooms are evolving to include personalized storage solutions for each family member. Instead of having everyone’s shoes end up in a chaotic pile, the trend is to provide individual hooks and baskets for each person to store their items.
Other storage options like cubbies, bins, lockers, crates, and hangers can also be used, as long as they are marked for each user. This personalized approach not only brings peace of mind but also helps everyone efficiently get ready to leave the house.
Furniture That Pulls Double-Duty:
Marissa Whitley Tago, an interior designer, emphasizes the importance of multi-functional furniture pieces.
These versatile items make the most of existing space, which is particularly beneficial when major renovations or changes to the floor plan are not feasible. For example, an ottoman with storage at the foot of the bed or a desk with drawers can significantly increase storage and organization capabilities.
Tago also suggests utilizing vertical space with features such as bookshelves, wall-mount vanities that free up floor space and mirrors with hidden storage.
Nature-Inspired Colors and Materials:
The influence of the outdoors on home design continues to grow, inspiring a range of trends, including the use of organic colors and materials in storage solutions.
Natural materials like rattan, jute, and leather are popular choices for baskets and furnishings that help keep clutter at bay. Incorporating natural elements in the home adds texture and warmth to any room.
Stephanie Pierce, from MasterBrand, notes that the desire to spend more time outdoors has led homeowners to bring nature-inspired colors into their cabinetry. Deep forest greens, murky whites, and statement grays, which can be found in nature, are expected to gain popularity.
Kid-Friendly Solutions:
As families spent more time at home due to remote schooling and the need for entertainment, storage solutions have adapted to accommodate children’s needs.
Britt Blackwelder, a professional organizer, has seen an increase in demand for easily accessible snack areas for kids. Deep drawer bins placed on low shelves, especially on deeper shelving, are recommended for organizing pantry snacks.
Toy boxes and organizers are also in high demand, offering more organization options for everyday play items. Utilizing vertical space and finding compact storage solutions are popular approaches to maximize space.
Shelving Room Dividers:
With many people adjusting their living situations to accommodate work-from-home and virtual schooling arrangements, incorporating floating shelving units to divide living spaces is gaining popularity.
Freestanding bookshelves or cube storage units come in various shapes and sizes to suit different spaces and styles. They can physically and visually separate different areas while providing convenient storage.
Wall-mount shelving is also effective, especially in large, open-concept homes with long walls. Combining closed storage with display space creates a streamlined look.
Return to Closed Storage:
While open shelving remains popular, closed storage solutions are becoming increasingly favored due to their ability to reduce visual and physical clutter.
Marissa Whitley Tago highlights the importance of clearing clutter and maintaining organization for overall well-being. Closed storage options are particularly beneficial when working from home, as they can help conceal assignments and distractions.
Closets converted into home offices, known as “cl offices,” offer a practical solution for Small Spaces. Rather than replacing larger furniture pieces, using smaller, portable storage solutions like lidded baskets and boxes can reduce clutter on open shelves and fit neatly under side tables and sofas.
Efficient Food Organization:
Efficient food storage has become a priority, following the impact of the pandemic on kitchens and home cooking.
Spice organization is in high demand, with many opting for spice drawers instead of cabinets for easier visibility and access. Clear storage containers are also gaining popularity as they provide a practical solution for storing food items, allowing homeowners to see the contents and avoid bringing potentially contaminated packaging into their homes.
Employing efficient storage solutions and organizing systems not only improves cooking and snack-hunting experiences but also promotes sustainability by reducing food waste and increasing awareness of pantry and fridge contents.
*The information is for reference only.
