While living in Europe I had opportunity to visit some of my friend's homes. I was astonished to see how effectively the passage and hallway spaces were put to use in most practical way. They could store lot more stuff in passage area that kept hall and bedrooms much cleaner and clutter free.
We often wonder that can a passages way/hallway or under staircase area ever be considered as usage area? It sounds unrealistic to even imagine that these spaces can be most effectively used if planned properly.
It is becoming increasingly popular to use large left out areas in passage or under stairs in homes. It can offer extra storage for children, guest or even books clothes/ towels even appliances.
Here are some practical ideas on how to go about it and use this space at home.
Make vertical wardrobes in passage of the hall entrance, kitchen or between bedrooms
Make square shelves to store extra stuff like towels, bed sheet, sports clothing of entire family or extra/party shoes/sleepers
Use storage under staircase, most effective for on ‘n' off usage Make long vertical storage for children's sports equipments, vacuum cleaner, iron table or store clothes which need ironing
They also can be used for extra crockery if there is no space for credenza in dining area Putting mirror in one of the storage door panel helps quick check while walking out
Providing an organised space for neat looking dustbin will be a great help for family members to stop throwing papers/wrappers and junk around the house.
Create a space for washing basket where even guests can throw the cloths for washing
Use specially designed accessories to hold iron boards and vacuum cleaner, it helps to keep them handy and hidden from the sight Passage area store units also can be made and used as wardrobes, by attaching accessories to hang shirts and pants.
Putting wire baskets as drawers make it easy to keep towels and duvets, at time they need be just thrown in to make room look neat.
Large shelves on top in side the store unit can take big items like pillows and even mattress.
Shrinking spaces in today's modern homes forces one to think smartly into using most neglected areas effectively for daily usage. Now guests can be easily accommodated or even children sleep-over parties are not the matter of worry as lots of extra bed sheets, thin mattresses can be easily stored. Children and other family members will find easy to take out and put in stuff.
(The writer is Head of Interior Design at Luxus and guest faculty at NIFT and can be contacted at ‘pratima@luxusindia.net').
