Three clever storage solutions for your home

As spring approaches, take an audit of your interiors to pinpoint clutter pain points in your home and create order for the new season with these D.I.Y. home storage solutions. Wall-mounted strip storage can be reconfigured by moving shelf brackets, racks and rails to wherever they’re needed, while cube shelves are simple to assemble and can be mixed and matched with an attractive range of inserts.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Storage solution 1: On the wall bedroom shelving

An open display can help encourage a teen to be tidy, and it’s also a low-impact, flexible strategy for renters. Out-of-season clothes can be stowed in vacuum bags under the bed.

Storage solution 2: Family mud room

Every home needs a transition zone to house cast-off hats, shoes and bags. This custom-designed ‘mud room’ activates a doorway (try laundry/back/garage door). Pretty it up with paint and shelf inserts. [H2] How to make a mud room

Use premade shelving, preprimed VJ-look panels, trim, cube units and paint for a result that looks completely bespoke!

1. Making your units and preparing VJ wall panels

Assemble two 2 x 2 cube units according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Measure from the skirting board to the top of the door frame. Use this measurement and the width of an assembled cube (760mm) to calculate the size of the wall panelling, using the manufacturer’s instructions regarding expansion allowances. Mark the VJ wall lining and cut two panels to size using a circular saw with a straightedge.

Tip: Fit out your cube unit with inserts in different colours and textures.

2. Installing and painting wall panels

Install VJ panels according to the manufacturer’s instructions, fill nail holes with wood filler, let dry, then sand smooth. Mask around VJ panels with painter’s tape then, using a medium paintbrush, apply two coats of interior acrylic paint, allowing to dry after each coat.

3. Installing your floating shelves

Following the manufacturer’s instructions, install two 1200mm floating shelves centred and flush with the top of the doorframe.

4. Making and placing coat shelves

Following the manufacturer’s instructions, assemble two 760mm coat shelves and install at your preferred height on the VJ panels.

5. Preparing and installing skirting boards

Measure from the skirting boards to the floating shelves, add 18mm, mark and cut two lengths of preprimed 18mm quad pine with mitred top ends. Measure the small spaces either side of the floating shelves at the top of the VJ panels, add 18mm, mark and cut two more pieces of quad pine with mitred outside ends. Sand cut ends and predrill nail holes at intervals using a 1mm bit.

6. Installing quad pine edging

Allowing for expansion, install quad pine against outside edges of the VJ panels using 40mm bullet head nails. Use a nail punch to recess heads, fill nail holes with wood filler, let dry, then sand smooth. Mask around quad pine with painter’s tape then, using a small paintbrush, apply two coats of interior acrylic paint to pine, allowing to dry after each coat. Position cube units and add inserts.

Tip: Use masking tape on walls to achieve neat edges when you paint.

Storage solution 3: Creative kids zone

Is there a budding artist in your household? Try this under stair storage solution which turns an awkward space into a little studio, by installing shelves and baskets to corral art supplies, games and toys. For a neat display idea, thread wooden beads onto twine and peg up the latest masterpieces.

Keep in mind...

• When using power tools, sanding and painting, always wear safety equipment (eye and ear protection, mask and gloves) and work in a well-ventilated area.
• Paint colours may vary on application.

All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

‡Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

•Timbers and wall linings vary by region; contact your local store for further information. Paint colours may vary on application.

Need more organisation inspiration?

Discover how to use storage cubes to organise your life.

Photo credit: Jonny Valiant.