With compact living being the order of the day, Gazala gives you some ideas to make your home essentials multi utilitarian. It is always a delight when we plan smartly and make the best use of what’s available and make sure everyday essentials add up to more than what just meets the eye. Here are ten items that you can purchase or maybe re-use to make them your multi utility go-to when in doubt.
Modular furniture
Yes, modular furniture is the answer to most questions related to compact spaces. India, like the rest of the world is quickly catching up on essentials that are easy to assemble and disassemble and are multi utilitarian. Considering how space is a constraint now, it is an intelligent option to resort to, when you need more seating or need a desk space temporarily. Whether it’s a sofa –cum-bed or a table set that can be rearranged to become seating or storage, the options are innovative and look very trendy just the same.
Hang it all
First devised by the Eames duo, hang it all is a must have for all homes. It is a decorative essential, which comes in varied designs and colours and is primarily your ideal vertical storage. What sets it apart is the fact that it accommodates just about everything from hats, and coats, to bags and jewelry too. It is beautiful to look at, and is very useful to vertical temporary storage. There are many evolved versions of these hang it alls that are just so pretty and useful all at the same time. Towel rods, magnetic strips, etc are also great for vertical storage, depending on what you wish to use them for and you can be assured they come in handy for a variety of purposes- you just need to put your mind to it.
Coffee table with storage and display
Another idea that we have taken to quite well is having storage housed in our coffee table. As much as we love the frail, delicate looking coffee tables, a smart table with a display or storage unit is just so much more useful considering how we are always running out of space. Stack away your newspapers, magazines, books, mini seats or even have a mini bar display in your coffee table!
Multifunctional tabletops
Why have a typical tabletop when you can have a pool table tucked beneath it? The options are many- from chalkboard tabletops for the tiny tot (or the artist in you!) to tables with sleek storage hidden under. Give the plain tabletop a miss and opt for something that does more than being a mere surface!
Collapsible essentials
When you are really pressed for space, go for the collapsible home essentials. From folding chairs to fold-able shoe storage, the market is abuzz with readily available items that serve an array of purposes, than just the mere purpose it’s made for. Also, invest in wall-mounted shelves that can be bolted into the wall, or play around with a few wooden slats and some ropes and voila- you have temporary vertical storage that you can dismantle very quickly. And what’s more? They can also be re-used for different purposes. With so many creative ideas at one’s disposal, even fold-able chairs have become vertical storage ideas!
Multipurpose home essentials
Instead of going for the big bulky storage units that can be used in the most traditional way, go for storage racks that have a 180 degree access. Using a storage unit that is mere storage dedicated to a particular cause is redundant, instead opt for a unit that can be what you want it to be- a book self, a shoe rack or a unit to show off your fine cutlery, it has to MULTI TASK! Same goes for stools that can double up as side tables.
Pet friendly furniture
If you have a pet at home, arrange your storage or furniture in such a way that it doubles up as a fun activity or a lounging space for your furry friends. Arrange your wall shelves in a playful manner to create a playful maze for them (safety measures are of essence) or create crazy nooks that can double up as temporary storage too.
Stepladders
Stepladders are extremely essential for any home to function smoothly. But it’s not every day that you need to reach that shelf high up there. So why not use them as book shelves, or pot holders?
Indoors-outdoors
It is always ideal to consider buying home décor that can be used both indoors and outdoors. True enough, you cannot use your suede adorned sofas outdoors, but those side tables or racks can totally be pushed around, and must be chosen to do just that.
Crates / baskets /drawers to the rescue!
Used crates, old wire baskets and even discarded drawers make for fantastic wall storage! With little alteration, and the help of some nails and hammers, these cheap, easily accessible yet sturdy items make for great laundry storage, bookshelves, kitchen storage etc.
Trunk it Up
Old trunks and suitcases have given way to fancy, easy to manage travel bags. But if you have one of those around, they make for great coffee tables, side tables, even wall shelves and footstools.