At Real Simple, we're all about creatively utilizing and optimizing space. This year's 2023 Real Simple Home designers really understood this challenge. We were fascinated by each transformation and how they effortlessly incorporated the Real Simple ethos into their spaces. We've highlighted some examples of the designers' ingenious storage hacks, from unexpected closet ideas to double-duty storage solutions and even hidden clutter prevention.
Convert a closet into a bar area
Christopher Testani
Designer Linda Hayslett was tasked with transforming the rooftop deck and the second-floor landing that leads to it. The problem was that it had a small indoor footprint. But with outdoor entertaining in mind (it's a New York rooftop after all!), Linda decided that instead of taking up most of the landing's floor space with a drink cart, she would convert a closet into a small bar area. It's a great way to keep fragile glassware close by, and the bar cart is on wheels, so it can be moved around when needed. Guests can easily access and mix drinks from the rooftop, which is just a few feet away.
Additionally, the closet has a gorgeous wallpaper on the inside and the trim and doors painted a pale pink (Southern Road by Valspar), and is accented with art and brass-plated shelves to further increase the wow factor.
Use a bar cart as a side table
Christopher Testani
As you can see, we all love a good bar cart. Designer Michelle Gage incorporated one into this study. It's meant to hold drinks and glasses, of course, but when placed next to the velvet armchair, it doubles as a second side table. The extra shelf is perfect for storing books, tech, glasses, writing utensils, and anything else you use when curling up.
Use the shelves as lighting
Christopher Testani
Wow! In the evening, the shelves to the left of the range hood illuminate this gorgeous kitchen designed by design duo Kim and Scott Vargo of Yellow Brick Home. The slim shelves are outfitted with strip lights that cast a gorgeous, soft glow and offer plenty of space to store glasses, mugs, and spices. Plus, you can stack these shelves up to the ceiling to maximize storage space and make the room feel larger.
Install a nice room divider
Christopher Testani
This one is especially clever. Bobby Berk hides a secret behind a beautiful folding divider in this living room he designed. Behind it lies a not-so-beautiful HVAC panel. I love this idea because it can be applied to many other unsightly situations. Use a divider to hide a pile of folded laundry in the corner, hide a vacuum cleaner, cover an electrical box, etc. The possibilities for what dividers can block out from the outside world are endless. Of course, you can also use dividers to create zones within a large space. I've seen them used successfully in multi-purpose rooms to separate entire gym areas, desk setups, and more.