Buyers love the character of older homes even though they may lack modern architectural benefits that minimise the environmental impact or feature clever, 21st-century storage solutions.
Whether we’re talking a beautiful federation home or a classic 70s-style house, smart storage solutions in the nooks and crannies of their often quirky designs always command buyer attention.
Real value can be added to your home by using an architect or a savvy carpenter to assess the potential for improving storage in your home. Your first target should be the dead spaces, such as beneath a staircase and in unused corners.
Additional storage has obvious practical value, but it also creates a sense of space – and that has a direct impact on the value of your home when you come to sell.
Here are 11 ideas for storage solutions that will enhance the value of your home and give you some extra living space.
- Bespoke open shelving – It’s not the cheapest option if you have them made and fitted professionally, but they work wonders in odd-shaped rooms and corners. Bookshelves add a wonderful sense of warmth to the home, especially if you sell in autumn or winter. You can add a touch of style by the way you stack the books, leaving some upright and others on their side for visual variety. Consider installing lights to highlight your collection.
- Vintage advantage – There’s no doubt that key pieces of furniture from the same era as your home complements the overall look and feel of the property. Be on the look-out for dressers and standalone cupboards that will add character and help you store essentials.
- Go floor-to-ceiling – This is arguably the most striking of all storage alternatives. A bookcase or shelving and cupboards that covers an entire wall has a wow-factor, especially if your budget stretches to classic wood, such as mahogany, blackbutt or oak.
- Wall cabinets – Fine quality wall cabinets are a great storage choice in larger rooms, and they can be used for displays of china or antiques that delivers another touch of charm to your home.
- Kitchen capers – Regardless of how old your house might be, buyers always love a kitchen island. Those with built-in storage are always remarked upon by buyers during open houses and private inspections. Kitchen containers are a great way to keep your pantry tidy, and this again leaves a positive impression with buyers. If your home has limited storage in the kitchen, buyers will notice. So, make the kitchen your storage priority.
- Better bathroom – Practical vanity and wall cabinets are essential in family homes. Prospective buyers love a beautiful bathroom but are quickly turned off by impractical ones. Even hooks on the back of the door, where you can hang towels, can make a big difference.
- Furniture focus – When buying new furniture, such as a bed or a couch, consider those with built-in storage solutions. No end of sins can be covered up by hiding them under a bed!
- Buyers love built-ins – No matter the size of the bedroom, a built-in wardrobe is a big tick for most buyers. If your budget doesn’t stretch to installing those, then use an open clothes rack with a bottom shelf for shoes to keep the room tidy.
- Hail the hallway – Another high impact area for storage – especially shelving – are hallways. Given that nothing much ever happens in a hallway, an open shelf of books or ornaments will add extra interest to the home. Or use corners to create cupboards for linen or brooms and cleaning equipment.
- Office efficiency – With working from home now normal, owners are increasingly dedicating a room or section of the home to work. Here is a great chance to install storage solutions and shelving that works beautifully with a workstation. Think creatively to remove the clutter.
