tidy house tidy mind
PROFESSIONAL ORGANISER VICKY SILVERTHORN SORTS THE HALLWAY... HAVE A CLEAR OUT Often we mistake a hall
that doesn’t work with one that is simply too full. Storing coats and shoes from several seasons means double the space is taken up. Before you plan a total redesign, or start buying new storage, remove what won’t be needed and store it elsewhere so you can see exactly what you are contending with. CHECK MEASUREMENTS Buying storage solutions that are too small, or that look pretty but aren’t practical, cause problems. A slimline shoe caddy might look great online but when it doesn’t fit a pair of size twelves, it becomes no use at all! KEEP IT SIMPLE FOR THE KIDS Make sure children’s storage is easy to use, so when they come in from school, they don’t need a five-step process to put their stuff away! Mimic a school routine: coats hung, shoes popped in an open caddy (baskets work for baby and toddler shoes) and bags tucked away. Keep expectations, and frustrations, low. HANG COATS ON HANGERS Ideally coats should be hung on hangers in a cupboard. I have
Aden hallway tallboy in White, £120; trunks in Mid Grey/Mustard, £55 set of two; soft storage bag in Mustard, £22 for two; jute rug, £55, all Habitat
clients who have knocked into the room next to a slim hallway to create one. But if you don’t have the space or budget for this, then simple chunky hooks for coats work well. Double hooks are best as one coat can be tucked underneath the other. DON’T OVER-COMPLICATE IT Keep storage simple and effective. Larger, closed storage can make a space feel smaller, plus it can be fiddly to open and use, so opt for furniture with open cubbies or shelves. Shoes are best stored on low flat shelves, while bags can be popped into trunks or chests that double up as seating. THINK SMART Don’t hang keys in view of your letterbox or door. Keep them in a closed storage box, or on hooks away from prying eyes. Find out more at youneedavicky.com
FEATURE HOLLY WALSH
HOOKS THAT SWIVEL Kampig hook in Brass, £12, Ikea
STORAGE WITH SEATING Portland bench, £395, Dormy House
ORGANISE THE POST Farringdon letter holder, £28, Garden Trading
DECEMBER 2021
165 IDEALHOME.CO.UK
ALL IN ONE Avery wallmounted coat rack, £69, Cult Furniture
