Well-thought-out systems of cabinets, shelving, and shelves are needed for both large and small houses and apartments. The most successful options deftly dissolve in space, or vice versa – become it’s visual dominant.
1 Cabinets and shelving as the basis of the interior
A bright project by Point Supreme Architects is an apartment in the capital of Greece. Previously, the space was small and cramped, with tiny rooms and corridors. The architects redesigned the plan and decided to do without partitions, replacing them with a row of colorful built-in wardrobes that help define the various zones and functions in this space: in particular, this is a painted green plywood storage unit that runs along one side of the apartment. A light pink kitchen with marble countertops and plenty of storage flanks a central light well. The equipment was placed on a nearby cabinet island: it can be recognized by its dark pink color. The entrance area is surrounded by a wooden partition, and a wall of bright blue cabinets is the main accent in the hallway between the two bedrooms.
2 Customized storage
Apartment 46 sq.m. on the boulevard Voltaire in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, Isabelle Eilmann designed for an art student. The main problem of the original was in the layout: the tiny kitchen was especially inconvenient. The designer rebuilt the “technical” block: she reduced the bathroom and toilet, due to which she was able to place a kitchen island. For the living room, Isabelle designed a plywood structure covered with beech veneer that stretches along the window, combining the functions of seating, shelves and radiator screens, as well as steps providing access to the courtyard. A similar but larger system is in the bedroom, including shelving and a desk, flowing into a built-in wardrobe.
3 Functionality in every centimeter
Compact and super-functional spaces are the strong point of the Spanish architects from Elii Architects. They called the project a small apartment in Madrid Yojigen Poketto / 4D pocket – there are secret hatches, disappearing objects, mirrors, and unusual colors. “We have optimized every centimeter,” the architects say. — Hidden drawers and shelving steps expand storage space. Viewpoints raised to the second level help to get a deep horizon and a beautiful perspective when looking at windows.”
4 Interior-transformer with a labyrinth of shelving
Catalan studio AMOO has created 60 sq.m. in Barcelona. The conceptual element of the project is custom-made geometric furniture structures-transformers. “The sofa, which is actually a bed, turns into a desk, and a full-fledged bed becomes a wardrobe,” the founders of the studio, Aureli Mora and Omar Ornak, comment on the project. Functional areas intersect and merge with each other, forming a dynamic space that easily adapts to the current needs of the user. The labyrinth of shelving, cabinets, and desks is done in a pastel green that fades into soft salmon in the kitchen.
5 Rational approach to storage
Pone Architecture designers completed an interior project in Shenzhen for an incomplete family: for a mother and daughter. The customer of this repair is a professional woman who needs to take care of her child on her own. For this family, time and space must contribute to the high efficiency of life. “This house is very interesting because each of its zones performs many functions. Before the renovation, it was in good condition, but without a reasonable layout. The utilization rate of the usable area was initially low – only 55%. After a thoughtful redevelopment, three bedrooms, a dining room, a living room, a kitchen, and two bathrooms appeared, and each room was used to the maximum.
6 Hidden storage in a small area
Studio Architect Prineas designed the interior of a small studio apartment of 22 square meters. meters. It was conceived as an alternative to the existing “designer hotels” for short stays. One of the main goals was to provide guests with additional amenities – more than usually found in hotel rooms. The updated interior is built around a modern plywood volume, inscribed in the existing fabric of the apartment. The platform on which the bed is located clearly delimits the living and sleeping areas. Thanks to the high ceilings, it was possible to raise it to a sufficient height to equip hidden storage systems inside. The walls are mostly left free, as there is enough space under the bed for things, and you can read the total amount of space.
7 Ladder as shelving
The centerpiece of this apartment, located in Poznań, Poland, is a steel staircase connecting the first and second levels. The authors of the project are the architects of the UGO studio. The challenge was to emphasize the natural views from the windows, as well as provide enough space to store the vinyl and wine collections. In addition, it was important to keep the open character of the space. As a result, the only separate room in the apartment is the bathroom on the ground floor, while the rest of the areas have become integral space, connected by a consistent color scheme and palette of materials. In order not to take up valuable space with cabinets, the storage system was arranged right in the stairs that connected the lower level and the first mezzanine.
8 Wardrobe as an art object
Project ROF01 by Pool studio is an apartment in the respectable 16th arrondissement in the west of Paris. Lea Padovani and Sebastian Kieffer remodeled the 300 sq.m.. The authors treated the old architecture with respect, which did not prevent them from shaking up the Ottoman codes. Some components the designers specifically designed for this space, such as the built-in marquetry wardrobe in the master bedroom, which looks like a huge painting, are considered by the authors to be one of the most successful solutions in the project. “The market today is filled with standard furniture that looks like it was designed and manufactured by robots. We hope that this flow will subside and give way to original, piece, local items.
9 Items “two in one”
Australian bureau YSG Studio has renovated a one-level penthouse on the Walsh Bay waterfront in Sydney. An area of 200 sq.m. was equipped with housing for a family of collectors of contemporary art. The combination of shades and decor has become key for this interior. Yasmine Saleh Goniem was responsible for the design of the interior space. All storage systems in the house were built as built-in as possible. In the master bedroom, functional volumes have been integrated into the headboard, which also doubles as bedside cabinets, providing space for smart devices and chargers.
10 Open shelving
The i29 project house in Amsterdam covers an area of 180 sq. meters. “The residential building was built in such a way that its owners could plan the rooms as they wish,” the designers say. “The double-height space gave us the opportunity to realize a custom interior design created specifically for a couple of art collectors. We have designed tall cabinets as well as special glass showcases. Wardrobes visually connect two floors; there is a hidden staircase inside. All cabinet furniture is designed according to an individual project. The simple and modest architecture contrasts with the colorful works of art, balancing and complementing them.”
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