
Four ways to upgrade your living room storage space
Living rooms can be hard to get right. They're often busy family rooms where children play, dogs sleep and the grown-ups take a moment with a cup of tea.

Are you in need of home office storage ideas? Many of us have a 'makeshift' work-from-home set-up, consisting of a freestanding desk, a separate chair, a small bookcase and a filing cabinet. The lack of organisation can make your space feel cluttered. However, a bespoke built-in home office creates a calmer, more ergonomic environment to help with concentration and productivity.
Freestanding furniture and loose cables can instantly make a space feel busy. With a standalone desk in a corner of the room, with phone and laptop chargers running along your carpet, you're likely to get fed up and distracted.
One of the best ways to tackle this issue and make your space safer is with built-in home office furniture. Some desks, for instance, have built-in cable ports and desk grommets. By having a designated space for your wires, you reduce unnecessary distractions and eyesores, instantly improving workflow, but also reducing the potential for slips and trips. This also opens up the space, allowing you to feel calmer and more professional.
Home office spaces are versatile and there is often no one-size-fits-all when it comes to storage solutions. For example, your office may be in a separate room dedicated to work or it could be a corner of your kitchen or a nook in the living room. Maximising storage in a way that suits how your space functions is essential to ensure it works for you.
One of the best tips is to use the full height of the wall. This allows you to create a dedicated space for your files, stationery, wires and tech, and leaves your floor space with an open feel.
1. Built-in wall cabinets and shelves: Bespoke, fitted home office furniture is made-to-measure and tailored to your exact dimensions. With the right design ideas, you can create a flexible storage solution that adheres to your needs and working style.
2. Built-in bookshelf wall: Spanning the length of a wall, these will allow you to make the most of your room’s vertical space, transforming unused areas into functional storage.
3. Floor-to-ceiling furniture: This includes a built-in home office desk with filing cabinets for storage. By eliminating bulky, freestanding pieces, you don't have to think as much about different aesthetics, so the space feels cohesive and functional.
Let’s dive into specific features that can help you maintain a clean, organised workspace.
· Pull-out shelves for printers: This is a great way to hide your printer when not in use, saving valuable desk space while keeping the printer accessible when you need it.
· Built-in power sockets and cable management: One of the biggest challenges of a home office is managing cables. Keep them out of sight and organised with efficient and safe built-in power and cable solutions.
· Closed cabinets and deep drawers: This is one of the best ways to achieve a clutter-free desk, as you can hide office supplies, documents or personal items, yet keep them at arm's reach.
· Illuminated shelving: Lighting is crucial for any office space, and built-in illuminated shelving is an excellent way to combine function and design. This provides both practical lighting for tasks and adds a touch of sophistication to your workspace.
The beauty of built-in furniture is that it can be designed to fit virtually any room or alcove in your home. By installing a small desk, integrated storage and shelving, you can make even the tightest of spaces feel larger and more efficient.
If you have a dual-function spare room that you use as a guest bedroom, consider installing a fitted desk inside a wardrobe to create a 'cloffice' (closet and office). This way, you can have a complete workstation during the day and wrap it all up for evenings and at weekends, if a guest visits. With the right approach, you can maximise any space in your home, creating a flexible and practical environment.
A permanent home office deserves a permanent storage solution. Book your free design visit today, and our expert designers will help you transform your home office into a space that works for you.

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