3 minute read.
Storage isn’t just about stashing things away. It’s about integrating functionality into the very DNA of your home’s design. At Bonito Designs, we often come across homes where the biggest design flaw isn’t lack of space but how it’s being used. Here are five mistakes we see far too often, and how to solve them smartly.
Mistake 1: Wasting Vertical Space
Most homeowners focus on eye-level storage, leaving walls bare or underutilized. But vertical space holds untapped potential, especially in urban homes where every square inch matters.
The Bonito Fix:
Think upwards. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, floating shelves, tall bookshelves, these additions can double your storage without compromising floor space. For a clean look, we recommend keeping clutter hidden behind closed panels and using open shelves for display-worthy items.
Mistake 2: Choosing Aesthetic Over Practicality
We get it! Sleek minimal furniture is trending.
But often, these pieces offer little to no storage and add to visual clutter in the long run.
The Bonito Fix:
Multifunctionality is key. Go for pieces that are high on both style and utility such as a bed with drawers, a lift-top coffee table, or a sofa with hidden compartments. These integrated storage hacks let your space breathe without sacrificing design.
Mistake 3: Centralising All Storage
There’s a tendency to create one storage-heavy zone (usually the kitchen or the living room) while neglecting other areas of the home. This often results in certain spaces being overburdened and messy.
The Bonito Fix:
Distribute your storage across the home based on how each space is used. Store linens in the bedroom, office supplies in the study, and cleaning essentials in the utility. When every room has its own dedicated storage, your home feels more balanced and less burdened.
Mistake 4: Ignoring the Entryway
It may be the smallest area of the home, but the entryway plays a big role in how organised or chaotic things feel.
The Bonito Fix:
Install a compact unit with a bench, drawers, and overhead storage to catch daily essentials like keys, masks, and shoes. A mirror, some ambient lighting, and sleek cabinetry can elevate even a narrow hallway and make it functional.
Mistake 5: Designing for Today, Not Tomorrow
Storage that doesn’t adapt with your changing lifestyle, especially in growing families or hybrid work settings quickly becomes obsolete.
The Bonito Fix:
Modular and flexible storage is the way forward. We recommend adjustable shelving, sliding wardrobes, and multi-use cabinetry that evolves with your needs whether that’s more clothes, more books, or even more kids!
Good storage is invisible, it supports your lifestyle while letting your design take the spotlight. Whether you’re designing a compact apartment or a sprawling home, storage should never be an afterthought. With the right planning and design, you can keep your space clutter-free and soul-rich.
