Lots of bicycle storage (for avid bicyclists), as well as cabinets were created in this 1462 sq ft … [+]
Photo courtesy of Poppi Photography for Downsize: Living Large In a Small House
While researching small houses, one of the aspects at the top of almost all homeowners “want” lists is adequate storage. This can be particularly challenging in a small house where every inch of it must be well used. Clutter is also much more apparent in a small space – so having a place to store all items becomes even more important than when living in a larger house.
Although many people are willing to downsize to a smaller house, they want to be able to take a good percentage of their belongings with them. This requires a good amount of creativity when designing the space. Many of the storage areas are built in, so they need to be planned in the design stage.
Storage was located in a niche on the staircase as well as in the kitchen island and built-in … [+]
Photo courtesy of Jamie Wolff for Downsize: Living Large In a Small House
I have seen many interesting ways that architects/designers have found to use the space that exists to achieve the best storage in the small space that exists. The most common way way to include storage in the house is with a variety of types of built-ins. Cabinets and bookshelves are the most common types of storage used in homes. But there are also other types of creative ways to store items.
One excellent way to find storage is in crannies and areas that would otherwise not be used. Below is an example of storage created under the built-in bed and to the sides of it.
Storage was built in under this bed and in shelves and cabinets along side it.
Photo courtesy of Michael Biondi for Prefabulous Small Houses
Special racks have been designed for storing athletic equipment. Above is a photo of a rack holding several bicycles. This was designed for two avid bikers living in a 1462 square foot house. Without a garage to store the bikes, this was an ideal plan.
Architect Scott Mooney designed his 624 square foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) with storage on the exterior of the house. The storage can be accessed from the interior as well as the exterior.
Storage was created on the exterior of the small 624 square foot ADU in Portland Oregon.
Photo courtesy of Olivia Ashton for Downsize: Living Large n a Small House
Open shelving in metal and wood provide storage for books, small appliances kitchen ware, craft items and so on. These shelving systems can be easily bought in stores and on-line at a variety of hardware and specialty stores such as The Container Store, Home Depot and IKEA.
Metal shelving is a good storage vehicle for all types of items.
Photo courtesy of Randy O’Rourke
One impressive way to add storage was found in a very creative house design by GO Logic. For this house in Freeport Maine, they created storage unit as a division between private areas and the living space. Minimal hallways is an optimal design concept in a small house so that energy is conserved and less excess building is required. This wall unit has open shelving and built-in lighting.
This 1600 square foot house has a custom bookcase which not only provides needed storage but also … [+]
Photo courtesy of Trent Bell for Prefabulous Small Houses
The more creative the storage space, the more open and spacious the house will feel.