One problem that never seems to leave us, especially if you’re living in a major city – is the lack of space! If you’re an independent millennial who recently moved out of their family home and into their own, then a major issue that you may be dealing with almost every day…is space constraints in your own home. Our modern millennial homes have many virtues, but one thing they lack is space! Space constraint is something most of us end up dealing with every day. Smart storage solutions can be lifesavers in such tricky and compact situations. And to make your lives easier, we’ve curated a whole collection of storage solutions that come in the form of furniture designs that, to be honest, are going to completely organize your home. Not only do these products comfortably store your belongings, but they’re also perfect for displaying those special items that you don’t feel like shutting away in a dusty cabinet. From a Wolf stool concept to shelves that look like abstract art of faces gazing at you – these innovative storage and display solutions are the additions your home needs.
1. Allieva
There’s always been a need for compact and functional workstations. But this necessity is further compounded by the growing trend of distance learning and working from home, especially after the pandemic. To address this problem, Whynot Design has introduced a unique and innovative solution called the Allieva. This foldable wooden workstation is designed for Foppapedretti, one of the most well-known Italian brands for baby products and wooden furniture since 1945.
Why is it noteworthy?
This sleek, foldable work desk is meant to fit in any space, making it perfect for small houses and dorm rooms. Despite compromising on size, Allieva is aesthetically pleasing. It takes up as little space as possible and measures only 7 inches deep when folded.
What we like
- The workstation can be set up easily with a simple gesture
- Comes with a large compartment at the base of the table that allows you to keep everything
What we dislike
- The folding and unfolding mechanism could be considered tedious by some
2. The Cheft Bookshelf
Maryam Pousti is the founder of the design and architecture practice Studio Pousti, and she put together a geometric bookshelf that is crafted from interlocking sheets of wood. The Cheft Bookshelf can be assembled without utilizing nails, screws, or glue.
Why is it noteworthy?
Besides functioning as a practical bookshelf, it can also be used as a room divider, or as a form of shelving for other items in your home. To be precise twelve interlocking sheets of wood were used to build Cheft. The bookshelf is also accompanied by a table and bar stool which all together form the Cheft furniture collection.
What we like
- All three furniture pieces are inspired by the geometrical patterns of traditional Persian architecture
- The bookshelf’s warm wooden aesthetics allow it to merge with the interiors of any modern contemporary home harmoniously
What we dislike
- Extremely space-consuming design, not suited for smaller homes
3. The ZooZoo Collection
Adding an element of warmth will surely help employees to ease into their new work routine, after spending more than a year working from home. And a great collection of furniture could really help with that – such as the ZooZoo collection by Narbutas.
Why is it noteworthy?
Designed by Annie Lee for the workplace furniture brand Narbutas, the ZooZoo collection includes an intriguingly high coffee table and a complementing pouf. The sleek coffee table is 27.2 inches tall and features a metal base, as well as a smooth top. The coffee table is available in two sizes, and the metal base can be customized to the color of your choice. The collection also includes a series of matching poufs available in a variety of colors and textiles. The poufs are accompanied by cushioned seats.
What we like
- The entire collection is available in a single color, or a two-toned option, hence allowing it to suit diverse interior spaces
- The poufs can be neatly stowed under the coffee tables, and also boast handy storage nooks to hold books, folders, and other miscellaneous items
What we dislike
- Not ergonomic for working long hours
4. The Altura
Patricia Perez designed the Altura, a minimal and sturdy step stool, for Case Furniture. An interesting fact about the stool is that it doubles as up as a side table and a plant stand.
Why is it noteworthy?
Described as a “sleek yet sturdy design”, the stool has been equipped with two stepped tiers that serve extremely handy in holding and storing all kinds of items – from lamps, and books, to an entire person!
What we like
- It enables users to reach those high-up places in their homes that they usually aren’t able to reach
- Altura’s minimal and neutral aesthetics make it a great addition to any modern living space
What we dislike
- There are similar designs on the market, nothing to really help it stand apart
5. The Fréquence Shelf
Designed by Jean Couvreur for Kabata, the Fréquence shelf is a minimal and sophisticated shelving design that functions as a multifunctional piece of modular furniture. It was also presented at Maison& Objet 2021.
Why is it noteworthy?
Boasting clean aesthetics, in a stark white color, what makes Fréquence special is the fact that it functions as a bookcase, base unit, or room divider. It comprises of a couple of geometrically shaped modules that can be combined, mixed, and matched to create a variety of designs, in accordance with your personal taste and the requirement of your home.
What we like
- You can configure the modular elements to create a small bookcase that stands close to the ground or even a large room divider for a larger living space
- This construction principle is a pretty significant one, since it, reduces the loss of material in the manufacturing process by 10 percent
What we dislike
- Not suited for tiny/smaller homes
6. Spectator
Named ‘Spectator’, this intriguing bookshelf definitely looks as if it’s staring right back at you! It seems to be made of interlocking jigsaw puzzle pieces, and each piece looks like a distorted human face!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Spectator Series of shelves is as much a psychological art piece as it is a piece of furniture. In its small way, it demonstrates the wonder of our brains that try to fill in the gaps to complete forms and ideas, like how it is able to see faces in shapes that are so far removed from human heads. With so many faces hiding in plain sight, the roles of observer and observed are also reversed, at least in our mind’s eye again.
What we like
- The shelf adheres to minimalist design principles despite the odd shapes of its pieces
What we dislike
- Not everybody would like the aesthetics of this piece
7. Wolf
Are you the kind of person who would look at clouds and try to see what shapes or creatures you can see there? If yes then you’re probably a pretty creative person who can see all sorts of things in different figures and structures even without hearing the name of the product concept. So even though there’s no description or explanation, you probably understand why this new product concept for a stool is called Wolf.
Why is it noteworthy?
The German-based designer is making a name for himself with his unique takes on simple furniture like bookshelves, lamps, and chairs. This new concept for a stool is called Wolf and if you let your imagination run a little wild, you’ll be able to see a wolf in the shape of this minimalist piece of furniture. In fact, the shape of the stool looks like a logo for a new video game or a brand that gives off a scary, wolf vibe.
What we like
- The triangular middle part can actually be turned into a small storage area
What we dislike
- Doesn’t seem like a very cozy seating space
8. The Stair Cubby
The Stair Cubby, as it was christened, can be assembled without the use of tools, with tabs simply going into slots and held down with pegs. The cubby is designed to sit on two steps of stairs, but the panel on the back can slide up and down to adjust to different stair heights. The storage has five open-access cubbies for shoes, books, and any other item that can fit inside, keeping things organized and out of harm’s way.
Why is it noteworthy?
Staircase bins need to take into account the particular shape of stairs, but not all stairs are made equal, so they have to be a bit more flexible or at least configurable. Given how in-demand these storage solutions might be, they also need to be durable and sustainable. These two product design students from Nottingham Trent University in the UK hit both birds with one sheet of plywood.
What we like
- Can be assembled without the use of tools
- Great for homes with space constraints
What we dislike
- We’re not sure how well it would hold heavier objects
9. The Axis Concept
With this more mechanical standing desk concept, you can enjoy the benefits of a healthier working lifestyle without breaking your back or your bank.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Axis Concept uses a simple axis mechanism, hence the name, to move the larger desk surface up or down as needed. As a bonus, part of the desk actually remains in position and is a good place to put items you’re less likely to move, like supplies or desk organizers. It can even be a temporary bookshelf that stays in the back of your desk when sitting or beneath the table when standing.
What we like
- The simplicity of this system means that manufacturers can keep the number of parts and materials down to a minimum
- Sustainable materials can be used since it has no need for electronics or even plastics
- Replacement parts could be easier to purchase, too, presuming owners themselves can’t make those out of standardized design
What we dislike
- The setup remains difficult to maintain in case of a multi-monitor setup that requires more wires and connectivity
10. The Plot Twist Bookshelf
Prolific German furniture designer Deniz Aktay has recently introduced the Plot Twist Bookshelf. It’s a piece of furniture that features four separate twisted wooden elements. They are connected to each other, shaping and creating a stable form.
Why is it noteworthy?
The bookshelf’s design allows it to be accessed from every side. As with most of Deniz Aktay’s product designs, this bookshelf is oddly satisfying. The curves are present as with the designer’s other projects. In addition, most of Aktay’s works have undergone some bending or twisting, as with the Wavelet, the Tie Stool, and The Pet Table.
What we like
- The shelves can accommodate similarly sized books for a clutter-free look
- The bookshelf is stable and stands on its own
What we dislike
- Space consuming design
The post Top 10 smart storage solutions designed to perfectly organize + de-clutter your home first appeared on Yanko Design.
