Stylish Storage: How to Declutter with Design in Mind
- katyglover751
- Sep 6
- 2 min read

September is the perfect month for a home refresh, and one of the most effective ways to transform your home is through better storage. At Melissa Jane Interiors, we know that clutter creates stress, but storage doesn't have to be clunky or clinical. With thoughtful planning and a design-led approach, storage can enhance your interiors as much as it supports your lifestyle.
Whether you're based in the Algarve or further afield, our bespoke interior design projects always include clever, elegant storage that works beautifully behind the scenes.
1. Built-In Brilliance
Custom built-ins are our go-to for tailored, seamless storage. Think alcove shelving, under-stairs cabinetry, and banquette seating with lift-up lids. Painted to match your walls, they vanish into the space. Want more impact? Go bold with contrast colours or textured finishes.
2. Double-Duty Furniture
Ottomans with hidden compartments, coffee tables with drawers, or beds with integrated storage are ideal for second homes or family villas. These multi-purpose pieces save space and reduce visual clutter without compromising on elegance.
3. Vertical Thinking
Maximise wall height with bespoke joinery, tall shelving, or stacked units. This is especially effective in kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms. We often integrate vertical hooks or slimline cabinets into narrow spaces to maintain flow while boosting function.
4. Beautiful, Functional Containers
Storage can be both decorative and practical. Our interiors often feature woven baskets, labelled glass jars, linen boxes or ceramic canisters to create order and style. These visible elements become part of the aesthetic, not just an afterthought.
5. Hidden Gems
We love turning 'dead' spaces into hidden storage. From window seat drawers to wardrobe-top boxes and integrated under-bed compartments, there's always an opportunity to add value without adding bulk.
6. Declutter Before You Design
Even the smartest system won’t work if you’re storing things you no longer need. Before designing any solution, we help our clients assess what truly belongs in the home. A curated space always feels more luxurious.
Truly beautiful homes aren't just about aesthetics. They're about how well a space supports your day-to-day life. Melissa Jane Interiors specialises in calm, elegant interiors where every detail has a purpose, including the ones you don't always see.
Looking for help with smart storage and refined interiors? Book a no obligation design consultation using the form below to explore bespoke solutions that blend beauty and function.


Great tips!