Storage Solutions House Design 2026 | Smart Space Planning Guide
Adequate storage transforms how you live in your home. Well-planned storage systems reduce clutter, improve daily function, and make even compact homes feel spacious and organized.
This guide covers storage strategies for new home construction in Bulgaria.
Why Plan Storage During Design?
Built-In Advantages
Planning storage with construction:
- Custom fit to your space
- No furniture purchase needed
- Uses difficult spaces
- Integrated appearance
- Higher quality possible
- Often more economical
Space Efficiency
Strategic storage design:
- Uses otherwise wasted space
- Creates clean, uncluttered rooms
- Improves traffic flow
- Maximizes small homes
- Reduces furniture needs
Storage Needs Assessment
What to Store
Categories to plan for:
Daily use:
- Clothing and shoes
- Personal care items
- Kitchen supplies
- Cleaning supplies
- Electronics and chargers
Seasonal:
- Winter/summer clothing
- Holiday decorations
- Sports equipment
- Outdoor furniture covers
- Garden tools
Long-term:
- Documents and records
- Memorabilia
- Rarely used items
- Emergency supplies
- Bulk purchases
How Much Space?
General guidelines:
| Household Size | Total Storage Need |
|---|---|
| 1-2 people | 15-20% of floor area |
| 3-4 people | 20-25% of floor area |
| 5+ people | 25-30% of floor area |
For an 80m² home: 12-20m² of storage space recommended.
Room-by-Room Storage
Entry/Mudroom
First contact zone:
Essential storage:
- Coat hooks or closet
- Shoe storage
- Key/mail drop zone
- Umbrella storage
- Guest coat space
Design ideas:
- Built-in bench with shoe storage below
- Hooks at multiple heights (adults/children)
- Small closet with adjustable shelving
- Drawer for scarves, gloves
- Mirror with small shelf
Kitchen Storage
Heart of daily activity:
Cabinet types:
- Base cabinets (deepest storage)
- Wall cabinets (frequent items)
- Tall pantry (dry goods)
- Corner solutions (lazy Susan, pull-outs)
- Drawer organizers
Design principles:
- Group items by use frequency
- Easy access to daily items
- Pull-out systems for deep cabinets
- Vertical dividers for trays/cutting boards
- Appliance garages for counter clutter
Space-savers:
- Under-sink organization
- Cabinet door backs
- Ceiling-hung pot racks
- Magnetic knife strips
- Narrow pull-out pantries
Bedroom Closets
Personal storage primary:
Walk-in closet (if space allows):
- 4-6m² minimum
- Hanging at multiple heights
- Shoe storage (floor or angled)
- Drawer sections
- Mirror and lighting
Reach-in closet:
- 60cm depth minimum
- Double-hang for shirts
- Single-hang for dresses/coats
- Shelf above hanging
- Shoe shelf or floor rack
No closet solutions:
- Wardrobe system
- Open clothing rack (minimal aesthetic)
- Under-bed drawers
- Dresser plus armoire
Bathroom Storage
High humidity considerations:
Options:
- Vanity cabinet
- Medicine cabinet
- Open shelving
- Linen closet nearby
- Under-sink organization
What to store:
- Daily toiletries
- Towels (current use)
- Cleaning supplies
- Backup supplies
- First aid
Living Room
Visible but organized:
Built-in options:
- Entertainment center
- Bookshelves
- Window seat with storage
- Side table with drawers
- Storage ottoman
Hidden storage:
- Behind doors/panels
- In furniture
- Under seating
- In alcoves
- Dual-purpose pieces
Utility/Laundry
Practical workroom:
Include space for:
- Laundry supplies
- Cleaning equipment
- Ironing board
- Vacuum and mops
- Tool basics
- Bulk supplies
Built-In Storage Solutions
Floor-to-Ceiling Systems
Maximum use of height:
Advantages:
- Uses all vertical space
- Clean, integrated look
- Customizable interiors
- Substantial capacity
- Can hide mechanical
Applications:
- Bedroom walls
- Hallway alcoves
- Living room features
- Home office walls
Under-Stair Storage
Using difficult space:
Options:
- Pull-out drawers
- Walk-in closet
- Open shelving
- Shoe storage
- Wine storage
Note: Only applies to two-story homes. Our under-100m² plans are single-story, using all floor space efficiently.
Window Seats
Dual function elements:
Benefits:
- Seating plus storage
- Uses bay window depth
- Adds character
- Reading nook potential
- Radiator cover option
Platform Beds
Bedroom innovation:
Storage types:
- Drawers in platform
- Lift-up mattress base
- Headboard storage
- Side table integration
Closet Systems
DIY vs. Custom
Choosing your approach:
DIY systems:
- €100-500 per closet
- IKEA, Praktiker options
- Adjustable components
- Self-installation
- Good for standard spaces
Custom built-ins:
- €500-2,000+ per closet
- Designed to fit exactly
- Material choices
- Professional installation
- Best for odd spaces
Organization Accessories
Making systems work:
- Drawer dividers
- Shelf risers
- Hanging organizers
- Clear containers
- Labels
Garage and Outbuilding Storage
Garage Organization
Often-neglected space:
Systems:
- Wall-mounted panels
- Overhead platforms
- Floor cabinets
- Tool pegboards
- Bike hooks
Zones:
- Vehicle clearance
- Workshop area
- Seasonal storage
- Sporting equipment
- Garden tools
Outdoor Storage
Weather-protected options:
- Garden shed
- Covered storage area
- Deck boxes
- Tool cabinet
- Secure locker
Our Plans and Storage
How our designs address storage:
C-101 (80m²):
- Built-in closet in bedroom
- Kitchen pantry provision
- Entry storage zone
- Bathroom vanity storage
- Efficient use of compact space
- View C-101 →
C-102 (97m²):
- Two bedroom closets
- Utility room for bulk storage
- Kitchen with good cabinet space
- Entry storage area
- More storage capacity overall
- View C-102 →
Budget Planning
Cost Estimates
Storage element costs:
| Element | Budget | Mid-Range | Custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom closet | €200-400 | €500-1,000 | €1,000-2,500 |
| Kitchen cabinets | €2,000-4,000 | €4,000-8,000 | €8,000-15,000 |
| Built-in wardrobes | €500-1,000 | €1,000-2,000 | €2,000-5,000 |
| Utility shelving | €100-300 | €300-600 | €600-1,200 |
Prioritization
Where to invest:
High impact:
- Kitchen organization
- Primary bedroom closet
- Entry storage
- Bathroom vanity
Can add later:
- Secondary closets
- Garage systems
- Outdoor storage
- Decorative built-ins
Frequently Asked Questions
How much storage is enough?
Plan for 15-25% of floor area as storage. For 80m²: approximately 12-20m². More is better for families with children or those with hobbies requiring equipment.
Should storage be built-in or furniture?
Built-ins during construction are often more economical and use space better. Furniture offers flexibility to change later. A combination usually works best.
What’s the most commonly under-planned storage?
Entry/mudroom storage. People underestimate the daily need for coat, shoe, and bag storage right at the door. Kitchen pantry space is also frequently insufficient.
Can I add storage after construction?
Yes, but it’s more expensive and disruptive. Plan infrastructure (electrical, reinforcement for heavy shelves) during construction even if finishing storage later.
How do I store seasonal items in a small home?
Vacuum bags for bedding/clothing, labeled bins in highest cabinet space, rotate items in accessible closets. Consider outdoor storage shed for large items.
Build In Organization
Thoughtful storage design during construction creates homes that stay organized naturally. Plan for your lifestyle, build in systems that work, and enjoy clutter-free living.
Your next steps:
- Browse house plans — see storage provisions included
- Inventory your current storage needs
- Plan built-in storage during design
- Contact Architect Miglena for custom storage solutions
All plans include 15% discount—build your organized Bulgarian home today.
