Ask a designer: Personalise the home with contemporary decor and storage

A fine balance

Chiara wanted this home to have a sleek and elegant feel, so adding closed storage like cabinets, drawers, wardrobes and media units keeps things neat and organised. At the same time, she added open storage where it was really needed to put functional items on display. It makes the home feel more lived in, and also puts those often-used items within easy reach. 

Coffee makers, cannisters, cups and more: who would have thought that coffee-making utensils could look so lovely? Chiara wanted to celebrate this person’s passion for coffee with a barista-level coffee station for all to see. The same goes for the bathroom, where all shaving equipment is put on display in a trolley. Here they are, ready to use whenever some self-spoiling is needed, while giving the bathroom a pamper-worthy atmosphere.

Hats on display, clothes packed away 

The hallway is where the person who lives here stores his impressive collection of hats. Rather than keeping them hidden away in his wardrobe with the rest of his clothes, Chiara put them on show here to give a glimpse of his style. It also makes it easy to grab one before he heads out the door.