Design Hints

The "tiny house movement" -- a current trend toward residential downsizing -- continues to cast a spotlight on smart storage solutions. Living in small spaces trains us to be on the lookout for antiques that follow the rules of form and function. When you browse antique venues, invest in furniture and accent pieces that not only look beautiful but also offer ample storage. Consider these examples, many of which are found in Becky Villani’s petite North Carolina cabin (as seen in our January 2016 issue), where every inch counts:

• Cupboards and china cabinets: Big on storage and style, these large furnishings can be used in any room, including bedrooms and bathrooms. Look for cabinets with glass doors to showcase your collectibles.

• Desks: The mobility of laptops and electronic tablets has made antique desks less desirable, so affordable varieties abound at antiques shops and flea markets. Desks often have many drawers and can double as a dressing table, especially with a glass top added.

• Chests of drawers: This type of furniture typically features three drawers and is smaller than a traditional bureau. It’s ideally suited to be employed as an end table in a living room or a nightstand in a bedroom. Chests with marble tops offer your home a hint of refinement.

• Trunks: Old steamer trunks have many compartments and were specifically designed to hold clothing and household items during long journeys at sea. They fit perfectly at the foot of a bed or under a window and can be utilized to store linens and clothing.

• Shelves: Rooms appear more spacious when you free up floor space by mounting cubbies and mantel-style shelves to walls. Shelves can also function as art when they display your treasures.

Written by Cheryl Hackett
Photographed and styled by Franklin & Esther Schmidt