Decorate Your Space With These Interior Design Tools    

(ARA) – No matter how big your house is, you’ve probably desired more space at one time or another. We all accumulate clutter and sometimes there just doesn’t seem to be anywhere to put it. But consider this: maybe it’s not a shortage of space but a lack of organization that’s the problem.

Using your space effectively goes a long way toward keeping your home both functional and beautiful at the same time. By thinking and constructing creatively, you can gain more storage while enhancing the beauty of your home.

Here are some ideas for creating more space that has style:

î Add a drawer or sliding shelf. Hardware and houseware stores stock drawers that can be installed underneath a cabinet. If you have a home with limited drawer space, this is a great way to add more storage discreetly. Then you can get all that clutter off the kitchen counter or the dining room table. You can also install shelves under cabinets that slide out when you need them.

î Don’t forget wall space. Look around your house and you will probably find there is a lot of wall space that you could put to good use. Pots and pans can be taken out of cabinets and hung on walls; tools can be hung on pegboards; books, CDs and small treasures can be stored on shelves.

î  Utilize “Lost Space” by creating additional storage. “A new cabinet or bookcase provides a nice focal point for a room as well as additional storage,” says Glen Kaszubski, of Liquid Nails, a national construction adhesive brand. He suggests that homeowners think about those areas that are “lost space” such as the alcoves on either side of a fireplace or the corners of a dining room. Using a construction adhesive like Liquid Nails and various types of building supplies (MDF or bead board are two inexpensive options), you can build your own durable bookcase without using a lot of nails and screws. To obtain a finished look and add an element of beauty, apply facings and crown molding along the edges with construction adhesive.

î Clear your desk. A clean desk will not only look better it will increase your productivity. Invest in a sturdy full-suspension filing cabinet or portable file boxes that hold hanging file folders so you can get everything organized and out of sight. Stow away your desk supplies in an on-desk caddy or in a drawer.

î Think multi-function. Add some furniture that can also be used for storage. A cedar chest makes a great coffee table and can also be used to store blankets or clothing. An antique chest of drawers will look great in your living room, and is useful for storing office supplies, linens or CDs.