Storage is always an important element of home design, and since Summit County homeowners typically have more mountain gear than the average flatlander, integrating storage spaces into High Country homes is key.<\/p>\n
Tony Pestello, the owner of iFurnish furniture store based in Frisco, says adding storage into a home can be as simple as adding more storage in the garage with an Onrax overhead platform, or with smart furniture choices like a storage bed.<\/p>\n
“We also work on the mudroom entrance areas, this seems to be the place to collect everyone’s items,” shares Pestello. “We like to use hall trees, cubbies, storage benches, storage chests and hooks to organize the mess that comes with gear for all mountain activities.”<\/p>\n
Another trouble spot tends to be living rooms and dining rooms \u2014 the most used community rooms with the most traffic.<\/p>\n
“We love to use coffee tables with drawers or lift tops to give homeowners a place to put remotes and electronics or linens for their sleeper sofas,” Pestello shares. “A console table behind a sofa along with side tables with drawers, or sideboards with doors, are also wonderful ways to add storage to any living or dining area.”<\/p>\n
Optimize seating, sleeping and storage<\/p>\n
Taryn Strong, a lead designer for iFurnish, says there is no room in a home that cannot be outfitted with storage solutions.<\/p>\n
“The most important thing for iFurnish and our customers is creating a design layout that provides the best flow through their home while optimizing seating, sleeping and storage,” explained Strong. “It is important to us to incorporate all of their focal points; we are fortunate to live in a place with beautiful views and that, generally, is one of the things we build our design around.”<\/p>\n
Cozying up by a fireplace, watching a sporting match in a great room or just gathering with friends and family for a holiday meal are important things to consider when placing furniture and accessories in each room, Strong said.<\/p>\n
“Great design comes from maintaining symmetry, balance and purpose,” she added. “It is our passion to bring these elements to every space for our customers.”<\/p>\n
Pestello says iFurnish likes to try to incorporate function in all of their designs, whether it is an 8,000-square-foot home or a 500-square-foot studio.<\/p>\n
“Most people need to hide the normal everyday stuff,” he explained. “So if we use the storage component along with functional layout and design, it can help everyone.”<\/p>\n
When considering design layouts for a home, always keep in mind the traffic flow patterns while still optimizing the amount of seating and storage.<\/p>\n
“Form follows function” is a design principle that Strong says informs how the shape of a building or object should relate to its intended function or purpose.<\/p>\n
“Our homes are no different and must not only accommodate our basic needs but perform to our wants,” she explained. “Storage for everything from food, clothing, gear, guests \u2014 and the list can go on \u2014 are an integral part of what goes into finding those perfect storage pieces for each room.”<\/p>\n
Bedroom storage is one that can be tricky for homeowners, Strong said.<\/p>\n
“Summit County residents know that many properties are short on closets as well as space for dressers and chests,” she said. “We have seen the platform bed trend hit hard, not only for their “mountain modern” sleek design, but also for the function of storage.”<\/p>\n
Mountain modern is a look that has become incredibly popular and Pestello says it has brought unique ways to store or even showcase gear to hang in the living room or bedroom. It is a way to incorporate not only that loft or industrial feel but to add organic elements of raw wood to keep touches of our mountain surroundings intertwined.<\/p>\n
Lastly, Strong explains how not all storage pieces are created equal \u2014 just like no two homeowners use each space alike.<\/p>\n
“We have a broad selection of storage benches that can serve each customer differently, right down to an array of wall-hanging or free-standing coat hooks,” she said. “Concealed storage for some of our customers is more important, which is where a lift top table or drawers and doors on cabinets or consoles are perfect.<\/p>\n
“We have all walks of life gathered here,” added Strong, “and our goal is to find these functional pieces for everyone in an aesthetic that will work for their home. Whether we are outfitting their entire home or just a couple rooms, we have a solution for their storage needs.”<\/p>\n