It’s no secret that the size of BTO flats has been slowly but surely shrinking over the years. Hence, smart carpentry ideas that maximise storage space, hide clutter, or serve multiple purposes are now more important than ever.
To get you started, we’ve put together a collection of savvy custom carpentry inspo that will help you get the most out of every inch of your home. Some are straightforward but updated with a twist, while others are straight-up ingenious and unexpected.
1. Colourful home office in a closet
Image credit: 2LG Studio
A dedicated home office space can go a long way in boosting your WFH productivity. But rather than reserving an entire room for your set-up, consider hosting your home office in a built-in closet. Add some joy and visual pizzazz to the space by using a bright colour on the inside of the closet, especially if your built-ins are a plain white or neutral tone.
Once 6pm hits, you get to close the door on your work station and focus on relaxing, with all the clutter of the work day tidily kept away.
2. Reading nook with electrical outlets
Image credit: Pinterest
This multipurpose reading nook doubles as a workstation thanks to the neat built-in electrical outlets that keep your laptop and appliances charged throughout long WFH days. As a plus, the floating bookshelves behind the benches serve as the perfect Zoom backdrop to let your colleagues know that you’re an intellectual who reads.
The bench seats lift to reveal more storage space—perfect for stashing extra cushions and throw blankets for cosy reading days.
3. WFH niche
Image credit: Fraher and Findlay
If you happen to have an awkward dead space in your bedroom that’s not quite big enough for a walk-in closet, but not small enough for a regular shelf, why not transform it into a workstation? Further maximise the space by building storage shelves above the door—it’s an oft-overlooked area that’s surprisingly versatile.
4. Dining-cum-reading nook that’s also a privacy partition
Image credit: Sandy Wen
This dining-cum-reading corner that’s also a privacy partition is perfect for homeowners with open-concept living spaces, as it lets you visually demarcate areas in your home without using actual walls. This helps to keep your home feeling light and airy, which is especially important in small homes.
The void in the middle of the partition shelf lets light pass through from the bedroom area, but privacy is maintained with the use of a pull-down fluted glass panel. Meanwhile, the elevated bed platform seamlessly extends into the dining-cum-reading area, where it transforms into seats.
5. Circular dining bench
Image credit: Laminex
This clever circular dining bench not only maximises seating as opposed to a regular straight bench, it also fosters a more intimate space that’s perfect for cosy dinners with friends and family.
6. Hidden double door pantry
Image credit: Domino
Taking inspiration from double-door fridges, this pantry storage idea not only maximises the available shelf space, it also helps keep visual clutter away when not in use. The heights of the door shelves are adjustable to accommodate spice and condiment bottles of varying sizes.
7. Corner drawers
Image credit: Grace In My Space
Not only do corner drawers look super snazzy, they also utilise the corner space that would otherwise go unused if you were to have regular perpendicular drawers. That said, quality fittings are especially important if you choose to have corner drawers—subpar drawer brackets can render them unusable.
8. Under-sink drawer
Image credit: Blum
Upgrade your under-sink cabinets by adding a U-shaped drawer—it’s the perfect spot to store extra sponges, hand soaps, and other high-use cleaning supplies.
9. Pull-out cleaning closet
Image credit: Apartment Therapy
Rather than haphazardly propping up your broom and mop in the corner of your service yard or bomb shelter, consider having a narrow pull-out cleaning supply cabinet instead. It’s a great way to keep your cleaning tools tidy, and you’ll be able to take stock of your cleaning supplies easily at a glance.
10. Vanity drawer with appliance holders and outlets
Image credit: Pinterest
If you’re someone who uses heat styling tools such as curling irons and hair dryers regularly, you know the pain and annoyance of having to leave them out to cool down after use—it’s an eyesore and clutters the bathroom counter, frankly. A vanity drawer with built-in cable management and heat-proof appliance holders would solve the conundrum entirely.
11. Camouflaged bathroom storage
Image credit: Jenny Martin Designs
Minimising visual clutter can help make a room look bigger than it actually is, hence concealed storage in tiny spaces is always welcome. This built-in storage cabinet is seamlessly camouflaged by a fluted wood door that blends in with the rest of the bathroom walls, so no one has to know just how many rolls of toilet paper you have stashed away.
12. Built-in vanity seat
Image credit: Felipe Hess
This clever custom vanity chair is made to blend in with the bathroom cabinets and drawers. You can even add a hanging basket to the underside of the chair for some extra storage space—every bit counts.
13. Storage hidden behind vanity mirrors
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Instead of cluttering your vanity table with endless bottles of skincare and makeup, keep them neatly tucked away in a cabinet concealed by a sliding mirror door instead.
14. Rotating shoe rack
Image credit: Houzz
Own way too many pairs of shoes or bags to count? This rotating display rack may be the perfect storage solution for you. It lets you make the most of the corner in your walk-in closet while keeping every item in easy reach and view.
15. Cabinet-end storage
Image credit: Pinterest
Don’t neglect the ends of your built-in cabinet. Rather than letting it go to waste, transform the space into shallow cupboards perfect for storing high-use items and appliances such as ironing boards and brooms.
16. Hideaway vertical laundry rack
Image credit: Two30Nine
Don’t get us wrong—we do love our Steigens. But if space is really hard to spare in your service yard and a pull-down laundry rack won’t work for you, a pull-out vertical version may be a better choice. Just keep the racks extended for maximum air circulation when you’re drying your laundry.
17. Nifty vacuum nook
Image credit: Pinterest
Robot vacuums are a lifesaver for busy bees, but they aren’t exactly the prettiest to look at. A good custom docking station will help conceal the vacuum cleaner, creating a more streamlined look for your living space while maintaining easy access for charging and maintenance.
18. Bomb shelter storage door
Image credit: Weiken
This bomb shelter cover doubles as a shoe storage system, and we love how the use of mirrors creates the illusion of a bigger space. Since it’s located right next to the entrance of the house, this area is perfect for last-minute outfit checks and OOTD snaps before you head out the door.
Custom carpentry ideas to maximise your living space
Good custom carpentry can elevate your living space and quality of life. Since custom carpentry is expensive, make sure that you’re intentional with your design choices. Before committing to a design, envision yourself living in the space and take note of how you usually reach for things or store them away. This will help you create a clutter-free home that’s not just pretty to look at, but also has minimal friction points.
For more home reno inspo:
Cover image adapted from: 2LG Studio, Laminex
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