Whenever I go into Ikea I always have the same two reactions, “WOW, these storage ideas are as so clever” and, after about 30 mins “Get me outta here!” (I think it’s safe to say we all have varying degrees of these two experiences.)

After a recent trip, (yes, I made it out alive after following those bright yellow arrows), it got me thinking about storage. When people buy a property, one of the most important ‘needs’ at the top of their list is storage. Whether internal (wardrobes, cupboards, pantries, attics) or external (garages, sheds). As humans, it is in our nature to collect things as these items represent who we are, places we’ve been and memories of past events. We as a society are also avid consumers and most people’s wants far surpass their needs.

So what do you do when your ‘stuff’ outgrows your current storage facilities? For homeowners, there’s usually a ‘I’ll get to it later room” which doubles-up as storage and a regular council clean up for when it get’s overwhelming. But for renters, it is a little more difficult. Firstly, renters know that they’ll have to move sooner or later so the less packing and transporting the better. And secondly, there’s no benefit in building or investing in extra permanent solutions for someone else’s property.

There are some pretty nifty solutions to creating more storage and they needn’t break the bank nor be boring. Here are just a few ideas.

Hook, line and sinker

Whether you nail them, use removable double-sided tape or use over-door one, hooks are an easy, inexpensive solution to increase space. They can be used anywhere – kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, garage – come in different sizes and colours, and are transferable. I particularly love the idea of hanging kitchen utensils in small kitchens. It looks great and saves the rummaging in cluttered drawers for that soup ladle.

Not the kind you find on an elephant

Trunks have come full circle and have definitely come back into fashion. The beauty of a trunk is that not only are they usually quite deep and can fit a lot of things, but they can also be used for additional seating. If your trunk needs a spruce up, maybe drape over a throw rug or look into having it refurbished to fit your home’s theme.

Boxed up

Boxes have saved my sanity many times. Not cardboard moving boxes, but plastic colourful, lightweight, sealable, movable boxes. Go to any discount store, hardware house or department store and you’ll find a plethora of plastic boxes in a huge range of colours and sizes. What’s great about plastic boxes is that when you move house, you don’t have to re-pack these boxes, just throw them in the moving van.  As a plus, so many boxes these days are decorative and can add to the style of your home. You can also buy boxes in different materials such as metal or upholstered fabric.

Out of sight

Why not use the space under your bed for more than just accumulating dust and hair? Flat storage boxes are a neat and clever addition for any bedroom. You can store your shoes, clothing, paperwork – anything that isn’t too bulky. Again these are inexpensive, sealable and transportable.

Just remember, the Golden Rule: If you haven’t worn it, used it or opened it in six months, get rid of it.  You’ll soon find you have more storage space!

Shorter days, longer nights. Cold feet and snuggling on the couch. Yes, winter is coming and there’s nothing you can do about it. Or is there?

While we don’t get blanketed by snow in Sydney, we definitely do get frosty mornings and chilly nights. So, is your house prepared? I’m not just talking about the practical side of things, but adding some winter style to your home is essential. Just like you pull out your winter coats and long boots for the colder months, your living space should reflect your style and also get some TLC. Below are some tips to give your home some winter loving.

Cover me up

In the warmer months, it’s lovely to walk around barefoot on timber floorboards or tiles. But as the temperature drops, it’s best to avoid frostbite. A thick, plush rug can not only keep your little piggies warm, but also add a splash of colour to your rooms. Instead of bringing out the old tired rug you keep stashed in the garage, go out and buy a new one in a bold, warm colour. It needn’t be expensive, rather an accessory for your home, even if only for one season.

Colour me up

If your home is styled in a neutral palette, it is easy to add some winter accents to bring warmth and an interesting dynamic to your living areas. You needn’t crack open the paint cans, but you can buy a wall hanging, add some indoor plants and flowers (coloured orchids are my favourites), new cushions or even a new tablecloth. You will soon create a cosy space to hibernate during the cold nights.

Layer me up

There’s nothing I like more than adding layers during winter. Scarves, hats, gloves, coats. Use this same principle in your home. If you’ve already got a rug, add another in a contrasting colour. You have cushions? Add a few more in  different sizes or shapes. Also consider layering textures – different materials and fabrics to build up an interesting and inviting atmosphere.

Heat me up

Have you got an old fireplace that you’ve never used? Now is the time to get a professional in to give it the once-over and help get it fired up! Or maybe you need to invest in a gas fireplace or heater. Nothing beats staring into a flame, listing to some tunes while sipping on some mulled wine.

Light me up

As the nights get longer, you’ll need to create more light in your home, there are a plethora of lamps to choose from. Look for stylish and easily portable lamps in bright colours. If you have enough lighting, maybe hang some more mirrors. Candles are always a beautiful addition, but remember – safety first.

Winter need not be dull and dreary. A few simple changes can brighten up your home and create an inviting, cosy living space.

Here are five easy tips on getting the lighting perfect in your home…

You think you know the people in your life pretty well, right? Their likes, dislikes and even favourite colours. But, sometimes that perception of a friend can be completely blasted into oblivion the moment you walk into their homes.

Here’s an example: your work colleague is having a little party and has invited all staff to their home. Now, you know this person, let’s call him Fred, loves his car ­– the V8 Holden Commodore. You know Fred collects memorabilia and treats his car like it’s made from gold. However, nothing could have prepared you for the onslaught of Holden paraphernalia on entering his home. From framed posters posing as ‘art’ on the wall, model cars, kitschy ashtrays, tea towels and EVEN the linen, it was as if Holden had vomited all over the house. Where did Fred go wrong?

When it goes completely wrong

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Now, the example might be a little extreme, but sometimes, people’s hobbies dominate or rather completely overtake the styling of a home. I have seen this phenomenon in many homes, and sometimes it is subtle. Often it extends from a favourite colour (think everything purple!) or a favourite city (we’ve all been in a Francophile’s home and seen the Eiffel tower invade every nook and cranny). Usually, it starts off on a small scale, but slowly creeps in over the years and then one day you wake up on the set of Star Wars. When you wake up to a life-sized cardboard cut-out of wookie in your bedroom, you know you’ve gone too far!

Scale it back

Style, they say, is a second-cousin to class. So the message here is to keep it classy! I’m not saying you need to hock all your collectibles on Ebay, but to scale back. Here’s an example of getting it right. A friend of mine is a cocktail aficionado and loves vintage liquor posters. We all know how alluring bottles of alcohol can be (the colours, the shapes, the sizes) but instead of displaying bottles in an out-dated cabinet, she has decorated her home with beautifully framed posters of her favourite spirits. Her passion for creating cocktails is tastefully expressed without it being forced down your throat. Not only are these posters works of art, but she has stayed true to her hobby.

Striking the right balance

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The most important thing about styling your home is to be completely comfortable in your space. There’s no point in buying and placing pieces in your house ‘for show’. Homes are meant to be lived in ­– so if your precious, priceless objet d’art could be shattered by a roaming toddler, then pack it away. Incorporating a hobby into your home can be achieved by balancing this passion with regular items (or pieces your partner likes). If you’re lucky enough to share the hobby with your partner, then set a limit and stick to it. For instance, ONE porcelain poodle figurine, not a litter! The other option is to create a room or space devoted to your hobby. For example, if you are a mad Elvis Presley fan, maybe you can create a music room and keep your records, posters and movies in that space to enjoy at your leisure.

However, if you want to be in the Guinness World Records for the biggest number of throw pillows shaped as Persian Cats, then open a museum and charge entry!