The Housing and Development Board’s latest Sample Household Survey reveals that the number of Singaporeans living in high-rise flats has increased, which means there’s more of us than ever before struggling to find space in our homes. Fortunately, furniture stores offer a variety of ingenious storage devices to help reduce clutter. We pick out the ones that caught our eye so you can maximize what little space you have, without compromising on aesthetics.
Kartell Panier
Where to put it: Living room
What it is: Designed by dynamic duo Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, this container doubles up as a neat coffee table when an acrylic or glass cover is placed on top ofit. You can use it to store your reading material or coffee mugs, and even turn it into a showcase for your stuffed toy collection.
Why we like it: Stacking one on top of the other reveals no end of funky arrangements—and we’re suckers for the rocket launcher look.
$428 from Space Furniture, 2/F Milennia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd., 6415-0000; Kartell Flagship Store, #05-14 The Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Rd., 6238-7323.
Arflex Live bookshelves
Where to put it: Study room
What it is: European designer Giuseppe Vigano takes the industrialist approach to design, which is apparent in the minimalist lines of these wall shelves. Not only do they take up zero floor space, they also create an interesting visual for your wall.
Why we like it: Arranged in a certain way, you can even make them spell your name. How cool is that?
$3,600 per piece from Mod Living, #01-01/02 Central Mall, 7 Magazine Rd., 6336-2286.
Tragg Buffet cupboard
Where to put it: Living room or bedroom
What it is: It’s a cupboard with a mighty strong American Black walnut finish from AIR’s Plank Living collection. It’s 150cm long, making it perfect as a TV console and a storage unit for all your DVDs, albums and remote controls. Now you have no excuse for leaving your porn collection lying around.
Why we like it: If you’re a strong advocate of Team Green like we are, you’ll like that this classic piece is made up entirely of sustainable resources.
$6,036 from AIR Flagship Store, #01-01 Sophia Flats, 28 Wilkie Rd., 6336-0662.
Ikea Godmorgon box
Where to put it: Bathroom
What it is: You know those cool black boxes makeup artists carry around? This one works and looks just like those except you fit this multi-compartment tray into the top drawer of your washstand.
Why we like it: There are compartments of all sizes here so you can keep your nail polishes, brushes, creams and even accessories within reach. This one even has a hidden compartment where you can stash your spare credit card. Vanity tables are so last year.
$25 from Ikea Tampines, 60 Tampines North Drive 2, 6786-6868.
