Walls That Store More

Boost the storage appeal of built-in wall units with organization aids such as baskets and boxes. These hardworking items corral magazines, office supplies, and more for a neat and tidy display, which helps highlight the architectural appeal of beautiful built-ins.

Use an eating-nook wall for extra kitchen storage space. Open shelving secludes this banquette from a busy passage without cutting off views and light from the adjacent window. The sleek steel pole echoes stainless steel in the kitchen and puts a contemporary spin on a bungalow-inspired built-in. A matching support for the pistachio-green concrete tabletop leaves plenty of room for diners or crafters to slide in.

Replacing cabinets? Save a few dollars by opting for shelves instead of upper cabinets. Choose everyday dishes and serving pieces with display-worthy qualities. With open shelves like these, you'll tackle two kitchen challenges (accessorizing and storage) with one solution. You'll also find the kitchen feels more open and airy.

Pack efficiency into a small bathroom without stunting style. Behind the skirted pedestal sink, a bumped-out ledge provides storage for bath necessities and display pieces within easy reach.

For a streamlined look, match your storage components to your shelving. These white boxes and baskets blend with the white shelving unit, creating a cohesive look that allows the room's sophisticated purple elements to shine through. A coordinated look will keep large wall units from looking cluttered and disorganized.

Store and organize your family and pet gear in a stylish, small-space mudroom that combines smart storage, a laundry space, and a home office.

Wondering how to make the best use of a narrow slice of blank wall in your laundry room? Transform it with a wall-mount drying rack. This drying station taps into unused space beneath a window, providing a handy spot to hang small items. 

Fashion your own wall buffet with ordinary shoe organizers. Place same-size cubby-style shoe organizers side by side and screw them together. Cut a top and base to span the length of the organizers, add a stemware holder underneath, and outfit the buffet with barware. No need for an entertainment unit? This idea can also serve as a go-anywhere workstation: Add a chair and the space becomes a desk. Use the cubbies to sort mail and other small items.

Take advantage of a wall's entire height capacity by installing a floor-to-ceiling bookcase -- you'll have more storage space, and it will also create a sleek look. An open unit has a light feel and makes the room seem taller since it draws the eye up -- a great solution for small spaces.

When higher ceilings are at your disposal, use the extra volume to your advantage. With more wall space to work with, cabinets can be hung higher without dwarfing the space. Add visual interest to a run of wall cabinets, and give a small space the look of a grand kitchen with a few glass doors.

Multipurpose living spaces need versatile storage. A room that serves both as a formal entertaining area and as a family-friendly space calls for ample hidden storage with plenty of style. This bank of wall cabinets stores DVDs, gaming system components, toys, and more. The sleek cabinet doors fit with the home's style, providing easy access to the unit's contents.

A simple wall unit in your mudroom can be a time- and sanity-saver on busy mornings, and it's easy to build your own. Start with tower-style bookcases and place a wall cabinet between the units as a bench. For a dose of cottage style, install beaded board behind the center unit and top with a narrow shelf outfitted with hooks for coats and bags.

Turn a blank wall into an information super center with close-to-the-wall boards. Hang a combination of blackboards and magnet boards to serve several purposes. Blackboards are ideal for writing important phone numbers and reminders, and magnet boards are the perfect spot to hang papers and notes that need prompt attention.

For the best entertainment unit, consider shallow shelves, which are perfect for organizing books and media and keep with the proportions of slim, flat-screen TVs. If you have a deep wall, set the unit 4-6 inches into the wall to soften its impact on the rest of the room.

A tucked-away niche cabinet keeps spices, oils, and vinegars at the ready for cooking. Install a recessed cabinet or a set of shelves to organize your collection. Because they're narrow and shallow -- only the width and depth of the wall studs -- these cabinets can be added into almost any wall.

Instead of relegating all your crafting supplies to bins and drawers, utilize open options on empty wall space. A pegboard outfitted with clever storage components keeps supplies and tools organized, in sight, and at your crafty fingertips.