Howdens Hacks guide fro storage solutions

Howdens launches new hacks guide for storage solutions

Howdens, best known as a leading trade kitchen specialist, has launched a new digital guide to maximising storage in the home. Often at a premium, homeowners struggle to efficiently maximise the storage they have, but the new ‘Howdens Hacks around the home’ guide provides a range of solutions and clever ideas that tradespeople can replicate for their customers.

Each ‘hack’ takes a selection of Howdens products and provides step-by-step instructions in how to create each storage solution, from cocktail cabinets and hallway storage, through to built-in pet beds and cleaning storage cupboards.

Tom Hopes, Social Content Lead at Howdens, says: “We’re seeing more and more customers using our products in increasingly inventive ways around the home.. Our latest hacks guide is a culmination of some of those projects that we’ve seen take shape across our social media channels, as well as some of our own tips.

“By pulling it together into one guide, we hope that it will help our customers to benefit by using it for ideas for their own customers, along with showing homeowners what clever tricks can be done to help them organise their own home.”

Featuring 12 hacks, there are plenty of ideas to choose from. Here are a selection of Howdens’ favourites.

Clear it away cleaning cupboards

Making room for cleaning supplies: vacuum cleaner, ironing board, iron, mop and bucket and even the washing machine is never an easy task which is why Howdens’ cleaning cupboard hack is one your customers are sure to love. By choosing the kitchen cupboards carefully, you can create all the space they need, while having none of it on show.

Top tip: Think about electrics before you get started. As well as plug sockets for appliances, you’ll need additional outlets placed higher up to charge items such as the vacuum cleaner or the iron when in use.

  1. Build the frame using décor end panels to create the look of tall larder units to ensure the exterior remains uninterrupted  
  2. Choosing the inside colour is just as important as the exterior. Pick one that wears well, like light-grey oak, which shows fewer marks from frequently-used items
  3. Think about the inside make-up of the cabinets. Do they need extra shelving for smaller items? Space for a tumble dryer? Feature half-height units to add valuable storage for small appliances
  4. Be sure to strengthen the cabinet support rails to provide a robust structure that will withstand the weight of laundry equipment
  5. Use plinths to create a consistent look across a run of tower units
  6. Be sure to choose integrated appliances with a low decibel rating to prevent sound transferring to the rest of the home.

Hallway storage made simple

Bags dumped by the front door and piles of discarded shoes is never a good look. A hallway storage seat looks good and is highly practical. All you need is Howdens kitchen drawers, a wooden worktop, some copper accessories and to choose a colour of kitchen doors.

  1. Opt for the 800mm-wide pan drawers to store shoes from view, while providing place to sit when putting them on
  2. Colour is pretty important with this storage and we are loving bold colours like navy or dark green to make it a stand-out feature
  3. Choose a wooden worktop. This can be stained or painted, whichever you prefer
  4. Add a matching solid-wood upstand to protect joins from wear and tear and to add a premium touch to the design
  5. Brushed metallics are hugely popular. We’ve used copper cup handles, but brass works just as well
  6. Complete with skirting in a crisp white tone for a complementary style that marries up with the wider room.

Pooch-friendly kitchens

Much valued family members, we often want to find ways that allow pets to be in the thick of family life and what better way than to create them a lavish bed built into the family kitchen. And with just three simple steps, it really is as easy as 1, 2, 3…

  1. Start by building a base using a plinth and décor end. This will provide a solid section for the comfy cushion to be placed on top where your pet can cosy up
  2. Create a consistent look using décor ends in matching colour in the recess. Offering a professional finish, it will also protect adjoining units from wear
  3. Make room for pet supplies by adding drawers above the bed. Providing easy access to pet provisions, this will create a framed appearance for a built-in look.

Last but not least, a little something for the grown ups

We know it isn’t one of life’s essentials, but that doesn’t mean that  the home doesn’t deserve some R&R.. The Cocktail O’clock Cabinet makes the perfect addition to any kitchen – or it can be fitted separately as a bank of wall units in a dining room. Using standard Howdens cabinets, drawers and decor ends, our designers explain how to create a “behind-closed doors” bar for any celebration.

Steps to creating a bar:

  1. Tuck the cocktail cabinet away using tall larder doors to keep bottles and barware from view
  2. Choose a colour – grey or sandstone helps to create a discreet look, or be bold with pops of colour
  3. Invest in storage drawers inside to keep essential serve ware and utensils within easy reach
  4. Match a backboard and work surface to create a preparation area that also helps protectagainst spills
  5. Use kitchen décor ends that can be cut to size for bespoke shelving to store favourite glassware nearby
  6. Finish with LED strip lights for added ambiance.

Not too sure about a cocktail cabinet? The same design process can be used to create a breakfast pantry. Great at storing away morning essentials such as a toaster and espresso machine, simply open up the doors in a morning and have everything stored in one place.

The Howdens Hacks guide is now available to download by visiting https://www.howdens.com/help-and-advice/inspiration/around-the-home/home-hacks

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