Skip to main content

Ask a designer: Personalize the home with contemporary decor and storage

“How can my home better reflect who I am?” Storage is a very rational, functional topic for many people. In this apartment, interior designer Chiara Effroi Lutteri wanted to show that it can be personal too. By working with open storage solutions in key areas, this sophisticated home tells you a lot about the person who lives here and what he loves.

A black-brown MALM chest of drawers in front of a large round mirror with a leafy plant and SYMFONISK WiFi speaker on top.
A black-brown MALM chest of drawers in front of a large round mirror with a leafy plant and SYMFONISK WiFi speaker on top.

A fine balance

Chiara wanted this home to have a sleek and elegant feel, so adding closed storage like cabinets, drawers, wardrobes and media units keeps things neat and organized. At the same time, she added open storage where it was really needed to put functional items on display. It makes the home feel more lived in, and also puts those often-used items within easy reach.

See all storage & organization
A light grey KOMPLEMENT insert in a open drawer that has sunglasses and a watch in the compartments.
A black GALANT cabinet with the sliding door open showing three shelves holding magazine files, a tray and storage boxes.
Interior designer Chiara Effroi Lutteri, sitting in an armchair in front of a window with tables with a flower in a vase.
A BESTÅ wall cabinet with brown HEDEVIKEN doors, two of which are open showing glasses and cocktail-making accessories.
A hessian-covered surface holding a range of objects including coffee beans, a cup spoon, photographs and chopping board.
See all storage & organization

    Watch interior designer Chiara Effroi Lutteri as she demonstrates how everyday, functional items could look great on display too.

    For the at-home barista and barber

    Coffee makers, cannisters, cups and more: who would have thought that coffee-making utensils could look so lovely? Chiara wanted to celebrate this person’s passion for coffee with a barista-level coffee station for all to see. The same goes for the bathroom, where all shaving equipment is put on display in a trolley. Here they are, ready to use whenever some self-spoiling is needed, while giving the bathroom a pamper-worthy atmosphere.

    See all trolleys
    An OMAR shelf with three layers of equipment related to making all types of coffee, including beans, sugar, cups and glasses.
    A black NISSAFORS trolley with three layers of bathroom accessories and toiletries, including bottles, baskets and towels.
    See all trolleys

    Hats on display, clothes packed away

    The hallway is where the person who lives here stores his impressive collection of hats. Rather than keeping them hidden away in his wardrobe with the rest of his clothes, Chiara put them on show here to give a glimpse of his style. It also makes it easy to grab one before he heads out the door.

    See all wardrobes
    A black GALANT cabinet in a cozy alcove with one sliding door open and hats on stands on top between a lamp and a vase.
    An open wardrobe with shelves holding folded garments and bags on one side and a hanging rail of shirts on the other.
    See all wardrobes