A space for storage in your
home
| Creating storage space in a manner that befits the decor of modern
homes requires a bit of planning, and sometimes, ingenuity as well. |
MANAGING SPACE: Storage space has to be created in keeping with the general
decor of your home. - Photo: VIPINCHANDRAN
Storerooms formed important components of a house in the earlier days. Large
spaces for storage were necessitated by the economy of those days when large
quantities of agricultural produce, especially grains, had to be stored safely
round the year.
In large agricultural households in Kerala, apart from rice,
coconut was a major commodity stored. `Pathayam,' or `Kalavara,' was the most
important room in the ancient households. `Pathayam,' often doubled up as an
impromptu cot at night for the male members of the family. In the houses of
landlords, the `Pathayappura,' consisted of a living space on the first floor
built over a vast storage space in the ground floor.
Radical
change
As times changed, the concept of storerooms also underwent a
radical transformation. Even the very concept of storage is changing.
`Storerooms have more or less become obsolete," says Kochi-based architect
G. Jaigopal. "The concept of storage has changed a lot," he points
out. Nobody stores large quantities of grains these days, doing away with the
need for a big, central storeroom for the kitchen. The refrigerator has taken
over the function of the storeroom to a great extent, with all perishable items
finding a space within them.
"Instead of the concept of bulk storage, people now
prefer decentralised storage systems," Mr. Jaigopal points out. This means
having convenient storage spaces that lie scattered throughout the house,
serving specific purposes. "The concept of out-of-sight storage space is
gaining prominence," according to Sebastian Jose, another Kochi-based
architect. "The storeroom has changed from the visible to the invisible.
Now, optimising the available space is more important than putting aside a large
space exclusively for storage."
Having compartments for storage, especially serving different
purposes, in different parts of the house go a long way in providing optimal
storage space. "Storage compartments are more relevant now," points
out Mr. Jaigopal. The kitchen cabinets provided by the modular kitchens are
extremely convenient for multi-purpose storage purposes and comes in different
sizes. Likewise, the toilette accessories can be tucked away in a general
compartment in the bathroom itself.
Even for storing old clothes, people prefer to have a
separate compartment within the main wardrobe, rather than stuffing them into an
entirely separate room or shelf. The loft or attic, the space under the
staircase and the garage are only some of the convenient storage spaces, says
Mr. Jose. "In Japan, even the space under the floor is used for storage. It
is possible since many structures are prefabricated. There will be framework
underneath and by opening a lid, the storage space can be accessed."
Saving
space
Saving space has become the keyword for modern apartments.
Architects are devising ingenuous methods for space saving by tucking in the
cupboards and using multi-purpose furniture as storage space. The ultimate
example in India would be the sofa-cum-bed found in every Mumbai apartment that
performs the role of a sofa during day time, is transformed into a double bed by
night and allows storage space for sheets and linen all the time.
Mr. Jaigopal points out even though the older needs of
storage have disappeared, new needs have appeared along with the modern gadgets
in each and every household. Storage related to automobiles is a major category.
Apart from the garages and porches for the vehicles, each house needs space to
accommodate the automobile spare parts like tyres, engine oil as well as tools
for quick maintenance. Gardening equipment too needs to be stored in independent
houses with space for a small garden. Bicycles and large dolls of kids also need
to be stored. The inverter also needs a space, especially in these times of
power breakdowns.
Dead
storage spaces
Many people prefer to have `dead storage spaces,' like a loft
or an attic, for putting away objects that are not needed immediately. Some
people tend to store old newspaper and magazines for even one year, before
selling these off. All such stuff could be put away in such lofts. Mr. Jose
points out that he often adds a loft space on the roof by putting a tiled roof
over the flat roof for all that junk. The rainy season of Kerala throws up
another challenge for the households. The umbrellas, raincoats, helmets and
footwear, often wet with dripping water need to be put away neatly after use.
Finding a space for all these items in space-crunched city apartments can be a
real task for householder as well as the designer.
RENU RAMANATH
Courtesy: Property Plus, The Hindu
