Ever feel like your life is more chaos than calm?
It might be time to wave goodbye to the clutter and bring a sense of order back into your space with expert tips from some of Australia’s most stylish and practical minds.
TV personality Liz Cantor recently hosted Metricon’s Storage Solutions Masterclass alongside much-loved home organisation guru Anita Birges (of Mise en Place fame) and Metricon’s National Senior Joinery Designer, Katia Slogrove.
Set in the breathtaking Denver 37 display home in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, the event was all about clever ways to maximise space, cut the clutter, and lower your stress.
If you weren’t able to join us on the day, here’s a recap of what you missed.
Build the Dream (And Store It Beautifully)
First up, Katia. As the brains behind Metricon’s beautiful display home joinery solutions, Katia is a master of mixing style with practicality.
“I’m passionate about creating smart storage,” Katia says. “We’ve developed a national joinery guide that makes it super simple for customers to choose the right storage for their lifestyle.”
And that’s the secret, she says - understanding how you live.
“Every family is different. Whether it’s the kitchen, laundry or bedroom, think about how you use each space before you build. Retrofitting later can be tricky.” Katia Slogrove, National Senior Joinery Designer
The best storage solutions strike a fine balance between aesthetic appeal and practicality. “We can help you maximise space without sacrificing style,” Katia adds.
Katia's Top Tips:
- Kitchens: Hide the bulk. “Walk-in pantries and butler’s pantries are heroes for stashing appliances and creating flow without sacrificing style,” says Katia. “Integrated appliances behind cabinet doors add a sleek finish too.”
- Small space? Go vertical. “Full-height pull-out pantry cabinets free up room and keep things accessible. Just pull - and everything’s right there.”
- Mix it up: Open shelving + closed cabinets = practical + stylish. “Some clients love displaying things, others want zero clutter. We often do both.”
- Don’t skimp on drawer hardware: “Heavy-duty runners - think 40 to 60kg capacity - protect your cabinetry and keep things sliding smoothly for years.”
- The bin dilemma: “Design your dream kitchen… and forget the bin? Don’t do it. Integrated bins are a must.”
- Laundry smarts: Think about where you undress. “Integrated hampers in wardrobes make life easier - and look better than a clunky free-standing basket.”
- Wardrobe wins: “Got high ceilings? Use them. Pull-down hanging rails and a combo of open and closed zones help keep things functional and calming.”
- Garage envy: “Built-in shoe storage in the garage keeps mess out of the house. And if you’ve got a killer shoe collection, light it up with LED-lit open shelving.”
Devil’s in the Details: Anita’s Home Organisation Magic
Next came Anita Birges, armed with game-changing tips to help you get the most from every inch of your space.
“The goal is elegant, efficient storage. It’s not just about tidying - it’s about creating systems that work for you.” Anita Birges, Mise en Place
Anita’s Kitchen Hacks:
- Containers are key: “Clear, airtight and stackable = fresh food and a sleek look. Use dividers in drawers and baskets in cupboards to cut bench clutter.”
- Know your triangle: “Fridge, pantry, stove—keep your go-to items within arm’s reach of these three spots.”
- Hard-to-reach? No problem: “Lazy Susans are perfect for corner cupboards. Choose a stable one that suits your space.”
- Keep it fresh: “Declutter your pantry every three months. Update labels so you know exactly what needs topping up.”
Wardrobe Wisdom:
- Streamline the look: “One style of coat hanger reduces visual clutter. Use vertical storage for seasonal items on high shelves.”
- Divide and conquer: “Drawer dividers, pull-out racks and stackable boxes are a game-changer for socks, bags, and shoes.”
- Fold like a pro: “Try the oblong fold for shirts. It’s symmetrical, saves space, and makes drawers look neat.”
Laundry Luxe:
- Towel tip: Go hotel-style. “Fold in half, bring corners to the middle, roll tight, and tuck in the end. It looks amazing and saves space.”
Ready to Simplify Your Space?
Whether you’re building from scratch or refreshing your existing home, these expert-approved tips are all about making your spaces work harder—without sacrificing style. Because when your home flows, life just feels easier.
