Japanese decluttering guru Marie Kondo, who introduced the world to the KonMari method in 2011 through her book The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up has done it again.
Hot on the heels of selling more than four million copies of her book worldwide, the petite author has just released her storage solution — a set of three empty, shoebox-style containers to help people organise their homes.
Called the Hikidashi Boxes, after the Japanese word for “drawer”, the collection was designed in collaboration with Apple’s head of packaging materials, Cecylia Ferrandon. The collection is made up of four different designs called Clarity, Harmony, Balance and Wonder.
While Kondo’s venture is, of course new, it caters to the need for small components and storage systems that otherwise play a huge role in beautifying the home. Besides, minimalism is all about stripping away the unnecessary elements until a design is in its barest, purest form. It’s all about focusing on what needs to be there.
A way to do this is to incorporate well-thought-out storage systems that help homeowners reduce clutter and create a streamlined, clean look that is pleasing to the eye — adding an intentionally timeless aesthetic in the process. After all, minimalism or clean design never really goes out of style; a look that will be relevant in home interiors for years to come.
The good news is that Kondo’s storage solution isn’t the only option if you’re looking to beautify your home with this underrated system. Many other brands offer beautiful storage units that combine both aesthetic and function for a minimalistic home. Here are some options for you to consider.
Storage Units, Lundia
Another storage system minimalists can look to is by Finnish furniture company Lundia, a modular collection of storage units with compartments that come in three different sizes, inspired by the ISO 216 paper system.
The system was designed by Helsinki-based Joanna Laajisto and is made up of handmade boxes, which are slightly smaller than A3, A4 and A5 in size, are made from glue-laminated solid pine joined with wooden pin connections. The sizing system ensures that the boxes stack neatly on top of each other in different configurations.
Stacked Configurator, Muuto
Smaller storage systems may be a concept that is too unfamiliar. Yet, homeowners can then look to stacked storage systems or shelving units such as the Stacked Configurator by Scandinavian design company Muuto, and designed by Julian De Smedt. With the use of small clips, the modules can be rearranged to create diversified varieties of shelving setups, room dividers, or side tables. The Stacked Configurator functions as a piece of art just as much as a storage space, adding a certain unique edge to an apartment.
Lugano base cabinets, BoConcept
These sleek Lugano base cabinets from BoConcept, designed by Danish-born Morten Georgsen, combines clean lines with a simple colour palette to reduce clutter in any home. The storage solution comes in four different colours, walnut veneer, matt white lacquered, espresso oak veneer and matte white lacquer with oak veneer, and has both a drawer and drop down door.
Punctual Shelving System, Ferm Living
Lastly, Ferm Living’s Punctual Shelving System is a strong industrial looking unit, boasting perforated holes and carefully chosen soft hues. The product was designed based on the idea of creating a modular system that could easily be expanded, with a vibrant and interesting design that is a classic. Combined with a minimalistic storage solution such as Marie Kondo’sHikidashi Boxes or Lundia’s storage units, the Punctual is a great addition to any home.
Dewi Nurjuwita
Senior Writer
Dewi Nurjuwita is a travel and design writer who can be found exploring the streets of foreign cities with passport in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.
