Of space that is. Why not use that wasted space under your stairs for storage or display? Take some cues from these smart people. If you are building, plan ahead! Otherwise, it is not too late...just make sure to consult with a contractor before touching a sledgehammer!
~Images: 1) Designer Amanda Nisbet 2) Unknown 3) Better Homes & Gardens 4) Home Magazine 5) Cottage Living 6) Unknown 7) Cottage Living 8) Pottery Barn Book
I have a young couple as clients right now that are HUGE wine connoisseurs. They moved into a new house and we are trying to come up with a smart and practical solution for storing their massive wine collection. [P.S. Living in the Lowcountry (named "low" because of its elevation) we don't have basements or cellars so this is not an option.] So I have been studying up on my wine knowledge because although I appreciate a good bottle, I am a $15 from The Piggly Wiggly kind of girl.
The key to storing wine is controlling some factors that could potentially ruin a good bottle like air, temperature, light, vibration and humidity. There are many possible ways to store wine in your home but it is best to pre-plan for this if you are building or remodeling. You can often find hidden storage in dead space in kitchens and pantries as shown in some of the images above. For more tips on building a custom wine cellar read here.
It might not be the most appropriate storage solution but my favorite is using antique French champagne riddling racks hung on the wall as designer Celerie Kemble did below. Beautiful! And I think it would make my Two Buck Chuck look mighty fancy! You can find many on ebay but they are $200 plus and shipping would be a bear. Best to keep an eye out for them in local antique shops. Happy Hunting!
If you have any good storage solutions for wine or products that work well for wine storage, please let me know!
~Images: 1) Cottage Living Sept 2007 2) Designer Sara Richardson at sararichardsondesign.com 3) Family Circle Aug 2009 4) Elle Decor 5) Cottage Living Oct 2008 6) Celerie Kemble's book To Your Taste