Ask the designer: I don’t have any closets. Where can I save the offseason? | Popgen Tech

Washington The Ask a Designer series answers readers’ questions and conundrums about home design directly to expert interior designers. Trying to find the best kid-friendly rug for your room? Looking for a desk to fill an awkward space? Need exterior paint reviews? Send your questions to [email protected]washingtonian.com and we will get an answer to them.

“There are no closets in my apartment on the top floor. What are the storage solutions for coats and out-of-season clothes?’

We asked Bethesda designer Marika Meyer of Marika Meyer Studio for advice:

“We deal with storage issues in many older homes. I’ve lived in homes built in the 1940s most of my life, so I’m always thinking about how to remove things that are out of season. One easy place is under the bed. Many retailers sell storage containers specifically designed for under-bed storage. They also create a beautiful seal that keeps fabrics fresh for the next year.

“We also used old wardrobe-style cabinets to store clothes. They were originally designed when most homes didn’t have closets and are a great solution. We love using vintage pieces – websites like 1st Dibs or Chairish have a wide range of vintage styles from 1960s modern to French Regency.

“Finally, one of my favorite hacks is the Ikea hack. In our office, we use tall cabinets from Ikea as cabinets to store all of our sample memos. They are great, easy to lift up and into tight spaces. These units can be both free-standing and built-in for a more original look in the space.”

Main page and feature editor

Mimi Montgomery joined a Washingtonian in 2018. She writes for The Washington Post, Garden & Gun, Outside Magazine, Washington City Paper, DCist, and PoPVille. Originally from North Carolina, she now lives in Del Ray.