Small homes and studios
Multi-use storage Materials and Finishes for Small homes and studios
Select materials by where they will be installed, how they are cleaned and what can be repaired when one part wears.
Explore the ideas
Compare the options
- Set the brief
- Mark high-touch, wet and impact-prone surfaces separately before picking finishes.
- Compare
- Ask suppliers for care instructions, repair options and a full sample with exposed edges and joints.
- Before buying
- Price installation, replaceable pieces and long-term maintenance alongside the initial material cost.
Worked example
A kitchen service counter sees frequent spills, hot serving dishes, and repeated wiping throughout the day.
Compare sample surfaces for stain behavior, heat guidance, edge durability, and cleaning method. Inspect the joint at the sink or serving zone where water and residue are most likely to collect.
How to test it
Put the sample beside its adjoining materials and test the agreed cleaning method on a spare piece.
Apply it to this space
- Layout
- Concentrate tall storage along one wall and keep frequently used items at reachable heights.
- Detail
- Use adjustable shelves and a ventilated section for cleaning equipment.
- Trade-off
- One large storage wall is efficient but can make the room feel narrower.
- Inventory items before sizing shelves
- Check doors do not collide with furniture
The Elixir portfolio
Details worth a closer look
