Space is a problem for many people who live in today's modern homes. Another problem is having any cash left over at the end of the month to buy expensive items of furniture, such as wardrobes or closets. However, with today's relaxed and informal interior design style it is easy to create beautiful rooms which do not break the bank!

Renting homes is another reason why people are a little reluctant to spend money on furniture which may not suit or fit into their next home. Opting for modern design trends enables people to create cost effective alternatives which look stunning as well as being very practical and functional.

Interior designers are using fabrics and curtains in place of many more conventional solid objects such as doors or furniture. The use of natural materials such as robust Hessian has been used for many years to create storage space in flat pack style which is still widely available. However, many people are looking for a more personalised style to their homes.

Older styles of homes which have chimney breasts and therefore recesses either side can be turned into book shelves, wardrobe space or spaces to keep all manner of personal objects which do not need to be openly displayed.

Utilising this space is a great way to make effective use of available space, by simply hanging a curtain or roller blind is a great way to keep things hidden away from guests, as well as keeping your home looking clutter free!

This type of impromptu storage space has been around for many years and is typically associated with rented apartments and student digs, however, those who have their finger on the pulse of some of the most innovative design trends will see sheer curtain fabrics such as voile, organza or silk used as room dividers, bed canopies as well as great ways to remove doors and transform them into larger living spaces or enable confined closets and niches to be used more effectively.

In homes which have lounge-diners, a popular design build in the latter half of the last century in the UK, can use curtains to make a theoretical dividing line between the functions of the two spaces without actually making the space appear smaller or confined.

Likewise in bedrooms curtains can be used to create informal dressing areas and great storage spaces which are practical and affordable. It is a matter of personal preference as the colour, fabric weight and pattern you opt for. Of course, you should use colours which compliment the existing colour scheme, if you are unsure opt for a plain neutrally coloured fabric as these will coordinate with any décor.

Hanging this type of room divider or storage space is relatively simple by using curtain poles and tab top curtains which can easily swept open from the centre and held in place with tassel or beaded tie backs for ease access to the space. For maximum affect the curtains should be full length and yet not have any pooling fabric if you are trying to achieve sleek lines and chic style. Having matching curtains at your windows will help you to achieve a striking room which has been given exacting interior design techniques which the professionals would admire!