USUALLY despite our best efforts, creeping clutter always threatens to overwhelm our homes.

It seems no matter how many times we clear it out, it still can be difficult to find space for everything.

This is particularly true for a lounge.

The living room should be comfortable and inviting - an area where you can spend time relaxing with family and friends.

However, more often than not, it is also home to the television, video/DVD and audio equipment, games consoles and all the gadgets and gizmos that go with them.

It's hardly surprising, therefore, that many living rooms end up looking or feeling overcrowded and disorganised.

Storage needs to be both practical and hard-working, but in a room where aesthetics is a priority, it's important that it should look attractive as well.

Plan your storage so that it fits your space and suits the style of your room. It's sometimes a good idea to look further than just what's available to buy and have some pieces custom-built for the perfect fit.

To make it easy, plan the room carefully for maximum storage, while retaining a stylish look.

Put videos and CDs back in their cases when finished and stack them in their place, with the titles clearly visible

Avoid piles of newspapers and magazines cluttering up the room by tearing out your favourite articles and filing them safely.

Group your entertainment systems and their cables together in a media unit. This will save space and electric cables can also be kept neatly together.

Keep remote controls in a simple box or armchair pocket so they do not go astray.

Use shelves at different heights if you have a young family, so expensive items are out of reach, while toys can be kept at a lower level.

Choose coffee and side tables that you can store items in, rather than leaving stuff lying around untidily on top.

Build storage into bay windows or alcoves - ideal places for cupboards or shelves, away from the flow of the room.

Balance freestanding furniture with purpose-built storage.

You can also put areas that are often neglected - such as alcoves and the chimney breast recess - to good use by installing chunky shelves for storing boxes, box files or CD players. Allow space underneath for a unit to house a television and DVD player.

An Ottoman makes excellent extra seating for larger gatherings as well as being perfect storage.

If you need interior advice, you can contact me at Honeysuckle Interiors on 01256 780831, or check out the website at www.honeysuckleinteriors.co.uk