Space-Saving Ideas From the Winner of Ellen's Design Challenge

HGTV Magazine asked the winning designer to share her favorite space savers.
From: HGTV Magazine
Related To:
Small Spaces HGTV Magazine

Photo By: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Photo By: Courtesy of the manufacturer

Photo By: Philip Friedman/Studio D

Photo By: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Double-Duty Superstars

Host Ellen DeGeneres shares a moment with winning furniture designer Katie Stout, who nabbed the top prize on Ellen’s Design Challenge by creating a multipurpose piece.

From Ironing Board to Stepladder

“This genius product turns two ho-hum items into one clever mash-up," says Katie. "I can’t believe no one thought of this combo sooner. I’m totally jealous!” Above Edge metal ironing board and stepladder combo (34 3/4"-tall as a stepladder), $71, wayfair.com

From Chalkboard to Gift Wrapping Station

“I love that there’s no hint this hanging chalkboard hides a table and storage cubbies," says Katie. "It’s such a smart way to make a wall work harder—and to conceal gift wrapping clutter.” American Crafts wood gift wrap station (32 1/2"W x 5 1/4"D x 32 1/2"H as a chalkboard), $300, papersource.com

From Filing Cabinet to Desk and Chair

“How impressive is this? The wood chair fits perfectly into what’s usually wasted space around the drawers, and the desk pops up from the side. It’s an instant rolling office! Plus, you get a real chair," says Katie. "None of that flimsy folding chair nonsense.” Ludovico plywood office (20 1/2"W x 18 1/2"D x 35"H as a file cabinet), $799, expandfurniture.com

From Ottoman to Twin Bed

“My jaw dropped when I saw this ottoman," says Katie. "I’m amazed they fit a twin bed inside. Pull-out sofas are crazy heavy—you can’t budge them—but you can roll this from room to room, wherever you want a guest to sleep.” Ottoman convertible to twin bed (39"W x 28"D x 20"H as an ottoman), $799, and polyester slipcover in South Beach, $290, both castroconvertibles.com

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