# Encroaching Cubby Interiors Suspended Built-in Shelves Free Up Space for a Fascinating Floor Plan By Amelia Roblin | Published 2015-01-09 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suspended-builtin-shelves References: [torafu](http://torafu.com/works/pmq) What a brilliant idea it is to integrate storage systems into the ceiling! Torafu Architects worked to create [suspended built-in shelves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wallmounted-storage) that would maximize the space within residence buildings in Hong Kong. The final result is visually intriguing and functionally full of potential. In one bedroom, several [boxy bookshelves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puzzle-shelf) are mounted from above, creating room dividers, affording plenty of places to stash possessions, and offering opportunities to display beautiful objects. I can't help but think of the ease of cleaning such a space too, with an uninterrupted floor, and with surfaces less likely to collect dust. Elsewhere around the PMQ x MUJI apartment, [squared compartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/center-center-storage) are incorporated too. They can be found in mirrored wall art, in closets, and as a privacy structure that surrounds a bed. Who else could have dreamed up such a clever way to optimize storage and decor with cubbies? ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 94% | Activity: 90% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Ceiling-integrated Storage System:** The trend of maximizing space in apartments by integrating storage systems into the ceiling creates opportunities for businesses in the interior design and architecture industries. - **Boxy Shelves as Room Dividers:** The trend of using boxy shelves suspended from the ceiling as room dividers creates opportunities for businesses in the furniture and home decor industries. - **Squares as Multi-purpose Compartments:** The trend of using squares as multi-functional compartments in apartments creates opportunities for businesses in the storage and organization industry to create new products and solutions. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Interior Design:** Businesses in the interior design industry can capitalize on this trend by creating innovative and visually intriguing storage solutions for small living spaces. - **Architecture:** Architects and developers can take advantage of this trend by incorporating ceiling-integrated storage systems into new building designs to optimize space and functionality. - **Furniture:** Furniture designers and manufacturers can create boxy shelves that serve as room dividers, providing both storage and decorative functions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Box-Like Innovative Apartment Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innovative-apartment-design.md) - [Reimagined Minimal Parisian Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimalist-cocoon.md) - [Discreet Folding Shelf Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folding-shelf.md) - [Customizable Storage Furniture Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shelved-modular-furniture.md) - [Living Storage Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treevive.md) - [Modular Contemporary Shelving Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qurv.md) - [Japanese Woodwork-Inspired Shelving Units](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/altitude-shelving.md) - [Flexible Storage Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brickbox-modular-shelving.md) - [Adaptable Flat-Pack Shelving](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flat-pack-shelving.md)