We have been going through some old boxes around here, and came across a Barbie & Ken doll set we bought a while back that we thought was really cool. Now that we’re in our “Keep only what you love and find useful” phase, and have had the dolls in a box for the last 10 years, we’re ready to say goodbye to them. So when I was approached with this guest post that would help us “normal” folks live a bit more like James Bond, without being impractical, I just had to share it. 😉

James Bond is certainly an interesting character in today’s film. Known for his agelessness, sophistication and cool gadgets, many people nowadays are looking at him for inspiration in their home decor. You may be wondering, what can we learn from from James Bond?

One of the many exciting new trends in home decor is the use a building of secret compartments in homes, something you might see in the homes of the fictional Double-O operatives. Secret compartments not only create a sense of wonder and mystery in your home, but also helps you consolidate space in your home, something every homeowner wants to learn how to do.

If you’re looking to recreate a space worthy of being called a “James Bond inspiration”, check out the following great ideas that will certainly introduce a sense of allure and mystery into your home.

Power Outlets

Power outlets are not just for your walls. More people now are finding creative ways to place power outlets in order to provide energy to the most remote corners of their homes. A few suggestions of cool places for power outlets are on recliners (some recliners now come with phone chargers as well), kitchen islands or bed rests. Another great way to add a few more hidden, power outlets in your home is by building little “trap doors”, or panels on the side of your walls or on bookcases that slide off and provide the convenience of electricity.

photo credit: Mike Miley via photopin cc

Behind the Painting

One of the oldest tricks for hiding documents or cash has been a safe behind a painting. Now, it’s evolved from that. New home design ideas now feature “secret compartment” options where homeowners can build small pockets of space on their walls and hid those spaces with hinged-paintings. Not only does it consolidate space (i.e. saves shelf space), but it also provides a safe haven for things of value.

Camouflage

Let’s face it, buying shelves, chests and armoires take up a lot of space and will most likely cost you an arm and a leg. What some homeowners are doing to get around the space problem is building nooks and cabinets in walls, completely camouflaged by printed walls and invisible to the naked eye. This element of camouflage also introduces a sense of sophistication into the house. One of the most popular ways homeowners have used this element in their homes is by blending their appliances (refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, etc.) onto their walls.

photo credit: Albertas Agejevas via photopin cc

Pockets of Space

There are several places in your home that you can use as storage, and not just in walls or behind paintings. With an open mind, you’ll be able to find, cool, creative pockets of space. Basically, a pocket of space is something that looks ordinary, but is actually out of the ordinary, such as bottoms or false objects (hallowed book). Not only can these pockets be used as storage, but certain important items can also be stuffed and hidden within them. A few neat examples are buying false books to use as a safe or even buying a gun safe that blends into furniture.

Living like James Bond can be amazing, consolidating space and building secret compartments to amaze visitors and provide convenient spaces throughout your home.