Everything in its place
Everything in its place
By: Lisa Kimble
It is the dream within the American dream of homeownership: space, and lots of it. While maximizing it may seem challenging in the current economic climate, experts say organizing your home or office — whether it’s the closet, pantry or entertainment area – can be done with efficiency, sophistication and style.
California Closets pioneered the trend in spatial design. Today, the company has expanded from the closet into the living areas of the house. Big box do-it-yourself stores have also tapped into the modular appeal of the spatial design with aisles of products to create more space and organization in the process.
Local cabinet builders all agree that the first and most important step is to know what the needs of the space solution are going into a project. “It comes down to why does the client want shelving in the linen closet or more pantry storage in the kitchen,” said Daniel Stewart, owner of Daniel’s Construction. The initial meetings involving the homeowner and the builders will set the framework for expectations and solutions. “The first thing I do is meet with the homeowner at their residence,” said Ronnie Jung with Frank’s Cabinet Shop. “That is where I get an idea of what you want to accomplish.” The early consultations, experts say, are also critical to making sure a client’s needs and wants mesh with the reality of what their budget will allow. “Often people will want something done cheap, but they will come in with expensive ideas,” Jung added.
Materials, like the configurations of shelving and organization, will run the gamut. Knobs and handles can range from several dollars apiece to $20 or more. Much of the cost for space solutions will lie in lumber. Experts say paint grade may be less expensive, but the painting may end up costing more than it would to stain. Right now, oaks and alder will be easier on the wallet.
Another potentially cost-saving consideration simply involves looking around for existing options. “We always want to look at existing space first,” Stewart said. “Anytime we can reorganize an existing space that will be the most economical. If that doesn’t work, we look to move non-bearing walls and take closets that can easily convert.”
Closets, especially older ones, have long been the bane of a homeowner’s existence. The trick, experts say, whether doing it yourself or hiring a spatial designer or cabinetry builder, is to consider your needs down the road as well. “In closets we make sure everything is adjustable so you can move something around when your needs or styles change,” Jung said. Keeping the shelves and rods adjustable, especially in children’s rooms, will enable the new space to grow with the child’s growing wardrobe and accumulation of books and toys.
When dealing with shelving, one local expert recommends utilizing pullouts. “One of the best things is pullout shelves. That helps a lot,” said Virginia Munoz with Munoz Cabinets. “Sometimes cabinets and shelving will look nice but they aren’t 100 percent useful.” And don’t overlook the corners, she says. “So often we see cabinets and shelving where the corner space was wasted. That is a big problem. Always use the corners, and try a Lazy Susan or a pullout.” A deep shelf, if it is hard to reach, can be equally inefficient, Munoz added.
Experts also suggest that in seeking space solutions, don’t forget to add your own sense of style. Warm wood stains and colors will add to the overall enjoyment of the organization station. Choosing a contractor who is creative and will put your best interests first will translate into a functional space and enjoyable experience.
And don’t forget, that storage space that is so important to you now will also be as big a deal to prospective homebuyers should you decide to sell someday. “Make sure that aesthetically what you create looks like it has always been there,” Stewart said about the importance of making sure the plan is well thought out in terms of resale value.
So whether it is a closet, entertainment center or office cabinet, and you plan to do it yourself or hire someone, it really is possible to, as the old adage suggests, find a place for everything and everything in its place.