Sometimes we just don’t realize the need to organize until everything becomes, well, unorganized. Brea Bartelt, interior designer at Classic Custom Homes of Waunakee, says in their 30 years of homebuilding they’ve learned that including specific areas for storage is essential when building a new home.
And the rewards will be immediate. Building in space to put things will help you the minute you move in.“If everything gets tucked in a back room, you more than likely won’t even know what’s in those boxes,” says Bartelt. “Having a system keeps everything in better shape — and you can find it faster.”
So where do you start? Each room has its own unique storage needs, with kitchens and bedroom closets getting lots of attention. According to Bartelt, larger pantries are becoming more and more popular, especially with doors and drawers, making everything look clean and finished. “We’re also using more specialty organizers in the kitchen,” she says,“like spice and utensil pullouts, pot and pan organizers, and peg systems in the drawers.
For bedrooms, it’s important to know how you use your closets. If you prefer to hang your clothes, then make sure there’s enough hanging storage. If you fold, include more shelves and drawers.
“In finished spaces we often see built- ins with a combination of closed and open storage to better utilize the space,” says Bartelt.“Open storage is nice for the more decorative items and closed storage is perfect for the less visually attractive things.” Family room built-ins, for instance, offer great storage options that can even enhance the décor.
And don’t overlook a home office space.“Now that so many people work from home it’s important to make it a functional space with built-ins,” says Bartelt.“Keep a couple decorative items visible on shelves to give your Zoom calls a great background — and tuck office appliances and printers into a dedicated space that works into the design.” Laundry rooms, mud rooms and drop zones all offer great storage possibilities to help to keep the clutter localized. You can make open storage spaces look nicer by utilizing baskets and containers — and keeping continuity among the colors and textures of the containers will add a decorative element along with function.
And don’t forget the garage.“It’s probably the most overlooked in terms of built-in storage,” says Bartelt. The garage is yet another area where organization is essential. There are so many items currently on the market that allow you to organize your garage space that offer function and flexibility — making your garage look and feel more organized.
This article is sponsored by:
Classic Custom Homes of Waunakee
608.850.4450 | 401 N. Century Ave., Waunakee | cchofwaunakee.com
