Whenever someone plans to organize or redesign a space, I always suggest storing items based on how you use them. Designing storage solutions isn’t just about keeping things tidy. It’s about making it easy to find what you need and put it back so you can find it again later.
The Goal
When you design cabinetry for your home, it’s about more than just making things look tidy. Each item should have its own spot, and the space should look good, too. Take some time to think about how and where you use your things, then plan the best storage for them.
For example, I worked on a couple of kitchen design projects, a large, basement closet/storage system, a primary bedroom closet, a bathroom renovation, and a cottage organizing and decorating project. All of them require the same thought process: considering how and where to use things, then designing storage solutions. It’s a tricky balance of functionality and aesthetics.
First Steps
Before designing a new storage system, it is essential to declutter the room you plan to renovate. Next, do your best to put things away based on how and where you use them. It might mean you need some temporary shelves, bins, or baskets to refine where to store your items.
Test Run
Recently, I helped a client who is planning a kitchen renovation. She struggled with a messy junk drawer, so we tried using a new tray system to keep it organized. It’s worked really well so far. This shows that when I design her kitchen, I should focus on the inside of drawers and cupboards. Planning where everything goes ahead of time helps us get it right.
In another project, I worked on bathroom cabinetry for a client. We made sure to include a special spot in a drawer for her hair dryer and other accessories. Small details like this make a big difference. Without them, the bathroom could look tidy but wouldn’t be as useful.
Cuisio Drawer Insert available at Richelieu Hardware.Final Words
Before you start reorganizing, redesigning, and renovating, put on your thinking cap. Spend some time figuring out how and where you use items. Then, when you’re designing storage solutions, they will be functional, well-organized, and most of all, tidy.