Need suggestions for unique storage solutions

Cathye,

I have used Cubitec shelving (from Design Within Reach) in the translucent color in our office, these in conjunction with some magazine holders from a different source(e-mail and I can tell you where). This hold most all of our books and because it's modular we can change the configuration. I would think that built-ins would be nicer...but I haven't decided exactally where I would build anything in...

Chris

Hi Cathye-

About 5 years ago, we had California Closets put in closets in all the rooms, the hall, and garage. We are happy with the results.

Additionally, we just finished our remodel and we converted our 4th bedroom into a guestroom /office/craftroom (rather than just a guest room). We had a company put in a queen Murphy fold-up bed with bookshelves along with a full wall office on the other wall. Part of the work was done by California Closets and the Murphy bed was put in by Modern Spaces of San Mateo. Modern Spaces has done many Eichlers and were the only ones that could clear the beam in the ceiling for the bed. We use this room much more frequently than we used to before the change.

These closet companies can really add lots of bells and whistles (and cost) but they can really pack in the storage into a small room. They can add lots of bookshelf space even under the desktop.
Lynn

Thanks for the suggestions, Chris and Lynn. These are great.

Chris: we have also been toying with the cubtec shelving idea, but I am hesitant because I fear that they are too large and deep and will overwhelm the room. I could be completely wrong about this though - especially since they are open in the back and have that translucent look. Do you have any photos you could e-mail me? I am at cathyelynn AT earthlink DOT NET.

Lynn: You are so right about Cal Closets. We did them in the MBR and are now getting ready to do a couple more. I LOVE the Murphy bed idea - that is terrific. I do have Modern Spaces on the list and will be sure to talk to them about this option.

I guess IKEA would be another idea, since they target the small space Euro design. That said, I have been to their showroom and HATED every minute of it. What a terrible experience. Too big. Too noisy. Too poorly organized. I would not go near them unless by mail order. No way, however several neighbors have used their stuff for kitchen and home office and it came out looking great.

Cathye

We made outdoor sheds attached to our outside wall on the side of our house. They use the existing roof as the top so essentially they just look like an extention of our house. The siding used for the shelters match the house. i wouldn't say it's the best looking thing but it sure holds A LOT of stuff and you can't see it from the street.

Also, we've been looking into shelving a lot too. We really like the pole mounted shelving system from this company: http://www.rakks.com , but haven't done anything yet because we don't want to use their aluminum shelves. We found a place that manufactures drawers systems and shelving to match the rakks system but they are in NY and pricey. it seems you could find a cabinetry maker to custom build shelves or drawers for this system. i really like the clean lines.

We've used several options. In the master and kids rooms we had a local vendor do fitted closets with double hanging rods, shelves, and drawers. In the hall and extra bedroom we used plain white melamine with holes to build shelving. The hall has a high upper shelf for large serving platters, candelabra, and other large items. There is coat storage and a cubby for each family member. One section is divided up for brooms, vacuum, etc. In the extra bedroom, used as office/seewing room, we built in space for the printer, sewing supplies, office supplies etc.

Our garage has storage along 2 interior walls built in, including space for boxes, Crafts, and a large workbench. We have installed extra shelving for my Christmas decorations...they take the back wall. We can still fit one station wagon, and all the bikes, in there...maybe 2 cars soon.

For books, I have six 84 inch bookshelves (had 4, added 2 more) which I painted in a semi gloss the same shade as the longest wall in the living room. The bookcases fill the wall and it is the super high wall so it looks very light, airy, and built in. You can email me for where I got the bookcases, it is near you. It provides space for all books and some decorative items, photo albums, etc.

Yes, I label the shelves in the closets and hall.

regards
S

Cathye,

I hope you include outdoor storage solutions in your article - getting stuff out of your house and into out door storage is one solution.

Does anyone know of a company that specializes in modern storage and garden sheds??

Cathye,
Because our closets are so small we keep our winter clothing in a separate closet in the garage during the 8 months of the year we don't use it. The closet was available at Home Depot and it was an inexpensive do-it-yourself kit. The doors are pretty tight so it keeps the dust out. Ski clothes are also kept in a large suitcase in this closet.
We also have custom built-in organizers from Closet Dimensions in the master bedroom. These include his and her drawers, shoe storage, and 2 levels of hanging space. It is amazing how much more space we have for our clothes now.

Mike,

Try http://www.metroshet.com for modern garden sheds.