Home Removal Services Blog

We add closets to every room in our houses, but somehow the kitchen seems to be forgotten when it comes to closet storage space. Perhaps this is because a kitchen has so much storage already, in the form of cupboards (or mini-closets) hanging from the walls already. But these storage spaces are often not quite enough for the extra things that a working kitchen contains. You may not realize that you lack storage space, but have you ever been annoyed with how hard it is to find that extra can of soup when it is buried 5 cans deep on the 3rd shelf, or noticed that the counters always seem cluttered with appliances that really are only used about once a month. The pantry was quite common for all of these functions in the past, but somehow they fell out of fashion.

A kitchen pantry as part of your new house kitchen design, or kitchen renovation is a perfect way to add that little bit of extra storage needed to keep your kitchen in a perfect balance of function and simplicity. Adding extra storage space will not only make your kitchen a joy to work in, but it is one of those big sellers on the list of amenities that buyers can’t seem to do without. Adding storage space will inevitably add value to the bottom line of your house.

Not only will the addition of a kitchen pantry add value to your home but they also add convenience to working in the kitchen. There are two main types of kitchen pantries: those for storage and those for function. Each has individual merits. The functional pantries tend to be bigger but that isn’t always the case. Choosing the pantry that is right for you and your kitchen is a matter of taste.

A storage pantry is an easy addition if you are renovating – simply add a closet sized space in a tucked away corner, and outfit it with shallow shelves at eye level, and larger shelves down below. You might also want some pull out bins to store extra dried goods. An old fashioned bin for storing your flour is always a nice touch. If you plan to store vegetables, you will want to make sure that your containers have proper air circulation.

A working pantry will often require additional space and extra resources – these are most often walk-in mini-kitchens where you can prepare food and baking without having all the supplies and appliances all over the counters in the main kitchen. These are ideal if you are planning a party and have lots of small dishes and prep mess that you can just leave in the pantry, while you bring out the final dishes for heating and serving in the kitchen where your guests gather. Although these working pantries are generally quite large, I have seen a very functional working pantry made up of a tiny prep sink, a small counter, disposal unit underneath, and storage shelves above. All this was contained in a 3 foot wide space that had floor to ceiling doors that closed up and hid this prep and cleanup area away as though it was just another set of pantry cupboards.

Think seriously about adding the benefits of a kitchen pantry to your house. Pantries are an affordable way to boost the value of your home and the convenience of your kitchen. Think about what type of pantry would serve you and your family best. You can’t go wrong with adding a closet or a pantry to your kitchen.

Have you ever thought about how much storage space you really need in your next new house? It’s understandable that it’s not the first thing on your mind when you are figuring floor plans and where the home entertainment center should go. But designing your closet storage in your new home should be almost as important as any other area.

Let me help you with some inventive ideas for realizing how important your closet storage design really is. A properly designed system for keeping your things organized and easily accessible is the key to a happy home.

These days, closets are much more than a simple square box with a clothes rod and shelf overhead. Closets now have turned into specialized storage spaces, with shelves and boxes and hangers specially suited to the objects they will house. The trend towards walk-in closets has also continued, so much more though needs to be given to the effective and efficient use of these larger storage areas.

So the first big question when designing each of your storage areas is whether it should be a walk-in or not. The biggest factor for most people will be the space (and therefore cost) that a walk-in closet requires. If that’s not a concern for you, then the second question should be “do I really need a walk-in closet”? Remember, if you have too much storage space, it will typically be used, and the danger of clutter is just as much a concern as if you have too little room to store your items.

You may decide that you just don’t have room in your new house to dedicate to a walk-in closet. In this case you have to make sure that you allocate enough room in your house design to the old standby – reach in closets. Be sure to pay attention to the design of your closet, however big or small. Access is the most important part of a closet – you must be able to easily access the contents in your closet, so make sure not to stick a tiny door on a wide closet and not be able to get to the corners in your closet.

Whether your closet is large or small, it will be essential to install good lighting, which will light all corners of the closet. There is nothing worse than not having enough lighting so that you can’t see what is at the back of shelves or under ledges. Make sure that the lighting you install is positioned in a way that the shelving and objects stored don’t block the light, and also keep in mind the shadow you will cast when you are looking for something in your closet.

Finally you want to think about the shelving itself, whether it will be built-in or freestanding, if you need boxes or drawers, and if you are going to use hangers and a rod, or hooks. A little research into modern closets will reveal a huge advancement with inovative storage systems. Designing closet space so you have a tidy space for all your everyday as well as seasonal belongings is less of a chore when you install storage units specially designed for the items you want to store.

Properly designed closets make life better. I think that good closet design is the unsung hero in any home. Put some time and effort into designing your new closets and you will be handsomely rewarded.