Who among us doesn’t want more space? Or to be more organized? I’m always looking for clever ways to help homeowners pack more punch in their newly renovated space with creative design innovations that help save time, create more usable space and make everyday living a bit more organized and manageable. Here are my go-to organizational upgrades:
Spice drawer pull-outs
No more searching through multiple drawers and cabinets: These narrow cabinet pull-outs organize spices in one place while keeping them handy for cooking and baking. Because the drawers allow you to view the entire cabinet contents—all the way to the back—there’s no more lost or hidden items, which keeps spices in fresh rotation and simplifies everyday kitchen prep.
Pull-out step stool
More of today’s kitchen designs feature tall cabinets that reach to the ceiling. This handy, sturdy stool slides out and pops up; and it’s on wheels, so it easily glides wherever you need it, helping you reach items on the top shelves quickly and easily. Having the stool at your fingertips when you need it—instead of making a trip to the garage or basement—makes grabbing that platter for your dinner party an easy task.
Fold-out ironing board
Full-size ironing boards can be cumbersome to manage—until now. This ironing board conveniently folds and tucks into the wall, making it easy to assemble and retract. Now you don’t have to work around your ironing board; when you need it, it’s ready in an instant. When integrated as part of a laundry room design, it’s wise to also consider adding a fold-out drying rack and always, make sure that surrounding cabinetry has ample space to accommodate laundry and cleaning products.
Pull-out trash can
These smart pull-out cabinet inserts house two tall kitchen garbage bins making it easy to keep trash and recyclables separate and in a hidden space. The best part: No more kids or pets getting into the trash or dirty trash cans sitting out in plain view.
Toe-kick drawer
A simple upgrade to maximize space in your kitchen, butler’s pantry or bathroom, this extra drawer installed at the base of the cabinetry is ideal for storing towels, paper plates and napkins, or anything that you don’t use every day, but want to have on hand as needed.
The great thing about these design innovations is that they can be installed as a single upgrade or incorporated into a full-scale renovation project. Either way, these functional upgrades make everyday tasks more manageable.
The best is yet to come,
Beth Orr
