Customize areas of interest in your home
When you want something to fit into an odd place, consider custom options. You may be ignoring a potential feature without realizing what you're missing. Walk down your hallways and see if there is an opportunity. Sometimes the owners of small homes figure they don't have enough room for a variety of amenities that they value in larger places, but it could be that the solution can be found in custom building a functional item.
First you must accept the idea that in order to get something just right, you will have to pay a bit more for it. But as you enjoy your home over the years, know that the cost will be amortized. If one spends around $10,000 on a remodel and plans to live in a home for the next 15 to 20 years, the price per year is $550 to $600. That is the cost of one weekend away from home, yet the joy that one realizes from a space that works well is worth every penny.
Spaces like this shoe storage bench are created even if the available depth is only 15 inches or so. This was designed by Lindsay Chambers as she restored a 1905 Queen Victorian in Palo Alto, California. However, you would be hard pressed to purchase storage items that would squeeze into a small mudroom space such as this one.
Other miniature yet functional ideas might be to create a telephone desk like those so popular in bungalow-style homes, a butler's pantry or an efficient laundry room with vertical storage. Closets can be coaxed into superior function and may even be turned into something practical, such as a home office or a baby's sleeping nook.
Often you can find small storage pieces ready made, but they rarely would reach all the way to your ceiling. Having a mass of wood or drywall go from the floor clear up to any ceiling serves as a visual extension trick that can be so useful in small spaces. It is almost counter intuitive, but the elimination of negative space can serve to create a really streamlined look that is better in a small house. Elimination of a lot of odd sizes is always useful in creating a more sleek and spacious look.
How do you start this process? Look for a local carpenter or cabinet shop. You can expect that a craftsman will come to your home for an initial visit, take measurements and discuss options available. Each idea will come attached to a price tag.
If once you get the price it seems high, discuss ways of changing the design or construction method that may shave some money off the final cost.
There are also cabinet lines that can be purchased from home improvement stores or hardware stores. You should ask about how the cabinetry is made. The lowest price point is generally cheaply constructed. You will find that it is made of particle board and not very durable. Ask questions. Where is the cabinetry made, and what is the back made of? How many shelves come with the item and are they adjustable? Are the edges solid wood?
At some point a salesman will likely come to your home to measure. Just be aware that when you deal with a large company such as Lowe's or Home Depot, personnel changes and many hands will touch your order. Follow along and track things in order to be certain that you get what you wanted in the first place. In all cases, ask for referrals and to speak to other customers in order to gain a sense of trust in whomever you choose.
Another spot that might benefit from a custom approach might be under stairs. A host of things can be developed from deep storage closets to bookcases. I've even seen wine chillers and other appliances recessed under stairs. Over window shelves can be quite useful in children's rooms for toys or stuffed animals, and in living areas for book storage and display.
• Christine Brun is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Small Space Living." Send questions and comments to her by email at christinebrun@sbcglobal.net.
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