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Thinking outside the box for extra storage space

Sometimes weird is good.

Quirky and peculiar space can be discovered when you open up a wall during a remodel or when you tear into one to fix water leaks. Along with the bad news of unexpected mold or dry rot, sometimes you are given the gift of a modicum of precious space. As every small-home owner knows, every scrap of storage is prized highly, and you'll happily accept it!

Once, a pipe burst below my dining room floor, eventually leading to an entire house remodel. One thing led to another, starting with replacing one room's worth of floor tile and ending in a total revamping of the home.

Along the way, I had the opportunity to re-evaluate a number of things, one of which was my hall linen closet. Ultimately, I cut the space in half once I realized I could get along just fine with less shelf space, and I reallocated the room to my husband's walk-in closet on the other side of the wall.

Even if the storage is limited to the depth of a wall - only 4 to 5 inches - consider what you might stash inside such space. In a bathroom, that is the perfect depth for medications, makeup items and toiletries. Shampoo bottles, lotions and hand soaps fit just fine.

In an example of a beach cottage, a relatively shallow storage space has been created for towels. When folded, the towels might take up 14 inches or so. This shows just how useful mere inches can become. Anything from 4 to 18 inches is worth capturing if given the opportunity.

In this specific solution, pictured, two shutter doors are next to the open towel space, and we don't know if they cover up actual storage or not. Given that each elongated, sleek shape is the same size, it doesn't matter what lies behind the wood doors.

What a creative way to give the impression of more space! If dozens of unsightly objects are hidden by the rustic shutter doors, then it's a good choice. Maybe no storage sits behind the doors. Then, kudos to the designer, for using a trick to build the impression of more space.

Think in terms of what might be, instead of looking at your current situation with acceptance. If you are unsure about what lies behind a wall, consider calling in a contractor to dig into a portion of it so you can determine the truth.

You will want to know if there are plumbing pipes or ducts running vertically in a section of wall. Likewise, you must determine the course of venting or heating and air conditioning ducts. Whenever you move electrical wires and switches, outlets and cable wires, you can expect to also need to repair drywall or plaster walls after the work is finished. You must figure in that labor when pricing your estimate of costs.

Are what you find and what you want to create going to be worth it? That is the proverbial million-dollar question. What I can say is that if you are forced into embracing some light remodeling or repair work anyway, then why not investigate what you might be able to accomplish at the same time as you are creating a dusty mess.

Grouping several tasks together always makes better economic sense. If you were already toying with the idea of adding a sink or a half-bath anyway, piggybacking onto another project will save money in the long run.

As you plan, don't forget to examine state-of-the-art hardware. Doors can be made to slide, retract or recess back into a pocket. European-style hardware has led the way in the design of efficient space by making it possible to do the impossible.

• Christine Brun is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Small Space Living." Send questions and comments to her by email to christinebrun@sbcglobal.net.

© 2015, Creators.com

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