Permanent storage solutions are a great option to maximize space in a smaller place. Two of the rooms that are ideal places to implement built-in storage are the kitchen and the bedroom. Many space-creating items are affordable and can even become unique architectural features, so use your imagination. Here are some ideas:
Kitchen
To maximize cabinet space, set up a storage area on the back of any cabinet or pantry door. Pegboard is a great, inexpensive material that can be cut into any size and painted any color. Its small holes can hold a variety of metal hooks specifically designed for tools, kitchen equipment and more. (Pegboard is around $20 for a 2-foot-by-4-foot piece at Home Depot.)
A pegboard hanging storage system is quick and easy to install — a fun DIY project. To make the pegboard rack, start by measuring your wall or door space and have your home center or hardware store cut the pegboard to your desired size.
Important: Make sure to screw the pegboard into place over the studs in the wall or door so it is as secure as possible. Remember that as you hang items onto your new storage board, you are adding additional weight onto the door. Hang items slowly to judge the weight tolerance.
Tips
* Unused corners can be fitted with triangular shelves for holding jars and small items.
*The space above and around doors can be the perfect place for built-in shelves that can hold cookbooks and decorative china.
* Cup hooks screwed into the bottom of shelves can hold teacups and free up valuable cabinet space.
* A rack secured to the ceiling can store pots and pans.
*You can create underground storage in your kitchen by cutting out wood boards in the floor. You might want to enlist a pro to help with this task.
Bedrooms
Creating a custom built-in look doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Stock bookshelves from IKEA (starting at just $49.99) can be attached to the walls with heavy-duty screws. A tall shelving unit can serve more than just its storage purpose; it can also do double duty as a room divider when attached with screws to one wall and to the floor.
The back of the shelf can be covered with pegboard for even more storage or it can be decorated with paint, wallpaper or fabric. Consider giving your children an art project by handing them decorating supplies and letting them create their own masterpiece on the back of the shelving unit in their bedroom. Or, for even more storage in a small place, attach two shelving units back-to-back with screws to divide a room and double the storage space for all your odds and ends.
For a more adult version, use freestanding wardrobes, secured carefully to the floors or wall/ceiling with heavy-duty screws, to create separation and even a makeshift walk-in “closet.” (Target sells wardrobes starting at around $40.) Depending on the size of the room, two wardrobes can be set up next to each other (or you can pair a wardrobe and a solid shelving unit) on one side of the room to block off a small changing area. Hanging a small curtain on the open end will provide all the privacy you need. And consider putting the bed against the backside of your new “walk-in closet” to maximize the potential of a small bedroom space.
Tips
* Unless you have a bed with built-in drawers, the space underneath is one empty parking lot! Take an old drawer, put casters on it and slide it right under your bed.
* Also, do not underestimate the potential of a bed that has storage — either drawers underneath or headboard storage, whether it be shelves or built-in cabinets with doors. These headboards can eliminate the need for bulky nightstands by keeping all your little belongings tucked away.
* If you’re storing woolens or other natural fabrics, get some cedar balls (kid-friendly and environmentally safe), available at most department and home stores. Toss a few into your drawer to fend off moths.
For more tips and DIY videos, visit barbarak.com and @barbarasway on Twitter.