Closet Organizing Systems Blog

Designing and building storage space for kid's can be a challenge.  On one hand, you want to have everything “uber organized”, with a specific place for every toy and clothing item.

On the other, you know things change and evolve and you want your storage solutions to do the same.

And let's not forget that you want to love the look. 

Here are some suggestions on getting the most out of your storage solutions so that everyone is excited to use the new space organization.

Color is one of your best tools. You can incorporate it into the designed systems, or you can add it through things like paint and carpeting or baskets and bins.

Mix materials – another way to incorporate color into your design is to mix colors for a more personalized affect. For example, door and drawer fronts could be done in a bright or textured melamine with the bulk of the system being in white.

Paint is another great tool for personalization. If you want to use paint, consider painting the back wall a color you really love. It has a dramatic impact on the look of a simple system and saves you on the resources required for painting an entire room. Chalkboard paint is a fun option that kids love and perhaps you'll get lucky enough to incorporate some organization on the chalkboard.

Flooring can be another way to really spice up your design. Consider carpeting floor tiles from a place like FLOR. You can make different patterns and they are easily changed. And they can be cut to size, which is another great feature.

Wheels on bins and benches serve another great purpose. You can move things around with ease. Benches serve as storage, seating and step stools to access out of reach items.

So put on your thinking cap, take a look at photos online of things you like and consult with a good design pro who can guide you through the process of creating functional and beautiful storage space for your kid's.

The “His” and “Her” sections of a closet ( or His/His or Hers/Hers) come up frequently in a design consultation. Honestly, it's often a 2/3 Her and 1/3 His division.

But once you get past that, what about getting a handle on all the items you're hoping to store in this shared walk in closet?

Here are some ideas for creating harmonious space (and maybe even a better love connection).

If you're a husband and wife ensemble, you need to go through your “ensembles” together.

Your colorful fashion doesn't always allow enough space or access for his fundamental function. So, try on the clothing in question and get that second opinion. And be open. If your spouse hates the sorority/fraternity party shirt that looks like it  came from the movie Flash Dance, you should toss it. Same goes for his version of that.

Here's the upside of going down that path. It facilitates communication between the two of you. You can be honest with each other and avoid future arguments as you're ready to walk out the door. It also might shed some new insights on what your partner thinks is “hot”. How cool could that be (or hot?)?

As for specifics, focus on one person at a time. Allow a certain number of veto votes for those items you just love so much you can't dream of parting with them.

Also, put some “storage structure” into the closet. If you have a column of shelves for shoes and it allows a total of 24 pair until it's maxed out, then you now have a set number of shoes that are allowed in the wardrobe. If you buy a new pair, an old one needs to go.

Also, if you have double hang rods, consider having the top rod be “his” and the bottom rod be “hers”. The taller the person, the easier it is for them to reach the upper rod.

And be respectful. Don't just throw things on the floor that your partner has to step over when they enter the space. Either install some hooks somewhere or make it a point to either put things back on the hanger, folded back on a shelf or tossed into the laundry bin. The floor is no longer a choice!

By incorporating these strategies and putting in a few hours of time, you'll not only save yourself a ton of time over the long haul, but you'll likely improve your relationship. Sounds like a win/win!