Fall Organization Refresh: Smart Design Features
In the fall, we often return to everyday routines after the hectic or unstructured summer days. This leads many people to think about refreshing the organization in their homes. Home design features can be personalized to fit your lifestyle, and when done effectively, can help with organization and simplify daily routines. At Sierra Homes, we understand that thoughtful design is essential for creating your dream home. Keep reading for some of our favorite organizational design features!
Built-in shelves are both stylish and functional.
Entryway / Mudroom
As the gateway into your home, your entryway plays a key role in preventing clutter and maintaining a tidy space. We recommend exploring some of the following ideas for this area:
Built-in storage: Built-in shelves or cabinets look stylish while storing backpacks, shoes, coats, and other frequently used items.
Overhead cabinets: These are perfect for storing less frequently used items like seasonal gear, extra blankets, or cleaning supplies.
Baskets for small items: Use baskets to easily access small items like gloves, hats, and pet leashes. These can be stored on open shelving, or inside cabinets or cubbies.
Hooks for coats and bags: Install hooks for hanging items for grab-and-go ease.
Bench with storage: A bench provides a seat while putting on shoes and concealed storage for other items.
Shoe racks and trays: Consider adding shoe racks to help keep your shoes neatly organized and contained. Shoe trays can help prevent dirt and water tracking inside.
Sliding doors: Consider sliding or pocket doors to close off the mudroom when needed. These save space compared to traditional swinging doors, and can help keep the area looking tidy.
Drop zone or command center: Some people find it helpful to design a command center near the entry, with a countertop, bulletin board, and mail slots.
Integrated Charging Station: Your command center might include a charging station for phones, tablets, and other electronics. Installing hidden outlets inside a drawer can keep messy cords out of sight.
Durable flooring: Choose durable, easy-to-clean flooring for this area, such as ceramic tile, vinyl, or rubber. A weather-resistant mat or runner at the entrance is essential to catch dirt and moisture.
These design features can transform a mudroom into a highly functional space that keeps your home organized and clean, while also serving as a stylish and practical entryway.
Pocket doors can hide miscellaneous items from view when needed.
Kitchen
The kitchen is a high-traffic area where counter space may be limited. The central location of many kitchens in the home also means that they can become a natural dumping ground for miscellaneous items. Try some of these design features to maximize storage space and accessibility in the kitchen:
Hidden “dumping” area: This handy feature can corral the miscellaneous items that tend to accumulate in the kitchen. A small area enclosed with sliding or pocket doors can hide these items from view for less visual clutter.
Appliance garages: Create an enclosed space on the countertop with a roll-up or lift-up door, where small appliances like toasters, mixers, and coffee makers can be stored and easily accessed without cluttering the countertop.
Pull-out storage for lower cabinets: These can be customized to fit various sizes of cookware, making it easy to access heavy pots and pans without having to bend down or reach into deep spaces.
Pull-down shelves for upper cabinets: Similarly, install pull-down mechanisms to bring items to a more accessible height.
Corner cabinet solutions: Use Lazy Susans or swing-out shelves to fully utilize the often-wasted corner space, making it easier to reach items stored in the back.
Deep drawer dividers: Deep drawers benefit from adjustable dividers to organize and store pots, pans, and their lids neatly. You can also use pegs or custom dividers to keep everything in place.
Overhead pot racks: Alternatively, hang pots and pans from a ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted pot rack. This keeps them easily accessible and frees up cabinet space.
Toe-kick drawers: Utilize the space under lower cabinets by installing these shallow drawers, perfect for storing flat items like baking sheets or cutting boards.
Pull-out bins: Hide trash and recycling bins in a pull-out cabinet, to free up floor space and keep them out of sight. These can be designed with multiple compartments for sorting.
Under-sink storage: Use sliding drawers or pull-out racks under the sink to make use of this awkward space. It’s ideal for storing cleaning supplies, sponges, and other small items.
Built-in knife blocks and utensil trays: Integrate knife blocks and utensil trays into drawers to keep these items organized and easily accessible. This also frees up counter space.
Integrated cutting boards: Design countertops with integrated pull-out cutting boards that can be tucked away when not in use. Some designs include a hole to easily slide food waste into a compost bin or trash below.
These features help maximize storage and make it easier to access kitchen items, making your space more functional and efficient.
Bathroom
Bathrooms provide their own challenges when it comes to organization. Limited counter space combined with few storage options will guarantee a messy space. Instead, try creative options like:
Drawers with built-in outlets: Install these for hair dryers and other appliances, which can help keep them off the counter.
Pull-out cabinet organizers: As in the kitchen, pull-out shelves or trays make it easy to access items stored at the back. These can include tiered shelves for stacking toiletries or bins for hair tools.
Magnetic strips: Install a magnetic strip inside a cabinet door or on the wall to store metal grooming tools like tweezers, nail clippers, and scissors, keeping them easily accessible yet out of the way.
Recessed shower niches: Instead of bulky shower caddies, recessed niches in the shower walls provide sleek storage for shampoos, soaps, and razors. Multiple niches can be designed for different family members or product types.
Hidden laundry hampers: Incorporate a pull-out laundry hamper into the vanity or a cabinet to keep dirty clothes out of sight and organized. These can also be divided into sections for sorting laundry by color or fabric type.
Wall-mounted dispensers: Install these for liquid products like soap, shampoo, and conditioner, to help keep the countertop clear.
Under-sink sliding storage: Sliding baskets under the sink can hold cleaning supplies, extra toiletries, or small towels.
Toilet tank tray: Place a stylish tray on top of the toilet tank for items like extra toilet paper, a small plant, or decorative candles, keeping essentials close at hand without taking up counter space.
Thoughtful planning and design can create a more organized and functional living space for you and your household. Feeling inspired? Contact us to discuss your custom home building project, and explore how organizational features tailored to your needs can be incorporated into your design!