2015 Trends for Home and Organization

It's hard to believe but we are just few days away from 2015!   Whether you want to get ahead of the curve or are just looking to make interesting talk at the water cooler, here are some of the home trends in design, color and organization to expect in 2015.

2015 Pantone Color of the Year
Pantone announces its 2015 color of the year.  Drum roll please......!

How to Use the Pantone Color of the Year
Now that you know the 2015 Pantone of the Year (oops! better go back and find out what it is), check out this article on Houzz.com, about how to use the color in your home.

Three Home Trends to Expect in 2015
Predicting 2015 lifestyle trends based on popular pins, here are three home trends Pinterest anticipates will take off in the coming year.

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If you are interested in learning how Closets For Life can help you bring organization to your life, contact us by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com for a free in-home consultation. We will come out to your home to discuss your needs, assess your existing space and then design a custom organization solution designed specifically for you.

Closets For Life is a custom organization company that works with residential clients as well as designers, builders and architects to create innovative storage solutions for all organizational needs including kitchens, pantries, closets, offices, garages, laundry rooms, wine cellars and Murphy beds. Closets For Life is a family owned and operated business.

Visit our website at www.closetsforlife.com to learn more.

The Ultimate Compliment...A Repeat Customer!

The ultimate compliment that can be made in a customer service oriented business is a repeat customer.  When a client is so happy with the outcome of a project that they ask you to come back to do another then you know you exceeded expectations. While we do have a good number of repeat customers, we have one that stands out from the crowd having asked us to return for four projects across two homes!  She is a spectacular lady and we feel honored to have worked with her on four very unique projects.  We recently interviewed Gail.  Read on to learn about Gail and what keeps her coming back to Closets For Life!

Closets For Life: First, tell us a little about yourself!
I retired 6 years ago and now work part-time for my husband's Real Estate Appraisal business.  Together we have 6 children and going on 8 grandchildren.  Our family keeps us busy but we also love to golf.

Closets For Life: How did you first hear about Closets For Life?
We initially wanted to install a Murphy Bed and I found his information online.  We previously lived in Apple Valley and wanted someone close. 

Closets For Life: If you could describe Rick Lyrek and Closets For Life using three words, what would they be?
Professional, Visionary, Satisfaction!!

Closets For Life: What has been you experience working with Closets For Life?
It has been wonderful.  It is a "small town" feel for me.  I love that when I have an idea, he helps me with the design.  It is really exciting for me!  To have created something instead of buying it in a store is so much more rewarding.

Also, we had water in our basement this past year and had to have the Murphy Bed and Desk un-installed and re-installed due to carpet replacement.  Rick came out and took care of everything.  He made a difficult situation very easy. 

Closets For Life: You have had Rick out to do four projects in your home!  Can you briefly describe each project?  Which project was your favorite?

The first project was a Murphy Bed and  separate area for a desk. I was working 1/2 time at home and we wanted the extra bed for out of town guests. It made perfect use of our space. (This is my favorite!).


The second project was a shelf unit.  I had previously had an inexpensive shelf unit for pictures.  It was across from the Murphy Bed and I wanted something that held pictures on top shelves and drawers on the bottom so when we had family stay over they could use the drawers for their clothes.  I could not find anything like this in a store or online.  I just love it.

The third project was the entertainment system under the TV.

The fourth project was in the lower level bathroom.  It is so small and I had a storage container to hold towels, which stuck out and got in the way when you got our of the shower.  My husband thought of putting in a shelving unit that was installed into the wall and came out a few inches into the bathroom.  I emailed Rick and he came out and designed it, adding drawers on the bottom!  It is so unique and everyone who sees it loves it.

Closets For Life: You had Rick build an entertainment system unit.  Why did you choose to have something custom built rather than just purchase something in a store?
I measured what dimensions I wanted under our flat screen TV and looked for days online and could not find anything I wanted.  I wanted slots for our receiver, sound system and Wii and drawers below for  storage.  There was nothing! So, I sent Rick an email.  He came out and we talked about what my plans were.  He made the drawings, made adjustments and I loved it! 

When you are going to invest in furniture, you might as well get it the way you want it.  He has so many options for the designs, color, etc. 

Closets For Life: What is your next planned home project? 
We may do another Murphy bed!

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If you are interesting in learning how Closets For Life can help you bring organization to your life, contact us by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com for a free in-home consultation. We will come out to your home to discuss your needs, assess your existing space and then design a custom organization solution designed specifically for you.

Closets For Life is a custom organization company that works with residential clients as well as designers, builders and architects to create innovative storage solutions for all organizational needs including kitchens, pantries, closets, offices, garages, laundry rooms, wine cellars and Murphy beds. Closets For Life is a family owned and operated business.

 

Visit our website at www.closetsforlife.com to learn more.

A Dream of a Wine Cellar

We recently had professional photos taken of a home wine cellar project we completed for a homeowner in Minnetonka, Minnesota.  It was a beautiful space and, frankly, the photos we took with our standard camera just couldn't capture the beauty of the space.  With a bottle capacity of over 900 bottles, beautiful mahogany racking with a wheat stain finish, a reclaimed wood ceiling and floor, a beautiful arch entrance and a wine tasting area featuring custom brick work and a rustic wood beamed ceiling, this truly is a dream wine cellar. 

So, we asked our good friend and talented photographer, Mark Ehlen of Ehlen Creative Communications, to come out a photograph the project (click here to see another project of ours he photographed).  Stocked with wine bottles provided by Parley Lake Winery in Waconia, Minnesota, the photos are stunning and we couldn't be happier for the homeowner and more proud of our work. To view the complete set of photos from the photo shoot, visit our Houzz project page here.

Thank you to the homeowners who so generously allowed us to come in and photograph their home, to Mark Ehlen for his outstanding photography and to Parley Lake Winery for providing their award winning, locally grown wine for the photo shoot.

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Whether you are interested in wine racks or a building complete wine cellar, Closets for Life will come out to your house for a free home consultation to help you design a wine cellar that perfectly fits your needs.

Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Closets For Life is a custom organization company that works with residential clients as well as designers, builders and architects to create innovative solutions to all of your organizational needs including wine cellars, closets, pantries, garages, home offices and more.

Contact Closets For Life by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com. You can also visit our website at www.closetsforlife.com.

Quick FAQs About Universal Design and Organization

Universal Design...What is it?

You may have read or heard about Universal Design somewhere in passing.  Once un-familiar, the concept of universal design is growing in popularity among homeowners, remodelers and designers.  While on a grander scale the idea of Universal Design can be applied in designing a new home or remodeling, Universal Design can also be applied on a smaller scale and also to custom organization. 

Below are some quick FAQs about Universal Design.

What is Universal Design?

Universal Design involves designing products and spaces so that they can be used by the widest range of people possible. Universal Design evolved from Accessible Design, a design process that addresses the needs of people with disabilities 

I am not elderly or disabled.  Why should I care about Universal Design?

The smart part about Universal Design is that it's not blatant or done with a disregard for aesthetics. Everyone can use Universal Design!  It doesn't matter if you are young or old, short, tall, healthy or ill, someone with a disability or an athlete. With Universal Design, everyone can enjoy a home that will be there for all its inhabitants even when their needs change.

What are some examples of Universal Design?

Some examples of common Universal Design features when designing a new home are wide doorways and hallways, no-step entries, extra floor space and thresholds that are flush with the floor (think showers).  Type 'Universal Design'  into your search on Houzz and you'll see many principals of Universal Design in application of home designs.

I am not building a home so how does Universal Design apply to me?

Even if you are not designing or remodeling a home there are smaller, but equally as impactful, ways to incorporate Universal Design to benefit everyone in a household.  For example, good lighting helps people with poor vision but really helps everyone see better.  Installing lever door handles and rocker light switches are great for people with poor hand strength but others like them too.

How does Universal Design apply to organization?

Custom organization at its core is about making items easier to access.  However, there are several products that specifically accommodate Universal Design and handicap accessible applications. 

For example, pull out kitchen shelves make reaching objects in kitchen cabinets easier.  Everyone in a home will love not having to reach and dig in the back of a cabinet for an item, but for an elderly person or someone is a wheelchair, it is truly necessary.

There are also several closet accessories tailored to Universal Design.  A great example is a pull down closet rod that allows you to bring clothing out and down for easy access while still utilizing the higher area for storage.  It is adjustable from 34” to 50”.

If you are interested in discussing how to incorporate Universal Design concepts into your next custom home organization project, contact Rick Lyrek at Closets For Life for your free in-home consultation. Closets For Life can be reached by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com. You can also visit our website at www.closetsforlife.com.

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Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Closets For Life is a custom organization company that works with residential clients as well as designers, builders, remodelers and architects to create innovative solutions for all organizational needs including closets, mud rooms, craft rooms, kitchens, garages, home offices, Murphy beds, wine cellars and more.

Show Your Shoes Some Love...Shoe Organization Ideas

For those of us who love shoes, our love has a tendency to result in a lot of clutter!  A great shoe collection can overwhelm your closet...unless you find a way show your shoes some love.

Today, we bring to you 46 inspiring shoe organizations ideas from HGTV and Houzz plus photos of some shoe organization ideas we have designed for our clients.  No matter what the size of your shoe collection or closet, there is a perfect solution out there just for you!

Houzz - 21 Great Ways to Store Your Shoes      
HGTV - 25 Ways to Store Shoes in Your Closet

 

Show your shoes some love and contact Closets For Life for a free in-home consultation. We will come to your home to meet with you and discuss your space. After our meeting, we will design a custom storage solution tailored specifically to your needs and budget. Closets For Life can be reached by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com.  You can also visit our website at www.closetsforlife.com.

 

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Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Closets For Life is a custom organization company that works with residential clients as well as designers, builders, remodelers and architects to create innovative solutions for all organizational needs including closets, mud rooms, craft rooms, kitchens, garages, home offices, Murphy beds, wine cellars and more.

 

 





Craft Closet Inspiration

We noticed the other week that one of the most popular photos we have on our Pinterest and Houzz pages is of a closet we helped a homeowner transform into a craft storage and work area.

We wrote about this popular photo in a previous blog titled A Craft Closet...Where Creativity Gets Organized.  The blog explained how organization, convenience and work space for all your supplies can be had by converting an underutilized closet in your home into a craft station.  Most homeowners love an idea that is economical yet impactful and which is probably why it is our #1 re-pinned/re-posted photo on both Houzz and Pinterest! 

Because of this, we thought homeowners might like to see other examples of closet craft stations. So we created a board on our Pinterest site titled 'Craft Closet Inspiration'.  Click here to see more real life examples of closets that have been transformed into a craft storage and/or work area.

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If you are inspired to transform a closet in your home into a craft haven, contact Closets For Life for a free in-home consultation. We will come to your home to meet with you and discuss your space. After our meeting, we will design a custom storage solution tailored specifically to meet your needs and budget. Closets For Life can be reached by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com.

Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Closets For Life is a custom organization company that works with residential clients as well as designers, builders, remodelers and architects to create innovative solutions for all organizational needs including craft rooms, mud rooms, closets, kitchens, garages, home offices, Murphy beds, wine cellars and more.
   

Home Trends to Consider in 2014 for your Closet

A closet is just a closet, right?  Not necessarily.  Spaces designed to serve multiple purposes is a current home trend for 2014 and closets are an under-appreciated consideration to achieving this goal.  Think creatively when considering your needs for your home; your answer might just be waiting in your closet.  Here are just a few examples of recent Closets for Life projects that transformed closets into other uses.

Have you always dreamed of having a wrapping or craft station?  We recently transformed a client's under utilized closet into the craft and wrapping station she has always dreamed of. 

 

 

Do you wish your office had more storage for files and supplies?  A custom design featuring shelves and drawers will keep everything organized and, better yet, out of site.

This client's multi-purpose mud room and laundry room lacked easily accessible shelving and counter space for folding. Installation of a cabinet unit and shelving in a closet space gave the homeowners exactly what they wanted without disrupting the flow of the room.

 

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If you are interesting in seeing how Closets For Life can help you transform your closets, contact us by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com for a free in-home consultation. We will come out to your home to discuss your needs, assess your existing space and then design a custom organization solution designed specifically for you.

Closets For Life is a custom organization company that works with residential clients as well as designers, builders and architects to create innovative storage solutions for all organizational needs including kitchens, pantries, closets, offices, garages, laundry rooms, wine cellars and Murphy beds. Closets For Life is a family owned and operated business. Visit our website at www.closetsforlife.com.

Project Ideas for a Better Organized Kitchen

Chances are you spend a lot of time in your kitchen.  Kitchens are the key gathering area in a home; a home base for family, the place people gather at a party, where homework and mail gets dropped.  All this activity means the opportunities to improve your kitchens flow and functionality are numerous. 

From small steps like organizing a junk drawer to bigger changes like adding pull out shelving in your cabinets, improvements in your kitchen will have a big impact on your use of the space.  Intrigued?  Below are links to some kitchen project ideas big and small.


How to organize your junk drawer in 30 minutes.
http://personalorganizing.about.com/od/automobile/a/JunkDrawerOrganization.htm

Do it yourself kitchen storage solutions from one of our favorite magazines, The Family Handyman.
http://www.familyhandyman.com/kitchen/storage/kitchen-storage-solutions-pantry-storage-tips-cabinet-organization-tips/view-all#step2

Thinking of adding a pantry or changing the organization of your pantry? This link features great photos of kitchen pantries of all layout and sizes.
http://removeandreplace.com/2013/07/21/31-kitchen-pantry-organization-ideas/

This link from Better Homes and Gardens features great storage ideas for appliances.
http://www.bhg.com/kitchen/storage/organization/

Love the look of your cabinets but not their functionality?  Read how installing pull out shelves to existing cabinets can have a big impact.
http://closetsforlife.blogspot.com/2012/06/behind-cupboard-kitchen-makeover-pull.html

We hope you have found these ideas helpful in creating a more efficient kitchen.  If you are interesting in seeing how Closets For Life can help you create a more organized kitchen space, contact us by phone at 952-484-0416 or by email at rlyrek@closetsforlife.com for a free in-home consultation. We will come out to your home to discuss your needs, assess your existing space and then design a custom organization solution designed specifically for you.

Closets For Life is a custom organization company that works with residential clients as well as designers, builders and architects to create innovative storage solutions for all organizational needs including kitchens, pantries, closets, offices, garages, laundry rooms, wine cellars and Murphy beds. Closets For Life is a family owned and operated business. Visit our website at www.closetsforlife.com.