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.

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.

Organize Your Pantry in Time for Thanksgiving

For all but the brave, Thanksgiving dinner can be a daunting endeavour.  The Thanksgiving meal is, after all, the main event of our Thanksgiving holiday.  Steeped in tradition, the Thanksgiving meal is also incredibly stubborn to change.  Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and more are all prepared the way our grandma always made it and, of course, it all needs to time out just perfectly.  No wonder we stress!

While we can't come to your home to help you cook your Thanksgiving feast, we can help.  The first step toward success with any job is preparation/organization.  So, today we will help you start this Thanksgiving with a solid foundation...an orderly kitchen pantry. 

That's right folks.  Follow these 4 steps to organize your kitchen pantry and we won't guarantee your turkey will turn out perfect but at least you'll be prepared for any culinary curve balls Thanksgiving throws your way!

Step 1:   Empty your pantry
The first step in any organization task is to clear out the space to be organized. Take every last item out of our pantry and place the items out in an open area. 

Step 2:  Sort and examine
Now that everything is out in the open, it is time to sort your pantry items into logical groups.   Organize items according to function; for example, group baking products all together and breakfast items all together.  Ultimately, the groupings are up to you, but your goal is to sort your pantry items in a way that works for cooking.  Group ingredients that are usually used together whenever possible.

While sorting, also look for expired items or items that haven't been used in a long time.  Consider: how long has it been since you used that item? Herbs, for example, loose a great deal of flavor after 6 months even in a dark, cool space. To test them, open the jar and sniff: if there's no smell, there's no taste to them.

Step 3: Clean and analyze your pantry space

After your items are sorted, it is time to turn your attention back to your pantry space.  Wipe down all surfaces in your pantry with a damp cloth.  Then, analyze your pantry space.  Do you have enough shelving?  In most standard cabinets, the shelves are spaced too far apart for efficient pantry storage.  Think about what can you change or add to better utilize the space within your pantry.  Depending on your needs and current configuration, the solution may be as simple as purchasing risers or bins for your shelves or you might want to consider something more involved such as a custom shelving system or pull out shelves for your pantry.

Step 4: Restock your Pantry
Now it is time to put items back in your pantry.  As you put items back, think about how often you use your items. The most frequently used items should be at eye level and in an easy to access location. High shelves can contain those items that are rarely used.  Items that kids are always snacking on should be located within easy reach.  Keep the groupings that you made back in step 2 together and determine where they should go based on how often they are used.

If you liked our blog and found it helpful, please share it with friends on Facebook or leave us a comment.

Also, if you are interesting in seeing how Closets For Life can help you transform your kitchen pantry, 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 food storage space and then design a custom  organization makeover tailored just for your kitchen and your needs.

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

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Shawnessy Schwartz
Closets For Life Aficionado