We all want more space, well most of us. Ever the minimalist, I'm in the middle of downsizing from a mid-city 2-bedroom unit to a Culver City studio apartment; I'm just one person. Not like my client in Los Angeles with a growing family, totaling 8 people.
I've been working with this client for a while now. We've put systems in place to maximize every cabinet and drawer with organizers. We've de-cluttered every thing that was not used or will never be used in the near future. Not one extra ladle took up valuable drawer real estate, not one mismatched plate in sight, no extra bottom pieces to Tupperware without a matching lid...you get my point.
So on our latest work day, when I arrived to find my client attempting to put items away from her latest Costco run, all I could think of was, "No, no; these items are never going to fit!" We had maximized her space, but still couldn't accommodate her necessary bulk buys.
I'm a problem solver by nature, but boy, did I need to solve a bulk-sized issue that day. I looked around thinking that there had to be a way to make this work. Where could we add shelves or more storage? My eyes settled on an unoccupied wall in the kitchen, and the answer appeared. After taking measurements, we concluded we would need something less then 13" deep. I knew it would be tricky, but not impossible.
Looking online, Ikea is always a go-to for me. That's where we found this shelving unit and wouldn't you know it, perfect measurements! I was off to Ikea.
Did I mention that I build Ikea furniture:)
I do love building things. It was so rewarding to haul this unit in, build the structure, and fill it with items conducive to my client's needs!
Before and after close-up - The shelves are a perfect fit!
Before and after wide view - They actually make the kitchen feel bigger!
We created so much usable vertical space! Now there's room for the extra protein powders and baby formula. The kids' lunch boxes have there own space instead of on top of the refrigerator, and the cook books are actually accessible. Paper towels - stored! Napkins - tucked away! Extra pancake mix - bring it on!
After Picture front view
The fun add-ons for better organization we used included: clip-on baskets for bread and produce, bottle rack for the wine:) and baskets for linen and party goods.
It was a great workday solving problems and creating more space to love!