Temperatures are dropping, and leaves won’t be here for long. Winter is coming, and for us Midwesterners, that means snow, slush, salt, and wet weather will soon be upon us. In snowy locations like ours, there is no harder working room in your home than your mudroom! Before you start bringing all those boots, hats, gloves, and down parkas out from the basement, let’s see if your mudroom is ready […]
With many companies delaying a return to the office, working from home has become an essential part of most employee’s daily lives. Whether you’re working from home full time or part-time, you deserve a workspace that works as hard as you do! Here are eight do’s and don’ts that can set you and your home office up for success. DO: Plan Ahead There’s a big difference between having a lap […]
The key to an organized kitchen isn’t what’s right in front of you, rather it’s what’s behind the scenes! A well-designed kitchen pantry, aka the hardest working space in your home, is the secret behind every spotless kitchen. Smart and savvy kitchen pantry storage design can make life a lot easier. Whether you need to add, update, or improve your pantry, these must-haves, mistakes, and tips can ensure you’ll be […]
If you have a busy family like our recent clients from North Oaks, you’ll enjoy and find inspiration from this makeover! Mudrooms serve as the catchall hub of the home, where backpacks, messy footwear, sports equipment, coats, and hats all get stored. When this active family of five asked us to transform their mudroom closet storage to accommodate changing seasons and sports, we jumped into action. First, we had our […]
Closet organization has been at the top of many to-do lists this year as you seek to make your storage spaces as neat, tidy, and functional as possible. While much time is devoted to sorting the sweaters, swimsuits, jackets and shoes, HOW you organize is equally important as WHAT you organize. And it all begins with closet accessories. Rick Lyrek, owner of Twin Cities premier closet design firm Closets for […]
It’s the time of year when we all have the same project on our to-do list: swapping out clothes in our closets to make room for next season’s wardrobe-essentials. Whether you have a large walk-in closet, reach-in shelving or just the space under your bed, there are tips and tricks to maximize your storage space and make it easier than ever to switch up your seasonal clothing. Closets for Life, […]
A well-appointed garage is a valuable asset to elevate your home’s appeal to a greater number of buyers. On average, a garage is 45% of a home’s square footage. That’s a whole lot of opportunity just waiting to be unlocked! Whether your garage is used for storing vehicles, a workspace, storage, or all of the above, garage upgrades are a worthwhile investment. Here are some upgrades to consider that not […]
We know getting your home organized is no easy task. Despite the challenges this last year presented, we managed to bring some amazing organization into many homes! If you’re looking for inspiration or ideas for an upcoming project, we thought it would be fun to recap the year by showcasing a month-by-month guide of just a few of the projects we completed in 2020. Oftentimes when we think of organization, […]
Would you love to start 2021 feeling organized and not having to ask “where is my……”? Let go of the chaos and clutter of last year, and go into the new year feeling organized and productive! Reclaim your home with these helpful strategies that reduce stress and add organization in a way that reflects your lifestyle. KITCHEN If you are like most of us, you likely spent more time […]
‘Tis the season for gift giving! Crafters and wrappers alike know that to keep the creative juices flowing, you need an organized and functional workspace! We’re taking a page from our craft room playbook to show you ways to create the ultimate wrapping station! Whether it’s a small corner in your home or an entire room, your endless search for scissors and tape can come to a blissful end. Let’s […]
We’ve all seen the articles or social media posts featuring some amazing celebrity shoe collection. While our shoe numbers may not number in the hundreds, we can all take a bit of inspiration from celebrity closets! In fact, we decided to have a bit of fun this month, sharing some celebrity closet-inspired ideas for creating shoe storage within your custom closet that even Sarah Jessica Parker’s shoes would be envious […]
Like most Minnesotans, you’re probably soaking up as much outdoor time as possible these days. How is your garage holding up with all that activity? Approximately one out of four Americans say their garage is so unorganized it can’t even fit one car! And 50% of homeowners named the garage as the most disorganized place in their house. Why not take advantage of the extra time you have at home […]
With COVID-19 going nowhere anytime soon, it’s time to stop working at the kitchen table and create a comfortable and organized work and study environment! While there are many advantages to working from home (hello, 20-second commute!), productivity can rely greatly on your workspace functionality. Here are some tips for making the most of your home office workspace. FURNITURE THAT FITS Without a comfortable, dedicated workspace, you risk losing focus […]
If organizing your kitchen pantry is on your social-distancing to-do list, we have some easy and clever solutions to take the stress out of opening your pantry door! Whether you have a reach-in, pull-out, or walk-in pantry, keeping a pantry organized is not an easy feat! Check out these tips for improving your kitchen pantry’s layout and functionality. Loaded with must-have features and time-saving ideas, you’ll wonder how you ever […]
Attention parents! School is out and many camps and activities are canceled, why not take advantage of the extra time your kids have by getting their closet organized? Organizing now will pay off later when things get back to normal, and you’re running from sporting events to piano lessons and everywhere in between. No, your kids aren’t going to be excited about this project, but you will be! After all, […]
Looking to add a distinctively modern feel to your custom closet? Consider incorporating a hot trend in closet design right now, two-tone cabinetry and mixed finishes. The reasons behind this trend’s gaining popularity are many but we’ll save you the extra reading today and just dive into our favorites! A Modern Vibe While it may be hard to imagine that a closet can possess any kind of ‘vibe’, embracing mixed […]
Any crafters out there? Pull up a chair because you are going to love hearing about this project! We recently completed a beautiful craft room for a client in Rosemount, MN. We designed the project, part of a newly built home, to match the cabinetry found elsewhere in the home, choosing Northern Contour Shaker-style cabinetry, oil rubbed bronze hardware, and top-trim extending to the ceiling to complete a built-in look. […]
Here in Minnesota, we spend most of the winter moving through our cold garages as quickly as possible to get to our car. Items that should get put away get stacked up instead. And, cleaning the garage? Forget about it! But spring is here and now that the temps are warming, it’s the perfect time to give your garage a good overhaul. Sound overwhelming? Not to worry. We’ve laid out […]
Calling all wine enthusiasts! Are you ready to take your wine collection to the next level? Whether you have a few dozen bottles or a few hundred, a customized, stunning wine cellar can be created in any space! Maybe your dream wine cellar is small and elegant or modern and elaborate? Either way, you’ll be ready to raise a glass after reading our tips and wine cellar ideas! 1-SMALL […]
Daydreaming about a home improvement project but can’t seem to get around to it? See how transforming your home can provide an unexpected return on your investment and may just give you the ‘push’ you’ve been waiting for! HOW JOYFUL HOME IMPROVEMENT ‘PAYS OFF’ A new report by the National Association of REALTORS®️ Research Group looked at the impact remodeling projects have on homeowners. In addition to measuring the usual […]
Get ready to say goodbye to 2019 and hello to an organized 2020! When it comes to home storage solutions…function and fun is possible. As we look forward to 2020, storage trends are mimicking the aesthetically pleasing and intelligent designs seen elsewhere in home design. Here are some of the highlights you can expect to see more of in the coming year. OPEN SHELVING A great way to add […]
You know it’s coming every year. So why is it so difficult to get organized and prepared for the holidays? Having an organized home for the holidays is like giving yourself the gift of time! With everything is in its place, you know exactly where to get it and exactly where to put it away, freeing up your mind to focus on what truly matters – spending time with friends […]
Women aren’t the only ones that can appreciate and value a customized closet. Let’s face it, an organized closet that minimizes chaos and maximizes efficiency is good for everyone. Whether you’re a suit and tie or a sweatshirt and jeans kind of guy, a man’s closet demands different features and layouts than a woman’s. Here are some essential features of a great closet system for men that’ll make a man […]
You know the feeling when you look in your closet and you’ve run out of hangers or, worse yet, there is no space to hang anything? For some of us, it gets so bad that our clothes start to pile up outside of our closet! We have some helpful closet tips that can take the stress out of opening that closet door. You’ll be surprised at how many items have […]
When you think of “accessibility”, what comes to mind? Sidewalks and ramps? Today, accessibility is about so much more, especially when it comes to designing homes that help us work smarter, not harder. A recent project for a family needing a closet and pantry designed to accommodate their son in a wheelchair raised our awareness of how ‘Universal Design’ makes life easier…for everyone! What is Universal Design? Universal Design is […]
Perhaps you’ve already taken the plunge, having a custom closet system installed in your home and are wondering how to keep it looking its best. Or, perhaps you’re in the research stage and want to learn more about what care a custom closet requires. Either way, you’ve come to the right spot! As a custom organization company based in the Twin Cities and in business for over 14 years, we’ve […]
After too many long winter months and several spring false starts, it’s finally summer here in Minnesota! If you’re like nearly every other Minnesotan, you’re maximizing your outdoor time and soaking in all the beautiful sunshine and fun summer has to offer! This also means you are likely to be spending more time in your garage. Previously relegated to a ‘fly-by’ zone in the cold winter months, your garage become […]
Imagine this scenario. You make the decision to revamp your closet storage, go through all the work and expense of upgrading your closet, only to find out that you underestimated your storage needs. Sadly, this is something we see all too often among customers who come to us after either tackling the project themselves using a pre-fabricated closet system or in some cases, using other closet companies who work with […]
Garages account for, on average, a whopping 45% of a home’s square footage. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, garages tend to be the place where homeowners stuff items they don’t know where else to put. While most homeowners do not plan for clutter to overtake their garages, it simply happens because, without proper storage support, big open spaces like garages are easy depositories for anything and everything. How […]
Whether you’ve been bitten by the KonMari bug or simply try to do a bit of decluttering every spring, the hardest part of downsizing your belongings can be figuring out what to do with all of the stuff you no longer want! The internet is full of advice on getting rid of stuff, but there’s not a lot of sites that address what to do with the items you’ve decided […]
Lacking storage space or the creative know-how to display items? Consider a floating dresser and shelves. They take up no floor space, allowing for additional storage space underneath and above! For many of us struggling with minimal storage space- that is a win-win! Here are 4 ways floating shelves and dressers provide the functionality of storage and the visual appeal we all want. CUSTOMIZABLE Interior designers love the incredible […]
Peruse the predicted trends for home design in 2019 (like those listed in this article from Houzz.com), and you’ll notice a theme. In a welcome breath of fresh air, after years of neutral color pallets and monochromatic design choices, color and texture are infusing their way back into our homes. From striking feature walls in our kitchens to Moroccan tile in our bathrooms to matte black becoming the go-to finish […]
Anyone with kids knows that encouraging them to keep their room organized is an uphill battle. This can be especially challenging during the holidays when many new toys, clothes and other gifts are coming in, particularly if storage is already tight! Never fear! Here are 3 tips for ensuring that your kid’s closet remains on the top of the ‘nice’ list with plenty of room for new items. Out With […]
Hosting Thanksgiving? Coordinating can be a daunting task. But as with anything, good organization is the key to ensuring events go as smoothly as possible. While cooking isn’t our specialty, helping homeowners get organized is. Therefore, we’ve compiled 4 organization tips to help you host a successful and stress-free Thanksgiving. Organize your food and cooking needs: Making multiple dishes? Review each recipe ingredient list ahead of time to ensure you […]
We recently re-connected with a client of ours for whom we designed and installed a custom walk-in closet system. He had recently put his home on the market and he commented to us that the walk-in closet had been one of the big selling points of the home. Closet System Return on Investment Questions about the return on investment of a custom closet are something we hear often. The short […]
The State Fair is over, the kids are back in school, and we’ve detected a slight chill in the air. This can only mean one thing, fall is on its way and soon after that (too soon for many of us Minnesotans!), winter will arrive. Is your garage ready for winter? Is there space for your vehicles or are they currently relegated to the driveway to make way for summer […]
Characterized by warmth and simplicity, natural textures and materials like wood or galvanized steel, elements of modern farmhouse design have been finding their way into more and more homes. Think kitchens with warm wood details and white shaker cabinets or living rooms with textural features and natural embellishments. It’s not surprising then that these same elements are making their way into more remote areas of the home like closets, garages […]
Closets are sneaky. As with most storage areas in our home, most of us don’t put much thought into our closets. After all, it’s just an area of your home you visit for a few minutes a day before moving on. Then, one day you walk into your closet and are ambushed with the realization that it’s overwhelmed with stuff. Sneaky, like we said. Every closet is susceptible. Without an […]
Considering a remodel of your walk-in closet? Or are you building a new home and wondering how to utilize your new closet space best? Clients frequently ask us, “Do I have enough space for a closet island?”. While space IS a significant consideration for a closet island, it’s not the only consideration. Assuming you have the room, here are some pros and cons of a closet island to help you […]
The calm before the storm, the quiet before the chaos. School is almost out! If you have school-age kids, the start of summer is a great time to give their room and closet a fresh reboot. Whether you want to freshen up the whole décor or just want to tackle the mess, here are 3 surprisingly simple steps to not only organizing your child’s bedroom and closet but keeping it […]
Our garage is the the first area of the house to welcome us home and the last area we see when we leave. It’s also an area of the home most of us use to store a lot of items, from lawn supplies to tools to snow shovels. Does the current condition of your garage cause you to walk as quickly as possible from your car to your house, just […]
As we write this, it is March in Minnesota and Mother Nature has recently delivered another 5” or so of snow. For those of you who don’t live in a winter climate and are blissfully unaware of the psyche required to ensure a long winter, let us enlighten you. It doesn’t matter how much snow is on the ground, come March, Minnesotans are getting spring fever! We possess an almost […]
If your closet is starting to look like a bad ‘before’ photo, it’s probably a sign that it’s time to declutter. But don’t despair, there is more than one approach to declutter your closet space. Whether it’s a mudroom closet, a craft closet or a bedroom closet, here are three approaches to getting your closet looking and feeling clean, calm and organized! Approach #1: Get rid of stuff This can […]
Any Modern Family fans out there? If you happen to watch this show on ABC, you’re probably aware that one of the main characters, Jay Pritchett, owns a custom closet company, Pritchett’s Closets & Blinds. Jay’s worst enemy is Earl Chambers, who betrayed Jay 30 years ago when he started his own company, ‘Closets, Closets, Closets, Closets!’. As a custom closet and organization company, we often have customers ask if we […]
Do you have someone on your Christmas list who is notoriously hard to buy for? Perhaps a spouse or a parent or grown child? Or, are you looking for thoughtful Christmas gift ideas the recipeint will use and appreciate all year long? Break out of the gift box this Christmas with a unique and creative gift that is guaranteed to bring joy to the recipient for years to come! What […]
Here at Closets For Life, we like to say that there isn’t a challenging closet layout we can’t conquer. Our proclamation was recently put to the test (and thankfully conquered!) when a client came to us with a unique closet dilemma, two bedroom closets with curved walls. Luckily, with a bit of ingenuity, technology and good old fashioned experience, we were able to deliver a functionally beautiful closet system that […]
Whether you’ve moved to a condo as an empty nester or as a young, newly married couple, one challenge everyone will face is lack of storage. With their beautiful views of the city skyline and easy accessibility to everything fun, urban living offers many perks but shortage of storage is a common struggle. Never fear, there is a solution. Here are 5 ideas to maximize condo storage space. 1. Custom […]
We recently completed two projects that brought us back to our younger days! With the majority of our organization projects being related to the adult world (master bedrooms, garage organization, wine cellars, etc), it was a fun opportunity to complete not one, but two, children’s room projects in one week. Custom organization can be a wonderful tool for helping kids keep their toys and clothes organized. Designed with features […]
While we just showcased a garage project a few month ago, we can’t resist sharing this beauty. The results were stunning, transforming a typical, cluttered garage into a man-cave and storage haven. Do we sound a little green? Probably! We’ve definitely got a bad case of garage envy. A Typical Garage By most people’s standards, this project began as a typical garage. For many of us, our garages become somewhat […]
Many homeowners without a master bedroom walk-in closet have found a creative solution to creating the closet they’ve always dreamed of, transforming a spare bedroom into a closet! Annexing a spare bedroom next to the master bedroom and converting it into a walk-in closet can be as simple as adding a doorway and a custom closet organization system. Viola! A spacious walk-in closet that adds value to your life and […]
Spend a lot of time working in your garage? Want your garage to reflect the organization within your home? These are great reasons to consider a garage makeover. There are several options for making over your garage but if you are looking for the biggest impact, we recommend adding custom garage cabinets and storage and a fresh garage floor coating. Want to see the difference it can make? Over the past […]
Adding custom organization to your closet is a great decision that will make getting dressed a less stressful and faster affair. However, did you know that no two closet system designs should be alike? It’s true! The beauty of choosing a custom closet system versus a pre-fabricated system is that we can custom design a solution that perfectly fits not only your space but also your needs! Now, don’t […]
March 21 marked the first official day of spring. After a long winter of neglect, what state is your garage in? If you garage is a mess, it might be time to consider some custom garage organization help. Here are 5 telltale signs you should invest in custom garage organization. Sign #1 There’s no room for your cars If clutter is preventing you from parking vehicles in your garage then […]
Closets are taking a decidedly brighter turn with the growing trend of built-in LED lighting. Going beyond the standard overhead lighting, these new LED closet lighting options, including the illuminated closet rods and accent LED light strips featured below, illuminate closet contents while also adding an up-scale boutique look to the space. Advantages of built in LED lighting include: Energy efficient and long lasting, LED lights translate […]
Closets For Life owner, Rick Lyrek, is becoming a Grandpa with the arrival of his first granddaughter in March! When considering what to give their son and daughter-in-law, Rick and his wife, Shari, looked at many options but decided that a custom closet system for the new baby’s room would be the perfect baby gift! Living in an older home, the baby’s closet was very narrow and deep, making it difficult […]
Providing that space allows it, a closet island is a must-have feature in a walk-in closet. Closet islands are easily customized and there are many advantages to including an island in your walk-in closet design. Spacing Requirements for Closet Islands Before deciding if a closet island is on your wish list, first determine if your walk-in closet has adequate space. The depth and width of a closet island is dependent on what features you […]
Looking for a Christmas or birthday gift for your child that won’t end up forgotten a month or two later? We have a gift he or she is guaranteed to use all year long (and no, it’s not underwear!). The Perfect Gift for Kids! A Built-in Desk Consider giving the gift of a built-in desk. Having a desk space of their own will help your child stay better organized, provide […]
Just as an ice cold beer is the perfect match to a hot summer day, cool fall temps lend themselves perfectly to curling up on a couch with a glass of wine. This fall, consider adding a wine cellar to your home. You don’t need to be a wine expert to appreciate a good bottle of wine and you don’t need to build a new house to have a home […]
Most of us have that room in our house. You know…… the over-crowded room in the basement that is the go-to space for storing random items you rarely (if ever!) use. We don’t intend for it to become an over-filled catch-all space. We start by saying we’ll just store an item there until we have time to go through everything. But days turn to months and months to years and eventually the room is packed […]
Psstt….we have a secret to share about garages. It’s not an earth shattering secret but we’d love to share it. Ready? Closets For Life is a certified installer for Gladiator Garageworks products! In fact, we are the only local certified installer in Minnesota. A Bit About Gladiator Garageworks Garage Storage Still feeling in the dark regarding what’s so great about this revelation of ours? Gladiator is a line of garage cabinets, […]
Whether you love to entertain or enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, having a home wine cellar is a great idea. Think a wine cellar is too expensive or only for a serious wine connoisseur? Not true! Hear us out on why a wine cellar is a fabulous idea for anyone. Four Reasons to Have a Home Wine Cellar Wine cellars are convenient: Having a well stocked wine cellar means […]
Have you ever had a project where you couldn’t find anyone to take the job? We recently had a client come to us wanting to add work space for laundry and upper cabinets for storage to her basement laundry space. Other contractors had been out to her home to look at the space and but no one wanted to do the job due to the complexity of the project. The challenge was due to a maze of plumbing […]
It sounds basic but when trying to get the most from your closet space, determining which clothing items can be folded versus which should be hung can make a big difference. During our in-home consultations, we often find homeowners are focused on hanging space. However, a good closet designer (such as Closets For Life!) will take into account the type of clothing in your wardrobe. In many cases, drawer or shelving space designed for folded clothing is […]
If you have kids who play sports then you’ve probably experienced first hand the struggle to get out the door on-time to a practice or game with all of the necessary gear. Having all of your gear organized and ready in one spot is a key play in securing a win for your home team (and family happiness!). Here are three steps to organize your kids’ sport gear and make getting out the door […]
Murphy Beds have been around for a long time but if you haven’t taken a look at them in the last 10 years, you should. Here are three reasons to consider installing a Murphy Bed in your home. 1) Murphy Beds = Multi-Functional Space Home design is changing. Homes are moving away from having single-use spaces such as formal dining rooms and formal living rooms. From entertaining in the kitchen to home offices that double […]
Whether you have a home wine cellar, are dreaming of a home wine cellar or just love to drink wine, you don’t need to be a sommelier to be able to smoothly navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of wine. There is a growing collection of apps for your phone or tablet that can help you with everything from managing your home wine cellar collection to recommending the right wine to […]
While we all love to gaze at photos on Pinterest or Houzz of beautiful, spacious walk-in closets, the reality is that many of us just don’t have the option of a walk-in closet. Many older homes were built before walk-in closet space grew into a mainstay of home design and own homes with reach-in closets instead. However, just because a home has reach-in closets, doesn’t mean you can’t have smartly designed closet […]
Even the best designed custom walk-in closet or reach-in closet can get overwhelmed if you pack too many clothes into it but parting with items of clothing can be difficult. Whether it’s because the item has sentimental value or because it cost a lot of money, letting go can be hard. However, a once or twice a year cleaning out of items in your closet has many benefits including making your clothes more […]
It’s no secret that a well-organized closet will help make choosing an outfit easier each morning. But knowing how to best store different articles of clothing can also extend the life of your clothing and allow you to utilize your storage space more efficiently. We’ve taken the liberty of compiling some clothing storage tips highlighting the best ways to store everything from socks to sweaters to winter clothing. Best Storage Secrets from Houzz […]
Even though it was a beautiful, sunny 58 degree day this past Sunday in Minneapolis, I’ve been hearing whispers that it’s going to snow later this week. It’s a uniquely Minnesota thing to be outside wearing a t-shirt while thinking in your head about digging out your snow gear to make sure your kids have a matching pair of gloves and a jacket that fits later in the week. Bringing out […]
While a dog kennel may be a nice spot for Fido to lounge when owners are away, kennels are not a home décor friendly item. It is hard to find a space where the kennel is not an eye sore and not interrupting the flow of a home. However, we have a wonderful solution! Built-In Dog Kennel for Fido We recently completed a mudroom organization system with built in spots for two […]
September likely means back to school time if you are a family with school age kids. This typically means making sure your kids have the right school supplies, buying some school clothes and thinking about your family’s before and after school routine. Mudroom Organization Ground zero for getting to and from school in most homes is the mudroom/entry. This is where kids store their backpack, jackets, shoes and more. It’s also where the dreaded […]
We gave you tips on what to look for when hiring a contractor in a previous blog post. But, once you have found the perfect contractor, you still need to take a close look at the contract you are signing. A good contract lays the groundwork for a successful project and protects both you and your contractor from potential misunderstandings. 5 Elements to Look for in Your Project Contract 1) […]
Last month’s blog was about a popular photo on our Houzz page featuring a unique wine cellar tucked under a staircase. This month, we completed a large custom walk-in wine cellar project with stone floors, mahogany racking and over 900 bottle capacity. It just goes to show that wine racking and home wine cellars can come in all shapes and sizes. The Perfect Home Wine Cellar Solution for You! Whether you are an avid wine […]
Sometimes you run across something so great, you just have to share it with everyone. We recently installed a garage canoe hoist as part of a custom garage organization project and we have to say, we were impressed! Keep Your Garage Floor Clear with a Canoe Hoist If you own a canoe or kayak, a canoe hoist is a slick solution to store your canoe or kayak in your garage without taking […]
A popular photo on our Pinterest and Houzz pages is of this unique little home wine cellar tucked under a set of stairs. It’s a great project that stands out because it utilizes space that would otherwise be wasted. We would love to tell you that we came up with the idea ourselves but have to admit it was all because of the home owner’s cat! Here is how it came […]
