Popular Woodworking 2006-08 № 156, страница 46

Shown above are just some of the available accessories for upgrading and organizing a closet space. The items shown are from KV (knapeandvogt.com) and include a pull-out clothes rod (left) that allows easy access to hanging clothes in a small space, some pull-out storage baskets for shoes (center) and even a small laundry hamper (right). It's simple to mix and match the accessory items to accommodate the space and needs in your home.

Clothing Storage

While closets aren't exactly casework, the specialty accessories designed to improve closet space can be incorporated into custom cabinetry serving as clothes storage. In fact, many newer homes incorporate walk-in closets that just beg for custom storage and organization. How can you say no?

We've come a long way from a bar for storing clothes stretched between two walls in an alcove. Today's storage makes allowances for hanging or folded clothes, and even hanging clothes can be made more readily accessible with pull-out storage bars to make it easy to find what you're looking for.

From wire racks to cedar-lined rolling shelves, your folded clothes will be better maintained and easier to select. And closet-component designers haven't forgotten your shoes and ties. There are lots of available ways to store these items.

All of these accessories are designed to improve convenience and access - and they do. But it won't take long for the price of the accessories to quickly add up to the amount of money you spent on the cabinetry itself. And as you consider the many ways in which to arrange the interior of your closet, you'll find that you're designing the space to match the accessory sizes, which may or may not be the most space efficient.

As a woodworker you have the option of buying these niceties ready to install,

or you can make your own roll-out shelves for the price of a piece of edged plywood and a pair of drawer slides. It becomes a balance of convenience and expense. And, as with all things custom, being able to make your own closet fixtures gives you the flexibility to design the interior to perfectly fit your needs and space.

It may be smarter for you to take a look at the accessories available, decide what will work for the storage design you have in mind, then supplement the plan by building the other units that aren't available. This blend of commercial and custom should allow you to maximize space - and money.

Kitchen Magic

Twenty-five years ago when I built my first custom kitchen, the importance was in providing the correct balance of drawers, shelving and open space to best accommodate the homeowner's needs. Today's kitchens include commercially available accessories that make a kitchen cabinet a shining example of efficiency. Many of these items can be built-in as part of the original kitchen. But most can also be added years later. So don't despair if you've got an older kitchen. That complete remodel you've been considering may only need to be a rehab.

Upgrading most kitchens is about maximizing storage. Because of the

layout of many kitchens there are dead spaces that aren't accessible, or just haven't been properly divided to allow access. That's what all these cool accessories are about.

The pantry system shown above is the Cadillac of storage. The swinging and nesting shelving allows you to access small items quickly, but still benefit from the full-depth storage of the cabinet. There are similar wire rack systems available, but I wanted to give you this image because if you're ambitious, you can make it yourself!

Popular Woodworking