A sweet reader wrote us the other day, and asked:
“…You guys have completed a lot of spaces with smart solutions for clients and in your own home. What are some of the rooms or areas that you feel really went the distance with both design and organization to work hard and made a big difference?…”
Which really got us thinking. Nothing makes us happier than when good organization and space solutions, marry good design. So, without further ado, here’s what we cooked up as some of our faves: smart spaces that go the distance!
1. Smart spaces that go the distance: The well-placed window seat or banquette
Nothing makes us happier than a cozy reading nook, or a smartly placed banquette for a family to gather. Especially when it offers storage and thoughtful solutions to limited spaces. Here are a few of our faves:
In our own home, we added a storage bench here. Not only does it offer storage, but a cozy nook for our kiddos, and it’s one of my favorite places. This was once the main dining area of the kitchen, and now its a nice gathering space for others when we’re doing meal prep.
Or the one in this kitchen… it was a game changer for their family. While we’re at it, we also love some well-placed wallpaper… but you probably already knew that about us.
The banquette in this kitchen totally changed up the seating space… it includes storage underneath!
And in our own pool room, which is a great place for me to stash all my ridiculous staging pieces, if I’m being honest. It goes right there… on the left side of the table underneath all the cushions.
Which brings us to…
2. Smart spaces that go the distance: Hall Trees + Locker Systems
If you don’t have a trustworthy drop zone in your home, what are you even doing with your life? No, seriously though. They’re game changers, and perfect for kids.
Here, we changed a kind of awkwardly placed laundry room into a mud room for the family. {No worries – their laundry space was moved upstairs, where it makes much more sense to be near their bedrooms.}
I think everyone unanimously agreed that it’s a game changer.
And in our own home, it’s definitely the hardest working space in the house.
They don’t always have to be built-ins… the pool house project has a rarely-shared area that holds the perfect changing room spot for our amazing client. She found this one at Ballard, and it was perfect for all her needs.
We also still love this one, here. It’s like the best of both worlds.
3. Smart spaces that go the distance: Learning + Study Spaces
This one is the first of its kind, as far as our own clients go. But it’s by far, a fave. Testament that you can change any little underused space in your home, into a hardworking area.
Bonus: Adding a wall + doors to make those formal living rooms into functional offices! This one is hands-down, one of our favorites.
4. Smart spaces that go the distance: Towel Towers for the win!
Or any other clever way you can store them. This is in our own home, and has helped manage lots of storage catastrophes over the years. Why not knock back an under-used corner to make space for much needed storage?
And we recently replicated it here for some sweet clients. Ahhh so fresh and so clean clean!
5. Smart spaces that go the distance: The smaller areas
This pantry organization was a game changer for us personally, and it’s something that reminds us that even the smaller spaces can use some love.
…And even the drawer organization in our kitchen. Expanding our own home right now, will help us slowly but surely whip everything back into shape.
We really think it comes down to the little details, that can make a big difference. We knocked back two shallow closets like this, to make one deeper ones to connect bedrooms, and it truly helped with storage. This is the before…
And the after just added more accessible space.
We hoped these answers with big and little changes, help with some inspiration today!
What are some smart solutions you’ve used in your home, or you’ve seen in friends or family? We love to hear fresh ideas.
Have an inspired day!
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