Designing for Accessibility and Adaptability: Creating Homes That Evolve With You

little girl looking at her clothing in a closet with open shelving and lower hanging for easy reach

A truly adaptable home begins with accessibility. More than a design feature, accessibility is a mindset, one that prioritizes comfort, function, and dignity for everyone who enters your space. Whether it’s a toddler just learning to walk, an aging parent staying for the holidays, or a friend navigating with limited mobility, a home should offer a welcoming experience that meets people where they are.

Thoughtful design choices can make all the difference. Wider walkways allow for smoother movement. Pull-out drawers eliminate the need to crouch or reach. Lowered surfaces, open shelving, and built-in bench seating add both comfort and practicality. Layered lighting, non-slip flooring, and easy transitions between rooms create a safe and intuitive environment for daily life.

Accessibility is about creating a space that supports every generation, every ability, and every lifestyle stage with grace and intention.

women in wheelchair putting away dishes in her kitchen

Spaces With Purpose and Possibility

Beyond accessibility, adaptability shines in how well your home can respond to life’s changes. A home office today might be a nursery next year. A playroom might evolve into a study lounge or guest room. Life does not stand still, and your home should not either.

Multipurpose design allows rooms to serve more than one function without feeling temporary or disjointed. With the right cabinetry, modular furniture, or integrated storage, it is easy to shift a room’s use without sacrificing style. Some of the most flexible spaces include:

  • A guest suite that doubles as a work-from-home setup
  • A dining area that transitions into a conference space
  • A media room that transforms into a yoga studio
  • A playroom outfitted with hidden beds or wall units

These spaces are designed with purpose and built with possibility in mind.

 

open bookshelves tucked into a wall to create a backdrop for an office

Seasonality and the Rhythm of Life

Adaptability also means designing for the ebb and flow of the seasons. During the holidays, families may need additional sleeping arrangements or gathering space. In warmer months, open layouts that connect indoor and outdoor living become essential. When school is in session, dedicated study zones or quiet workspaces may take priority.

Designing with seasonality in mind ensures your home feels aligned with your lifestyle year-round. That might mean including custom built-ins that provide both everyday storage and the flexibility to shift a room’s function as needed. It might mean choosing materials and layouts that are easy to clean, rearrange, or reset depending on the time of year.

Design That Responds to You

At its core, adaptable design is about creating a home that works for you as your needs evolve. When your space is designed to shift with your lifestyle, it becomes more than a beautiful home. It becomes a responsive one.

Adaptable homes are not just about maximizing square footage. They are about maximizing potential. They offer a place that grows with your family, welcomes all your guests, supports your changing needs, and reflects the way you truly live.

 

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Design Ideas: Texture and Depth in Cabinetry

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Beyond Flat: Elevate Your Cabinetry with Texture, Design, and Depth

At Behind Closed Doors Custom Closets & Cabinetry, we believe cabinetry should be as expressive and unique as the people who live with it. Our team has been attending top interior design shows across the country, and one trend is clearly on the rise: texture. Cabinetry is no longer just a background feature. It’s becoming a focal point through bold materials, layered finishes, and dimensional designs that bring a space to life.

From Storage to Statement

Flat panel cabinetry has long been a standard, but we’re seeing a shift toward options that add depth, character, and tactile interest. These finishes aren’t just about style—they transform functional storage into statement-making furniture. Whether you’re designing a walk-in closet, media center, home office, or bar, textured finishes can enhance the space in subtle yet powerful ways.

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Design Trends We’re Loving

Raised Panels
A timeless look with a modern twist. Raised panels create architectural interest and are ideal for built-ins in formal spaces like dining rooms, libraries, and executive offices.

High Gloss Finishes
Polished and dramatic, high gloss cabinetry reflects light and brings a sleek, contemporary energy to kitchens, offices, or entertainment areas.

Leather and Faux Leather Inlays
Warm, luxurious, and unexpected. These surfaces add a sophisticated edge to closets, cocktail bars, or statement furniture pieces.

Pebbled and Textured Surfaces
Inspired by organic textures and natural elements, these finishes bring softness and movement to modern spaces, from bathrooms to mudrooms.

Wood Grains and Reclaimed Looks
Rich with texture and visual warmth, natural wood veneers and distressed laminates give cabinetry a grounded, earthy elegance that feels both timeless and trend-forward.

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Why Texture Matters

Textured cabinetry does more than look good—it invites interaction. The depth and detail can change how a space feels, making it warmer, more dynamic, and more personal. It also helps define the tone of a room, whether you’re going for bold sophistication, understated luxury, or natural ease.

Your Vision, Brought to Life

Our experienced design team will guide you through a wide range of materials, finishes, and design options to create something that reflects your taste and enhances how you live. We don’t just build storage. We build furniture-quality pieces that elevate every corner of your home.

Ready to bring texture home? Let’s talk about cabinetry that goes beyond the flat front and creates a truly customized experience.

Visit www.bcdclosets.com to get started.

The Psychology of Home: How an Organized Space Boosts Mental Health & Reduces Stress

woman reading and relaxing with her dog

The Psychology of Home: How an Organized Space Boosts Mental Health & Reduces Stress

Our living spaces profoundly influence our mental and emotional well-being. An organized, clutter-free home not only provides aesthetic pleasure but also plays a crucial role in reducing stress and promoting mental clarity. Understanding the psychology behind our home environments can empower us to create spaces that nurture our minds and spirits.

The Impact of Clutter on Mental Health

Cluttered environments can significantly elevate stress levels and impair cognitive functions. Research indicates that disorganized spaces can lead to increased anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns, and diminished focus. This clutter-induced chaos often triggers coping mechanisms such as overeating or excessive screen time, further impacting mental health.

Neurological studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have demonstrated that clearing clutter from home and work environments results in better ability to focus and process information, as well as increased productivity.

Benefits of an Organized Space

Conversely, maintaining an organized home offers numerous psychological advantages:

  • Reduced Stress: A tidy environment fosters a sense of control and calm, mitigating feelings of overwhelm.
  • Enhanced Focus: An orderly space minimizes distractions, allowing for improved concentration and productivity.
  • Improved Mood: Cleanliness and organization can elevate mood and promote a sense of well-being.
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Designing a Mentally Healthy Home

To cultivate a home environment that supports mental health, consider the following strategies:

  1. Declutter Regularly: Adopt a routine to eliminate unnecessary items, creating a more serene space.
  2. Incorporate Natural Light: Maximize exposure to daylight to enhance mood and energy levels.
  3. Use Calming Colors: Opt for soothing hues like blues and greens to promote relaxation.
  4. Introduce Natural Elements: Adding plants can improve air quality and impart a sense of tranquility.
  5. Create Dedicated Spaces: Designate specific areas for work, relaxation, and socializing to establish clear boundaries and purpose.

By intentionally organizing and designing our homes, we can create environments that not only reflect our personal aesthetics but also significantly enhance our mental and emotional well-being.

Here are some accessible articles discussing the psychological benefits of an organized home:

 

Find Your Organization Style: A Quiz for Smart, Space-Saving Solutions​

library study with books and built in desk

Back to School, Back to Focus | Home Study and Office Design by Behind Closed Doors

Back to School, Back to Focus: Transform Any Room into a Study, Office, or Quiet Retreat
A new school year is the perfect time to reset how your home works for you. From homework stations and college prep to work-from-home setups or empty nest makeovers, Behind Closed Doors Custom Closets and Cabinetry creates personalized designs for focus, organization, and inspiration. We specialize in study nooks, offices, mud rooms, garages, libraries, and creative spaces that evolve with every stage of life.

Read More »
master closet with island and under window cabinets

Upgrade to A Boutique Closet

Transform unused space into a luxurious walk-in closet with custom design, real wood cabinetry, and boutique-style features. See why Delaware homeowners are upgrading with Behind Closed Doors.

Read More »

Concealed Spaces: Creative Ideas with Murphy Beds & Hideaway Doors

MURPHY BED BOOKCASE

There’s something undeniably captivating about hidden doors seamlessly integrated within cabinetry. Whether it’s a custom-built bookshelf that swings open to reveal storage or a sleek panel that blends into the surrounding design, these concealed doors add intrigue, functionality, and a touch of mystery to any home. At Behind Closed Doors Custom Closets & Cabinetry, we love finding innovative ways to incorporate these discreet features into our clients’ spaces. Let’s explore how hidden doors within cabinetry can transform your space with both style and function.

Cabinetry That Doubles as an Entryway

Hidden doors built into cabinetry provide a seamless and sophisticated way to conceal rooms, storage spaces, or even secret nooks. Whether it’s a custom bookshelf that acts as a doorway or a paneled cabinet that blends perfectly into the wall, these features create a sleek, uninterrupted look while maintaining full functionality.

The Hidden Bar: A Speakeasy Disguised as Cabinetry

Imagine entertaining guests with a hidden bar seamlessly concealed behind custom cabinetry. At first glance, it looks like a beautiful built-in, but with a subtle push or pull, the door reveals a fully stocked speakeasy. This trend has been growing in popularity—just like the bar hidden behind a bar featured in HGTV’s Inside Jasmine Roth’s Beachy & Casual California Home. It’s a stunning example of how cabinetry can double as a stylish entryway into a secret entertainment space.

Custom Cabinetry with Hidden Passages

Hidden doors within built-ins aren’t just for entertainment spaces. We’ve seen cabinetry used to conceal pantries, offices, and even private reading nooks. Homeowners love incorporating hidden entries that seamlessly blend into kitchen or hallway cabinetry, making them functional yet completely discreet. The concept of hidden doors has even made its way into pop culture, like in Peacock’s The Traitors, where a concealed door creates intrigue and mystery.

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Powder Rooms Disguised Behind Pantry Shelving

A growing trend in modern home design is the hidden powder room concealed behind cabinetry. This works particularly well in kitchens, where a seamless panel or shelving unit serves as a discreet entry to a nearby restroom. This design allows for a streamlined, uncluttered aesthetic while keeping practical spaces easily accessible.

Closets & Storage Disguised as Built-Ins

For those who love a clean, minimalist look, hidden storage solutions are the ultimate game-changer. Built-in cabinets that double as concealed closets allow homeowners to keep essentials organized while maintaining a sleek design. These can be perfect for seasonal storage, linens, or even a walk-in closet hidden within a bedroom wall.

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HIDDEN STAIRWAY BEHIND BOOKSHELF

Why Hidden Doors Work So Well

Hidden doors aren’t just about aesthetics—they provide practical benefits as well:

  • Seamless Design: Maintain a clean, modern aesthetic without visible doors interrupting the flow of the room.
  • Space Optimization: Utilize every inch of your cabinetry for both storage and access to hidden areas.
  • Enhanced Privacy: Conceal spaces like home offices, bars, or storage without drawing attention.
  • Increased Property Value: Unique and customized features like hidden doors add an exclusive touch to any home.

Let’s Create Your Seamless Hidden Door

Whether you’re dreaming of a built-in bar with a concealed entry, a hidden powder room behind custom shelving, or a storage space seamlessly disguised within cabinetry, Behind Closed Doors Custom Closets & Cabinetry can bring your vision to life. Our expert designers specialize in creating hidden doors that blend perfectly with your custom cabinetry, providing both style and function.

Schedule a 15-minute virtual consultation to explore how hidden doors can elevate your space. Let’s make your cabinetry work smarter, not harder!

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Tips for a Clutter-Free New Year (Free Downloadable Checklists)

Bcd Graphic For Checklist

The New Year is the perfect time to reset, refresh, and reclaim control over your home. Clutter can impact not only your physical environment but also your mood and productivity. At Behind Closed Doors Custom Closets and Cabinetry, we understand that a well-organized space is the foundation of a serene, functional home.

We sat down with our expert design team to bring you practical, high-impact solutions for tackling clutter, optimizing your space, and maintaining an organized home year-round. Plus, don’t miss our downloadable New Year Organization Checklist at the end of the article!

Q&A with Our Expert Designers

Q: What are your top tips for starting the New Year with a clutter-free home?

A: Start by creating a clean slate:

  1. Edit Your Belongings: Go through every space and let go of what no longer serves you—donate, recycle, or discard.

  2. Focus on High-Traffic Zones: Start with the areas that see the most activity, such as entryways, kitchens, and closets. These spaces will have the most immediate impact.

  3. Adopt a Daily Reset: Spend just 15 minutes each evening putting things back where they belong. It’s an easy habit that transforms your home over time.

Q: How can people set realistic organizing goals?

A: The key to success is creating systems that fit your lifestyle. Start small and work in phases—one room or area at a time. Reflect on what’s working in your space and what isn’t, and focus on solutions that are easy to maintain.

Q: What are some quick wins for instant organization?

A: Even small changes can make a big difference:

  • Create a “drop zone” in your entryway for keys, bags, and shoes.

  • Organize a junk drawer to keep essential items like batteries and pens accessible.

  • Declutter your nightstand for a calming start and end to your day.

  • Spend 15 minutes editing your closet to remove anything that’s worn out or unworn.

Q: How do you recommend handling high-traffic areas like kitchens and living rooms?

A: High-traffic areas thrive on simplicity. Assign every item a “home,” such as hooks for backpacks, baskets for remotes, and trays for mail. Most importantly, establish a habit of putting things back in their proper place after use.

Q: What strategies work best for small spaces or homes with limited storage?

A: Small spaces call for creative solutions:

  • Opt for multifunctional furniture, like ottomans with storage or wall beds.

  • Use vertical space—install hooks, shelves, or over-the-door organizers.

  • Regularly edit your belongings to ensure you only keep what you truly love or need.

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Q: How can families with children stay organized?

A: Involve your kids! Give them accessible storage solutions and teach them habits like a daily tidy-up routine. Create zones for their belongings, such as bins for toys or shelves for books, to keep their areas manageable.

Q: Are there common organizing myths you’d like to debunk?

A: Absolutely! The biggest myth is that some people are just “naturally organized.” Organization is a skill anyone can learn by implementing habits and systems. It’s also okay to seek help from professionals—it’s what we’re here for!

Q: Can technology help with home organization?

A: Yes! Apps can remind you of decluttering tasks or help you inventory seasonal items. QR code labels are also great for tracking what’s stored in bins or boxes.

Q: What are some sustainable organizing practices?

A: Organize with the planet in mind:

  • Donate, sell, or recycle items responsibly to reduce waste.

  • Use eco-friendly storage solutions or repurpose items you already own.

  • Embrace minimalism by focusing on quality over quantity.

Q: How can people maintain motivation throughout the year?

A: Start small, celebrate your wins, and develop daily habits like the 15-minute tidy. Regularly revisit your systems to ensure they’re working for you and adjust as needed.

At Behind Closed Doors Custom Closets and Cabinetry, we specialize in designing spaces that bring calm to chaos. Whether it’s a custom closet, pantry, or home office, our expert team is here to help you create a home that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

Ready to transform your space? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start your journey toward an organized, peaceful home.

Downloadable Checklists: Closet Inventory & Closet Cleaning Schedule

Take the first step toward a clutter-free New Year with our New Year Organization Checklists. This simple, actionable guide includes:

  • Step-by-step decluttering tips for every room.
  • Easy daily habits to maintain order.
  • Ideas for organizing seasonal items and creating sustainable systems.

Think Dual Purpose when Designing Your Home

Over the past few years, we’ve definitely seen a shift in design mentality from single-purpose rooms to dual purpose rooms. It’s such a simple concept, but one that hugely improves the functionality of your home! Why have a laundry room AND a mudroom when you can combine the two? Why dedicate an entire room to guests who only visit a few times a year when you can add a Murphy Bed to a home office? As the preeminent leader in storage solutions in Coastal Maryland and Delaware, we offer tons of creative solutions to take advantage of one of the hottest trends in home design right now: dual-purpose rooms. See our top tips below to start making the most of every room in your home!

Laundry + Mudrooms

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Photo Credit: Joanna Gaines

Typically located off the garage or a side entrance, lots of people are opting for a combined laundry and mudroom rather than dedicating a separate space to each. If you think about it, it makes sense. Both rooms require similar materials—durable, water-resistant flooring and cabinet or cubby storage—and both serve as a dumping place (whether it be dirty clothes in the laundry room or jackets, shoes, backpacks, etc., in the mudroom). When combining the two rooms, most clients opt for a combination of cabinets, cubbies, lockers, hooks, and benches to accommodate all those dropped items and to store all your typical laundry room necessities.

Office + Guest Room

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This one is a no-brainer. Home offices were once a neglected, sterile space used only sparingly, but they’re now a worthwhile addition thanks to the increase of people working from home part or full-time. As home offices become more coveted, it only makes sense to double up these spaces as guest rooms with the help of a Murphy Bed. The great thing about wall beds is they’re the ultimate space-saving solution. When not in use, they fold back and out of the way. Plus the lines we carry are so much more attractive than the Murphy Beds of past!

Wine Storage + Basements

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Whether you’re looking to incorporate a wine wall, room, staircase or cellar into your home, the basement is the perfect location! Not only does it typically stay cooler temperature-wise, but who doesn’t love the idea of a basement bar?! If you want to up your game, incorporate a makeshift tasting room by adding barstools, a countertop and lighting. Your guests will not be disappointed!

Closet + Bathroom

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There’s something so luxurious about a master bathroom that flows into a master closet. We love when clients choose to blend these spaces together for a smooth transition throughout the master suite. It gives you easy access to all the things you need while getting ready—clothes, shoes, accessories, hair products, makeup, and more! And it makes you feel like you have your own little apartment inside your house. Who wouldn’t love that?!

Are you planning a new home build or renovation? Let us help make the most of every room in your house! Contact us today to get started!

 

Voted Best Closet Company

We are extremely honored and humbled to be voted the Best Closet/Home Organization Company in Sussex and Worcester counties for the seventh consecutive year! We want to extend a huge Thank You to all our customers who voted for us in Coastal Style Magazine’s Best Of Awards. We take great pride in our reputation and work very hard making sure we go above and beyond for our awesome customers!

We’re best known for our closet work, but that’s not all we do by a long shot! Here are all the services we offer at Behind Closed Doors:

Closets

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Building a custom closet is a great way to get organized and create a functional space to store clothing, shoes, ties, jewelry, handbags, linens, pantry items and so much more! We specialize in both walk-in and reach-in closets of all shapes and sizes. Our large selection of real woods, laminates, textures, colors and accessories allow you to build a closet that reflects your personal style while creating optimal storage. All real wood materials are fabricated locally at our shop in Coastal Delaware—which means we can complete any size closet in a quicker timeframe without sacrificing on quality.

Murphy Beds

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Maximizing every inch of space is our goal, and the best way to make a spare room multifunctional is to add a Murphy bed for out-of-town guests. This space-saving wall bed is one of the hottest trends in home design right now and for good reason. It’s an extremely cost-effective way to make the most of your space.

Garage Storage

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Turn your cluttered garage into an organized paradise. Make space for your car, bikes, kids toys, sporting equipment, tools, kayaks, paddle boards and surfboards with our innovative and attractive space-saving solutions. Our material options are specifically engineered to withstand moisture and heat to protect against the Coastal climate of the Delaware and Maryland beaches.

Pantries

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Spice up your pantry with accessories such as sliding shelves and vertical dividers to provide organization, all while saving space. Customized pantries help cut back on cooking time by creating designated spaces for pasta, rice, soups, condiments and so much more.

Wine Storage

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Wine storage, but make it art! That’s our philosophy when we approach residential and commercial wine storage projects. Whether you’re looking to fit a display into an unused space or create a stunning focal point, we’re here to make your wine storage look as good as it functions. Let us help create your dream wine wall, room, cellar or staircase today!

Mudrooms

Modern Mud Room

Mudrooms do more than store coats and backpacks. From custom cubbies to lockers to benches and hooks, a well-designed mudroom helps you reduce clutter in the busiest area of your house.

Laundry Rooms

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Laundry rooms that actually make you want to do laundry—our specialty. Let our experts help customize your laundry room with creative storage solutions for laundry supplies, hampers, ironing boards, folding areas, hanging space and more.

We also offer custom built-ins and storage solutions for home offices, kids rooms, and family rooms. Schedule your in-home consultation today!

Why Customers Keep Coming Back to BCD

At Behind Closed Doors, we not only take great pride in our product but our customer service as well. That’s why so many of our customers are repeat customers and so many of our referrals come from personal recommendations. As such, we’re going to take this opportunity to share the Top 3 reasons our customers trust us time and time again with their closet and home storage needs!

1.Quality

When it comes to quality custom closets and cabinets in Coastal Delaware and Maryland, there’s no other name but BCD. We design, manufacture and install all of our custom closets, cabinetry and storage solutions, ensuring quality products as well as a quality experience. Just ask our recent customer Stacy:

“Without hesitation, I recommend BCD. We did a home office and garage with them. Leatie was great to work with, allowing us to use design features we wanted from our former home, and making sure she tweaked them in a way that worked. She listened to us to make it happen the right way. The install team was professional, clean, and very mannerly. They were a pleasure to have in our home.”

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2. Superior Service

We are always striving to give our customers the best experience possible. From design to fabrication to installation, we are here to listen to your needs and bring your closet or home storage needs to life as efficiently as possible. Recent customer Debbie had this to say about our customer service:

“We recently had our closets done. From the beginning design through installation, everything was done professionally and on time. It’s refreshing to deal with a company that delivers excellence in all aspects of its service. You will not be disappointed with these folks.”

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3. Timeliness

We know how important your time is, which is why we’re dedicated to delivering quality home storage solutions in the timeliest manner possible. We offer a range of products to fit your desired timeframe—from cabinet lines that offer a quick turnaround to fully custom designs. Recent customer Karla had this to say about her experience with us:

“I was at the end of my renovation project where I took my beach condo down to the metal studs. After a couple attempts to hang poles in the closets, which ended in closets collapsing and damaging the drywall (which they gladly fixed), I contacted BCD to design and install my closet system. It was not an overly complicated design, but it was a straightforward process right up to, and including installation. Everything happed exactly as scheduled and planned, which is amazing enough, but I coordinated my general contractor to be there, and he was equally impressed with the quality and service. Great job!”

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Add your name to the list of satisfied customers! Contact us today to get started on your closet or home storage project.

New Year’s Resolution: An Organized Home

Now is the time to start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions! Here at BCD, we believe strongly in the connection between an organized home and an organized life. So if your New Year’s resolution involves tackling some overdue home organization projects, we’re here to help! Here are the most popular spaces our clients reimagine in January:

Closets

The first step to a more organized home is always the closets. While you can de-clutter without changing a thing in your closet, if you really want storage solutions that works for your wardrobe and your lifestyle, it’s time to ditch the builder-grade closet for a custom Behind Closed Doors system. From drawers and shelving to doors and rods, our custom closets reflect your individual needs and style. If you’re looking for something even more luxurious, check out our blog post on the top five upgrades to consider.

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Pantry

After all that holiday cooking, baking, and entertaining, you might feel disappointed with your pantry storage—or lack thereof. Whether you’re looking to make an existing space function better or create a new one, we’re here to help. We offer an array of pantry designs that include varying height shelves to accommodate all sizes of items you need to store, pull out drawers and shelves for easy access to deeper items, racks to organize spices and oils, and cabinet dividers for large plates, baking pans and Tupperware.

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Entryway/Mudroom

It’s the first thing you see when you enter the house, and the area that can attract the most clutter. So naturally, we love helping clients reimagine their entryways and mudrooms with custom lockers, cubbies, benches and wall systems. There’s nothing more satisfying than having a stylish and functional place for all the shoes, coats, bags, and dog leashes that get dumped upon entry.

Modern Mud Room

Offices

Home offices were once a neglected, sterile space used only sparingly, but they’re now a worthwhile addition thanks to the increase of people working from home part or full-time. We love helping our clients create offices that suit their needs, and often times making them multi-functional as well with the addition of a Murphy Bed. The great thing about wall beds is they’re the ultimate space-saving solution. When not in use, they fold back and out of the way. Plus the lines we carry are so much more attractive than the Murphy Beds of past!

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Let’s start 2023 off on the right foot! Contact us today to discuss your next home storage project.

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