Photography provided by Scherer Custom Closets
Gone are the days of endless plastic bins in the garage and that unwelcome jump-scare the moment you open your closet. With Scherer Custom Closets, a division of Scherer Bros. Lumber Co., stylish design and organizational ease can live harmoniously together. Since 1995, Scherer has been the premier supplier of organization systems for the Twin Cities–area, offering custom sizes, colors, woodgrains and hardware options. Here, design consultant Bridget Edwards gives us the inside scoop on the latest in custom closet and storage design.
Which areas in the home are most popular for optimizing storage?
Garages are a very popular area to organize, especially when they incorporate mudroom necessities, like specific areas for shoes and sports equipment. And, of course, closets are popular — focusing on desirable components like lighting, shaker drawers, islands and peninsulas, and glass doors to showcase shoes and purses. In terms of color, although white is still a favorite, warm woodgrains have become popular in closet systems. We also love doing craft rooms for clients — with these, we repurpose clients’ bedrooms that are no longer in use and turn them into a dedicated room to house supplies and spend time on creative projects.
What are some must-have features that you suggest clients incorporate into closets?
Jewelry drawers, belt and tie racks, pull-out rods for hanging garments, built in-laundry baskets, shoe shelving and shelving for folded items. Baskets are a necessity in mudrooms for mittens and hats. And, adjustable double-hanging rods for clothing can double or even triple one’s hanging space.
Any tips on the best ways to optimize pantry space?
Recently, we’ve been redesigning a lot of pantries — creating more kitchen counter space as we relocate appliances into the pantry. We also focus on in-demand elements such as baskets at a reachable height for kids’ snacks, vertical storage sections for baking pans and corner shelves to maximize space for canned goods. Countertops to house appliances that normally clutter kitchen counters, adjustable shelves and pull-out drawers for towels and linens have been a must in these pantry projects, too.
Why is improved home storage so important?
With customized shelving from Scherer Custom Closets, your home can become updated with a minimal investment, as we aren’t adding square footage or wall structures. For example, incorporating a closet system can double (or triple!) hanging space and add several feet of shelving for shoes and folded items, and adding drawers to the closet can clear up space in the bedroom for an area that could be used for a desk or sitting area. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, counters and cabinets can be cleared out with a well-designed pantry remodel. And in the garage, adding cabinetry creates additional mudroom space. It’s amazing what a few organization systems in a home can do to update a home so quickly!
