Evaluate this floor plan and suggest ways in which storage space could be expanded.

 

This floor plan is well-organized with a good flow between spaces, but storage could be expanded in a few ways:

1. Expand Laundry Room Storage

  • The laundry room (LAUN) already has an optional washer/dryer (OPT. W/D), but additional storage can be added by:
    • Installing overhead cabinets above the washer and dryer.
    • Adding a tall storage cabinet for cleaning supplies and linens.

2. Utilize Garage Space More Efficiently

  • The 2-car garage is spacious (20’0” x 20’9”), and storage could be enhanced by:
    • Installing ceiling-mounted racks for seasonal storage.
    • Adding built-in shelving along the walls for tools and supplies.
    • Using the optional attic storage more effectively with pull-down stairs for easy access.

3. Optimize the Walk-In Closet (WIC)

  • The owner’s suite walk-in closet (WIC) could be improved by:
    • Installing floor-to-ceiling shelves on one wall.
    • Incorporating built-in drawers to reduce reliance on bedroom furniture.
    • Using double hanging rods to maximize hanging space.

4. Increase Kitchen Storage

  • The kitchen could benefit from:
    • Additional upper cabinets above the refrigerator (if not already included).
    • Pull-out pantry shelves for better accessibility.
    • A small built-in pantry in the café area (if wall space allows).

5. Use the Flex Room for Storage

  • The Flex Room (9’1” x 9’9”) could double as a storage space with:
    • Built-in shelves or cabinets along one wall.
    • A murphy bed with storage compartments if used as a guest space.

6. Utilize the Covered Patio for Outdoor Storage

  • The covered patio could be enhanced with:
    • A storage bench for outdoor cushions or garden tools.
    • Wall-mounted racks for frequently used outdoor items.

Would you like specific storage solutions tailored to certain areas based on your lifestyle needs?

 

Give me some options for improving the usability of the kitchen pantry.

 

Improving the usability of the kitchen pantry can enhance both storage capacity and accessibility. Here are several options to optimize the space:

1. Install Pull-Out Shelves

  • Why? Maximizes depth usage and allows easy access to items at the back.
  • How? Use adjustable or soft-close pull-out shelves for dry goods, canned goods, and spices.

2. Add Vertical Dividers for Baking Sheets & Trays

  • Why? Prevents stacking issues and makes it easy to grab trays, cutting boards, and serving platters.
  • How? Install vertical dividers in a lower or upper section of the pantry.

3. Use Clear, Stackable Containers

  • Why? Improves organization and keeps dry goods fresh.
  • How? Store grains, flour, sugar, and snacks in labeled airtight containers.

4. Install a Door-Mounted Storage Rack

  • Why? Utilizes unused space for small items like spices, condiments, or foil rolls.
  • How? Attach a slim, adjustable rack to the inside of the pantry door.

5. Use Lazy Susans for Corners or Deep Shelves

  • Why? Eliminates wasted space and makes it easy to access smaller items.
  • How? Place turntables for spices, condiments, or bottled items.

6. Incorporate Slide-Out Baskets

  • Why? Ideal for organizing produce, snacks, or kitchen linens.
  • How? Install wire or woven baskets on lower shelves for easy grab-and-go access.

7. Add Under-Shelf Baskets

  • Why? Creates extra layers for small items like napkins, seasoning packets, or tea bags.
  • How? Clip-on under-shelf baskets maximize vertical space.

8. Label & Categorize Sections

  • Why? Helps quickly find ingredients and maintain order.
  • How? Use labeled bins or chalkboard labels to define zones (e.g., baking, breakfast, snacks).

9. Install a Sliding Barn Door (If Space Allows)

  • Why? Saves space compared to a swinging door and adds a stylish touch.
  • How? Mount a sliding door that complements the kitchen aesthetic.

10. Upgrade Lighting

  • Why? Improves visibility in deep pantry spaces.
  • How? Install motion-activated LED lights or under-shelf strip lighting.

Would you like recommendations tailored to a specific pantry layout (walk-in, cabinet-style, or reach-in)?

 

I think it might be possible to gut the pantry and install an IKEA-based storage system. What do you think?

 

That’s a great idea! IKEA storage systems are modular, affordable, and highly customizable, making them a solid option for optimizing your pantry space. If you’re open to gutting the existing pantry and replacing it with an IKEA-based storage solution, here’s how you could approach it:

1. Choose the Right IKEA System

IKEA offers several kitchen organization systems that could work well for a pantry redesign:

  • BOAXEL: A wall-mounted, modular shelving system that allows for adjustable shelves, baskets, and pull-out storage.
  • SEKTION Cabinet System: If you prefer enclosed pantry cabinets with pull-out shelves and doors.
  • PLATSA: A flexible, stackable storage system that can be built out for pantry needs.
  • PAX Wardrobe System (Hacked for Pantry Use!): A customizable option with pull-out drawers and shelving that could work well for dry storage.

2. Design Your Ideal Layout

Depending on your space, you might consider:

  • Tall pantry cabinets with pull-out drawers to maximize deep storage.
  • Wall-mounted open shelving to keep everyday items visible and accessible.
  • Sliding wire baskets for produce or snack storage.
  • Vertical dividers for baking trays, cutting boards, and other flat items.
  • A combination of closed cabinets and open shelves to balance accessibility and aesthetics.

3. IKEA Storage Add-Ons for Maximum Efficiency

  • VARIERA pull-out bins & drawer organizers: Great for keeping spices, packets, and dry goods organized.
  • UTRUSTA pull-out shelves: If you want deeper cabinets but need easy access.
  • GRUNDTAL rails & hooks: Perfect for hanging kitchen tools, towels, or baskets.
  • OMAR shelving: A simple, sturdy metal shelving unit that works well for pantry storage.
  • RASKOG rolling cart: If you want a mobile pantry section for frequently used items.

4. Installation Considerations

  • Measure carefully! IKEA units come in standard sizes, so ensuring the right fit is key.
  • Check wall support. If removing drywall, you might need to reinforce for wall-mounted systems like BOAXEL.
  • Consider lighting. IKEA sells LED strip lighting that can improve visibility in the pantry.

5. Potential Challenges & Workarounds

  • Limited width/depth? Consider SEKTION wall cabinets for a shallower footprint.
  • Odd wall spaces? Use a mix of open shelving and pull-out drawers to adapt.
  • Too much open storage? Combine IKEA’s glass-door cabinets to keep things neat.

Final Thoughts

A custom IKEA-based pantry system can: ✔️ Increase storage capacity
✔️ Make organization easier
✔️ Improve accessibility with pull-out drawers
✔️ Look clean & modern

Would you like some IKEA product recommendations or a rough layout mockup based on your pantry dimensions?