Add a drawer or sliding shelf. Hardware
and houseware stores stock drawers that can be
installed underneath a cabinet. If you have a home
with limited drawer space, this is a great way to
add more storage discreetly. Then you can get all
that clutter off the kitchen counter or the dining
room table. You can also install shelves under
cabinets that slide out when you need them.
Don’t forget wall space. Look
around your house and you will probably find there
is a lot of wall space that you could put to good
use. Pots and pans can be taken out of cabinets and
hung on walls; tools can be hung on pegboards;
books, CDs and small treasures can be stored on
shelves.
Utilize “Lost Space” by creating additional
storage. “A new cabinet or bookcase provides a
nice focal point for a room as well as additional
storage,” says Glen Kaszubski, of Liquid Nails, a
national construction adhesive brand. He suggests
that homeowners think about those areas that are
“lost space” such as the alcoves on either side of a
fireplace or the corners of a dining room. Using a
construction adhesive like Liquid Nails and various
types of building supplies (MDF or bead board are
two inexpensive options), you can build your own
durable bookcase without using a lot of nails and
screws. To obtain a finished look and add an element
of beauty, apply facings and crown molding along the
edges with construction adhesive.
Ready-to-install cabinets (fabricated
cabinets) are also an easy option for additional
storage. You can add your own decorative touch by
applying ornamental tiles that match your décor on
the countertop using Liquid Nails.
Clear your desk. A clean desk will not
only look better it will increase your productivity.
Invest in a sturdy full-suspension filing cabinet or
portable file boxes that hold hanging file folders
so you can get everything organized and out of
sight. Stow away your desk supplies in an on-desk
caddy or in a drawer.
Think multi-function. Add some furniture
that can also be used for storage. A cedar chest
makes a great coffee table and can also be used to
store blankets or clothing. An antique chest of
drawers will look great in your living room, and is
useful for storing office supplies, linens or CDs.