Monday, January 28, 2013

Remodel Kitchen Closets

Kitchen closets often serve as a pantry, storing surplus food or items that don't fit in the kitchen cupboards. Kitchen closets also tend to end up as a dumping ground for lots of random items. Most homes have limited closet space so making the best use of a closet in the kitchen is important. A kitchen closet remodel helps you make the most of the space, whether you use it as a closet pantry or for another purpose. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions


1. Inspect the closet in its current state. Assess the types of items stored in the closet as well as the organizational system. Note the things you like about the closet and the things you want to change.


2. Remove all items from the closet, including any storage shelves, closet rods or other organizers.


3. Clean out the kitchen closet space to give yourself a clean, blank slate for the closet remodel. Wash the walls and floors.


4. Paint the closet a light color. Choosing a light color keeps the space feeling more open and brighter, making it easier to locate items stored in the closet. Paint all of the walls and the ceiling to give the entire closet a fresh look.


5. Assess the closet's current lighting fixture. Replace it with a brighter fixture if it doesn't offer enough light. If the closet doesn't have a light, have an electrician add one or install battery-operated puck lights.


6. Make a list of the items you will store in the kitchen closet. Be specific in your purpose for the closet space. Common items stored in a kitchen closet include food, appliances, pans, utensils and dish towels or other kitchen linens.


7. Choose the best organizational tool for each type of item. Shelves are the typical option used in kitchen closets, particularly if you are using it as a closet pantry. Drawers hanging underneath some of the shelves give space for smaller items such as utensils or dish cloths.


8. Draw a sketch of the closet showing its height and the organizational systems you are adding. Include the amount of space between each shelf for reference. Consider varying the distance between the shelves to accommodate different sizes of items. Jars of spices don't need as much clearance as a crock pot, so refer to your list of storage items to decide on spacing.


9. Install your shelves, drawers and other organizational systems in the closet. Place all of the items back in the closet. Find a new home for any items that were originally in the closet that no longer fit with your organizational system.







Tags: kitchen closet, closet space, items stored, closet current, closet pantry, closet remodel