home by diane sembrot
aybe you’re downsizing from a fourbedroom Colonial to a one-bedroom condo or maybe you just bought your first apartment. Congratulations! It’s time to make it your own—and super-functional. Making the best use of a small space is about simplified living, meaning that you keep exactly what you want and everything has a space. Because clever storage and practical organization are the two pillars of small-space success, we turned to the masters: California Closets, a business dedicated to containing stuff around the house. While their systems can take on huge projects, everything from garages and entryways to kitchens and pool houses, we zeroed in on clever options for maximizing
above: The West End Loft offers storage and display options and includes pull-out drawers to be used as nightstands
living space. We were not disappointed by the suggestion: a Murphy bed. If you don’t know what that is, it’s a bed that folds up into
the wall. Did Gene Kelly’s tight apartment in the classic film An American in Paris come to mind? Trust us, today’s version of a Murphy bed is far and beyond what was available to our grandparents. California Closets’ standard wall bed feels like a traditional bed, and you can lift it either feet up or side up (so you can hop in it from either side). The side-tilt version is a good fit for tight spaces, such as a playroom or an office. When opened, it takes up less of a footprint into the room. Usable storage is included; the mechanisms are sturdy enough to last for years; it’s easy to use; and left: The Bancroft Townhouse combines media center with storage and sleep
your room or your guest room gains hidden space to use during the day. Both versions are far more than functional, too. They’re also eye-pleasing. “Our wall beds allow you to create a multifunctional room without additional space,” says Hannah Nieves, director of marketing and trade development. “Beautiful cabinetry, finishes and shelving transform a space into a comfortable sleeping area when needed. A well-designed wall bed respects the aesthetic and primary purpose of the room, allowing it to seamlessly serve two or more functions.” When deciding on a custom home-storage solution from California Closets, you would have a chance to meet with an experienced designer. This is a complimentary home visit, and the designer would ask about what you’re looking for and take room measurements. Then you would get a good picture of what the space would look like by reviewing it with their proprietary 3-D CAD software. The designer would show you what the installation would look like in your home. Finally, systems are manufactured in Shelton, and installed exactly as designed by the company’s team. CONTRIBUTED
OPEN UP M
FROM APARTMENTS TO SPARE ROOMS, DON’T SACRIFICE AN INCH OF SPACE