Before + After: Organizing a Utility Closet

Posted on November 12, 2013August 28, 2015 by Jeffrey Phillip

Even in the shoebox apartment capital of the world, New York, you can find hidden space opportunities. In this particular case, the client had a great storage closet. However, it wasn’t tricked out to properly handle their storage needs.

With some assistance from my handy dandy friend elfa, some clear storage boxes, and some hooks, I was able to create a storage solution that opened that space right up. The elfa system allowed me to customize the storage palette based on my client’s needs, the clear bins allowed me to group like items together for easier identification and access, and the hooks allowed me to get items like the lacrosse sticks off the floor. As for the filing drawers… we found another solution for their filing, and relocated it to a smaller cabinet. Take a look at my supply list in my Springpad notebook below.

My favorite part of this transformation, is the elfa door unit that we used on the wall to hold gifting supplies and other misc items. It even conveniently stores the umbrellas! Creating my own solutions with the versatile elfa pieces is one of the reasons I keep going back to these ingenious products.

JeffreyPhillip - Before + After - Utility Closet

Springpad: Utility Closet Supply List

Superior Canvas Baskets for Storage

Posted on July 9, 2012August 28, 2015 by Jeffrey Phillip

A sturdy, well-designed and reliable basket or bin is a invaluable asset around the home. Whether it is used for laundry, sports paraphernalia, blankets or bushels of stuffed animals, it seems as though you can almost never have enough of these storage solutions.

Several months ago, one of my clients introduced me to the highly reputable, family run Steele Canvas Basket Company based in Chelsea, MA. Established in 1921, this family run business makes some of the toughest, most superior baskets around… and they are all made in America.

Available in various sizes and styles (carry baskets, wheeled baskets, covered baskets, even tote bags), these customizable solutions are stylish enough to use in your home and sturdy enough to use in your garage. You can even order them in a waterproof, anti-bacterial fabric that is tear-resistant and just as tough as canvas.

Some great examples of what they can be used for are: blankets, toys, stuffed animals, hampers/laundry, tools, sporting equipment, sports balls, firewood, picking fruit/vegetables, pool toys, beach toys, the list goes on and on… what will your use be?

Available from: Steele Canvas Basket Company

A Place to Sit & Store Your Shoes

Posted on April 25, 2011August 28, 2015 by Jeffrey Phillip

Accentuated by the bright and bold colors they are known for, Lilly Pulitzer will be debuting a home furnishings line with HFI this Summer. The line will consist of 200+ pieces and one amazing Shoe-Storage Ottoman, which Real Simple just noted as “Destined to be a Classic” – I couldn’t agree more! The ottoman should retail for around $599 and will be a great addition to bedrooms, walk-in closets and those compact New York City studio apartments where you can never have enough shoe storage.