Storage and Organization for Active Lifestyles
A place for everything, and everything in its place.
Hawaii’s sunny skies and beautiful natural surroundings can make even the most ardent homebody want to go outside and play. Whether you and your ohana enjoy hiking, surfing, playing tennis or spending time at the park, an active lifestyle begins at home with smart organization and storage.
Companies like Inspired Closets can help. Inspired Closets has been in business for more than 20 years, specializing in customized organizational solutions. “We put the client first,” explains general manager Suzette Calimlim. “We get back to our clients within 24 hours … and remain in contact with them, providing them an exceptional experience from beginning to end.”
To keep up with keiki, Inspired Closets recommends storage arrangements that function for their current activities with options for versatility as they get older.
Dream Closets shares this example of a modern chocolate-hued reach-in closet that’s perfect for a growing toddler.
Another local company that active families can turn to is Dream Closets, which designs, sells and installs personalized storage arrangements for a variety of spaces. “Seeing the difference from a single shelf to a built-in closet that utilizes the whole wall with the addition of drawers or shelves … people are pleased to see the increased storage capacity,” says Jonathan Ward, owner of Dream Closets.
With growing keiki, you never know what kinds of sports or extracurricular activities your child may get into over the years. Children should have shelving systems in their rooms and closets that can be adjusted. Inspired Closets and Dream Closets offer closet systems that can easily transition with changing interests.
Keeping an organized laundry room for an active family requires smart shelving, cabinetry and drawers. This example from Dream Closets is great inspiration for adding style to a functional space.
“I love designing kids’ closets because you have to have foresight as far as seeing past their childhood, but being able to provide the function they need at the moment,” explains Calimlim. One option allows upper shelves to pop off in a closet, turning it into a more versatile space. Baskets are also a great way to store toys or sports equipment within a closet shelving system.
Laundry rooms need to be designed smartly for active families. These rooms are usually narrow, so maximizing wall space is essential. “Utilizing the space above and around, through smart shelving and cubbies of different depths, helps” when working around the washer and dryer, says Ward. Built-in hampers can also be incorporated into shelving and drawers. A hanging rod over the sink is a great option for drying wet clothes after a long day of surfing.
Dream Closets can personalize storage options with shelves and closet layouts that complement a home’s aesthetics.
A lot of families store outdoor gear and miscellaneous items in the garage — it’s an easy place to clutter, so the goal is to keep as much as possible off the ground. “Getting everything off the ground also makes cleaning easier,” explains Ward. “You should use narrower shelving on the side walls of the garage so cars can easily get in. Use sliding doors versus swing-out doors and a slat wall system, which allows you to hang things.”
Slat wall systems, offered by both Inspired Closets and Dream Closets, allow homeowners to hang anything they want — snorkel gear, helmets, surfboards, bikes and more — thanks to their adjustable hooks, shelves and baskets. Hawaii residents are accustomed to the indoor-outdoor lifestyle, so being organized in spaces with a lot of foot traffic, like the garage, is key.
Photo: Courtesy of California Closets Hawaii
Store-and-Go
Kent and Lori Untermann’s home is thoughtfully designed for their ohana. As founders of Pictures Plus and its sister companies — which include California Closets, Plus Interiors and CocoNene — the Untermanns balance business and leisure daily. The storage solutions in this garage were designed to accommodate the family’s active lifestyle, with dedicated vertical storage space and integrated cabinets that keep sports gear and more within easy reach. — Darlene Dela Cruz
Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our partner locations.
