Fall is the time to get organized. Help clients figure out how to store and stash their belongings with these best practices.

3 Key Takeaways:

• Storage options should reflect a homeowner’s needs
• Make sure to include storage options in every room
• Keep storage placement, pricing and ease of use in mind

New homes are shrinking in size and storage space, and older homes have their share of storage woes as well, which makes it difficult for homeowners to keep their homes tidy and organized.

Though many homeowners in recent years have latched onto the decluttering philosophies of Marie Kondo and Swedish Death Cleaning, some didn’t organize and store what was left, leaving them with piles. Moreover, most homeowners continue to buy, making it unlikely that their rooms will have space for everything.

Designer Jacob Laws of Jacob Laws Interior Design and his partner know the trials of limited storage space. They own an early 1800s home in Charleston, S.C., and intentionally limit their possessions to ensure it stays tidy. “But it’s easier for us,” he says. “This is what we do professionally.”

The good news is that everyone from home builders and architects to professional organizers and designers are swooping in to help.

Commercial interior designer Mary Cook of Mary Cook Associates, who advises homebuilders, is seeing bigger closets emerge. Jeff Benach, principal of Lexington Homes, has altered the angle of a staircase in one townhouse model to accommodate a second hall closet and also angled the garage to make its ceiling higher to fit more storage. Wingspan Development Group offers extra closets as options in some of its multifamily units, including walk-in styles and pantries off kitchens. Many pros such as salesperson Aleks Videnovic of Compass, a founder of StageIT.site and RenderPRO.io, make visualizing possibilities easier with renderings.

Fall is a good time to encourage clients to organize their storage, and a few best practices can help so the task doesn’t become overwhelming. Doing so also helps when they sell since well-planned storage shows buyers how their houses can work efficiently, says Allison Bond, a salesperson with Cummings and Co. Realtors, which is headquartered in Maryland.

Best Practices

Before organizing, homeowners should declutter, basing their decision on the traditional rule of if something hasn’t been used in three to five years or offers great sentimental value, it goes.   

Figure Out How and Where

Every homeowner should factor in how long they hope to stay since built-ins, including closet systems, can be more costly than many freestanding furnishings, which may be transported to a future home. “Live in your space for a few months before you commit to any storage investment,” Laws says.

The best questions for homeowners to ask themselves, says architect Bob Zuber, AIA, principal at Morgante Wilson Architects, are: What am I storing? How accessible does it need to be based on frequency of use? Does what’s being stored involve special considerations such as temperature control?

Trends come and go. Big entertainment centers and armoires are passé while “Costco Closets” in suburban homes for bulky items are now in, Cook says.

Any systems installed should be adjustable whether shelves in a bookcase or clothing rods in a closet since needs change.

Keep It On Brand, But Not Personalized

Storage should reflect a home’s design style and price point, which means more expensive wood shelves rather than wire in mid-priced to luxury homes.

Think carefully about which materials to use. In general, metal costs more than wood, except for exotic species; stained wood is more expensive than painted; and melamine and similar materials are the least expensive yet still very durable, says designer Rebecca Pogonitz of GoGo Design Group. Wood offers the advantage of being able to be customized, says designer Suzan Wemlinger, principal of Suzan J Designs.

Homeowners should avoid over-personalizing storage unless what’s stored warrants extra expense. This rule may apply to a fine wine collection in a custom cellar. An alternative is a refrigerated wine cooler that can be taken to another home.

Keep the Space in Mind

Storage should never be placed so it blocks doors, windows, furnishings and traffic flow; its purpose is to support daily life rather than make it harder.

Future needs should be considered by not filling up every storage option. That happened during the pandemic when many homeowners hunted for space for a home office. Some found it by converting an extra closet into a functional cubicle.

Off-site public storage should be avoided when possible since it’s costly and often becomes an excuse for delaying decluttering, says Videnovic.

Every room should have some storage. “People will notice if there’s none,” says Amanda Wiss, a stager, organization expert and founder of Urban Clarity.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

Soft, strong and sustainable, organic cotton is a clear winner for your next interior design project.

These days, you can find organic products everywhere. When it comes to fabric, “organic” refers to the way the material was farmed. And organic cotton is one of the most sustainable textiles on the market. That’s an important note for today’s clients, of which more than 50% are interested in sustainability, according to NAR data.

“We prefer using organic cotton in our design projects because it is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers,” says Brooke Lang, owner of Brooke Lang Design in Chicago. “Organic cotton farmers also use water conservation techniques to reduce the amount of water required.”

Organic Cotton 101

You might not be able to feel the difference between cotton and organic cotton bedsheets—and in some ways, that’s the point. All cotton comes from the cotton plant. This natural fiber grows from cotton shrubs in soft, fluffy clumps called “bolls.”

Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides and artificial fertilizers, according to Soil Association, a British nonprofit. On top of that, organic cotton farms tend to use less water than conventional farms. Going organic with fibers and textiles is an easy way to make a home more sustainable.

Ultimately, says Lang, organic cotton is grown using materials and methods that have a lower impact on the environment than traditional cotton. “It’s a great option for clients who desire more sustainable or environmentally-friendly design practices weaved into their space,” she adds.

Organic Cotton Trends in Home Design

When it comes to home textiles, cotton is a true workhorse. As a natural fiber, cotton is also soft and easy on sensitive skin. Going organic only makes cotton friendlier to your skin—and the earth. Here are a few ways to use organic cotton in interior design projects:

Organic Cotton Bedding

The bedroom is one of the most obvious places for organic cotton. Sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases are all available in countless solid hues, prints and patterns.

“Organic cotton bedding is softer and free from harmful chemicals,” says Lang.

According to The Sleep Foundation, the ideal thread count for organic pima cotton sheets is 200 to 400, while organic Egyptian cotton is most comfortable and durable between a 300 and 400 thread count.

Organic Cotton Curtains

Cotton is an easy fabric to dye. That makes it easy to find organic curtains in various styles, patterns and colors, says Lang. Cotton is strong but soft, which gives even heavy curtains a natural drape. Lang also chooses it for its washability.

Organic Cotton Upholstery

Homeowners with children and pets often appreciate the simplicity of organic cotton upholstery.

“When we search for a durable and easy to clean material for upholstery, we often select organic cotton as an option,” says Lang.

A sofa or recliner covered in organic cotton may not seem design-forward. But the beauty of cotton is that it is a natural fiber that can be spun into a variety of weaves. Common cotton weaves include twill, flannel, percale and sateen.

Organic Cotton Rugs

Don’t forget the floors!

“Organic cotton rugs in a living space bring in a soft, eco-friendly texture to the floors,” says Lang.

A few recommendations:

• Grund for organic cotton bath rugs
• Revival for washable, flatweave organic cotton rugs
• Fhygge for minimalist organic cotton and wool rugs
• Loomy for organic cotton rugs that are biodegradable at the end of the product’s lifecycle
• Hook & Loom for cream-colored organic cotton rugs made with no dyes or adhesives
• Under the Nile for zero-waste organic cotton rugs made from clothing industry remnant

While many organic cotton rugs are washable, some require special care due to dye or fragile weaves.

Finding Organic Cotton Resources and Retailers

Organic cotton is an easy choice if you or a client want to prioritize sustainable textile materials in an upcoming room renovation or interior design project.

Just as Energy Star certification indicates that an appliance is energy efficient, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification demonstrates that a textile has been made with organic raw materials and without hazardous chemicals. There are 35 GOTS-approved home textile suppliers in the United States. Lang frequently looks to Coyuchi, Boll & Branch and Pottery Barn for client projects that need ready-made organic cotton home goods.

“Search online for companies that specialize in sustainable and eco-friendly products,” she says. “Look for products that have Organic Cotton certifications and meet the strict environmental criteria.”

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

Each room has specific storage needs. Whether built-in or removable, homeowners benefit from having storage available in every room.

Three Takeaways:

• Every room needs some form of storage.
• Suggest portable options for homeowners who may move in a few years.
• Just as important as the usefulness of the system is being able to maintain it.

Storage comes in all shapes and size and varies tremendously, depending on the type of home. That said, every home needs some available space to organize items of daily use and those reserved as seasonal.

When searching for a home, buyers will often look to square footage and closet space to ensure that they can stow and organize all of their belongings. It’s important for real estate professionals to provide options. If no built-in closet exists, remind buyers of the various permanent and portable storage solutions available to them.

Living Spaces

Flat-screen TVs and Bluetooth speakers have all but eradicated the need for bulky entertainment centers, says Amanda Wiss, founder of Urban Clarity in New York. Still, storage for gaming consoles, pillows and blankets, various remotes and more mean a living space requires some level of storage.

Designer Rebecca Pogonitz of GoGo Design Group recommends keeping one wall free from storage altogether—save for a couple of bookshelves—to make room for a TV. A clean wall with little shelving opens a space up and eliminates clutter.

For those not planning on staying in their home for long, Pogonitz recommends a modular system from Ikea or another affordable vendor. Suzan Wemlinger of Suzan J Designs suggests using ottomans and coffee tables with concealed storage.

Bedrooms

Trending right now is maximizing closet space and foregoing armoires or dressers in the bedroom. When there’s space for a walk-in closet, designer Jodi Swartz of KitchenVisions likes to include a surface for a dressing table and a place to leave a suitcase open. Still, the logistics of a walk-in closet are important, which is why Aleks Videnovic of Stage IT advises making sure there’s sufficient space to turn around in.

When space for a walk-in closet doesn’t exist, outfit the closet space that’s available with racks of varying heights, along with adjustable cubbies and drawers when possible.

And if possessions exceed closet space, dressers do work well, as do ottomans and stylish shoe racks or cabinets, which can conceal shoes altogether.

Kitchens

The kitchen might be the most important place in which you minimize clutter and only keep what’s used. Organizing is just as important, and inserts from places like The Container Store, Rev-a-Shelf or Costco help keep things tidy says Bob Zuber, AIA, architect and principal of Morgante Wilson Architects.

When it comes to open shelves, Wemlinger, like many, prefers the minimalist look, but it’s important to remember they still require periodic cleaning and reorganizing, she says. She favors them for a specific use such as placing coffee mugs above a coffee center.

For an efficient pantry closet, Swartz incorporates roll-out shelves to make it easier to find items. Keeping height and reach in mind, she suggests a maximum height for roll-out shelves at 54 inches above the ground. Instead, she uses shelves above for larger items and tray storage.

For those with extra room and funds, a walk-in, back kitchen or butler’s pantry makes space for messy work out of view of the main kitchen plus more storage for extra dishes, bulk items and appliances, says kitchen designer Mick De Giulio of de Giulio Kitchen Design. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, he says. “One of its advantages is keeping everything visible to be able to take quick inventory,” he says.

Mudrooms and Laundry Rooms

Equipping a secondary doorway like a side door or garage door with storage for coats, backpacks and shoes can help minimize clutter inside the home. Real estate saleswoman Stephanie Mallios of Compass considers them a boon to make morning rush a breeze, especially with children. With closed cabinets, the mess seems to disappear altogether, says Jacob Laws of Jacob Laws Interior Design. If there’s no room or budget for a closet with cubbies, a built-in or freestanding bench, along with a shelf and a few hooks mounted above, might work.

Increasingly, mudrooms have become large enough to accommodate laundry equipment. Sometimes they also include shelving and a rod on which to hang clothing. Sinks are often popular as well. Allison Bond, a saleswoman with Cummings & Co Realtors, finds that many homeowners who put money into these spaces will recoup it due to the mudroom’s popularity. Even if there’s not room for a laundry on the main floor, a clean, freshly painted one in a basement helps organize life and will appeal to potential buyers at resale, she says.

Bathrooms

Older bathrooms were smaller and had less built-in storage, sometimes due to the absence of a second vanity. If a remodeling isn’t in order, storage can be added above a toilet with shelves for a practical, minimalist look or within a medicine cabinet, says Wiss.

Because his bathroom had only a pedestal sink, Laws repurposed a mid-century modern credenza from his office and added it to a bedroom adjacent to the bathroom.

If remodeling is possible, storage should become a priority by using space saved by building a smaller shower, since the trend for oversized showers has waned in popularity, Bond says.

Garages

While there’s a large number of companies focused on organizing a garage with storage along its sides, back, and above cars, the guiding mantra again is to declutter first and not to overdo what’s installed. Nothing’s worse than having a garage so full with stuff that there’s no room for cars, Zuber says.

What’s also key is for the garage to look clean and have a floor that’s been painted with epoxy or another durable material, says Bond.

Nooks, Crannies and Stairways

Most homes contain spaces that can be converted to useful storage with a little imagination and help from a contractor or a piece of furniture. Under the stairs has become popular for a coat rack and bins. A stair landing can be outfitted with a window seat with storage, and under a bed also works for storage, says Mary Cook of Mary Cook Associates, who advises builders on commercial and home design trends.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

A breakdown of sustainable upgrades by budget and the potential utility bill savings.

About a third of agents and brokers are using green data fields in their MLSs to promote sustainable home features, believing them to be a selling point, according to the 2023 REALTORS® and Sustainability Report from the National Association of REALTORS®. Many homeowners may see the value as well, but “the number one question we hear from consumers is where to start,” says Nicole Staple, head of market partnerships at Rewiring America. “Few people can afford to make these upgrades all at once.”

A recent study from Reworking America and Thumbtack provides a breakdown of sustainable upgrades by budget and the potential utility bill savings:

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

The staircase is often a focal point in a home, but also the last on the priority list when it comes to design or remodeling. However, prioritizing the staircase can set the tone for the rest of the design.

Key Takeaways

• Stairs primarily offer function, but also provide an opportunity to make a statement as a three-dimensional sculpture.
• Homeowners should know that staircases, like most other parts of a home, can be renovated to suit desired tastes and styles.
• Nowadays, there’s no single way to decorate, renovate or style a staircase, which makes it a great feature for creativity in design.

Few homeowners turn down a house because of the style and construction of the stairway. That’s because they’re viewed more for their function.

Still, aesthetics make a difference, especially since stairways often act as a focal point. “A stair can become a vertical feature and very dramatic statement that reflects what’s to come,” says designer Tom Segal of Kaufman Segal Design. Architect Bob Zuber, AIA, Principal of Morgante Wilson Architects agrees and adds that it’s the most important three-dimensional object in most homes, “which offers an opportunity to make a sculptural statement.”

There’s no single way to construct and decorate a staircase. In a recent Elle Décor magazine, editor and homeowner Ingrid Abramovich installed a classic striped runner on the stairs of her family’s 1870s vintage brownstone. In the same issue, designer Darryl Carter included a sweeping curved stair with fully exposed pale wood treads in a client’s new Georgian Revival-style house in Washington, D.C. Both solutions meld function and style to fit each house.

Architect Alexander Zilberman, AIA, Principal, Alexander Zilberman Architecture P.C. (AZA), says that instead of having a stairway make a grand gesture within an entranceway, he likes to tuck it aside in its own space for its own identity. “Pilasters and soffits can help define such a space, and it can bleed into another yet live in its own area,” he says.

With extra attention, a stairway and its surroundings may help a sale by improving a buyer’s first impression, says broker Alicja Skibicki, Baird & Warner. “It’s not as important as a new kitchen or bathroom but can make a difference. Newer floating staircases can add a dramatic accent with sleek, clean lines, which younger buyers look for,” she says.

Consider Proportions

Hallways come in all shapes and sizes but what’s key is that the stairway be proportionate with the space around it. For safety, stair construction falls under building code rules in terms of riser height and tread width with some leeway. The goal when remodeling a stairway or building new is that climbing and descending a stairway should be a graceful journey, Zuber says. The parts—balustrade, railing, newel post and nose—should also be in proportion with one another. The Houzz design and remodeling site provides more guidelines to share, Key Measurements for a Heavenly Stairway.

Opt for Continuity

One of the trickiest decisions is to decide what color wood to use since some like having it compatible with exposed flooring, says Segal. “I advise clients to decide on their floor species and color first if they’re replacing it or restaining, and then proceed to the stairs and all its parts,” he says. “The wood or colors should match in stain color rather than be different,” he says.

Designers all have their favorites when it comes to color, shade and material. For instance, Segal favors walnut and oak for their durability and colors or stains in a darker or medium hue rather than light, but in cases of very contemporary homes he might pick a light stain, but not a whitewashed one.

Trends fall in and out of favor over time, so homeowners might want to consider more long-term factors—durability, desired aesthetic and the overall style of the home—instead.

Because so many of their clients favor a contemporary look, Zuber and colleagues use a lot of white oak with a light or pale stain and square off the nose—the part beyond the tread, which in the past was usually rounded. Zilberman prefers to make choices according to what’s happening throughout the house.

Mix It Up

While many staircases have wood balustrades and spindles to match, some designers like variety. Designer Marina Case of The Red Shutters often paints the handrail Farrow & Ball’s “Railings” (No. 31) color, which gives a blue-black appearance. Segal has often painted the risers and spindles white or a trim color to lighten the look. Although some consider wrought-iron railings in older homes dated, he may keep them if they’re not overly embellished. Zilberman finds that quality materials and the right joinery and other details are sufficient to play up the staircase.

Go Contemporary

For more contemporary-style homes, designers are introducing cable railings or glass walls on the outer side. Zuber says many clients favor these looks because they allow in more light and views. Janet Bertin, of Janet Bertin Decorating Den Interiors, added metal cable railing in a client’s traditional suburban home to update it. She paired the cable with oak treads stained a medium gray to match the flooring. She also made the risers white and ran a carpet runner in tightly woven blue wool. “The finished look helped to freshen what was an ordinary suburban home and for a fairly modest cost of about $15,000,” she says.

Designer Ioana Tzatcheva of Ioana Todorvoa Designs, Decorating Den Interiors, modernized the wood staircase in her suburban Colonial-style home by adding tempered glass panels and steel handrail and posts, all fabricated by a shower door company. “I wanted to make it a focal point and style statement,” she said. To match newly whitewashed floors throughout, stairs were capped with new white oak treads and risers.  

Use Stair Modules

These days, many specialist stair companies build parts as modules off-site and assemble them in the house, which saves time and pares mistakes. That’s the case with Viewrail, which started out manufacturing traditional stair parts and has shifted to focusing on cable railings and glass walls. The company also manufactures floating staircases, which are certified for safety by the International Code Council.

The Rundown on Using Carpet (or Not)

Nowadays, it’s rare for a designer to favor fully carpeted treads. That said, runners still work in some cases. Depending on the wood designers find underneath, they may stain and finish the boards, paint them if they’re not in good shape and leave them showing or add a runner.

For safety, some professionals recommend wire-brushing stairs if left uncarpeted to avoid falls. But some like Zuber still prefer to leave most uncarpeted for a more modern look. Zilberman is also in the “no carpet” camp and feels if a stairway is done properly, it doesn’t need additional ornamentation and should be celebrated on its own.

Case, however, is among those who like adding a runner to avoid falls and buffer sounds. She favors flat, tight weaves in nylon or wool and classic patterns such as stripes or plaids.

If homeowners opt for adding carpet, an experienced installer is crucial to align patterns. Most runners, says designer Suzanne Wemlinger of Suzan J Designs, are installed in the waterfall method, where the carpet cascades down the stairs. Another option is the more expensive Hollywood or Chicago style where each stair and riser share a separate piece of carpet.

Add Accessories

Though a stairway often functions as its own statement, especially when in or near the foyer, homeowners might want to consider the surrounding space. Wallpaper, on a big comeback, or paint add color and style to the space surrounding the staircase. A large light relative to a foyer’s size can add more drama and set off a stairway, says Segal.

Other traditional additions: a table or chest, mirror, seating, artwork and area rug that repeats what’s on stairs or floor cloths that are easy to clean, Case says. Skibicki likes applying faux-wood panels along a stairwell to add texture. “But any additions are a good way to add individual style,” she says.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

From salvaged barn doors to tree bark, reclaimed wood makes a statement in building and design projects.

Take a walk down the aisles of any big-box retailer’s home goods section and you’ll come across decor made from what looks like distressed wood. The rustic look has been all the rage for years, but many of these products are made from new lumber that’s been dented, sanded or chemically “weathered” until the piece looks time-worn.

Clients interested in more sustainable aesthetic appeal should consider salvaged wood for upcoming builds, renovations or interior design projects. Though not as infinitely reusable as recycled glass, reclaimed wood is one of the greenest building materials. Homeowners love the charm and personality of well-worn wood, so what might not be strong enough for exterior building purposes can still be used in furniture and decor. The reclaimed lumber market is projected to grow by an average of 4.6% per year through 2028, according to a market research report by Grand View Research.

Reclaimed Wood 101

“Reclaimed wood is wood that was previously used for another purpose—for example, barns, gymnasiums or bleachers, or industrial buildings,” says Chicago-based interior designer Claudia Martin.

Salvaged wood is low-cost and low-energy. According to research published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, the energy used to produce new framing lumber and wood flooring is 11 to 13 times greater than the energy used to make the same products from reclaimed wood.

Another type of reclaimed wood is bark harvested from forest industry waste. These days, a handful of innovative manufacturers are perfecting the process of reclaiming bark from sustainable forestry initiatives so that the entire process is eco-friendly.

Reclaimed Wood Trends in Home Design

Reclaimed wood, like cork or concrete, is a versatile material for builders and designers. As a natural material, it adds authentic warmth and texture to a space while staying friendly to the earth it came from.

Here are five ways reclaimed wood is used in new homes, renovations and interior design projects.

Reclaimed Wood and Tree Bark Siding

Bark has been used as a protective covering on homes since the 1600s, according to Reliance Timber in North Carolina. Back then, bark siding naturally had a rustic look and feel. These days, bark siding producers carefully peel the bark from forest waste, then kiln-dry, flatten and cut it into symmetrical shingles or sheets. The result? One-of-a-kind siding that is sustainable and naturally resistant to the elements.

Reclaimed Wood Paneling

No, this isn’t your ’70s-era basement wood paneling. Reclaimed barn wood planks elevate old designs when used to create a shiplap accent wall or paneled ceiling.

Even better: Martin suggests using reclaimed wood paneling vertically on a wall and the ceiling to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. This combination works particularly well in cabin- or lodge-style homes, though the natural texture of wood can also soften an industrial-style space.

Reclaimed Wood Custom Shelving and Furniture

Today’s homeowners often appreciate the opportunity to stand out with one-of-a-kind pieces like reclaimed wood consoles and headboards. From salvaged live-edge wood to historic wooden floor planks, reclaimed wood offers designers the chance to create a custom piece based on the shape and grain of the available material.

“A great way designers can incorporate reclaimed wood is by using it as shelves,” says Martin. “A floating fireplace mantel using reclaimed wood [also] becomes a focal point.”

Reclaimed Wood Doors and Window Frames

“Architecture can come to life by using reclaimed wood to build door and window frames and trim. Custom barn doors using wood from actual barns are authentic and environmentally friendly,” Martin says.

Homeowners might also appreciate salvaged barn doors because the product is already made. Unlike traditional swinging doors, barn doors can be installed on a visible track to move along the wall. Since the door doesn’t have to fit flush inside the door frame, sliding barn doors give designers and contractors a bit of leeway in size.

Reclaimed Wood Built-Ins

Kitchens and bathrooms are still the most popular rooms to renovate, according to Fixr. And while spaces exposed to moisture might not be the first choice for reclaimed wood built-ins, Martin suggests reclaimed wood kitchen islands or bathroom vanities can absolutely work. That could be because old-growth reclaimed wood is solid, precured and rot-resistant compared with the wood veneer over particleboard you might find at some big-box retailers.

Wood countertops not your clients’ style? Reclaimed wood can also be incorporated into built-in cabinets, shelves, and cozy alcoves.

Finding Reclaimed Wood Resources and Retailers

“The best way to source reclaimed wood is to start in your own community,” Martin says. “There are online dealers as well, but beware of big-box–type stores where you might be getting something that is new material, just made to look old.”

For DIY reclaimed wood projects, custom furniture, or shelving, Martin suggests checking Craigslist, Nextdoor, or Facebook Marketplace for someone in your area who sells locally sourced reclaimed wood or items made from local reclaimed wood. If you have a specific item in mind, you can widen your geographic reach by looking for reclaimed wood products on eBay or Etsy.

Clients interested in using bark siding for new builds or exterior renovations should check out BarkClad, Hardin Creek or Bark House. Bark House, a Cradle to Cradle–certified supplier, also offers interior bark wall finishes.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission