EDMONTON -- Regardless of how much living space you have, it never seems to be enough.
Most homeowners would agree the challenge is not necessarily the lack of total space available, but the way the space is used.
How we live is changing, says Sharen Thompson, store manager at one of Edmonton's JYSK stores, and our homes are reflecting this.
New homes and condos with outstanding features such as large entrances and generous master bedroom suites appeal to buyers, but too often that's where the big spaces end.
Other rooms are often designed to be smaller and that poses a big problem for furniture selection and ultimately storage, says Thompson.
To use the living space you have to its fullest potential, you need to find furnishings that can multi-task by offering unique storage. And for spaces that come in challenging shapes and sizes, you'll need to take on some DIY custom projects to create that perfect fit.
The friendly staff as JYSK -- an international home furnishing and decor store whose name is mangled by most shoppers -- can offer some storage solutions. (With its Danish roots, the 'J' in JYSK is supposed to be pronounced as 'Y'.)
We have noticed an increased interest in multi-functional items, Thompson says. People are looking for clean, modern design, but they are also looking for increased functionality.
The Jasleen, a three-piece dining set, seems to fit the bill. A modern, pub-style table offers handsome design with a brown wood top and contrasting black base. When the side leaves are dropped down, the table dimension is 46 by 24 inches and it can fit flush against the wall, providing a more efficient use of the available floor space.
Thompson likes the clever design of the table's two drop-leaf side as well as the base, which offers storage space.
Pub tables are designed to sit higher than the traditional table, so the space between the table top and the floor is perfect for a shelf or two. This table offers varying sized compartments that can be accessed from all sides.
You can store dishes, placemats, glasses and even wine bottles, Thompson says.
The design works from both an esthetic as well as a functional perspective.
The base of this table is really gaining attention from our clients, Thompson says. When space is limited, you have to be creative with what you have, and this base is a creative storage solution.
In the same vein, a food trolley cart is popular, with some styles having a granite top and a wood or stainless steel base. Also with varying storage compartments, the trolley offers functionality as well as style.
Not every kitchen has space for an island and trolleys provide a usable work area when space is limited, says Thompson.
She points to the Steiner Kitchen Cart, which is totally portable. It can be set in the kitchen and then moved to the dining area as a bar or additional serving surface.
When space is truly a concern, there is no better solution than to have a customized plan.
And who better to turn to than RONA, whose pithy slogans of the how-to people and doing it right have made the chain veritable virtuosos of home renovation.
With a plethora of design ideas up their sleeves, the team at RONA provides step-by-step solutions to even the most challenging storage concerns. What to do with awkward nooks? What if all the floor space is used up? What do you do when ready-made furnishings are just too big?
Carole Pare, senior marketing director for innovation and programs, says her company has storage solutions that can be achieved in a weekend's effort. They're marketed as RONA-by-design projects.
RONA's online magazine (rona.ca) provides step-by-step practical projects. An example is an ironing board that tucks into a compact closet.
With this do-it-yourself retractable ironing board, deployment is made easy and space is saved, Pare explains. When the door is closed, the overall look of the room is tidy and attractive.
This project is appropriate for all homes simply because of its creative design. The ironing board opens to be fully functional, yet does not take up floor space. If you do not have the tools to cut the wood, RONA will cut it for you, and all you have to do is measure and assemble.
When space is at a premium, odd-shaped nooks can be a challenge. Built-in units and cantilever shelves offer storage, making these spaces functional and attractive.
Pare points to a custom project RONA offers for a bathroom-towel shelf unit. Instructions are step-by-step.
The bathroom, even more than the bedroom, is the place where you can relax, says Pare. Consumers want to give their bathroom a spa-like feel.
Pare notes the benefit of these customized projects: Of course, it can be adapted to all spaces and consumers can choose hooks or hardware to match their style and decor.
-- Canwest News Service
Summary of costs:
JYSK:
* Jasleen three-piece (1 table and 2 chairs) -- $449 (Note: additional chairs $79.99 each)
* Steinar Kitchen Cart -- $199
RONA (rona.ca):
* Fold-away ironing board (est.) -- $135
* Wall-mounted towel storage (est.) -- $120
*** All prices are before taxes.
