If moving house teaches us anything, it’s that we have too much stuff. And I, for one, acknowledge that fact.
But there is a personal limit to what is required and all that stuff does need a place to sit. I have never heard anyone complain about a living space that has too much storage. Doesn’t happen.
So we have home stores with clever solutions to stretch the small storage space that comes with the condo or loft or bungalow. This isn’t just a present-day challenge. You only need to review the fabulous hand-carved, intricately painted wardrobes at auction houses or for sale online to discover how necessary housing clothing and household goods was 200 years ago and beyond.
Industrial style continues to pique our interest, and I discovered a metal designer and fabricator who has taken his love for metal to a new, creative level. The practical nature of Matt Muldoon’s pieces is key, as in most industrial design. He acknowledges that his imagination is a “train wreck of Dr. Seuss characters, Gonzo journalism, Bansky and the Rat Fink,” which does a lot to explain his out-there creative style.
Muldoon has just presented his first collection, Series 60/61 (knucklesindustries.com). The series was rendered with a singular vision and commitment to quality metal design. Every piece is meticulously built from 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless-steel-bolt construction.
The collection includes a solid aluminum bed, several tables, a desk, bookshelf, stool, hallway bench and the wardrobe shown here. In this open-concept design, there is space to hang clothing and have shoes and accessories on display.
The clean, open design speaks to the less-is-definitely-more attitude of the 21st century and respect for handcrafted items that work as art as well as having a practical purpose.
Dear Debbie: We just moved into a home with a very small kitchen with old oak cabinets that are showing much wear. I would like to take down all of the upper cabinets and just put up shelving — the open-kitchen look — but my partner brings up a good point. You will be able to see everything we have in our cabinets and the kitchen will look messy. I want to do away with the cabinets because I thought it would make the kitchen look larger. what do you advise?
Erna
While it is true that you will see everything on the open shelves, that’s really the point of this style. Your crockery, glassware, baking products, spices, even pots and pans will be on display, the epitome of a cook’s kitchen. Don’t overcrowd the shelves, and you will find it easy to keep them tidy, as everything is within easy reach.
Stack dishes and bowls, line up drink glasses — section off food cans (these might go in the lower cabinets).
Have fun making the display suit your lifestyle. Seldom-used items go on the top shelf, and this is a good time to edit out what you don’t use.
Well-stocked open shelves will make your kitchen look inviting and it will be easy to work in. It’s a good idea.
Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email your questions to house2home@ debbietravis.com. You can follow Debbie on Twitter at twitter.com/debbie_travis, and visit debbietravis.com.
