ANNUAL HOMES & DESIGN ISSUE
While cabinetry often calls to mind a kitchen, there’s no shortage of ways that custom cabinets, shelving, drawers, and more can elevate the entire home. Here, experts explain how custom cabinetry can transform a room and optimize organization, from pantries and home bars to laundry rooms and closets.
“‘Elevated’ can mean different things depending on a person’s style and needs. For some, it means sleek, functional, and efficient design. For others, it represents sophistication, elegance, and luxury. No matter how you define it, a custom closet can elevate your space in meaningful ways. Most homeowners who choose a custom closet begin with a simple goal: ensuring that everything has its own designated place. Custom storage solutions are tailored to your wardrobe and lifestyle, creating an organized space that helps you save time and reduce stress when getting ready each day. Every inch of available space is thoughtfully designed to maximize functionality and efficiency. Beyond organization and convenience, a custom closet can also increase your home’s value. Well-designed storage is an attractive feature for prospective buyers and can serve as a significant selling point when it’s time to put your home on the market. A custom closet doesn’t just enhance your home, it enhances your life!”
Brittany Greene“Custom cabinetry can completely transform a pantry by making it more functional, organized, and visually cohesive with the kitchen. Pantries are growing larger and taking on more tasks, so dedicated storage becomes essential. Cabinetry accessories like stand mixer lift-ups, baking sheet dividers, and dedicated Tupperware organizers streamline daily use and keep clutter out of sight. Many homeowners are incorporating additional appliances, such as wall ovens, microwaves, icemakers, and extra refrigerators to create an extension of the kitchen. A mix of cabinetry with doors for food storage and open shelving for frequently used or display-worthy items adds practicality and charm. Adding custom cabinetry makes a pantry more than just a storage room. The pantry becomes a beautifully designed and efficient workspace that supports how a household lives.”
Caitlin Smith“At Crest Home Solutions, we believe custom cabinetry can completely transform a bathroom by enhancing both function and design. Unlike stock options, our cabinetry is tailored to each homeowner’s space, storage needs, and lifestyle. We work closely with clients to incorporate thoughtful features such as drawer organizers, linen storage, pull-out accessories, and dedicated spaces for everyday essentials, helping create a more organized and efficient bathroom. Because we offer a wide range of cabinet styles, finishes, and hardware selections, we can design a space that feels cohesive and personalized while complementing the rest of the home. Custom cabinetry also allows us to maximize every inch of available space, whether it’s a guest bath, hall bath, or primary suite. The end result is a beautiful, functional bathroom that is designed specifically for the way our clients live.”
Kris Keith“Custom cabinetry tailored to your space will transform your laundry room from simply a utility room to a chic, well-organized powerhouse. Deep farmhouse sinks are a stylish solution for soaking clothes or washing pets. Utility cabinets can be customized to stow brooms, ironing boards, wrapping paper, and pet supplies. Pull-out hampers hide dirty laundry to keep the room tidy. Pull-out trash cans maintain the sleekness of the layout while providing easy access for waste. Built-in drying racks are space savers while improving efficiency. Built-in front-load washers and dryers provide additional countertop space above them for folding. Additionally, with custom cabinetry, you can personalize your laundry room by choosing the style and aesthetic that align with the rest of your home. A beautiful, thoughtfully designed laundry room turns a utilitarian space into an inviting place where daily tasks are much more enjoyable.”
Dave Holliday“Would you rather have a closet designed with your specific needs and lifestyle in mind or a closet that ‘came with the house,’ and makes you adapt to it? A well-designed, custom closet wisely uses all available space to maximize storage. Adjustable shelves, drawers, cabinet doors, corner solutions, and accessories improve organization, and the layout will optimize access and movement through the closet. All of your clothes, shoes, bags, hats, and accessories will be where you want them, making getting ready in the morning pleasant and efficient. With current products and manufacturing processes, custom doesn’t mean expensive or a lengthy renovation. It’s easier now than ever to elevate your closet and make it truly yours.”
Dan McCaffreyCabinet IQ of Greater Chattanooga
“Custom cabinetry can take a home bar from basic to standout by making the space feel more organized, stylish, and personal. Instead of trying to fit bottles, glasses, and bar tools into standard cabinets, custom options are built to fit exactly what you need. Features like wine storage, floating shelves, built-in lighting, and hidden mini fridges can make the bar both practical and inviting. It’s also a great way to match the look and feel of the rest of your home. Whether you want something sleek and modern or warm and rustic, custom cabinetry lets you choose the colors, finishes, and details that fit your style. Plus, quality craftsmanship means everything looks polished and lasts for years. A well-designed home bar isn’t just a place to make drinks – it becomes a space where people naturally gather, relax, and enjoy spending time together.”
Selah Seavey“Pantries are personal spaces in your home and are typically rooms that people want hidden away. We can all fall into the trap of ignoring our pantries because of one simple fact: no one will ever see them. Lately, however, there has been a resurgence in pantries becoming a hosting feature – a practical space that we are no longer ashamed of, but instead want to show off. When designing a pantry with custom cabinetry, you must evaluate how this space can best serve you. It gives you the luxury of designating a space for items like family heirloom dishes or an extra set of cutlery. If you need a prep space, incorporating features such as a sink, dishwasher, under-counter refrigeration, and even secondary ovens can transform the pantry into a highly functional extension of the kitchen. At their best, pantries can become spaces you want to spend time in!”
