How to get a custom closet on a do-it-yourself budget
ARA
Both fashion and budget-conscious Americans alike are taking better care of their clothing and other possessions, starting with how they store them. But if you haven't been reading today's most popular home and style magazines, sneaking a peak inside your neighbor's closets, or house-hunting lately, you might not have noticed: Closets have evolved from clumsy and non-functional to downright fabulous.
Or maybe you've envied the spacious, custom closets characteristic of luxury homes, but haven't had thousands of dollars to plunk down on a professional closet makeover.
In either case, you probably need a closet solution. That's why manufacturers of closet organization systems have been busy developing new, do-it-yourself home storage solutions ranging from low-end, rack-and-wire plug-ins to handsome furniture-style systems in white or wood-toned melamine and even solid wood.
Among the strongest and most flexible of the new systems are Home Options Storage Solutions, available around the corner at Lowe's home improvement stores or at www.lowes.com. Shelving and pole heights are adjustable so your design can be adapted periodically to your changing needs. Full extension drawers with attractive fronts provide complete access.
Where to start creating a custom closet on a do-it-yourself budget? First, determine your skill level. Do you need a professional? Probably not. Many closet systems can be installed in a weekend by anyone of average skill level. Brands such as Home Options offer websites with pre-existing templates and online design tools that make closet planning easy.
Next, measure your space. Determine the width, height and depth and write them down. Is your closet a reach-in, walk-in, or are you creating it from freestanding space? Have high ceilings? Add a shelf to store items overhead.
When planning, consider designating 50 percent of your closet space for low-hanging clothes, 25 percent for longer clothes, and 25 percent for drawers and shelves. Then, take inventory of your stuff and make adjustments to meet your personal needs.
Use a tower unit to separate his space from hers and incorporate shelves and drawers. Use pant racks to organize 12 pairs of pants in a compact space while keeping them smooth and pressed. Use shelves for organizing folded sweaters so they keep their proper form. Raise shoes off the floor. Look for shoe cubbies that comfortably hold two shoes, not just one. Shoe cubbies are also ideal for stowing away evening bags, belts and other personal items. For more information, visit www.homeoptionsstorage.com.
+ Top Story
Most men have suffered from ingrown hairs or razor bumps, at one time, and a large percentage of them deal with the condition on a fairly routine basis. This is especially true especially true for African American men, according to Ron Gray, master barber and owner of Zodi's Hair Design.
Nearly two years ago, Shari Williams, tired of trying to find a moisturizer to fight her dry skin problems started using her spare time to create organic beauty products. She began mixing oils, pouring concoctions into small bottles and giving them to family and friends to test.
It is often said the eyes are the window to the soul. Assuming this is true, having beautiful eyes is essential. While beautiful eyelashes will draw attention to the eyes, they also will enhance the overall beauty of the face. And, for women seeking enhanced eye beauty...