Tucked away in the breathtaking landscapes of Truckee, California, a cozy mountain home can feel like the perfect retreat—until you realize storage is a challenge. That’s exactly the problem that homeowners Mark and Lisa faced when they decided to remodel their 1980s cabin. Between winter gear, limited closet space, and a small kitchen, their home needed a storage and organization overhaul.
Inspired by Steve Thomas’ approach to functional home design, this is the story of how Mark and Lisa transformed their cabin into a beautifully organized and efficient space without sacrificing its rustic charm.
The Challenge: Limited Storage, Maximum Clutter
With long winters and year-round outdoor activities, Mark and Lisa found their small home overwhelmed by bulky coats, boots, skis, and kitchen gadgets. Their biggest pain points included: ✔ A tiny entryway overloaded with shoes and coats. ✔ Kitchen cabinets that lacked organization. ✔ A living room with no built-in storage. ✔ Small bedrooms with cluttered closets. ✔ Nowhere to store seasonal gear during the warmer months.
💡 Pro Tip: Before starting any remodel, take inventory of what you have. Declutter first, then design storage solutions for what remains.
The Plan: Room-by-Room Storage Upgrades
To turn their Truckee home into a functional retreat, Mark and Lisa focused on customized storage solutions that matched their lifestyle. Here’s how they did it.
1. Entryway & Mudroom: Tackling the Clutter First
In Truckee, the entryway is one of the most important spaces. Between snowy boots in the winter and hiking gear in the summer, they needed a way to keep everything tidy and accessible. ✔ Built-in cubbies for shoes and gloves. ✔ Wall hooks and overhead shelves for jackets and backpacks. ✔ A hidden storage bench for hats, scarves, and ski gear. ✔ Heated boot racks to dry wet boots before the next adventure.
💡 Pro Tip: Use vertical storage—wall-mounted hooks and shelves keep floors clear and clutter-free.
2. Kitchen: Maximizing Every Inch
A small kitchen doesn’t have to feel cramped. Mark and Lisa found ways to make their space more efficient and stylish. ✔ Deep pull-out drawers for pots and pans instead of lower cabinets. ✔ Pull-out spice racks hidden next to the stove. ✔ An extendable pantry system built into an unused wall. ✔ Under-sink organizers to maximize space. ✔ Custom open shelving to display dishware while keeping essentials within reach.
💡 Pro Tip: A kitchen island with built-in cabinets and seating adds both storage and functionality.
3. Living Room: Storage That Blends with Style
With a stone fireplace as the centerpiece, their living room lacked functional storage for books, blankets, and electronics. ✔ Custom built-in bookshelves framing the fireplace. ✔ Storage ottomans that doubled as seating. ✔ A hidden media cabinet to conceal electronics. ✔ Floating shelves for displaying décor without cluttering surfaces.
💡 Pro Tip: If space is tight, use furniture with built-in storage, like coffee tables with hidden compartments.
4. Bedroom Closets: Small Space, Big Solutions
The bedrooms had small, outdated closets that barely fit their clothes, let alone seasonal storage. ✔ Custom floor-to-ceiling wardrobes with adjustable shelving. ✔ Drawer dividers for easy organization. ✔ Under-bed storage drawers for seasonal clothing. ✔ Sliding barn doors to replace traditional closet doors, saving floor space.
💡 Pro Tip: Use vacuum-sealed bags to store bulky winter clothes when not in use.
5. Garage & Outdoor Storage: Making Room for Adventure
Living in Truckee means outdoor gear is a necessity—but where do you store it all? ✔ Wall-mounted bike racks to keep bikes off the ground. ✔ Overhead garage storage for skis, snowboards, and camping gear. ✔ A workbench with hidden storage compartments. ✔ Weatherproof outdoor storage boxes for firewood and patio essentials.
💡 Pro Tip: Labeling bins and storage areas makes seasonal transitions easier—switching from ski gear to summer camping supplies is seamless.
Read More in Kitchen Promise Blog
- Home Remodel in Truckee: Smart Storage Solutions for a Mountain Retreat
See how a Truckee couple transformed their mountain cabin with custom storage solutions—creating a space that’s both stylish and functional. - The Best Bathroom Showrooms in Sacramento: A Data-Driven Guide to Storage & Organization
Planning a bathroom remodel in Sacramento? This data-driven guide explores the top bathroom showrooms specializing in smart storage and organization solutions. - Smart Storage Solutions: How to Maximize Every Inch of Your Kitchen
Transform your kitchen with smart storage solutions! Learn how to use pull-out shelves, vertical storage, and hidden compartments to maximize space efficiently.
The Transformation: A Functional, Organized Mountain Home
After weeks of planning and renovations, Mark and Lisa’s Truckee cabin was completely transformed into a clutter-free, highly functional space. Their biggest wins:
✔ A mudroom that keeps winter gear organized.
✔ A kitchen with maximized storage and efficiency.
✔ A living room with built-in storage that blends with décor.
✔ A bedroom with a closet system that makes sense.
✔ A garage that stores adventure gear without chaos.
Now, every inch of their home is used efficiently, allowing them to enjoy mountain living without the clutter.
Final Thoughts: Storage & Organization for a Better Home
If you’re planning a home remodel in Truckee, don’t overlook storage and organization. Well-designed storage can make small spaces feel larger, help you stay organized, and enhance the comfort of your home.
✔ Start by decluttering—only keep what you truly need.
✔ Use multi-functional storage solutions to maximize space.
✔ Customize built-ins to fit your lifestyle. ✔ Think seasonally—make room for winter and summer gear swaps.
By focusing on smart storage upgrades, you can turn any Truckee home into a well-organized retreat that’s ready for every season!