Recent Essays
The Systems
Shelving, rods, drawers, shoe storage, hardware, and lighting. Custom vs. semi-custom vs. IKEA hacks. Material deep-dives and what to spend on.
01
Shoe Storage: The Geometry Problem Nobody Solved Until They Counted Their Actual PairsYou don't have a shoe storage problem. You have a geometry problem you haven't measured ye...
Kate HollisThe Systems
Jul 31, 2026
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02
Drawer Dividers, Valet Rods, and the Hardware That Actually Earns Its PriceShowrooms are full of hardware that looks ingenious and performs terribly. I've installed ...
Kate HollisThe Systems
Jul 31, 2026
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03
IKEA Closet Hacks That Survived Two Years of Daily UseIKEA PAX systems can rival custom closets for a fraction of the price — if you know which ...
Kate HollisThe Systems
Jul 29, 2026
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04
The Custom Closet Bid: How to Read It, What to Question, and Where the Upcharges HideCustom closet proposals are designed to confuse you. Line items hide in categories you don...
Kate HollisThe Systems
Jul 28, 2026
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