When I first talked to the owner of this 2-bedroom townhome she was clear about what she wanted, but was not sure how to have it all. She wanted a guest room for those times when friends or family came to stay, but that was only the case periodically throughout the year. At Valet Custom Cabinets & Closets we are committed to enhancing the use of each client’s individual space, so I set out to solve the dilemma for this client.

Topics: murphy beds, custom offices, Los Gatos, Custom Wall Beds

In San Francisco, space is at a premium. One way to take advantage of every inch is with a built-in wall bed and external wardrobe unit from Valet Custom Cabinets & Closets. I was able to create just such a space-saving solution for some homeowners near the Presidio.

Topics: San Francisco, Custom Closets, murphy beds, Guest Rooms, External Wardrobe, Custom Wall Beds

Once you have decided that a wall bed is the best solution for your home, it’s important to ask the right questions as you consider which one to buy. You will be living with this purchase for many years, so understanding the pros and cons of each choice is essential for your long term satisfaction. While some people will base their decision on price alone, there are additional factors you should consider before signing on the bottom line.

Topics: Custom Wall Beds, Custom Murphy Beds, murphy beds, wall beds,

City living has many benefits and delights, especially in the Russian Hill area with Fisherman’s Wharf just blocks away. There’s lots to do, lots to see, and all of it close by. There is also a palatable sense of excitement that attracts many of us to live in downtown San Francisco. Having an abundance of space in your condominium or studio is one of the things we sacrifice for these other benefits. Although space may be limited, Valet Custom Cabinets & Closets can make the most of that space, taking city-dwelling to a new level. For this home owner in Russian Hill, elegance and functionality were the primary goals for her studio remodel.

Topics: Custom Wall Beds, Custom Kitchen Design, custom media center, Custom Home Offices, Russian Hill, San Francisco

This is part of a series of "Ask Valet" blogs featuring tips for your home from the design team at Valet Custom Cabinets & Closets.

We asked a few designers at Valet Custom Cabinets & Closets what they felt all guest rooms should have to ensure the comfort of their overnight guests. Here’s what they had to say:

Topics: Custom Wall Beds, Guest Rooms, Guest room, Ask Valet

When some people picture a wall bed, comedic scenes from silent movies come to mind. Charlie Chaplin, the Three Stooges, and even James Bond have used these beds as comic props at one point or another. I love a good gag as much as the next person, but things have really been looking up for Murphy beds in the last few years. This isn’t 1900 anymore, and the wall bed is making quite an amazing comeback in modern homes across the country. Bay Area professionals in particular are utilizing this innovative strategy to maximize limited floor space in condos and homes across the region.

Topics: Custom Murphy Beds, Custom Wall Beds, Showrooms, nightstand, Custom Cabinets

Tri-Valley residents understand what many tourists seem to miss: this is some of the best wine country in Northern California. Sonoma and Napa have had their day, and slowly we’re starting to acknowledge the charm and viniculture of the region just a little further south. Places like Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, and Danville are regionally known for their local vino, which has been developing since the 19th century. This is a place of deep historical roots, small town quaintness, and a unique mix of winery-style architecture.

Topics: Tri-Valley, Custom Cabinets, Thermally Fused Laminate, Materials and Finishes, Custom Wall Beds

If you own property around Stanford’s campus, you might just be the smartest homeowner around. College campuses are gold mines for renting opportunity. Constant occupancy and consistently rising prices—sounds like a landlord’s dream come true. Even with the inherent risks, a Stanford rental home is an ideal setup for anyone looking to make some extra cash in real estate.

Topics: Custom Wall Beds, Custom Murphy Beds, Custom Storage, Palo Alto

In Danville, “family-friendly” is the name of the game. Between pre-preschool performances at the Village Theatre, a playground that integrates local history, and a tree-lighting ceremony during the holidays, it’s a pretty great place to grow up. In 2010, 38% of households in Danville were families with children under 18, and though it’s hard to say which came first—the kids or the kid-friendly amenities—it’s clear that the city of Danville understands that learning and play are a big part of child development.

Topics: Custom Cabinets, Playrooms, Danville, Custom Wall Beds, Custom Entertainment Centers

“Well, now that you’ve got a house, we can just have Thanksgiving at your place!”

These are the words every first-time homeowner loves—and dreads—to hear. On the one hand, congratulations: you’re an adult! On the other hand, it means all the preparation, planning, shopping, cooking, and cleaning is up to you.

I see this all the time in the Bay Area, where as many as 42% of homeowners are first-time buyers. Becoming a homeowner is really exciting, but it also means learning how to host. The holidays, in particular, tend to bring with them a lot of overnight guests. You’ll need a place to put everyone where they’ll be comfortable without creating too much clutter.

Topics: Custom Wall Beds, Custom Murphy Beds, bay area, nightstand