Austin, our serene Texas oasis, has been voted one of the “Best Places” for just about everything (short of professional sports) over the past few years; and that positive attention is drawing people in, in droves. More inhabitants yield a more competitive housing market, and frankly, less living space for a higher price. This is a city worth sharing, though, so Austinites make it work. We take on roommates, move into smaller spaces or stay in houses we've outgrown. For those of us who don’t ooze organizational inventiveness, there’s Tailored Living, an Austin company since 2006.

“We give folks the opportunity to redesign the usable space in their homes,” said Austin store owner Brian Perry. Tailored Living offers custom build-outs for maximizing space based on the client’s individual needs. With their expertise, every untapped inch of a home can be re-worked to meet its full potential.

Perry and his team of specialists meet each client at his or her home to evaluate the closet, garage, pantry or whatever space is destined to fulfill its organizational destiny. The entire process is customized for the client, starting from the initial plans, which Perry draws on the spot during the consultation.

Because of the vastly different architecture found in highly sought after neighborhoods like Hyde Park and Travis Heights, this brand of customization is a must. The homes in these hoods have been a part of the city’s fabric far longer than most of their inhabitants and are known for their neighborly charm and personality fostered over generations — but not for their abundant space.

“These neighborhoods are adorned with quite a variety of homes. They have a wide range of size, finishes, age and architecture. I think that is what makes these neighborhoods special,” says Kevin Burns, CEO of Urbanspace.

Clearly, this is why residents do what it takes to stick around when practicality comes knocking. Burns says the majority of the houses sold in these neighborhoods over the past five years were built in between 1946 and 1960, a period of time when household needs were hugely different than those of families today. That’s where Tailored Living comes in. Tailored Living helps you to be more advantageous with the space that you have – to effectively expand, without adding square footage.

Perry's team provides custom storage and organization solutions for your home. From murphy beds to full garage build-outs and custom pantries to purposeful entry ways, Tailored Living's professional remodels are a cost and space-effective way to convert the home that is so dutifully yours. These specialists are committed to making every room, hallway and crevice of your humble (or not-so-humble) abode practical in accordance with your lifestyle.

While the current climate in trendy neighborhoods such as Hyde Park and Travis Heights creates a direct need for services like Tailored Living, the reality is that residents everywhere can understand the perks of using space efficiently. Tailored Living’s diverse client base and extensive portfolio reflect that.

Perry says the business has grown exponentially over the past six years, and each request is more unique than the next. Some clients rely on Tailored Living to amend the homes they're not ready to leave but may have outgrown, while others want a blissfully tailored home from day one. "People want to add value to their homes — from the smallest pantry to a home office-murphy bed combo," he explains.

New or old, north or south, the demand for comfortable, functional homes is rising as quickly as housing market prices. Companies like Tailored Living offer a way to make the most out of your space.