I found the Clever Storage... it's hiding in your cabinetry!  Some of the most important components of a kitchen aren't always obvious. This is what I learned while on a Blog tour in Milan with Modenus.  Clever Storage (the american brand name for Kessebohmer) is a German company that is a world leader in creating exceptional kitchen storage solutions that maximize space and efficiency.I had the pleasure of interviewing my Facebook friend (who I finally met in person in Milan), Eric Schimelpfenig about his role with Clever Storage.  Besides being a model for Clever Storage (ok just kiddin') he's a great guy!

Kandrac & Kole:  How long have you worked for Clever Storage and what is your position there?

Eric: I have worked with Clever Storage for nearly two years now. My job is not only to head up our social media efforts, but to manage and improve our digital presence in general.Kandrac & Kole: Clever Storage is a Germany owned company. We learned in Milan that in Germany, people take their kitchens with them when they move to a new home. How and why do they do that?Eric: Yes, Clever Storage is not just a German owned company, it's a very German company. It's family owned and operated right in the quiet hills of Germany.  Everything we make is designed and built there. We bring in raw metal and wood and build all of our products under one roof. We even make all the machinery to build our products right on site.

Kitchens in Germany, and the rest of Europe are viewed more as furniture or modular items. People do take them with them when they move, just as we would pack up a couch or chair. Aside from that major difference, the way kitchens are accessorized is very different than here. European kitchens are very often filled with many accessories. It's not often you see a kitchen full of empty cabinets like you see here in the US. Because of this we sell a lot of our products in Germany and the rest of Europe.

Photo courtesy of Chasen West for Modenus

Kandrac & Kole: We also learned that in Germany, the kitchen has become the status symbol of the home beyond that of the car. I think Americans are lagging behind in this regard - do you?

Eric: You are correct, a kitchen is a real status symbol in Germany and Europe. Owning a car over there can be an expensive, or at times an unnecessary affair. Like Americans, the next great status symbol is the kitchen. One of the most important and expensive rooms in a home here, or overseas is the kitchen. I think that both cultures want something to show off, and in the case of Americans, it's easy to obtain and show off a car. In lieu of that, I think both cultures gravitate towards the kitchen.

Kandrac & Kole: What do you see as the biggest difference between European and American design in kitchens and baths?

Eric: Mechanically kitchens and baths in Europe are much more modular. Parts can be removed and upgraded much more easily. American kitchens and baths still use very old school construction techniques. This means building more things my hand to custom sizes, and lots of permanently attached pieces. You won't find a lot of cabinets that are built in place in Europe for example.

Photo courtesy of Chasen West for Modenus

Kandrac & Kole: What do you think is the most "clever" item Clever Storage sells?

Eric: I would say our LeMans blind corner storage solution. While we make things that are more mechanical in nature, I think the brilliance in the LeMans is how easy it is to install. You only really need a screw gun and a tape measure to put it in. In the box there is this special metal spacer that makes it easy to line up all the parts that are needed to install it. After you've done one, your next one will take you 15-20 minutes. While it looks very complicated, it's so easy to install.

Photo courtesy of Clever Storage

Kandrac & Kole: People need to understand that Clever Storage sells the masterfully engineered components inside of cabinets. How do they specify these products to a kitchen designer or showroom?

Eric: There are many different ways you can get our product. Many cabinet lines already install our product right in the factory. If they don't offer them as a standard item, often times if you ask they can install them for you. This can be the easiest solution for many designers. If you don't have that choice, our products can be field installed in many different sizes of cabinets. For that you're typically ordering them from one of our hardware distributors like Hafele or Richelieu.  Those distributors have people and specs that can determine what product fits in which cabinet. There is also the staff here at Clever Storage. You can ask us about any of our product anywhere and we'll help you spec, order and install it. Often times that person is me, or one of our reps that is out installing our product every day.

Kandrac & Kole: Let's get really serious here - what was your favorite drink in Milan? I noticed you tried a few:)

Eric: I was introduced to Compari thanks to Veronika!

Kandrac & Kole: The video for Clever Storage you shared was hilarious can we see it again?

Eric: Of course - here you go....

WATCH THIS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cXKb-anZwo&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Thanks Eric for your time, your friendship, your knowledge and expertise and for supporting Modenus Blogtour Milan with Clever Storage!

If you'd like to reach Eric with questions about Clever Storage, you can reach him thru Twitter HERE.

Ciao!

Kelly