Open-and-shut laundry and sewing room

Open-and-shut laundry and sewing room

Capitalizing on an open second-story hallway, this tiny (7- by 8-foot) laundry and sewing room seems anything but claustrophobic. Sliding cabinet-type doors on three tracks open to let air and light in through a 4 1/2- by 8-foot "window'--or close to conceal work in progress.At each end of the joint shop, pillars support overhead department signs, and display presentations with graphics-- such as "Pastel Essentials" in juniors--key the customers to the latest trends.Here, merchandise is taken to the ceiling with face-outs. All of the upper display merchandise is also located at customer accessible levels, and according to Herbruger, the stock is changed frequently.In the area, rock music blares, lights are more subdued and an invisible line divides the categories, which share a common register area.The Model T doesn't live here any more. Fold back the faded blue doors on this World War I-era shed-roofed garage, and instead of a horseless carriage you see a well-organized home office.

Photo: Tall closet, only as deep as the wall studs, holds the ironing board