In my line of work, I have consulted with countless homeowners who want to upgrade their storage spaces with custom closet systems. Sometimes, however, they forget that putting in a new closet is just as much about creating an appealing space as it is creating an organized space.
Here are four practical steps to customize your closet system in a way that will help you stay organized while also expressing your sense of style:
- Assess your needs
- Consider your personal style
- Optimize the space
- Invest in quality
If you’re ready to say goodbye to a boring or non-functional closet, keep reading!
Assess Your Needs
Before you can customize your closet, you’ll need to take a good look at what you have and what you need to store. This is a vital part of my team’s in-home consultation. We look at the different types of clothing, shoes, accessories, and any specific architectural details (like windows in the closet or a sloped ceiling).
From there, we can determine how much room you need for each category. For example, your designer would talk to you about the different ways to store shoes if you have a large shoe collection. If we need to work around a window, we’d discuss how we can arrange shelving or perhaps place a bench underneath with storage inside. It’s important for purposes of function to ensure the closet system will physically hold the belongings you’d like to keep inside.
Consider Your Personal Style
Here’s the fun part – think about your preferred aesthetic and how you might fit it into your closet. Consider first your style. Do you like your home to reflect modernity, minimalism, tradition, or an eclectic blend? What about color? Would you prefer a white or neutral closet system that allows you to add pops of color, or would you rather have your favorite shades integrated into the components themselves?
Take a look at the rest of your home, and see if you can determine your overall style. You can find various quizzes online to find out what design style works best for you. Wayfair.com is one source to consider that offers a quiz. From there, you can look on Pinterest or various decorating websites to find ideas for making your closet appealing to look at and use.
Optimize the Space
One of my specialties is optimizing the space in the closet system for my clients. The goal is to use every nook, cranny, shelf, and cabinet to its full potential, so you can store items neatly and efficiently.
Some ways my team does this is by using adjustable shelves, double-hung clothing rods, and pull-out accessories. We might also use vertical shelf dividers and drawers of various sizes for items, like jeans, jewelry, and lingerie.
Having lots of closet storage options to choose from is important, and so is organizing the items as you put them away. It’s best to put the clothing and accessories you use most frequently in the most easily accessible part of your closet. This will prevent the space from getting disorganized from moving things out of the way to get to what you need.
Invest in Quality
Finally, after all of the effort you’re putting into creating a stylish and functional closet, you’re going to want to make sure it lasts. The longevity of your closet will depend on the materials and craftsmanship you use.
Don’t be tempted to use the cheapest option; instead, rely on professionals, like those on my team, to help you make the most of your space. You’ll also want to choose high-quality materials, like sturdy shelves and durable hardware. I can walk you through the various options available for your budget.
Conclusion
In the end, making your closet what you want it to be depends on your personal preferences and the team you work with. I’d love to help you transform your space into a well-organized storage area that meets all of your needs and also matches your personal style. Let’s work together to create a closet that’s as unique as you are!
