Are There Rules for Designing a Closet?

Transform an Empty Shell into a Custom, Luxury, Closet

I bet you having a walk-in closet is at the top of every homeowner or renter’s wish list. And while the average property may not check off this box, I am here to tell you it is still very possible to create an organized and luxurious closet (walk-in or not) with some simple, and cost-effective resources that most of us have access to. I’m referring to: paint, lighting, hangers, and our very own trusted Ikea.

So, how do you go about maximizing the storage capacity of a tiny closet while still making it look beautiful? I would say, you start with the following basic rules:

• Assess what you have,

• Determine what you wish to keep or toss,

• Outline how your items will be organized (you can literally sketch this out on paper - I do this all the time).

• Always:

  1. make room for hanging long dresses, pants, or dress shirts,

  2. have a couple of shelves for clothes you frequently wear (T-shirts, jeans, etc.),

  3. integrate drawers for your intimates or pieces you don’t use often,

  4. set aside a spot for your jewelry

• Incorporate lighting if you can,

• Purchase any relevant items you need to set up the closet (hangers and organization systems are a must); and

• Get to organizing.

Sounds easy, right? Yes it is! That said, I understand most people (including me) like visuals, so I have linked to some smart Ikea hacks to enhance your closet storage needs.

But what if you need just a little bit more space to store your priced and precious possessions (for me that’s shoes and more shoes) and you have a spare bedroom and/or a decent size walk-in closet? Now, the fun begins.

The basic rules I noted above still apply, but in a larger space you can be a bit more creative with how you layout the room i.e., adding seating, an island, art, massive chandelier, rug – the choices are endless. In my case, I considered these additional elements:

• Brightening the room with paint and lighting – I believe lighter paint colors and daylight bulbs make the room feel bigger and showcase the true color of clothing.

• Maximizing my seating options – my kids and I love to be in my closet, so having seating is key.

• Protecting my shoes and bags from dust and sun rays – If you have items that you use albeit sparingly, keep them protected behind glass doors or a curtain if you can. This will ensure you don’t have to clean them before each use.

• Bringing nature in – I love branches and flowers and I add them to every room whenever I can. I think it just gives the room some life.

• Embellishing with art, and mirrors.

• Placing an island in the middle of the room for my seasonal items – I did a simple hack on the Ikea HEMNES three dresser chest - can you guess what it is?

Hopefully, this post demystified the art of designing and organizing a closet.

If this article inspired you, sound off in the comments below with any questions or comments you might have. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers

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ODD Tips for Closets (Small or Large)

Organize

• Plan and budget accordingly (Custom closets or organization systems can be pricey)

• Use the basic rules I outlined above

Design

• Layout the room on paper before you begin purchasing anything

• Don’t be afraid to use unconventional items like bookcases for clothing or shoes – they are just the right depth and can accommodate a lot

Décor

• Repetition is key to creating a cohesive space – notice any repetition in mine? (hint: copper, gold, blue, and white)

• Have fun with your closet accessories – they help elevate your design e.g.,

  1. Thin velvet hangers – they come in fun colors and accommodate lots of clothes

  2. Display perfumes using cake stands – I did it (twice in the same space)

  3. Ditch the generic hanging rod and go for an acrylic one (if you wish to give your space a custom look)