10 design elements to make your closet your favorite room in the house

*As originally featured in Grand Rapids Magazine - May 2021 issue

Raise your hand if you have clothes in the back of your closet that you haven’t seen in years, and you’re tired of your closet looking like a mess. Are you thinking about a closet overhaul? It’s 2021, and somehow we still don’t have the closet inventory software from Clueless, but there are still lots of things you can do to your closet to not only make it more efficient but make it a space you love!

DESIGN ELEMENT #1: Display what’s pretty…conceal what’s not

Let’s be honest – that stack of t-shirts or pile of sweatpants is never going to look tidy on open shelving. Your first move should be to display what’s pretty and conceal what’s not. Designer handbags or heels? Let’s give those the real estate they deserve and tuck away everything else in easy to access drawers or shelves behind doors.

DESIGN ELEMENT #2: Extra deep shelves

To save space, standard closet systems often come with 12” deep shelving, but what you’re left with is clothes hanging over the edge that barely fit on the shelves.  Even just increasing the depth of your shelves a few inches to 14-15” will make a world of difference!

DESIGN ELEMENT #3: Lighting layers for a boutique feel

Lighting layers give your closet a boutique ambiance making it feel like you’re shopping in your own closet. Integrated LED lighting is perfect on open shelving intended for shoes or hand bags, and a beautiful decorative light or chandelier will take your space to a whole new level!

DESIGN ELEMENT #4: Pull down rods to help you reach

Not everyone has a huge walk-in space for their closet, so it’s important to use every vertical inch of your closet. However, unless you’re an NBA basketball player, the top rod in your closet might be hard to reach... In walks the pull-down rod. Upper rods can be installed with hydraulic lifts on the side and a center pull down handle, so you can easily access all of those clothes hanging just out of reach.

DESIGN ELEMENT #5: A place to sit

If you’re going to display all of your beautiful shoes, then you should definitely have a place to comfortably sit down when trying them on! Even if you don’t have space for a built-in bench, a pretty chair in the corner layered with a sheepskin rug can be a great look.

DESIGN ELEMENT #6: Matching hangers

Metal dry cleaning hangers... Multi-colored plastic hangers... Wood hangers... All of these different colors, shapes, and sizes are contributing to your illusion of clutter, and you’ll be amazed at how big a difference matching hangers can make. Consider upgrading to velvet or wood hangers, and then stand back in awe at how pretty your clothes now look!

DESIGN ELEMENT #7: Velvet lined drawers and organizers    

Velvet, velvet, ooo la la! Do you have lots of jewelry that’s constantly tangled and not easily accessible? A few small drawers can solve all of your problems. Velvet lined jewelry organizer trays fit perfectly in small drawers and keep all of your treasures organized. You can also consider velvet dividers for belts and ties, or velvet lined drawers for your intimidates to avoid possible snagging on wood surfaces. 

DESIGN ELEMENT #8: Drawers, drawers, and more drawers  

Speaking of drawers – you can never have too many! Drawers are the perfect versatile storage solution. To ensure you can comfortably access them, I recommend capping your top drawer height at between 48-54” above the floor.

DESIGN ELEMENT #9: Adjustable shelving that can evolve as you do

Your storage needs are going to evolve overtime. To ensure that your closet continues to serve you through the years, be sure to incorporate adjustable shelving anywhere there are shelves.

DESIGN ELEMENT #10: Make it as beautiful as you!

Make it pretty! Yes, it’s “just” a closet, but it’s also where you’re likely going to start and end most days, so it should also be beautiful. Your closet is the perfect spot for statement lighting and beautiful flooring. You can also consider a fun color on your shelving or a pop of pattern with wallpaper. Just have fun with it!