Closet Trends
Custom closets are more popular than ever, according to Sandra Sokol of Closets by Design. “Closets, obviously, offer space for clothing, toys, and everything the homeowner doesn’t want laying about the house. And customization is the solution to make that space work the best it can for the homeowner. Everyone has different needs, and custom closets need not be expensive in order to make space more useful.”
Kurt Schusterman of California Closets says that homeowners’ lifestyles are so hectic today that closet organization helps bring some calmness, sanity, and control to an otherwise hectic pace. “While we continue to have homeowners with larger homes call us to optimize their closet spaces,” Schusterman says, “we are finding an increased demand from people who have downsized and have a greater need for customized storage space.”
Living a more organized life leads to greater efficiency and happier lives for his clients, according to Frank Floyd of The Closet Company. “Clients say that being able to easily see and access items eases the stresses of beginning the daily routine,” he says.
The experts say that although many couples share a large closet space, the trend is toward separate spaces. The needs of men and women are different, they agree, with longer spaces for dresses, more space for women’s shoes, and three-way mirrors. Both sexes, Floyd says, appreciate closets designed for their specific needs—hidden compartments for jewelry or guns, and safe rooms hidden by clothing.
Sokol reports that specialized features might include drawers, ironing boards, mirrors, jewelry inserts, lucite drawers, clothes hampers, valet rods, belt racks, and tie racks. Sokol adds that Closets by Design in many cases can triple the space set aside by a builder by using all the wall and air space not previously utilized.
Experts agree that many homeowners are incorporating enough drawer space in their closets to