Custom Closets: Any Size Can Shine!

If you've watched any HGTV home shows that included master suite remodels, you may have sighed not only at the gorgeous master baths but also the large custom master closets. I get it. I've also admired the ability to take an adjacent room and repurpose it into a large "boutique" closet. How many women wouldn't love feeling like a Disney princess while getting dressed each morning under a gleaming chandelier, in front of an ornate mirror, and putting on glass slippers while sitting on a velvet bench?!

Yet the reality is that many times it's not practical to change the use of an entire room into a closet. Even so, the good news is that customizing any sized closet will not only maximize storage capacity but also provide some emotional fulfillment!

Below is an example of a larger custom closet that includes hanging storage, shelves, and drawers.

Here is a similar-sized closet with a more formal, traditional design.

Even if your closet can only encompass one wall, it can still be elegant and inspiring.

Consider how much you can fit into this reach-in closet just by incorporating different-sized and placed cubicles.

This small but hard-working walk-in closet packs a punch by using every square inch of space!

The first step in making your closet work hard for you is to come up with a plan. Take measurements of the wall widths, height of the ceiling, and floor space. Measure your current clothes rod(s) and evaluate if you need more or less rod space. List what you want to store in your closet and how (sweaters in drawers or on hangers, shoes on stationary shelves or on a revolving shoe tower, purses, scarves, etc.). Taking an inventory of what you own will help you decide on what you need to organize everything.

Using your measurements, sketch on graph paper what you would like to include on each wall, starting with your required rod length. (Sketch walk-in view not overhead view.) Keep in mind floor space, so you don't overcrowd a walk-in closet. To fill three walls of a walk-in closet, it should be at least six feet wide and four and a half feet from front to back. (Reach-in closets should typically be two feet deep.) Hang rods at different heights based on your needs, and include shelves for shoes and accessories. Decide if you want drawers, baskets/bins, or a combination of these. Don't forget lighting and wall color. Will a chair or island fit in the space? You can use online tools for closet design/configuration, but you may need to provide contact information to download your plan.

Have fun in the planning stage. Get inspiration from photos online or on Pinterest. Decide on the style you want to incorporate in your closet. Once you're comfortable with a general plan, it's time to make it happen. You can purchase a closet kit, buy individual components from a home improvement store, or make it a DIY project. (If you are enlarging a space for your custom closet, please consult a general contractor or engineer before removing any walls. You need to be mindful of structural integrity, electrical, plumbing, and gas lines. It's best to use a professional when these elements are involved.)

Remember that whatever size your closet is, it can be a beautiful space that inspires the princess (or prince) inside you!

As always, we at Heart in Home Construction are available to help make your home dreams a reality. Let's talk about your custom closet.