5 Elements of a Dream Closet

A closet is something that we all have, it is usually shelves and poles and leaves little for the imagination. Closets, in general, are utilitarian spaces. However they don’t have to be. By incorporating the following elements into your space, you can make your closet into your favorite room.

Seating
In this closet from the website www.bobvila.com you can see that the green chaise is the star of the space. It really looks like a great place to sit and relax. If lime green isn’t for you, check out these chaises available from Arhaus. Now for most of us space is at a premium when it comes to our closet, but you have to make room for some kind of seating in your space. Whether it is a bench, ottoman or a small chair it is so important to have a spot where you can sit and ponder those stilettos in the mirror.

Color

So as a designer, I always like to add color to spaces to give them a little bit of interest. In closets you want to add a little interest without going overboard, you have to be aware that all of the clothes and items that will be in the space will also add color. Since wall space is usually dominated with storage and therefore is limited you can add a fun element to the ceiling. In this closet from Better Homes and Gardens they have painted the ceiling with a beautiful blue from Sherwin Williams (SW6214, Underseas).

For the most part, you want to keep the colors in your closet pretty neutral. Shelving actually comes in a lot of colors, it is very important to choose the shelving color based on the look and feel you are trying to achieve. If you want to visually open up the space then go with white or light grey. If you want a richer more modern space then you want to go with a dark wood or darker color.

 

Lighting

Probably the most important element of any space design is lighting. It is so important in a closet to have good, even lighting. If you can, you want to make sure that you are adding recessed lights in the ceiling so that you are getting even light throughout the space with minimal shadows. The addition of pendant lights or a large chandelier can really help to add drama as well as provide additional light.

I found these small pendant lights (9”) at Arhaus  that I absolutely love! A couple of these lights in a smaller closet would really add elegance to the space. If you have a larger closet, there is also a 15” size available. There is something about a chandelier that draws the eye and instantly changes the feel of a space. The addition of a piece like this can elevate your closet from a utilitarian space to a boutique feel.  

Specialty Storage
The whole function of a closet is to store your clothes, shoes and other personal items. What separates an ordinary closet from a dream closet is the implementation of specialty storage. All closets come with shelves and poles to store clothes but that is pretty much it for a basic closet. But with the addition of drawers and shelves for shoes, you can really take advantage of every inch of space.

Instead of basic shelves the shelves in this closet from Lisa Adams (found on HGTV) are built in, creating a more custom space. To maximize the storage space the cabinetry and shelving extend all the way to the ceiling. The top drawers are skinnier which makes them perfect to hold jewelry and small accessories.

The shoes in this closet have plenty of space and can easily be seen and are arranged by type. The customized compartments help keep the space neat and organized.

Surface Area
While having walls of shelves and hanging space is essential in any closet, one thing that is often overlooked is surface area.  Having a place to set things out or to display special pieces makes all the difference.  You may even want to have a pretty vase of flowers. I’m crazy about islands and pretty tables; so if you have room where you can incorporate these into your space, you definitely should. However, if you don’t have a wide enough space, you can incorporate so surface area above a set of drawers or create a larger space on a shelving unit.

My Dream Closet

I have put together of some of the elements that I would include in my dream closet. I imagine a soft romantic space with neutral colors, distressed wood furniture, luxurious fabrics and little bit of bling.

 

As always, Happy Decorating, everyone!