Custom Closets 101 – Designing Your Perfect Storage Solution

As a home designer, I love seeing homeowners transform their homes into the serene, stylish spaces they’ve always dreamed of. Whether it’s a new custom closet, a sleek built-in pantry or a decked-out mudroom, each project provides the opportunity to create a space that makes life simpler and more enjoyable.

Crafting a well-designed storage solution is an art form. It takes a lot of big thought and preparation to carve storage space seemingly out of thin air, determine just the right height and depth of shelves and rods, and create a functional yet beautiful space that makes the little things — like getting dressed each morning — a pleasure.

Many homeowners struggle with dysfunctional storage, but tackling a renovation to remedy the issue can feel daunting. Even those who decide to work with a professional custom closet design firm in Los Angeles can be intimidated by the process of selecting components, coordinating the project and navigating the installation process.

The truth is, banishing clutter and establishing good organizational habits isn’t easy, but it is possible. By breaking the project down into smaller, more manageable tasks, you can see progress and enjoy a sense of accomplishment along the way.

For those who aren’t ready to take the plunge into a full-scale closet renovation, there are plenty of other home organization projects that can help you get on track. From creating a simple DIY shelf to hold towels to adding a streamlined hanging bar for robes, these small improvements can have a big impact on your daily routine and make it easier to find that missing left shoe or scarf!

Before you start drawing up design options, consider everything that you want to store in your closet and how you’ll use it. For example, if you’re looking to hang more clothing, think about how long you want your hanger bars to be — do you need them to accommodate dresses or full-length winter coats? Or do you prefer a shorter hanging space that can easily accommodate shirts and slacks?

Lastly, don’t forget to consider lighting. A well-lit closet is key to keeping organized, and there are plenty of ways to add both functionality and style with directional can lighting pointed toward clothes and shelf lighting for shoes and accessories.

If you’re a DIYer, there are a variety of online programs you can use to mock up a variety of storage solutions for any space. I personally like Sketch Up, which has a bit of a learning curve but is worth the investment when it comes to exploring dozens of different design options for a single space.

While this article may have focused on designing a closet, these principles apply to any room in your home where you need to establish better organization and improve functionality. Whether it’s a bathroom vanity, laundry room or mudroom, thoughtfully considering the details of your storage solution will help ensure that you get the most out of your home improvement projects.