Current design trends in custom closets focus on finding the perfect balance between functionality and style. Homeowners have many options to create closets that reflect their tastes and lifestyles. Color choices and the quality of materials used to build the custom closet play a significant role in this process
From walk-ins to reach-in closets, there is always room for customization. Tired of rummaging through your closet searching for the shoes you want to wear? Maybe it’s time for a closet renovation and it may also be a good time to connect with a professional closet designer.
Leave This Project to the Professionals
Whether building a new home or renovating your current one, a professional closet designer can provide the knowledge and resources necessary to create a beautiful and functional closet. A well-designed and organized closet makes your home interior more appealing, ultimately adding value to your home. Professional closet designers create spaces using quality materials, ensuring that your closet will last for years without the necessity of repairs. They are also in tune with the latest trends from colors to lighting to shelves, drawers and cubbies. By leaving this project to the professionals, you can save time, avoid potential mistakes, and ensure a high-quality, personalized result that perfectly suits your needs and style.
Increased storage capacity is the ultimate goal of a closet designer. A professional closet designer will review your space and offer insights into your needs while considering all useable space available. They will listen to your style preferences, and prepare sketches and digital designs to help you visualize the result. Whether you need more hanging space, additional shelves, or a specific storage solution for your shoes, a professional can help you maximize your closet’s potential.
Family-owned and operated, Closet Factory Pittsburgh provides an excellent resource for homeowners seeking assistance with closet customization. In 1993, the company Liberty Closet Systems started in southwestern Pennsylvania. Owner and president Michelle Walters aligned the business with the Closet Factory franchise group to expand further and access the benefits of a national brand. Her husband and co-owner, Chuck Walters, works at the production end of the company, along with the couple’s son, Jamie Walters. Their daughter, Lacey Walters-Hosbach, serves as general manager.
“For a while, we’ve been seeing conversion projects where homeowners take existing rooms and turn them into closets,” says Hosbach. “This is a trend prevalent with empty nesters. We’ve also noted renovation projects among homeowners who built a home 25 to 30 years ago and are putting on additions providing the space necessary for customized closets.”
Product, Color and Style Trends to Note
In a recent article published by WoodworkingNetwork.com, Natasha Shtapauk, brand ambassador and lead designer for BauTeam noted a shift from wood to laminates. “We’re seeing that the solid wood and shaker door trend in closets is starting to phase itself out. About 70 percent of closets manufactured in 2023 were made out of different laminated panels,” says Shtapauk. “The quality provided by 3D laminate producers allows us to achieve almost perfect replications of natural products like different types of wood, textiles, leather, concrete, and so on. That’s why most designers and end consumers are warming up to them. Before, they weren’t an option because most laminates looked fake and cheap.”
This trend holds true for Closet Factory Pittsburgh clients. “We’re seeing a change in material preferences,” says Hosbach. “For the majority of our projects, we manufacture in-house with material made from industrial-grade melamine.” Melamine boards are moisture, scratch, and stain-resistant and easy to clean, making them a popular long-term solution for closets.
The shift towards sustainability in closet design reflects a growing concern among homeowners. By choosing eco-friendly materials, finishes, and manufacturing practices, you can minimize your ecological footprint and contribute to a healthier planet. This trend is a testament to the responsible and eco-friendly choices of today’s homeowners.
In the color trends, white will always be a popular color for closets as it creates the illusion of expanded space. However, other colors add depth and dimension. America’s top color experts at Behr, Valspar, Sherwin Williams, and Benjamin Moore selected neutral and cool-toned colors as their pick for colors of the year which mirrors what the team at Closet Factory Pittsburgh has noted. “We’re seeing new fun solid colors like blue and green making a comeback along with lighter wood tones,” says Hosbach.
At the 2024 Closet Conference and Expo, Ariane Brabant from Tag Hardware spoke to attendees about emerging trends in accessories and decorative hardware, noting that the market is moving towards large pulls for custom closets with wide drawers. The wider the drawer, the bigger the pulls. Bold designs gaining popularity include faux leather handles, which a touch of sophistication to the closet space.
Identifying the best design configuration to provide maximum storage is always in trend. The designer works with the client to choose appropriate sections from double hanging rods to single hanging rods with shelves and possible additional baskets, cubbies, drawers and shoe shelves.
“Lighting is trendy right now,” says Walters. “We offer lighted closet rods, low voltage strip lights, full cabinet lighting and more.” Good lighting is essential in a closet, as it helps you see your clothes and accessories better, and can even make your space feel larger. There are numerous options for closet lighting including adjustable track lighting, mirrors that reflect light to provide an illusion of additional space, motion sensor lighting, LED strip lights to illuminate shelves and recessed puck battery-operated lighting for drawers and jewelry boxes.
Another exciting trend in closet customization is the addition of tech-savvy features. Imagine having an automated shoe rack, a motorized closet rod, or a smart mirror with a built-in display in your closet. These technological advancements make accessing your clothing and maintaining an organized closet a breeze, adding a touch of convenience and modernity to your home.
One of the most exciting trends in custom closets is incorporating nature and biophilic design principles by bringing elements of nature into the indoor environment. Homeowners are adding wood, stone, and organic textiles to their closet designs to create a sense of connection to the outdoors. Biophilic elements such as living green walls, potted plants, and natural light sources are also used to promote relaxation and well-being.
Dreamy Dressing Rooms
Once considered to be a luxury for the rich and famous, dressing rooms are becoming increasingly popular for homeowners. These personal havens provide plentiful storage for accessories, clothing, hats and shoes. As noted previously, some homeowners—especially empty nesters—have converted extra bedrooms into dressing rooms. These substantial walk-in rooms allow you to show your style with everything from glass highlights, mirrors, built-in drawers, islands and even chandeliers. Adding a personal touch are personalized accessories and features such as monogrammed drawer pulls and display cases for exhibiting treasured items.
Designers often recommend adding furniture to a dressing room making it much more than a closet. Some choose to add a sitting arrangement with a plush sofa, chair with an ottoman or a chaise for lounging. Other options include a vanity for applying make-up and admiring jewelry or a bench for putting on shoes. Of course, a 3-way mirror is a must-have in any dressing room. It’s the ultimate in functionality and luxury.
Reach In Closets
Designed for maximum efficiency, reach-in closet designs include functionality for a wide range of essentials. Features like a dedicated shoe wall, increased hanging space, built-in shelves, baskets, drawers, and pullout trays for smaller items can reduce bedroom dressers. Closet designers often include racks for wardrobe accessories like belts, ties, scarves, and jewelry. Some spaces also include valets for pairing outfits.
Just because the reach in closet is geared toward functionality doesn’t mean creativity isn’t welcome. Add stylish extras like LED lighting or moldings. Mirrored doors are also both stylish and functional.
More Closets for Customizing
Bedroom closets are a much sought-after custom creation. Closet Factory designers provide a wealth of knowledge and ideas for other closets throughout the home.
Closet Factory Pittsburgh’s organizational services are certainly not limited to bedroom closets. “We do so much,” says Walters. “We organize all areas of the home, including offices, laundry rooms, and mud rooms. We’re also seeing a trend in flex spaces. For example, if someone has a home office and wants to convert it to a guest room, wall beds or Murphy beds are gaining in popularity.”
For a pantry closet, adding pullout shelves for storage of appliances makes them easily accessible and aids in sustaining a well-organized space. Customized wine storage solutions provide a practical yet stylish means to store your wine collection. And a well-designed mudroom provides a transition space between the muddy outdoors and your clean floors. Other customizations to consider are custom laundry closets designed to make the washing process more efficient and less time-consuming. Often overlooked in the process of customizing storage is the garage. A custom closet designer can help you declutter and organize your garage and even add a touch of style. The bonus: you can actually use the garage for parking your vehicles.
Before you Begin, Consider Your Style of Organization
In determining the best steps for assisting homeowners with a custom closet, your Closet Factory designer works with you to uncover your unique personality: the minimalist, the perfectionist, and the sentimentalist.
Decluttering isn’t difficult for a minimalist. Minimalists only keep items they love and use often. They also have a place for everything, and generally, everything is always in its place. Rooms may already be simple and organized, but even a minimalist can benefit from upgrading standard rod and shelf closets with adjustable shelves and baskets or cubbies for more flexible storage.
For the perfectionist, organization comes naturally with color-coded and clearly labeled storage. Add to that perfection by integrating charging stations, jewelry dividers, personal safes and valet rods into custom storage areas throughout the home.
For a sentimentalist, saying goodbye to memory-evoking items is difficult. However, there are numerous ways to hold on to those treasures while maintaining a customized organizational system. These sentimental treasures can be placed in a custom designed storage without adding to visual clutter.
In Conclusion
Remember, your home is one of your greatest investments and the investment you put into creating well-designed custom closets can add significant value to your home. Consider using quality hardware and products to ensure your closets will appeal not only to you but also to potential future buyers. NH