luxury closet trends

Organization is the driving force behind today’s homeowner’s search for closet customization, according to area experts. “Being better organized is the first requirement, followed by the ‘wow’ factor,” says Billy Williams of B. Williams Design.

“By the wow factor, I mean not only the show-off of the space, it’s also the wow you get when you walk in—everything in its place and you can find exactly what you’re looking for,” he says.

Reporting she is seeing the move toward better organization, Betty Anne Mills of Closets & More. “Simplify, purge, organize—that’s the mantra whether we’re designing a closet, pantry, garage or other space.

Matthew Dade of Designer Floors & Interiors says he is seeing the desire for better organization coupled with the desire for an elegant space in which to dress each morning.

“Custom and luxury have different meanings for us,” says Nanci Lewis of Premier Design Closets. “What is sold to most homeowners are semi-custom closets designed from precut and required factory sizes. With these standard sizes, creative and beautiful closets can be designed and accessories can be used to upgrade the closet.

“Premiere Design Closets offers various levels of closets, from basic to luxurious,” Lewis says. “For example, a closet mirror can be framed and mounted to the wall or boxed and recessed into the wall to hold accessories, or, the most luxurious option, is a three-way mirror with movable wings for storing the ‘royal jewels.’”

Luxury closets are designed to be an upgrade of the entire master suite and no matter how large the closet, it is seldom as large as one would like, according to Lewis. “Regardless of the size or cost of the home,  everyone wants to be better organized,” Lewis says.

“As the Baby Boomers age, there is a need for more convenience and safety designed into the closet—and all home storage.”

In agreement is Mindy Bledsoe of California Closets. “Very often our customer’s motivation in selecting a custom closet is to maximize the space they have, no matter how large or small. Of course it can be beautiful as well as functional,” she says.

“Everyone wants a bigger closet,” says Linda Gunter of Gunter Woodworking. “All it takes is a little extra space. Whether you take that space from up top, down below, or from an extra bedroom, space can be found,” she says. “Our job is to help you find that little extra space. We’re not miracle workers and we can’t develop a 200 sq. ft. closet out of thin air, but we can work to maximize what you have and make it as functional as possible.”

Amanda Sweeney of Just Design This says, “Organization is key. If you are not organized, your life can’t be either. It doesn’t matter how big your home is, everyone needs storage space. And custom is the best way to get all the possible square footage from a closet.”

Closets by Design designs, builds, and installs custom closets, garage cabinets, home offices, laundries, pantries, wardrobe mirror doors, and more, according to Sandra Sokol. “We offer a wide selection of finishes, accessories, and hardware,” she says.

Robin Case of Advantage Closets reports that customers come to her company in search of organization in their lives  and the desire for the aesthetic pleasure of having a closet as a beautiful retreat.

“Finishes range from a standard white melamine to a high end custom cherry wood finish,” Case says. “We have something to offer customers in all price points.”

Popular options in master closets include drawers and hampers, as well as ironing boards, mirrors, jewelry trays, and valet rods, according to Tom Quarantello of Classic Blinds and Closets.

Mills says, “A few years ago clients were content to let us design their spaces completely for them. Now, the process has become much more interactive, which is wonderful, and the homeowner gets a better design and we are able to furnish better solutions.”

Aaron Walker of David Patton Construction, who works with California Closets, reports that many clients are incorporating drawers in closets to replace a traditional piece of bedroom furniture. “This creates a dressing room with everything within reach, much more convenient than just a closet and ideal for couples with different schedules.”

The experts agree that while many homeowners prefer white or cream colored closets, the trend is toward wood finishes—in melamine and hardwood veneers. Frank Floyd of The Closet Company says darker woodgrains and mocha and espresso finishes are being combined with oiled rubbed bronze and nickle fixtures.

There are a number of sources for custom closets in the Nashville area including:

Advantage Closets
Nashville
615/ 833-3425

B. Williams Design
Nashville
615/ 300-8688

California Closets
Nashville
615/ 367-1030

Classic Blinds and Closets
Franklin
615/ 794-0324

Closet Company, The
Nashville
615/ 742-1955

Closets & More
Nashville
615/ 312-7103

Closets by Design
Franklin
615/ 261-8700

David Patton Construction
Goodlettsville
615/ 859-0240

Decorating Den Interiors
Nashville
615/ 469-7334

Designer Floors & Interiors
Nashville
615/ 646-2292

French’s Cabinet Gallery
Brentwood
615/ 371-8385

Gunter Woodworking
Murfreesboro
615/ 893-5722

Just Design This
Auburntown, TN
615/ 578-4738

More Space Place
Nashville
615/ 771-0596

Premier Design Closets
Nashville
615/ 385-1641

tips for organizing your closet

1. Downsize your wardrobe. If you haven’t worn the item in the last  
six months, donate, purge, or recycle.

2. Organize your closet in sections (informal vs. formal wear, shoes  
and accessories, etc.), then, organize each section in the order in  
which you would dress.

3. Create a system for your items. Organize by color, brand, fabric,  
cut, etc.

4. Replace your hangers. Omit flimsy dry cleaner hangers and replace  
them with good quality hangers.

5. Use narrow pull-out shelves for easy access and so smaller items  
don't hide at the back of the shelf.
6. Organize shoes just as you would sort your clothes. Again, keep,  
purge, recycle, or donate.

7. Designate a dirty laundry area. Make sure everything in your  
closet has a space and is always kept in its place.

8. Include a landing table (island or pull-out table) for easy  
packing and folding garments.

9. Invest in pull-down swing rods in taller closets. With the swing  
of a rod you can pull your clothes down to eye level.

10. Compartmentalize small items making it easier to locate belts,  
ties, and jewelry.