Whether you are renovating a home that you’ve been living in for a while now, or you are designing a brand new place for yourself, one thing is absolutely for sure. You will want to make choices that align with your vision and your preferences. And, well, a custom walk-in closet can definitely be a great addition to the space, as it is more than a luxury upgrade. It is actually an investment in organization, functionality, comfort, as well as aesthetics. Here is what it is.
To cut right to the chase, a nicely designed walk-in closet is sure to help you create a space that will be tailored to your lifestyle, your wardrobe and your accessories. It is no wonder, therefore, that more and more people are opting for this solution. After all, it can be extremely beneficial for pretty much anyone.
Now, since these custom closets are designed specifically for your home, you have to carefully think about what it is that you want it to look like. And what it is that you want to achieve with it. Before committing to the project, thus, you need to have some kind of a plan, and you need to know what to consider before actually investing.
There is the layout planning, for one thing. Then, there are the materials. Of course, there are also your future storage needs. In short, there are quite a few things that you have to take into account in order to get lasting value from your investment, and we are now going to take a closer look at some of the most important ones.
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Consider Your Storage Needs First
Unsurprisingly, one of the first things you will have to consider here is, of course, the storage space. A lot of homeowners make the mistake of designing their closets around appearance alone, and thus completely ignoring functionality. This, however, is not a good idea.
Thus, before you even start talking with designers, make sure to take inventory of everything that you are planning on storing in the space. From hanging and folded clothing, to shoes and accessories, as well as luggage and sports equipment if you have any, or anything else you have in mind. Understanding what it is that you want to fit inside the walk-in closet will allow you to create a design that will consist of a combination of sections that will work for you, and a design that will be tailored around your actual lifestyle.
Consider Your Daily Routine as Well
Moving on, you should also take your daily routine into account, because there is absolutely no doubt that the closet should make the process of getting ready each day much easier for you. So, think about your routine and plan around it, so as to create a more efficient space where everything has its logical place. The design should support your lifestyle and your daily routine instead of forcing you into a kind of a system that simply doesn’t work for you that well.
Think About the Available Space
Now, what you should keep in mind is that not every space will be the same. Meaning, thus, that you want a custom walk-in closet design that will maximize the space you actually have, regardless of whether it is small or large. Custom designs can use everything from vertical storage to corner shelving and even built-in cabinetry and adjustable hanging rods, thus ensuring that every single inch of your available space is used appropriately.
Go for Quality Materials
Since we are talking about a custom design, it should be completely logical to you that you can choose among a wide range of materials and finishes. And, well, you should do your best to go for great quality materials, as those will offer greater durability, better resistance to scratches, stronger shelving, better hardware performance, as well as improved moisture resistance. Sure, those premium finishes could increase the initial costs, but the truth is that they will reduce maintenance needs and extend the lifespan of your closet, which is definitely a huge plus in the long run.
Don’t Ignore the Lighting
It is not uncommon for people to think only about the shelving and the use of the space, and to ignore the lighting completely in the process. This, however, is not a good idea. After all, lighting can dramatically affect not only the appearance, but also the functionality of your custom walk-in closet.
Poor lighting will, clearly, make it difficult for you to see inside the drawers, locate accessories, and even distinguish colors. On the other hand, great lighting will improve visibility, while also enhancing the overall experience of using the actual space. So, consider LED strip lighting, under-shelf lighting, motion-activated lighting, recessed ceiling fixtures, as well as accent lighting for display areas, and similar features.
Consider Your Whole Home’s Style
Of course, functionality is important. But, when trying to design a great walk-in closet for yourself (more info on whether you should go for this option), remember that aesthetics will still matter. So, the idea is for the design to complement the rest of your home. You want the styles to match.
Consider Resale Value
Finally, you should also consider the resale value. Sure, this may not be the first thing on your mind. But, the truth is that a custom walk-in closet can definitely increase your home’s appeal to future buyers. So, invest in something timeless to make the space attractive to a wider range of buyers.
Holding a Master’s in Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin, Emily Rodriguez has dedicated more than two decades to the art and science of building renovation. Starting her journey in historic preservation, she developed a profound respect for blending old with new in building design. Emily became a vital part of our team in 2019, renowned for her insightful and innovative renovation tips. She has been leading our DIY home improvement series since ever since, where she shares her wealth of knowledge in turning outdated spaces into modern havens. When not engaged in writing or consulting, Emily is a passionate advocate for heritage conservation and enjoys exploring vintage architecture, a hobby that complements her professional expertise.
