From Cluttered to Curated: 5 Steps to the Perfect Closet

Longing for a custom walk-in closet that gives you the feeling you’re walking into a boutique every time you go to get dressed? A well-appointed closet, whether it’s a walk-in closet or a small reach-in can look fabulous along with offering the best in storage solutions. When it comes to organizing a beautiful closet, our team makes sure to know your needs and your lifestyle to best design the space for you. Finding a place for all your items from your belts, purses, hats and accessories thoughtfully arranged is essential for the look and feel of your closet.

If you’re tired of wasting time searching and sifting through a sea of clothes to find something, it might be the perfect time to create a space that’s full of smart storage solutions to help you save time and energy. There’s a certain peace that comes from knowing your possessions are organized, cared for, and presented for your use and enjoyment in the right way that makes you feel happy every time you step into your closet! We’ve put together several key steps to take to get started on your closet journey. 

The foundation of a functional walk-in closet starts with a well-thought-out layout. Before diving into design details, it’s important to take the time to assess your space and your storage needs. Do you want to store many floor-length dresses or is your shoe collection a priority? Do you like purses and luxury items including your clothes to be stored behind glass doors? 

Next, you’ll want to think about your storage needs. Are you looking to showcase an extensive wardrobe, organize accessories, or create a functional dressing area? Conducting an inventory of the specific types of clothing you’ll want to store can be quite helpful at this stage. 

Divide the space into zones, such as hanging areas, shelving, drawers, and shoe storage, ensuring that each section is easily accessible. Prioritize functionality by placing frequently used items at eye level and lesser-used pieces higher up or tucked away. Remember, a successful walk-in closet layout balances practicality with aesthetics.

A little pre-planning goes a long way to creating a cohesive, professionally-designed closet space. If you prefer a clean, contemporary look, consider an all-white, modern closet with sleek lines, minimal hardware, and integrated lighting. For a timeless appeal, a traditional style with rich wood finishes, elegant moldings, and classic hardware might be ideal. If you're drawn to charm and character, an Old World design, opt for darker woods with intricate details that create the inviting charm of a library or study. A French Country style closet could provide a softer, more airy and romantic vibe with distressed finishes, pastel hues, and ornate accents.

Once you’ve chosen your aesthetic, it’s time to meet with us to get your closet styled! We’ll walk you through some layouts in a 3D visual so you can see your closet come to life. You’ll want to decide on built-in system pieces with stationary rods that can’t be adjusted or ones that can be adjusted to accommodate anything you decide to store there. Well help guide you with the right  elements throughout the space to achieve a look that has a more of a boutique, curated feel.

Once we know everything you want to put back in your closet, we can work around a storage solution custom to those items. For instance, shoes can be stored in pull-out shelves and shirts and pants can also be hung on sliding pull-out rods. Open hanging rods suitable for jackets and suits should be paired with shelves and drawers above and below to maximize often overlooked empty spaces. Our team at The Lifestyle Lab will utilize every inch of closet space you have, particularly if your square footage is limited. Build your system up from floor to ceiling, with hard-to-reach spaces being reserved for out-of-season or rarely used items. 

Storing suits, shoes, sweaters, and pants are the obvious closet must-haves. But having a place for all of your smaller accessories is what truly makes your space super functional. We take special consideration for creating luxurious areas no matter what your budget may be for storing intimates, scarves, jewelry, hair accessories, and watches.

Part of the fun of designing your luxury closet is getting to deck it out with decorative touches, which allow the space to evolve from a bland storage space to a more luxurious living area. The first element to add is lighting. Integrated diffused lighting built into shelves and nooks will instantly bring a boutique feel to the space and show off your wardrobe collection. Also consider  a main source of lighting as a centerpiece to the space. A chandelier above an island can complete the look of a room, but even a smallish walk-in closet can benefit from a stylish overhead light.  Cabinet Hardware also plays a huge role on how your client will look. From pulls and knobs, there are a variety of amazing options that will transform the look of your space from modern to traditional to everything in between.

We’ll help you select the right hardware to complete the space, such as pulls, hooks, and handles, all with a similar finish for a consistent look. If space allows we’ll pull in some seating areas for trying on your shoes or sharing a glass of wine with a friend! We love to bring in the feeling of warmth to any closet by combining an area rug, pillows, and window treatments to make this space even more inviting and elegantly yours!

Now more than ever before, it’s not just about how materials look, but also how they impact the environment as a whole. The Lifestyle Lab has several options of different sustainable finishes to complete your space. Choosing sustainable closet materials not only minimize harm to the environment but also offer durability and aesthetic appeal.

In addition to these materials, there are eco-friendly options for other closet components. We have low-VOC (volatile organic compound) finishes and adhesives, which contribute to healthier indoor air quality by releasing fewer harmful chemicals. Natural fiber textiles like organic cotton, hemp, or linen can be used for closet liners or storage bins in place of plastic, adding a touch of softness while being kinder to the planet.

Taking a little time to design and create your dream closet that supports all of your storage needs will be an investment that returns the rewards of extra time, less stress, and greater peace of mind. Creating a sanctuary where you can look and feel your best is a priceless gift that each of us deserves to enjoy. Book a Discovery Call so we can get started on your dream closet!