Designing Your Dream Closet: Inspiration, Budgeting, and Trends
Designing Your Dream Closet: Inspiration, Budgeting, and Trends
Were you one of the millions of Sex and the City fans who fell in love with Carrie Bradshaw’s palatial closet? Do you look at your own with frustration and despair? While comparison may be the thief of joy, a cramped, underperforming closet may rob your life of convenience. Perhaps that’s why there are more than 67,000 closet “Ideabooks” on the online home design site Houzz. This may be the season for creating your dream closet.
Getting Started
Veteran closet designer Denise Butchko of Chicago-based Butchko and Company urges homeowners to plan their projects before hiring professionals or buying products. “Homeowners should think about what needs to be stored in the space,” she advises. The more thought you put into your needs upfront, the happier you’ll be with the final design. Determine your budget first, then align design, materials, and installation options accordingly.
Choosing the right professional is critical. “Any man with a van can sell you a design, but functionality depends on experience,” Butchko warns. Look for someone with:
- Closet-specific expertise
- A portfolio of completed projects
- Positive client references
Budgeting
While Carrie Bradshaw’s closet may be unattainable, affordable solutions exist. Material selection has the biggest price impact:
- Basic options: White melamine closets average $3,000–$5,000 for a walk-in.
- Premium materials: Maple or cherry designs more than double the cost.
- Custom features: Heavy safes or specialty installations increase expenses.
“Reuse existing structures or declutter to save space and money,” Butchko suggests. Move rarely worn items to secondary closets to minimize storage needs in your primary space.
Top Closet Design Trends
Ready to transform your space? Consider these trends:
1. Boutique-Inspired Layouts
Influenced by celebrity closets, homeowners crave a luxe retail experience. Islands are increasingly popular for folding, packing, and jewelry styling. Bench-equipped islands add seating and hidden storage.
2. Strategic Lighting
Energy-efficient LEDs dominate, with options for:
- Behind-shelf illumination
- Vertical cabinet lighting
- In-shelf accents
3. Functional Tech
Charging stations are emerging as closet staples, keeping devices powered during routines.
4. Elevated Textures
Composite materials mimic wood aesthetics at lower costs. Glass elements—in doors, drawers, or shelves—add airy sophistication.
Final Tips
Find certified closet professionals through the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals, or download planning resources from design firm websites to kickstart your project.
