Closet Design: the Style Elements That Give Your Closet the Kind of Look You Want
In closet design it is best, but not necessary, to get the right floor plan first and then think about the looks. One reason to proceed like this is that some elements of style depend on the different parts you have in your closet. If there are no drawers or doors, there are also no raised panels.
Raised Panels on Doors and Drawers
Raised panels give a particular look. Whether you choose raised panels or not depends mostly on your style preferences, and it depends on the rest of the house. If you have raised panels on your bathroom cabinets for instance, you may choose them for your closet or not. You can match the color of the wood, but not use raised panels. If you do not have raised panels in the bathroom, I would not put them in the closet either, unless you are very clear that is your preference.
Raised panels belong in a more traditional home, they do not belong in a very contemporary home, where there are no raised panels anywhere else.
Base and Top Molding
Base and top molding come in various styles, traditional or modern, elaborate or very plain. Whatever style you may choose in your closet design, do remember you cannot put things on the top shelf if you have crown molding, and if you did it would defeat the purpose.
In some cases, a closet may be built to the ceiling, and the molding covers the top shelf and connects it to the ceiling.
Base molding is a must if you want the closet to have a finished look. If you choose more contemporary features, you can get away with just a toe kick like you have in the kitchen.
When choosing a molding, make sure it works with the moldings in the house. The closet should not have a more elaborate molding than the ones on the ceiling in the adjacent rooms.
Edges of Panels and Shelves
Edges can be straight or soft (rounded). I find straight looks more contemporary, soft more traditional. If you have young children, you may prefer the soft edge, as it is less sharp.
Woodgrain and Backing
If you choose a woodgrain look, you probably want to have backing, which gives more of a cabinetry look. Another advantage of backing is that you do not need to fix the holes left from tearing out the old closet.
Some woodgrains have a very strong personality, the grain is very visible, and you want to make sure they are compatible with your hardwood floors. With carpeting, a woodgrain will stand out more.
Darker woodgrains are rarely picked in very small walk in closets, because they make them feel smaller and also darker.
Antique White
Antique White (or off-white) is a wonderful choice that works with almost anything. Sometimes when there is a very rich looking or very interesting hardwood (or bamboo) floor, you want the Antique White. In this case the closet will serve you just as well, but will kind of disappear so the floor comes out in all its beauty.
You can add backing to the Antique White and give it a very finished look, and when you paint the closet later on, you do not need to paint the walls.
Finally, I have seen walk in closets with pieces of antique furniture integrated into the closet design. If you want the antique piece to stand out more, Antique White is one way to go, especially in homes with a blend of antique and modern.
Hardware, Knobs and Handles
Hardware, knobs and handles can add a very special and personal touch to your closet. They are usually matched to the hardware in the bathroom, especially when both spaces are close to each other. Within the closet, you may choose to match the rods, knobs, handles, tie racks, belt racks, valet rods, and any other accessories you have picked.
Inset Shelves, Doors and Drawers
Some companies offer this very elegant option. The panels will be 1" deeper than the doors, drawers and shelves.
Be Creative
Today's custom closets make it possible to be creative and have fun with so many combinations of style and looks. From the very bare, more contemporary looks, to the most sophisticated, high end styles, you can pick and choose all the details for your closet that will give you the most pleasure and uplift you every time you use it.
Closets are typically about organization and storage, but they can mean a lot more as you use your creativity and fantasy to define the looks of the spaces you step into daily. A major source of joy with my work as a closet designer is to access the dreams of my clients and to create with them the closet design that suits them the best in every way.
Consider Home Value
One last consideration when designing a closet is to look at the overall value of your house, and not over-design or under-design too much, unless you are very clear on your reasons for doing so. A custom built closet is a permanent fixture in your house that you will leave behind when you move. It almost always increases the value and desirability of your home. Again, an experienced closet designer will be able to suggest options that match the overall details and style of your home. She can tell you what most people choose most of the time for their closet design.
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