Design Notes
One of the best features of any bedroom is the closet. This is the place where not just your clothes go, but a myriad of other objects as well. As it is considered one of the more functional areas in the room, this means it has certain obligations to meet, including sufficient space and storage capacity. Few things frustrate a homeowner as much as a dysfunctional closet that is a hazard every time the door is opened. Having one that is designed according to your needs, with ways to keep everything organized and in its proper place, is a dream come true. Of course, while closets need to be functional, they can also be stylish and ever personalized to your particular needs. Let’s talk about what goes into designing the perfect walk-in closet.
The Purpose Of A Walk-In Closet
It is always good to understand the purpose of each feature in the home, and the walk-in closet is no exception. The primary purpose of any closet is storage and functionality, but a walk-in closet is a step up, as it allows for more than just clothes and shoes to be tucked away. It is designed to be the ultimate closet, featuring all the essentials you need to personalize your space and access your most frequently used items with ease, while also storing the necessary items throughout the year. It is a popular choice for more than just the master bedroom, now with the option of extending into multiple rooms within the home. Children’s bedrooms can benefit from a walk-in closet, as it helps them keep their space clean. A home office with a walk-in closet can be transformed into an extra space for storing supplies and even a bonus area tailored to your profession, such as a space for creating or drawing. A walk-in closet gives you the space to personalize it to match your specific storage and style needs.
The Advantages Of A Walk-In Closet
Typically, the first advantage that comes to mind with a walk-in closet is the large space, but there are several more reasons why they are a good addition to include in your renovation or layout design, such as:
- Duel purpose
- Specialized storage
- Organization
While a walk-in closet’s primary purpose is to store clothes, if it is large enough, it can also double as a dressing room and even a makeup area if you place a vanity inside. Because the typical size is a small room, additional furniture pieces and lighting can be installed inside this space, providing more space in your bathroom for other items. This is also a great feature that allows both you and your partner to get ready simultaneously. Some homeowners even have an island in their walk-in closet, providing extra storage and a place to fold laundry. Organization is a key component to every area in the home, but the closet can quickly become the dreaded zone in a room because we often just throw or drop items inside. Designating areas with shelves, drawers, and rods makes it easier to stay organized, allowing you to keep everything in its designated place. A walk-in closet also means having a place where you can store larger items that you may use throughout the year, such as extra blankets or seasonal bedding like thicker comforters for winter versus summer. Having a walk-in closet is more than just having a place to store shirts and suits; it’s a space that offers convenience and organization. It is the extra space you need for a functional part of your bedroom.
Design Tips For A Walk-In Closet
You know you want to upgrade your current closet to a walk-in one, but what should you include, and where do you even start? Begin with the location. Will you need to expand your current closet, and how does that affect the layout in your bedroom? Is there space that can be transferred to your closet without it costing you usable space? Answering these questions helps your designer know where to begin. Then consider what you want to accomplish with your closet. Does it need to store more than just your clothes? Will you want to store extra bedding and turn it into a dressing room? What about adding some custom features, such as a shoe shelf and pull-outs for your accessories? Having custom-built-ins is also a great asset to your design because it maximizes the space you have, such as the walls. If you have a smaller area to work with or need to maximize storage, built-ins are the ideal solution. Additionally, they help reduce clutter since most of your items will have their own designated space. Lighting will be another key factor in your closet, especially if it doesn’t have a window. There are several ways to incorporate lighting into your closet design, such as LED strips in the shelving or even closed cabinets. This is a great option and uses less power than traditional lighting. Ventilation is another key ingredient in a good walk-in closet design, helping your clothes stay fresh and keeping the area feeling open instead of cramped.
Walker WoodworkingOne of the main questions asked during the design meeting is what color the owners want for their kitchen cabinets. Were they looking to do a natural wood or a color instead? While many will opt to do the wood, many enjoy adding a splash of color to their kitchen or mixing and matching. It is a great way to break up the area and create a focal point, but with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? While it is up to you in the end, there are three colors that have stood out for some time and will most likely continue to do so. White, gray, and blue remain high on the selection chart, so let’s talk about these popular colors and why they may be the right fit for you.
Walker WoodworkingWhile the kitchen was often viewed as the place where food was merely prepped and served, it has transitioned into a command center as people gather to talk or enjoy a snack while getting some work done. Layouts have slowly shifted to accommodate this change, which has produced the open concept. This floor plan allows families to stay connected even when they are doing things in different areas of the home. While not as popular as it was in the 1990s and early 2000s, many families still choose this floor plan because of their desire to stay close to their family and guests. Today, we want to discuss the open floor concept, the elements that make it up, and if it is the right fit for your family.
Greenbrook DesignYou have just waved goodbye to your last child as they head out to college. While you adjust to not having kids in the house, you also begin to realize that you now have more space, but you’re not sure what to do with it. There are many ways to reuse the space, expand existing spaces, or make room for something new. Let’s take a look at the design possibilities available to you.
In the second of our three-part series on selection tips, we want to focus on tile. Backsplash, shower walls, and flooring are just a few of the many uses for tile since it is beautiful, durable, and timeless. Sometimes considered a small part of the design, it has the potential to make a big impact on the design. Here are some helpful tips when choosing tile.
While cabinets tend to be the focal point of the main spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms, it is the details that add the final touch to the design. The selection process can be one of the highlights of the design phase, but it can also be overwhelming with multiple styles, colors, and options. In this three-part series, we want to give our best tips for the top three categories of selections and help make this as enjoyable and simple as possible. Our focus today is hardware.
Walker Woodworking