Planning It
In many homes, closets are dark spaces too narrow to even accommodate a hanger. There are no codes for closet size, depth or shape. In new construction, the space left for closets depends on the attitude of the designer or builder. The closet should not be an afterthought or what’s left of the space.
When we do a whole house, the closet is always part of the planning stage. Clients complete a closet questionnaire that asks such questions as:
- How many dresses do you have?
- How many trousers?
- How many pairs of shoes?
- How many folded items?
- How many belts?
- What type of storage is appealing for jewelry, lingerie and laundry?
We also ask clients how they envision their closet, whether it’s for storage, as a place to fold or iron laundry, or for putting on makeup. Lighting becomes important if people putting on makeup or dressing in their closet.
Ideally, we like to work with the builder or homeowner early on to plan these “personal spaces.” Most of the time, a builder will install inexpensive systems and leave it up to the homeowner to upgrade. We try to promote putting the closet into the planning stages of the home and creating a budget for it.
Design It
Schrapper’s designs and installs panel systems that hold adjustable drawers and shelves, as well as more spectacular customizable component systems. When designing a closet for an existing home, square, not angled walls are important. Doors that swing out from the closet, light switches on the outside of the closet are helpful. A typical closet system is 14-to 24 inches in depth, so you have to leave that in the corners by the windows or doors.
We promote closets with built-ins, keeping costs down making laminate systems appear built in. Veneer or foil doors give a great look while being very modestly priced. You can have a custom closet at half the cost of a wood system with doors and still get all the gadgets, pull-outs, and hanging mechanisms.
View our custom closets photo gallery