Gillett Cole - Build your own custom closet: designing, building & installing custom closet systems

Designing, Building & Installing Custom Closet Systems

Considering Closets

Life is ever changing. Wouldnt it be nice if your closet changed with your lifestyle? Well, wish no longer. Custom closets are modular, and with modularity comes versatility. The modular innovation phenomenon, or better known as the custom closet phenomenon, has been around since the 1970s. In this book well explore both traditional and contemporary (modular) approaches to installing the perfect closet for your specific needs. The traditional building techniques incorporate standard joinery methods and well-known materialsnamely wood and plywoodwhile the new methods use melamine and specialty modular hardware. By modular we mean adjustable. Adjustability is achieved with European design (most notably in hardware and fasteners).

One of the biggest drawbacks to standard rod-and-shelf closets is that they dont maximize the vertical space of your wall. In a typical closet with an 8-foot ceiling, thats a tremendous amount of wasted space. Custom closets, on the other hand, do take advantage of this precious wall space by using a practice known as double hanging. By stacking (or double hanging) your clothes, you free up wall space for more storage. With more hanging and storage space available to you, you have the ability to have a place for everything and everything in its place.

Custom closets dont just have to be about function and utility. We spend much time and money decorating our bedrooms and living spaces. Why should our closets be any different? Consider using products that match the rest of the hardware and wood finishes in your home. If nothing else, you can take great comfort knowing a custom closet protects the sizeable investment you make in your wardrobe. When items have a designated hanging spot or are folded neatly on a shelf, they look better and last longer. While function and utility are important, appearance can be just as important with custom closets.

Inspiration

Knowing exactly what you want to store in your closet helps with the initial planning and designing stages. By using modular units and adjustable shelving, you can adjust your closest to fit your needs over time. In this section well share with you the closet systems, styles, and features that have made the contemporary closet the new Rolls-Royce in home design.

A creative way to maximize your closet space using both a wall-hung and floor-based system. The floor-based system expands storage from floor to ceiling, while the wall-hung section allows space below for hanging clothes and extra floor storage as needed.

Heres a nice illustration of how closet accessories are becoming more innovative as the custom closet industry matures and becomes more sophisticated.

With a contemporary feel, this floor-based closet system offers a nice balance of hanging and shelving. The mirrored effect the closet has makes for equal his and hers space, keeping sides well defined while also orderly and neat.

For those who truly want the best in function, materials, and design, this closet is loaded! With features such as designer glass, crown molding, a hidden ironing board, raised drawer fronts, and a center island, this closet feels more like a room than a closet.

This beautiful maple wall-hung closet system makes the most out of this reach-in closet. The double-hang section is smartly mounted on the return wall to make the hanging clothes more accessible.

For those with a sophisticated modern palette, this closet is for you. With its impressive blend of steel wall rails, bright orange drawers, and dark wood veneer cabinet doorsnot to mention the recessed lights and matching wall paintheres a closet that would make Frank Lloyd Wright proud.

Dont forgetor underestimate the importance ofthe doors. Closet doors add design chic to any room. Here, these simple sliding doors add visual punch to an entire wall.

Sliding doors are a decorative option for smaller closet spaces as well. Translucent doors allow the light of the closet to be shared with the accompanying room without personal items being on display.

Simple bifold closet doors have the ability to make a design statement within any room. With some thought, your closet doors can reflect your personal style and add elegance to the room. Think of your door as a large piece of artwork hung on the wall.

This contemporary Euro-design closet system, with its stunning wood veneer finish and wardrobe lighting, is just the closet for finer attire that you want to protect.

Not just for clothing storage anymore, custom closets are perfect for pantries, too. This well-designed pantry makes the most of the space by offering smart storage solutions for dry goods, with roll-out chrome baskets, adjustable shelves for bottled and canned goods, vertical panels for cooking and baking ware, and lovely wine racks for your favorite merlot.