Your closet as a room

I really think all new construction should have 2 things.  Amazing laundry facilities, and closets that are an actual room designed for storing our clothing.  All of us could benefit from it, and really, isn't it just a re-distribution of space?   Does it need to be saved for ultra-high end projects, when it is really just a matter of planning?  (Maybe I should take my ideas on the road, I'll let you know what happens!)  Anyhow, I struggled with my laundry facilities and my closet space my whole life, until I moved into this great house (not ultra high) with a closet that is actually a room, and 2 sets of washers and dryers.  I love it here!  Here is a great picture of a closet that is treated like a room with painted walls, an upholstered bench, art on the wall, and an area rug.

It needs more clothes and shoes on the shelves to make it real, but it is great inspiration!

Creating more space in your closet

We can't create more space in our closets.  (Unless we remodel.  I can help you with that, of course, if you want. http://www.roetterconstruction.com/ )  Since we can't create more space in our existing closet, let's think about "maximized space utilization."   I think I will change that to "maximum accessible space utilization."

I recently designed a closet where I left a little room on the shoe shelves for flexible space.  It was designed so the tops of the plastic shoe containers don't hang up on themselves when pulling them in and out, and it left a little flex space for some larger sized shoe boxes. I thought I was making it more accesible for my client.  Even though there was no possible way another pair of shoes could fit across the space, my dear and sweet client was dissapointed because I made the shelf "too small" for another box of shoes to fit across.  She seemed happy with my explanation about the lids, and the flex space for larger boxes, until the conversation ended with her comment that she might be able to stuff a handbag in there and use up that space.  My helpful hint of the day is that when you "stuff things in" you end up with the same situation you started with.  A closet that isn't very functional.  If you have a hard time finding it, or taking it out, you won't want to wear it or use it.
Dividing the larger space of the closet into smaller, more manageable segements that fit the size and shape of your clothing and accessories is the way to get more storage from the same amount of space.  The picture here is a great example.  Each of the different types of garments are grouped together.  In the drawers would be socks, underwear and shorts,(the smaller drawers) sweats, and jeans. (the deeper drawers) There are shelves below and above the slacks, again dividing and organizing the space. The more types of clothing  and accessories you have, the more divided the space should be.  Think about having things accessible now that you have a nicely organized space.  NO STUFFING ALLOWED!