9 Mistakes to avoid when designing your custom closet
Your custom closet project should be exciting and transformative, but most importantly it should simplify tasks in your everyday life. The last thing you want at the end of your project is to be left with regret or feeling as if you missed something.
We’ve been building custom closets, garages, pantries, mudrooms and more in the Kansas City area for over ten years. We’ve built everything from super customized, two story closets to simple reach in closets. We want you to feel educated and knowledgeable about the custom closet process, so we can help you design the space you’ve dreamed of.
To make the most out of your custom closet design process, we rounded up a list of common mistakes homeowners make so you can avoid them!
1. Didn’t add the custom closet features they wanted
A huge mistake homeowners can make with their new custom closet is skipping out on features. Drawers, baskets, belt racks, tie racks, valet rods, jewelry trays, ironing board and laundry hampers are just a few of the accessories that can be added to your custom closet or pantry. If there’s a feature that will add efficiency to your daily routines – be sure that you include it! Adding these features also ensure that you’re able to maintain the organization system in your custom closet.
2. Match trim level of your closet to the rest of your home
Your custom closet should be an extension of your home. You don’t want to overbuild your new space, but you don’t want to under build it either. We generally try to match the overall feel and aesthetic of your home. We have many finishes and trim levels to choose from but unlike other companies, we will not upsell you at every turn.
Just as important as the features inside your custom closet, is how your custom closet looks as soon as you walk in.
3. Not creating enough shoe storage in your custom closet
Shoe storage within a custom closet can be tricky. Its important to manage space efficiently while ensuring your shoes aren’t left on the ground. The problem with storing shoes on the floor of your closet is it’s extremely easy for them to be pushed into the corners of the closet making it hard to find them.
The most efficient way to store shoes is on flat, adjustable shelving but we can customize your space to fit shoe boxes or plastic bins. Don’t make the mistake of leaving out shoe storage during your custom closet design process.
4. Not maximizing all available space
One of the biggest custom closet design errors is not making the most of the space that is available. Every inch matters when trying to improve storage space. Most closets do not take advantage of vertical space even if it is for seasonal or less frequently used items.
5. Making every area functional – including tight corners
It’s important to maximize every inch of your closet, but most closets fail when it comes to the corners. A properly designed space should utilize the corners but also leave enough clearance to access them. This ensures that your custom closet has plenty of storage without ever feeling cluttered.
6. Forgetting to add drawers in your closet
A well-designed custom closet should allow you to get completely dressed between the shower and the closet. This will allow you to eliminate expensive and bulky furniture in your bedroom and also allows you to get ready for your day without disturbing your partner. Drawers are a critical part of this mission. Adding in enough drawer space allows you to eliminate bulky dressers you may be keeping in your master bedroom. There are many types of drawer types, including divided drawers that allow you to easily maintain your organization system.
7. Not visualizing the space beforehand (3D rendering)
There are two ways custom closet companies will show you how your future closet will look. Some companies will do a rendering by a hand sketch or drawing. After measuring the space, a design consultant will sit down and sketch out how your custom closet could look. The issue with this approach its extremely time consuming to receive the initial sketch and difficult to accommodate design changes.
A 3D rendering of your space allows you to very clearly see how your new custom closet will look – and make changes in real time. You won’t be able to tell from a 2D sketch if your closet will feel roomy enough, or if shelves need to be deeper, etc. Having a 3D visual will help you make better, more informed decisions about your closet. We prefer this method, and create all of our designs using 3D modeling!
8. Declutter beforehand
When the time comes for your custom closet to be installed, you’ll have to clear the room. That’s right, you’ll have to remove everything from your closet. While this can seem like a terrifying thought, it is a great opportunity to purge some of your unused items. We recommend doing this before you have to clear your closet for a few reasons:
- First, decluttering before your custom closet is installed will give you an idea of what you truly need room for. For example, you may not need as much shoe storage as you originally intended and can make room for more drawers or jewelry organizers!
- Second, decluttering will allow you to “start fresh” in your new closet without being bogged down by unworn or outdated clothing items.
9. Forgetting jewelry/watch/sunglass storage space
One of the biggest mistakes you can make with your custom is not adding enough space particularly space for jewelry and accessories. Depending on the size of your collection, accessory storage can be designed with minimal tradeoff to your clothes space.
There are many accessory storage solutions. From divided drawers to built in organizers, hooks, and more. We’ve even installed safes (large and small) in closets to help keep valuables safe. Regardless of the size or specific needs of your jewelry and accessories collection, don’t skimp on ensuring there’s a custom solution for it in your closet.
Is a custom closet worth it?
According to the National Association of Realtors Research Group’s 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, installing a custom closet has an 83% cost recovery and tied for the highest “Joy Score” – receiving a perfect 10/10. Investing in a custom closet not only adds functionality and greatly improves the livability of your space, but is also a highly sought-after feature from home buyers. Rest assured knowing that your custom closet is a great investment in your home in the short and long term.
Next Steps
Prior to your consultation, pull together some pictures of custom closets you love and make a list of must have accessories. This will help your closet designer better understand your goals and must-haves. We have several galleries on our website where you can get inspired.
After your initial consultation with us, we create a digital, 3D design of your space. This allows you to visualize and make changes in real time. We’ve heard form many clients before that viewing a drawing is simply not a helpful enough visual to truly understand what your space will look like.
We have transformed thousands of closets, pantries and garages in the Kansas City area. We’re proud of the stellar reputation we’ve earned from the community. We would love to see if we’d be a good fit for your project. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today!
