By EG on July 9

Organizing your closet can be a rewarding project. Properly designed closets make it easier for us to get dressed, cook, clean, restock supplies, and improve our daily routines. Poorly designed closets create undue stress, frustration, and depression.

I just redid three closets in my new Miami apartment; the master bedroom, the kitchen pantry, and the washer/dryer room. Initially, they were nearly empty, with just a single shelf and basic hanging racks (see Before pic at end of article). Not functional at all, but at least I had a lot of space with which to work.

I had to choose between buying a custom closet or standard closet organizers. The custom closet was more expensive. The standard closet organizers could be assembled like Lego's. Much less expensive, but would not look as good and I would need to do a lot of the work with planning and assembling.

After comparing costs, styles, purpose, and utility, I decided to invest in a more permanent solution. Given my plans to keep the apartment long-term, whether for living or renting, this seemed like the best option. Below, I’ll share my decision-making process and my before and after pics.

Defining Your Closet Goals:

Before diving into specific solutions, it’s essential to define your goals for your closet. Consider how you want to use the space and what features are most important.

• Functionality: Determine the primary use. Is it mainly for clothes, shoes, supplies, accessories, or a combination?

• Style: Think about the aesthetic you want to achieve. Do you prefer a minimalist look, a luxurious feel, or a more traditional style?

• Space: Assess the available space and consider how to make the most of it. Small closets require different solutions than large walk-in options.

Essential Closet Storage Solutions:

Effective storage is the backbone of a well-organized closet. Here are some essential storage ideas to keep your space tidy and efficient.

• Shelving Units: Shelving is crucial for organizing folded clothes, shoes, and accessories. The ClosetMaid ShelfTrack Wire Shelving System is versatile and adjustable, available at Home Depot and Amazon.

• Drawer Units: Drawers help keep smaller items organized and out of sight. The IKEA Kallax Insert with 2 Drawers is a budget-friendly and stylish option.

• Hanging Rods: Maximize vertical space with additional hanging rods. The Rubbermaid Configurations Deluxe Closet Kit includes extra rods and shelves, available at Lowe’s and Amazon.

• Shoe Racks: Keep your footwear organized and easily accessible. The Seville Classics 3-Tier Shoe Rack is sturdy and expandable, available at Target and Amazon.

Designing a Closet Island:

For larger walk-in closets, incorporating an island can add both storage and a touch of luxury. Here’s how to design and integrate a functional island effectively.

• Functionality: Use the island for additional drawers, shelves, or even a seating area. You can repurpose the Sauder HomePlus Storage Cabinet as an island base, offering ample storage space.

• Style: Choose materials and finishes that complement the rest of the space. The Armoire Bedroom Wardrobe Closet Island with Glass Drawer provides a sleek, modern look and is available at Amazon and Wayfair.

• Lighting: Ensure the island area is well-lit. The Lithonia Lighting LED Wraparound Fixture offers bright, energy-efficient lighting, available at Home Depot. I also like the recessed light strips that you can put on the floor base or high up on the back of the highest cabinets. When turned on not only do they look really cool, but they also provide sufficient lighting to get something out of the closet without blinding you or waking up a partner.

Innovative Design Ideas:

Creating a closet that’s both functional and stylish involves incorporating innovative design ideas. Here are some concepts to inspire your transformation.

• Open Shelving: Open shelving allows easy access to items and adds a modern touch. The IKEA BROR Shelving Unit is robust and stylish, ideal for a contemporary closet design.

• Glass-Front Cabinets: Glass-front cabinets add elegance and make it easy to see stored items. The IKEA HEMNES Glass-Door Cabinet is perfect for showcasing shoes or accessories.

• Built-In Seating: A built-in bench or seating area can add luxury and convenience. The ClosetMaid Impressions Corner Unit includes a bench and is available at Home Depot.

Personalized Touches:

Adding personalized touches can make your closet feel unique and tailored to your needs.

• Decorative Boxes: Decorative boxes can store items while adding style. The Bigso Box of Sweden Storage Box is both functional and attractive, available at The Container Store.

• Mirrors: A full-length mirror is essential for any closet. The IKEA NISSEDAL Mirror is a sleek and affordable option.

Maximizing Small Closet Space:

If you’re working with a small closet, maximizing space is crucial. Here are some tips to make the most of a compact area.

• Vertical Storage: Use vertical space for shelves and hanging rods. The ClosetMaid Vertical Closet Organizer maximizes vertical storage, available at Home Depot.

• Over-the-Door Storage: Utilize door space with over-the-door organizers. The SimpleHouseware Over Door Hanging Organizer is perfect for shoes and accessories, available at Amazon.

• Under-Bed Storage: Store seasonal items under the bed to free up closet space. The Zober Under Bed Storage Bags are durable and spacious, available at Amazon and Walmart.

Convenient Places to Purchase Closet Items:

Here are some recommended retailers for purchasing the items mentioned above:

• Home Depot: Offers a wide range of storage solutions, shelving, and lighting.

• Amazon: Provides a vast selection of closet organization items with the convenience of online shopping.

• IKEA: Known for affordable and stylish storage units and furniture.

• Lowe’s: Excellent for closet kits, pull-out racks, and storage accessories.

• Target: Offers budget-friendly and practical storage solutions.

• Wayfair: Great for finding unique and stylish closet furniture.

• The Container Store: Specializes in storage and organization products.
  
  

Practical Tips for Your Ideal Design:

• Plan Ahead: Sketch your closet layout and decide where each item will go. Measure your space to ensure all items fit perfectly.

• Declutter: Before organizing, declutter your closet by donating or discarding items you no longer need.

• Prioritize Accessibility: Store frequently used items at eye level and less-used items in higher or lower areas.

• Use Quality Materials: Invest in durable materials to ensure your closet remains functional and stylish for years.

Practical Tips for Your Ideal Design:

I decided to hire a professional to ensure a long-lasting, Japandi-style closet. After receiving three quotes, I considered Closets by Design for their custom solutions and free consultation. They offer various types of closets to help you save space and stay organized.

These include walk-in, reach-in, and wardrobe closets. Each type serves a different purpose and you can customize it to fit your needs. However, I had concerns about their attention to detail and measurements, which made me hesitant.

Inspired Closets Miami impressed me with their personalized storage solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Their collaborative design process and meticulous attention stood out, making me feel confident in the end result. Although their price was about 15% higher, I believed they would deliver better results. 

And as you can see, the outcome is fantastic!