How to Design a Luxury Closet WITHOUT a Kim Kardashian Budget

There’s nothing like my annual trip to the Closets Conference & Expo to get ANYONE with a pulse jazzed about closets (in general) or luxury closets (in particular). The best closet designers in the country attend this show which offers ideas and speaking topics like ‘Designing for the Future’ and ‘Luxury on a Budget’ (and hey- we know luxury on a budget is a hot topic because let’s face it, most of us have champagne tastes, but our budget is closer to that of a high-end craft beer – just keepin’ it real!).

And this got me to thinking (and yes, I know that’s dangerous). When most people think ‘luxury closet’ they ASSUME (and you know what that means) it’s out of their reach. However, I’m here to report to you this IS NOT the case!

And in this article it’s my goal to prove it to you – while also giving you mind-blowing luxury closet ideas. And I recognize you likely WILL NOT be incorporating all of them all in your closet. Towards this end here’s what I’ll cover:

• Section 1 – What is a luxury closet?
• Section 2 – What are the steps to create a luxury closet?
• Section 3 – What luxury closet features could you include in your space?
• Section 4 – Who you gonna call (no, it won’t be Ghostbusters) to help you with your luxury custom closet?

Let’s dig in:

Section #1 – What is a luxury closet?

Most people assume a luxury closet is only for those who would have been featured on the popular show in the early 1990’s The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. And in case you’ve missed this show, I’ve included a clip below.

However, this is a limiting view of luxury closets.

Basically, luxury closets are those which go beyond ‘function’ (although if they don’t function well, they’re downright stupid!).

A luxury closet is one which provides an ‘experience’ for you.

Image Credits: Timeless Closets and Cabinetry

It’s refined.

It’s personal.

It highlights what you love.

It’s attractive.

And – being a guy I’ll also chime in and say – a luxury closet is NOT JUST FOR WOMEN! There’s no reason to be sexist about luxury closets.

Section #2 – What are the steps to create a luxury closet?

While this isn’t an exhaustive list – here’s the basics steps to help elevate your closet into a luxury closet.

Step 1) Clutter ‘be gone’ (it’s not fun, but you need to start here)

If only you could buy a bottle of ‘Clutter-be-gone’ like you can ‘Goo-gone,’ then your closet could be transformed without stress.

But I haven’t (unfortunately) seen any sprays on the market (yet) or AI applications which can declutter your closet without ‘personal intervention.’ However, there are professionals (if this is something you can’t bring yourself to do) who can help. They’re members of The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals.

A luxury closet – which is not only organized, but also a pleasurable experience for you – can NOT be burdened by old things you no longer use and enjoy.

Step 2) Identify what you’d like to store in your new luxury closet

Will this be your ‘glamour closet,’ your ‘everyday closet’ or the combo of the two? For most, it’s a combo.

Determine what you’d like to store in this new closet. What (if anything) in your existing closet will be stored in other closets in your home. And note, if you’re an empty nester this can be the perfect time to demand your kids take their stuff from the other bedroom closets and claim – at least part of – their closets as your own. After all, you’ve earned it…. you HAD TO raise them!

Step 3) Prioritize luxury features you’d like.

Look through the 17 luxury closet features in Section 3 below and prioritize what you’d like in your new closet.

Step 4) Set a budget

Ouch – yes it’s the ‘b’ word!

And if you don’t have any idea what a custom closets cost – let alone the cost of a luxury custom closet, read How Much Does an Installed Custom Walk in Closet Cost. It’ll give you a general idea of the cost of a walk in closet.

Step 5) Choose a designer to develop a 3D luxury closet design for you

I don’t know about you – but I don’t see how it’s possible to purchase a closet – let alone a luxury one – if the designer brings you hand-drawn 2D sketches which look like THIS!

And this is why in Section 4 I’ll address ‘who you gonna call’ with 17 factors to choose the best custom closet designer. When you’re going for an ‘elevated design’ -not any-old (or any young/wet-behind-the-ears) closet designer (and closet company) will be able to achieve your desired level of luxury.

The more luxurious your closet – the higher the professionalism/experience and ‘tools’ like 3D design programs will be required.

Section #3 – What luxury closet features could you include in your space?

The elements of a luxury closet can literally be anything which gives you pleasure and makes the closet an experience you’ll love using. And the list below is NOT meant to be prioritized in any way. Basically, by the personal nature of a luxury closet it’s your choice to identify what would add the most enjoyment (and additional function) to your life.

So – with that – here’s a list of popular luxury closet features.

Luxury closet feature #1 – Doors and drawers

When you walk into your closet, who wants to see their ugliest (and often most-worn) clothes? Those are usually your casual everyday hanging clothes.

No – when you walk into your closet (on your ‘feature wall’ – which is the wall you see as you enter) you want to make a statement (and that ‘statement’ shouldn’t be ugly in any way). And a smart way to create the luxury look is to include doors and drawers. They keep closets neat (even if the contents inside the drawers isn’t as organized as you’d like).

But I’ve also got some ‘top secret’ ideas for you if you to keep those drawers in tip-top shape read 11 Secrets about Closet Drawers Even Most Closet Designers Won’t Tell You.

Luxury closet feature #2 – A built in wardrobe

Who hates pulling out their favorite (yet not-too-often-worn) formal dress or suit only to be brushing off an inch of dust from it?

This is where a built in wardrobe which encloses your garments can elevate a luxury closet. And if you add lighting inside the wardrobe (and more about lighting in luxury closet feature #4) it can really be special. Get insights on armoires and wardrobe design by reading Frequently Asked Questions about a Custom Freestanding Wardrobe or Armoire.

Luxury closet feature #3 – Add textures and/or different materials to your door and drawer designs 

If there’s one thing a luxury closet is NOT – and that’s boring. So – why not dress up your closet with a leather drawer front? And it’s NOT as expensive as you may think) of if you have a larger budget, add leather to your island top. This cool project was done by my friend, Wendy Scott of Timeless Closets and Cabinetry.

Image Credits: Timeless Closets and Cabinetry

Or consider glass doors in metal frames above a ‘drop zone’ on the feature wall of your closet.

Or if you want to get really fancy – how about a glass countertop where you can see your jewelry, or a cast glass countertop with lighting?

It’s touches like these which put the luxury in a luxury closet.

Luxury closet feature #4 – Say hello to your little ‘fre……. LIGHTING!

Yes – I still have an obsession with the Al Pacino movie Scarface and his line, “Say hello to my little ‘fre” when he pulls out the shotgun. However, when it comes to custom luxury closets what can be your really big ‘fre’ IS NOT a shotgun (a la Scarface), but it is lighting.

Lighting adds wow.

Use lighting in the sides separating closet sections to illuminate purses or shoes.

Add a chandelier for a classic – or contemporary – luxury look to a closet or closet island.

Add lighting inside a drawer to show off watches, sunglasses, or jewelry collections.

Add lighting to a closet rod.

And if you don’t have a ton of money and/or don’t want the additional cost of an outlet, consider rechargeable motion activated lights which turn on when you’re near them.

Luxury closet feature #5 – Cool hardware

If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on luxury closet features this one should be on the top of your list.

Hardware is the visual ‘bling’ of a custom closet design. It’s a way to elevate the look without adding much to cost.

And for ‘bonus points’ with your hardware you can use the mantra to ‘go big, or go home’ (oops, I’m sorry, you’re already home – ha! ha!). But seriously, use larger handles for a larger impact.

Image Credits: Patty Miller – P Miller Luxury Closets

Luxury closet feature #6 – Closet back panels 

For most custom closets you’ll see through to painted drywall closet walls. And while this also can be cool (if you use a fun wallpaper, bold matte color, or high gloss paint) – if you want to elevate style to the back of the closet – and make it easier to maintain, use closet back panels.

Back panels can be custom mirrors, or use matching – or contrasting colors, patterns, or materials (cork, bamboo, or laminate to name a few options) to give your closet a custom feel.

To learn more about custom back panels read The Pros and Cons of Custom Closet Back Panels.

Luxury closet feature #7 – ‘Elevated’ shaker door and drawer fronts

If you’re in a market like Columbus Ohio (where our closet design business is located) it seems like there’s no other cabinet front choices other than Shaker – I can feel your pain. When I go into a new home in Columbus I’d guess 9 out of 10 times the cabinet fronts are Shaker style.

And the reason is it’s a ‘Transitionalist’ style. This means it’s an ‘in between’ look between a ‘traditional’ choice and a ‘contemporary’ choice. And this makes a lot of sense for a Midwest city which won’t see the modern looks like are more popular on the coasts.

So, the question becomes – if you like Shaker style but you DO NOT want your Shaker closet cabinet front to look like everyone else’s what can you do?

Well – this is where the ‘elevated shaker door and drawer fronts’ come in. Here’s a couple of fun ideas to put the ‘wow’ in your drawer fronts without having to cash in your kids college fund:

• Add aluminum bars around the edge of the insides of the Shaker drawer fronts.

Image Credits: Timeless Closets and Cabinetry

• Add vegan leather PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) inserts inside the Shaker fronts.

• Add mirrored glass doors inside the Shaker profile.

Image Credits: Timeless Closets and Cabinetry

These are both very cool – and very fun ideas.

Luxury closet feature #8 – Dramatic countertops  

Whose says ‘flat’ surfaces cannot be show-stopping elements to a closet design hasn’t seen closet tops where you can see jewelry through the top.

Using custom glass, quartz, quartzite, or even leather tops can be the wow feature which makes a closet a work of art you’ll be dying to show off to your friends or even host a party inside your closet (crazy as it would seem if your closet isn’t a ‘showstopper’ today).

Luxury closet feature #9 – Closet island

If you’ve got the space closet islands can be wonderful places to lay out clothes for tomorrow, put laundry away, or display artwork which makes you feel wonderful.

In addition, islands can house more drawers, shelves and reduce hanging in your closet (which is the least attractive type of storage in a closet).

Image Credits: Timeless Closets and Cabinetry

Luxury closet feature #10 – A hidden hamper

Who loves (sarcasm intended) the sights and smells of their plastic laundry hampers? Now that’s an accessory which is NOT READY for ‘prime time’ in a luxury closet!

Say goodbye to your ugly plastic laundry hamper and replace it with a built into/tilt down hamper with a removable liner. It actually looks sophisticated and keeps those ‘wonderful’ (sarcasm intended) smells of your workout outfits behind closed doors! P-U!

Luxury closet feature #11 – Stylish safety

While most people worry about the ‘burglar’ wearing the trite ski mask who breaks into their home – then looks in their closet for valuables to steal, it’s a fact most thefts occur with people who have access to your home (home service professionals I’m sad to say) during the day (and they ARE NOT even wearing a ski mask!).

So, you may be wondering what you can do to protect valuables whether you’re in the home – or not?

A closet safe is the answer. There are moderately priced safes which can be securely mounted inside a closet system – to mega safes for guns, watches, you name it. And what’s nice about closet safes today is they DO NOT have to look ugly!

Luxury closet feature #12 – Elevated shoe storage

If you’re so obsessed with your shoe collection you ‘accidently forget’ to tell your spouse or partner when you’ve bought your latest pair, you may be a prime candidate to have shoes as the ‘focal point’ of your closet (even if you have to hide a few pairs along the way to keep your ‘addiction’ under wraps).

And if this describes you (and you have the closet space to pull it off), consider investing in slanted shoe shelves. They’ll give your shoes the high-class retail store look, and you’ll be able to see them ‘front and center’ to make the perfect selection without ‘attempting’ to find them buried under hanging clothes.

Luxury closet feature #13 – Velvet, or even adjustable leather-lined, jewelry trays

One innovation at the Closet Conference was seeing how upscale jewelry trays have become (and there’s even companies 100% dedicated to selling only jewelry trays – believe that!).

And jewelry trays can be designed to house most anything including watches, sunglasses, rings, necklaces you name it.

One product which really impressed me was manufactured by Tag Hardware (a company which focuses on the home storage industry), and it was this leather-lined (AND adjustable) jewelry organizer.

Bottom line is – jewelry trays are no longer a ‘one-size-fits-all’ proposition!

They’re cool.

They’re flexible.

They’re fun.

Luxury closet feature #14 – Pull out, or full length, mirrors

Who doesn’t want to take ‘one last look’ before leaving for work or an event to see if you’re ‘pulled together’ (unlike a co-worker of mine who wore 2 different colored – but the same style – shoes to work one day!)? This is where the pull out – or full length mirror is a god-send for your closet. And with a pull out mirror you’ll have more space for storage (and who doesn’t need more storage?).

Luxury closet feature #15 – A pull out ironing board for touch-ups

Who likes setting up their big ironing board…. especially if you have to go downstairs to do it and running behind schedule? This is where the mini pull out ironing board comes in uber-handy.

It’s hidden behind a drawer and ready for last minute touch ups. But obviously before putting in this feature make sure you have an outlet to plug in your iron!

Luxury closet feature #16 – Belt racks, tie racks, and valet rods

These ever-popular tie racks, belt racks, and valet rods are tucked neatly inside your closet sections but can be pulled out to see your belts, ties, and/or stage your outfit for the next day.

And what’s nice, especially about the tie and belt racks, is you won’t be searching on the dark floor ‘attempting’ to find what you’re looking for because the tie (or belt) fell off the hanger they were dangling from…. once again.

Luxury closet feature #17 – A pull out pants rack

Last – but certainly not least – make sure to consider a pants rack. They not only will make your pants look neat as a pin – but you’ll find you’ll be able to fit more pairs of pants than you thought possible on this system.

Section #4 – Who you gonna call (and no it won’t be Ghostbusters) to help with your luxury custom closet design?

From years of going to the Closets Conference & Expo – and running into closet designers on a local basis, I can tell you they ARE NOT all created equal. But IMHO there are qualities of top designers which set them apart. And in this article How to Choose the Best Custom Closet Designer – 17 Factors You Need to Know, I’ve outlined key qualities to look for.

And if you don’t have time to read the article, the top characteristics of the best designers are outlined here:

• They do the ‘closet math and design planning for you. You won’t have areas which are a pain to reach or which function poorly.

• They’re not ‘snooty.’ I don’t know about you, but there’s a lot of designers who carry their ‘air’ of ‘designer-ness’ with them. And I, for one, hate it!

• They design for now and install systems which adjust to your future.

• They ALWAYS keep your needs and wants front and center. It’s NOT about them, it’s about you (and whomever else is using the space).

• They’ll give you a 3D design. You need to see your closet design, to understand it, and know it’ll work well for you. And I can tell you from experience, creating this 3D design also helps the designer see (and tweak) elements for a better design.

• They’ll help you make ‘value decisions’ and tell you if they think you’re not making a good investment.

• They’ll provide smart storage tips. Designing a new closet IS change. And sometimes the way you’re storing may be part of the reason your closet isn’t working well.

• They’re closet specialists, not ‘closet generalists.’ Let’s face it, because someone who ‘works with wood’ (like a carpenter) offers to build your closet doesn’t mean they’ll make a system which lives well and looks cool. Demand a closet design specialist.

So, are you ready to work on your luxury closet (or as close to luxury, high-end closet as you can afford)? Do you have additional questions, or would like a 3D custom closet design?

I hope you’re in a better place understanding that a luxury closet is within your reach – but like anything you’ll need to be strategic about what you include in it and where you invest your money.

After reading this article have you ‘gotten your monies worth’ (and yes, I AM going to be sending you a bill – ha! ha!) with new insights about luxury closets? I hope so and would love your feedback and/or questions below.

And if you’d like a free closet design for a project in Columbus Ohio – or a referral to a luxury closet designer in your area call 614-545-6888 or request a Free 3D design consultation.

And if you’re in the New York/New Jersey market – and are looking for a special closet – contact my friend (who I like to call “The Queen of Closets,” Wendy Scott of Timeless Closets and Cabinetry at 908-975-9381. She supplied some very cool pics I was able to share in this article. 

I appreciate you taking the time to learn more about luxury closets– and putting up with my humor along the way.

Mike

If you’d like more information on home organization, Murphy beds, or interior design follow me on LinkedIn @MikeFotiLinkedIn.