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As I look through the archives on our blog BuildingMoxie.com I am little surprised by the number of posts we have dedicated to the topic of closets. Or am I? Surprised that is ….
No other topic, it seems, is so polarizing. What I mean - say you are in an old house (like me), likely you do everything you can do to squeeze out and optimize every inch of and/or even at times convert or install closet space.
New house design however, and especially those homes built over the last 15 years or so, has been far more generous. So much so that homeowners have actually been giving up, that’s right, some of it. In fact it seems, and on perusing some of the images here on Houzz, to almost create a sorta minor trend.
As we work to downsize, impacted by shifts in the economy as a whole, we, as well as our homes, have been doing more with less. Multi-functional, efficient design is the name of the game, and this too has yielded some surprising re-designs. That unused closet becomes … office space or a place for crafts, a reading nook or in some more urban settings a place for sleeping.
If we decide to keep that closet, how do we make it better and how best do we organize? Below let's have a look at all of this.... enjoy!
~jb
No other topic, it seems, is so polarizing. What I mean - say you are in an old house (like me), likely you do everything you can do to squeeze out and optimize every inch of and/or even at times convert or install closet space.
New house design however, and especially those homes built over the last 15 years or so, has been far more generous. So much so that homeowners have actually been giving up, that’s right, some of it. In fact it seems, and on perusing some of the images here on Houzz, to almost create a sorta minor trend.
As we work to downsize, impacted by shifts in the economy as a whole, we, as well as our homes, have been doing more with less. Multi-functional, efficient design is the name of the game, and this too has yielded some surprising re-designs. That unused closet becomes … office space or a place for crafts, a reading nook or in some more urban settings a place for sleeping.
If we decide to keep that closet, how do we make it better and how best do we organize? Below let's have a look at all of this.... enjoy!
~jb
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ha! wow! Most of us are not so well endowed.
by Solaris Inc.
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In an old house we look for low hanging fruit. Here attic space (likely) is grabbed, inspired by retail perhaps..and organized as a walk-in closet. Up-stairs or "under stairs", as I did with this simple coat closet redo, are great places to look for closet "opportunities". In my redo, the closet was redone in preparation of remodeling in the adjoining kitchen, a great time to piggy back, imo. http://www.buildingmoxie.com/2010/06/small-closet-redo-under-stairs/
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One trend I have seen quite a few times in recent months is what I'll call the stow-away office. Here a desk in a closet, with doors removed, is neatly maintained and integrates nicely with the overall room decor.
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More of a true stow away office, again a closet converted. Unlike the last example doors remaining allowing for the office space to be shut off at the end of the day. At BuildingMoxie.com we have written on working from home several times. Freelancer Bethany Winston says "it's important to maintain this demarcation." Close up shop at the end of each day.
http://www.buildingmoxie.com/2012/01/bethany-winston-your-home-your-office/
http://www.buildingmoxie.com/2012/01/bethany-winston-your-home-your-office/
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From one my friends and more talented diyers out there ... a reading nook from Pretty Handy Girl! The drapes allow for the area to be easily hidden if it gets just too . . . and especially in a boys room . . . messy.
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Closet to Reading Nook . . . warm and ingenious...
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. . . or stuff a set up bunk beds in there and call it a guest room.
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Adding diy storage and really help fully utilize a builder-grade closet. Very practical.
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Craft Room Storage! Boo-ya! A crafting space is completed by placing added and organized storage in a closet fitted again with drapes. ...
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A small corner of an unused bedroom could be easily built out to add a closet space. Here the intelligent use of a previously un-used corner completes this "Craft Room." For more info on building out a craft room, writer Elli Bishop offers 5 tips for making it both a creative space but also ... safe for all. http://www.buildingmoxie.com/2012/07/creating-a-craft-room-thats-safe/
by ClosetMaid
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A reach-in closet here minus doors helps complete the decor of the room. A challenge of course to keep it clean, but if doable, I'd love your thoughts - it adds a pop of personalization that you just don't get when your stuff is stuffed behind doors.
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The closet here acts as *the* mud room. Removal of the doors extends the space and storage in this laundry. Love it!
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An end of hallway "Small Closet" gets in order. Closet systems it seems have flooded the market in recent years. But lets not forget the possibilities that cabinetmakers and the carpenters can provide. This is end of hallway linen closet gets a simple yet sophisticated finish, complete with a subtle splash of overhead light.
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Here a custom walk-in is floating and modern.
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Pantry inspiration yields pull-out drawers for this optimized linen closet! Love it!
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What lady wouldn't love this amount of shoe . . . storage? or hey really the shoes themselves? When designer Lisa M. Smith from http://www.decorgirl.net dropped "3 Tips for Making Your Closet Mackin'" ... shoe storage was on there, so was lighting and, well, wardrobe systems. http://www.buildingmoxie.com/2012/04/build-a-better-closet/
by REFINED LLC
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Then . . . there are your Dream Closets. Who doesn't wish they had the space for something like this?
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When working for the Closet Factory, writer Nicole Tate said there are some things you need to consider when choosing diy vs. going pro for your custom closets. On her list, "Time Factors, Cost Factors, Product Availability and ... the Quality of Design." Nicely done here. More @ http://www.buildingmoxie.com/2012/05/custom-closets/
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An almost out . . . closet where there is no closet furniture piece shout. And . . .
by Kasey Buick
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One word "Mmmm ... eclectic and easy." (OKay four.) It's ironic I think how in Old Houses we do everything we can to claim more closet storage space in any way and by any means we can find. In New Houses, a trend perhaps seems to be the opposite... a struggle to gain more living space, owners reclaim closets for offices, retreats and even sleep. Hope you enjoyed this romp through the closets on Houzz with me ... I would love it if you commented or shared. Thanks. ~jb
