The Latest in Closet Design Ideas

If the feng shui experts are right, an uncluttered home is a happy home. And if today's burgeoning closet organizing market is any indication, there is a lot to be said for rethinking closet design. Here are a few tips and ideas that you can use in whatever space you have available.

Walk-In Closet Design
If you're lucky enough to have a walk-in closet, you have as many options as your imagination allows. Shelving, drawers, and racks can be mixed and matched in plenty of different ways. Think through your design according to usage. Do you want his and hers sides? Do some items, such as dresses, need a higher hanging bar than others, like slacks and jackets? How much do you want to spend? Some forethought will help you to customize your closet organizer and budget according to your needs.

When it comes to walk-in closet design, the extras can make all the difference. Some other options include:

• Decorative doors: Think beyond sliders. Closet doors can feature clear or frosted glass, wood inlays, and all kinds of decorative designs.
• Adjustable shelves can be moved up and down to accommodate items of different sizes.
• Sliding belt and tie racks can be moved forward for easy access to hanging accessories, and pushed out of the way when not in use.
• Shoe shelves are today's answer to the old shoe tree. Adjustable models can accommodate both men's shoes and women's high heels.
• Drawer dividers are a great way to keep small items like socks and underwear organized within your drawers.
• Tilt-out hampers act as large, deep drawers, so that dirty clothes can be stored out of the way.

Reach-In Closet Design
Smaller closets demand a bit more forethought. There are two main routes you can go:

• A professional closet designer has plenty of expertise when it comes to thinking up solutions that work with your lifestyle. You are also assured of getting a sturdy, lasting construction and installation.
• A store-bought closet organizer, on the other hand, is a more budget-conscious option. There are a number of products on the market these days, in all different materials and configurations. Home stores, big-box stores, even supermarkets sometimes carry them.

Non-Closet Options
If the architect of your home has left you closet-less, there are still things you may consider.

• A wardrobe or armoire is one way to add space for both hanging and folded items. Many designs incorporate both a bar and drawer space.
• Free-standing closet organizers can be erected in the corner of a bedroom or a laundry room as a way of adding a closet where there was none.
• Wall-mounted hangers will hold up to 60 pounds of clothes and can be installed anywhere from behind doors to unobtrusive corners. Some models fold away when not in use.

If clutter is taking over your home, exploring your options is a great way to "think outside the box," and find the closet design solution that will work for you.