CLOSETS ARE THE NEW KITCHENS
We all love a beautiful closet! And we all dream of having an oversized master sanctuary to relax at the end of each day — but why?! When did this trend take off, and how much weight do closets carry for buyers in the market for a home? I decided to tackle these questions with some industry-leading designers, builders, and real estate experts to explore just how far we’ve come in the world of luxury closets, and to understand how closets became the new kitchens in the minds of potential homebuyers!
What is the biggest change you’re seeing in closets in new homes?
Since home owners have been spending more time at home, we are seeing larger, more organized closets.
The biggest change I’ve seen in closets in new homes is incorporating over-the-top features such as built-in Miele coffee makers or refrigerated drawers sand Computer systems to categorize outfits, We are also seeing a need for maximum security features such as facial recognition and coded entry.
Rochelle Maize // Nourmand & Associates
2 important changes: 1. Sectioned areas of closets, especially for women, where the clothes, shoes and bags each have their separate sections. 2. Security. People want to have their beautiful things accessible but secure with electronic locking systems.
Mauricio Oberfeld // Dugally Oberfeld
One of the biggest changes I have seen is that people keep wanting bigger and bigger closets. As well as separate men’s and women’s closets. They are rooms to actually hang out in. Now we are seeing that closets are becoming more than storage, they are designed to create a space that homeowners want to spend time and showcase their items.
Erik Peterson // PHX Architecture
Higher volume of requests for separate closets.
Brandon Architects
Clients are looking for a distinct design difference between his and hers, and specific showcase areas for special pieces like watches, hats and bags.
Chris Ferqueron // Reside Custom Homes
What are home buyers looking for in their master suites?
Home buyers are looking for a place to retreat which can include multiple spaces for lounging, relaxing or watching TV, Glam rooms large dual walk-ins.
Rochelle Maize // Nourmand & Associates
Full amenities without the need to leave the suite. Large bathrooms, closets and sitting areas for watching tv have always been a must. However, the list expands with morning coffee bars, steam irons (sometimes even stacked washer/dryers), separate dressing area, outdoor private area for Master suite access only and of course an accessible secure room including an escape route.
Mauricio Oberfeld // Dugally Oberfeld
I am finding that more and more people are looking for a master suite that’s a retreat – everything from a nice kitchenette, to tv watching to full spa services and even personal fitness studios.
Erik Peterson // PHX Architecture
Home buyers are looking for a true retreat, Covid has only reinforced this by increasing the time spent at home and reducing the ability to go elsewhere. We are seeing a trend toward large primary suites with separate baths and closets in the range of 1,200 -1,500 s.f.
Brandon Architects
Separate sitting areas, great views, quiet soundproof rooms, great audio-visual aspects, black-out shades, air purification…
Chris Ferqueron // Reside Custom Homes
Why do you think closets have taken such a major role in the criteria of home buyers in recent years?
A great closet is more than just a storage space – it’s your own private cornerstone where you begin your day. Clothing and accessories say a lot about who you are, so it makes sense that closets are taking such a major role in the minds of home buyers. It inspires us and with the right organization, they save us lots of time. As more people spent time at home during Covid, the luxury walk-in closet gained even more popularity.
Rochelle Maize // Nourmand & Associates
As fashion has become so important across all demographics, the desire to elevate the home for such collections becomes much more important.
Mauricio Oberfeld // Dugally Oberfeld
There are a couple reasons that come to mind. Most homes these days don’t have basements or secondary storage, so more and more people store everything they keep in their closets. And we all know that we as people keep almost everything – so we need somewhere proper to store it. Additionally, our level of clients have luxury shoes, bags, hats, etc. that are very expensive and need the proper storage.
Erik Peterson // PHX Architecture
It is an area of the home that is used every day. Homeowners want the space to be organized, elevated, and a reflection of themselves as they start and end their daily routines.
Brandon Architects
I think buyers appreciate a special place to stage their belongings in a relaxing environment — which probably assists in their outward style.
Chris Ferqueron // Reside Custom Homes
Do you think this is a trend, or will we continue to see closets as a major selling point in luxury homes?
I think we will continue to see closets as major selling points. A well-designed closet is a great way for developers to differentiate their projects from other listings on the market. The biggest selling points of luxury real estate are kitchens and master suites with oversized walk-in closets.
Rochelle Maize // Nourmand & Associates
Absolutely. If anything we see this trend becoming more of a necessity than a luxury.
Mauricio Oberfeld // Dugally Oberfeld
I don’t think that closets are a trend, I think they are the new normal and here to stay. Closets are one of the top 5 selling points when looking at a home.
Erik Peterson // PHX Architecture
The importance of closet space may vary based on the individual, but I do not see the trend changing as it is a relatively easy space to plan for and an important selling feature for most.
Brandon Architects
Not a trend at all. As time passes, homes change to suit the ways people live in homes. Gone are the days of tiny master baths, narrow halls and separated rooms. Open living with less walls opens up the spaces and saves wasted square footage. This square footage is better suited in master baths, closets, etc. Closets and larger spaces in baths will probably continue into secondary baths as well, not just in high-end luxury homes, but everyday homes as well.
Chris Ferqueron // Reside Custom Homes
How much do you think a good closet impacts resale value?
A good closet definitely impacts resale value. Buyers really tend to have a hard time imagining a space’s potential, so when a great closet is already installed, it’s one less challenge a buyer has to think about when purchasing a home. A closet can never be too big.
Rochelle Maize // Nourmand & Associates
It is very hard to quantify the impact. Our way of looking at value is very simple, “is this a necessity in order to sell the house?” If the answer is yes, then you have to do it. If the answer is no, then the next question is, “will this add value and get the house sold quicker?” If the answer is yes, then you do it and if the answer is no, then you don’t.
Mauricio Oberfeld // Dugally Oberfeld
A good closet is one of the top 5 reasons sellers buy a home, having a good one is vital to resale value and ROI.
Erik Peterson // PHX Architecture
For particular buyers, the size of the closet can make or break the sale.
Brandon Architects
I don’t know if it’s a quantitative percentage, but certainly a good closet, with bespoke features will certainly increase the value in the fact that it can be a major selling feature.
Chris Ferqueron // Reside Custom Homes
What kinds of closets are you seeing from home builders? More custom/detailed closets, or are they leaving blank boxes for prospective homeowners to design for their own specific needs?
We are seeing more custom and detailed closets with high-end finishes and smart technology. The drawer inserts as well are designer done with beautiful suedes and leathers.
Rochelle Maize // Nourmand & Associates
More custom/detailed closets for sure. The days of allowing home buyers to do it are over in the luxury market. A Buyer sees that as an unfinished house and puts into question the quality of every aspect of the house.
Mauricio Oberfeld // Dugally Oberfeld
For spec residences, we are tending to leave closets empty/blank so the new owner can customize it themselves.
Erik Peterson // PHX Architecture
We are seeing built-out closets with clothes behind doors and display areas for accesories much like a retail store. The built-in closet provides flexibility to provide natural light without the risk of sun dying clothing which makes it a more desireable closet and dressing area.
Brandon Architects
Detailed (not custom) closets in the master, a shelf and pole in other areas... Albeit, custom is a loose reference to anything not a shelf and a pole, but certainly a closet with cabinets is not technically a custom feature designed for the specific use of the home owner.
Chris Ferqueron // Reside Custom Homes
How important of a selling factor are separate master closets in new homes?
In the ultra-high-end homes, there are almost always separate master closets. It’s a must. The bigger the better. The more custom the better.
Rochelle Maize // Nourmand & Associates
Not as important unless you get into the $40/$50M and up. As long as the closet is large enough, one can do.
Mauricio Oberfeld // Dugally Oberfeld
Very important, separate master closets are on most of if not all of our clients’ wish lists.
Erik Peterson // PHX Architecture
In the design of our homes, I would say the trend is 60/40 or higher in favor of separate closets.
Brandon Architects
Very important. Just as important as the master bath, and kitchen.
Chris Ferqueron // Reside Custom Homes
How are you seeing new smart-home tech show up in residential design, and in closets?
We are seeing new high-end security features, convenience appliances like coffee makers, computer systems logging clothes and outfits, and smart lighting and wellness air filtration systems being installed as well.
Rochelle Maize // Nourmand & Associates
Yes, we see it with security as well as automated fronts that open and close at the touch of a button, among other features that are more common.
Mauricio Oberfeld // Dugally Oberfeld
This is a good question. Several ways, but I am mostly seeing smart home tech show up in ways of lighting. Lighting is essential to any good closet
Erik Peterson // PHX Architecture
Natural daylighting is important to our firm and our clients. Passive shading or daylight control is not always feasible in residential design as the orientation is often fixed and views are of the utmost importance; therefore, smart tech is important in controling the amount of exposure, privacy, and lighitng in closets and throughout the home.
Brandon Architects
Smart home tech is very important in new homes. It’s essential, especially with how we use our phones and tablets. It’s also becoming more affordable as the technology improves. We are seeing smart home tech entering the closet in a few ways including but not limited to simply having a tablet in the closet to control the rest of the home, to safe rooms being a smart home feature that is entering into the closet realm.
Chris Ferqueron // Reside Custom Homes