When my clients ask for a custom closet design, I always start by considering their lifestyles. When you’re investing in a fully custom design, you want to know the closet will stand the test of time, and can evolve with your changing needs. Good design never goest out of style, and today I want to share a few tips for creating your own dream closet that can transform and grow with you!

FLOATING SHELVING

Minimal, wall-mounted displays are a great, flexible solution for styling shoes and accessories! This creates a very boutique-style space to get dressed, without the more imposing presence of large millwork. The best part? If you ever decide to repurpose the space (or the shelves) they can easily become a stylish spot for books, photos, or in the case of Jessi Malay, nursery items!

NEUTRAL PALETTES

Perhaps one of the biggest favors you can do for yourself when designing a dressing room, if you aren’t married to the idea it will be a closet forever, is to stick to a neutral color scheme. Use warm, inviting materials that will withstand wear, without feeling overtly feminine or flashy. This way, should you need to carve out extra space for a guest bedroom or a quiet workspace, the closet cabinetry can become part of the backdrop for new furnishings!

A MIX OF STORAGE

I always like to allow for many kinds of storage in a closet — drawers, shelves, hanging, hooks. It’s important to have your bases covered for purposes of storing closet items, but also, should you want to take back the space for a home office, seasonal storage, or otherwise, you’ll have options!

SOMEWHERE TO SIT

An integral part of a dream dressing room, I always like to leave some space in the closet for having friends over, reading, or working from home. This will benefit any homeowner in the long run, should they suddenly need a more permanent home office space. A vanity can also be quickly repurposed as a flexible workspace!

CLOSED STORAGE

Not only do doors in the closet help to minimize dust and UV damage, they keep the space looking tidy, no matter your level of organization. Should you need to take a zoom call from your office, or decide to incorporate a daybed for the occasional guest, your wardrobe can stay tucked away out of sight!