CREATING A CLOSET WORKSPACE
As more and more clients are working from home, workspaces in the closet are becoming an increasingly common request! The closet really presents an ideal opportunity for creating a productive home office, as it’s typically in a quiet, more private part of the home, and is largely unused square footage for the majority of the day. For this reason, I want to highlight a few of the tricks we’ve devised for creating a functional workspace in dressing rooms, and some of the creature comforts that will help you make the most of your space.
Convertible / Flexible Desks
The first step in carving out a workspace in your closet, is to decide where you will integrate a desk! Some clients like the idea of a dedicated writing desk / dressing table that is smaller and always stationary in the closet. This is nice if you’re someone who isn’t working from home every day, and don’t need a ton of space. Another great option is to use your island! If you like to really spread out while you work, this is an ideal solution. You can leave an open space to tuck a chair beneath, and take full reign of the counter surface. Finally, my favorite custom solution is to design a convertible vanity / desk space. This way, you can afford to eat up a little extra space in the closet, as you’re really tackling several functions in one. You can incorporate a mirror for dressing that folds or raises at the touch of a button, and then when not in use, you have a full size desk outfitted for all your working needs.
Charging
Charging is critical if you’re going to be working in the closet. Obviously the simplest is to have an outlet nearby, if you don’t mind seeing cords / putting your devices away regularly. Pop-up outlets are also great, as these can completely disappear when not in use, and often incorporate USB, wireless charging, and more! Finally, a dedicated charging drawer is the most custom option, so that your devices stay stowed away within arms reach, and are always charged and ready to go when you get ready to work. We can design custom suede inserts to really outfit these drawers, and protect your devices from scratches, dust, and moisture!
Storage
Storage is obviously what closets are all about, and creating a workspace means having dedicated storage for files, electronics, and your office supplies. I like to outfit dedicated drawers with inserts. For example at a vanity, one side can be designed for makeup and cosmetic tools, with the opposite side set up for your home office needs! Integrated storage cups on a counter surface can serve dual purpose for makeup brushes and pens, pencils, and the like.
Seating
Finally, choosing the right seat is a big part of being comfortable while working in your closet! I like to opt for something that can double as a decorative piece in the closet when you’re not working. A leather bench, boucle club chair, or swiveling arm chair area all fabulous options where you can be comfortable working away for hours, and also use for getting ready, sitting to put on shoes, etc. It also doesn’t hurt to have a spot to take breaks and lounge for a few minutes! If you have the luxury of space, a small sofa or lounge chair is a great complement to a working dressing room.
