Thinking about a closet makeover? Then consider this advice from Winslow Design Studio, one of the premier closet design companies on Hilton Head Island.
Designing a closet is no easy feat, which is why our first piece of advice is to rely on the expertise of a Hilton Head closet design company. There are so many things to consider in closet design – including the perfect mix of storage components, the right lighting, style, and function – that it is best for you to tap the knowledge and expertise of a professional Hilton Head Island company.
Your closet is personal space that is an extension of your bedroom, and you might think you have it within you to go it alone. But closet design is a niche business. It’s not something the average homeowner (or remodeler) does more than once or twice in a lifetime – if at all. This is all the more reason you should turn to a Hilton Head closet design company – such as Winslow Design Studio – because you want to ensure you get the closet of your dreams.
Some Things to Consider
So, before you decide to invest in a “closet system,” consider the following:
- The average woman has 31 pairs of shoes and the average man has eight.
- Your mix of seasonal clothes and styles of clothes are unique to you.
- The difference in a closet that is too spacious or too cramped is the difference between drawing your closet on paper and using 3D software.
- Standard shelves may not match how you fold your clothes, causing them to hang over the edge or causing you to change your folding habits.
- The ability to get completely ready in your closet is more a function of closet design experience than it is of dressing habits.
The above five points are just our short list of things to consider when designing a closet, and it is this attention to detail that puts us at the forefront of design companies on Hilton Head Island.
You’ll probably agree that when you invest in a custom-designed walk-in closet for your Hilton Head Island home, you need the space to not only look good, but also to work for you. You’ve probably heard the saying, “form follows function,” and when it comes to closet design, nothing could be truer. With that in mind, here are some common closet design mistakes that – as Hilton Head Island’s top design company – we’ve seen over the years.
Dead Space Above the Top Shelf
This happens more often than we’d like to admit – dead space above the top shelf. We’ve seen it in small, two-bedroom villas and expansive 6,000-square-foot beachfront homes. Dead space occurs when the top shelf is 24 inches or more from the ceiling. Sure, this might be a handy place to store folded clothes or shoe boxes, but once you get beyond 12 inches of stackable materials, whatever is up there becomes hard to access.
Lacking a step stool, the easy fix is to ensure the top shelf is 12 inches from the ceiling. This provides enough space for small travel bags, shoe boxes, or a small stack of clothes. Keep the space at 12 inches and you won’t suffer from a two-foot-tall stack of sweaters falling onto its side.
Shelves and Rods Aren’t Adjustable
Sure, you might be sold on the “beauty” of a closet that has fixed shelves and rods – meaning, they aren’t adjustable. Even if such a closet works for you today, it might not work for you in the future. Let’s assume you’re the type of person who is more comfortable in slacks and skirts and doesn’t have a single dress in your closet. So, your closet is maximized for double-hanging space, right? However, a couple of promotions from now and you just might find yourself adding a full-length sequin gown or two to your wardrobe. Because you can’t adjust your rods, you’ll be left trying to figure out how to hang these items.
Face it: Styles change. Your clothing will, too, as should your closet, which is why your closet needs to be flexible, not fixed. If your Hilton Head Island closet design company demands fixed shelves and rods, then you should think twice about using them.
Shelves That Aren’t Deep Enough
This is a problem you might never entirely see unless you use a professional Hilton Head Island closet design company. Why? Because standard off-the-shelf (pardon the pun) shelves are 12 inches deep. This might lead you to believe that a 12-inch shelf is what you have to work with – even if the shelves are too shallow.
If you’re a petite person, this might not be an issue – until you try to stack your favorite sweatshirts, which need more space than a 12-inch shelf allows. Plus, if your husband is 6-foot-3 and wears a size 13 shoe, he’ll need more shelf than a 12-inch depth provides – unless, of course, you don’t mind his shoes hanging over the edge of the shelves.
Companies that regularly design closets on Hilton Head Island know that 12-inch shelves work poorly. So, if a competitor’s bid is lower, ask about the size of the shelves they are planning to install in your home, as the difference between a poorly functioning 12-inch shelf and a highly functioning 14-inch shelf is roughly a 14 percent difference in material costs. Don’t be fooled. Make sure your shelves are 14-inches deep.
Lighting That is Not Conducive to Getting Dressed
It’s unfortunate, but most closets rely on a single overhead light. This is bad design for many reasons.
First, a poor lighting system will make it harder to find the things you need. Second, it will make it more difficult to put together better outfits, because clothing appears darker and less vibrant. Third, you will be blindsided by stains that couldn’t be spotted in the dark.
On the other hand, a well-lit closet is easy to navigate and organize, feels more accessible, and just looks better, too. To maximize the lighting in your closet, think about track lighting, recessed lighting, under-cabinet lighting, and chandeliers.
A Closet Without Drawers
Unless your partner wakes up at precisely the same time you do, then one of you is going to have their sleep disturbed by the need to turn on bedroom lights to find socks and underwear. Drawers in your closet – for your underclothes, ties, scarves, jewelry, etc. – solves that problem.
Overlooked Features
While you might not need all of these features on our list below, each one should be carefully considered. Why? Because if you don’t plan these into your design at the front-end, then you’ll discover they are hard to add later – long after your design company completes your Hilton Head Island closet makeover.
- Built-in laundry hampers
- Built-in vanities and seating
- Valet bars
- Wardrobe lifts
- Shoe cubbies
- Jewelry drawers
- Rolling ladders
- Fold-down ironing boards
- Shelf lighting
- Charging stations
- TVs
Count On Hilton Head’s Leading Closet Design Company
Are you excited about the possibilities for your closet makeover? Then call us. We’ve been designing beautiful closets for years, and we’ve transformed spaces large and small into highly functional – and beautiful – closets.
Our designers can give you the closet of your dreams.