These days, walk-in closets are no longer just the territory of starlets and other Hollywood glamor gals. Long a favourite of women, spacious and convenient walk-in closets have now become popular with men, too. No longer considered an additional luxury in new homes, the master bedroom suites in older homes may not include walk-in closets as par for the course. Rest assured, it’s never too late, especially when professional room additions can be easily completed at a reasonable cost.
Convinced there’s no room left to create your walk-in? You’d be amazed what an experienced construction and renovation company can do with part of an adjoining hallway or upstairs laundry area, for example, or even the underutilized recesses of that storage area beneath the stairs. Depending on the placement of your existing closet, space you never knew existed can be taken advantage of.
The Very Best Room Additions are Well Planned
Start with deciding what will be kept in the closet and which of those items will be needed most often, as this will have a bearing on how shelving and other features are organized and at what height. How many people are sharing the walk-in? Next, take inventory of the articles you own and place them in categories: suits, pants, skirts, dresses, shirts and blouses, sweaters, purses, belts, ties, shoes, socks and hosiery, jewelry, etc. You’ll find this is also a great opportunity to finally weed out your wardrobe and get rid of clothing that is ill-fitting and out of style.
Organize everything you’re keeping in terms of what must hang up and what should be stored in drawers or sit on open shelves. Shoe storage works especially well in vertical cubby compartments, or on a shelf above the main clothes racks. If the shoes have a matching bag, they can be stored together in one cubby for the ultimate in organization.
Tips to Consider before Building that Big Closet
Careful with color – Think about keeping wall colors on the lighter side, especially if the walk-in isn’t uber-huge. Creams and other neutrals provide a finished look that doesn’t compete with the colors of your wardrobe. If your closet has greater dimensions, richly colored wood veneer can really underscore the opulent look.
- Learn about lighting – When it comes to lighting, track fixtures with two or three directionally adjustable lights work well for walk-ins. One central light installed high up isn’t the best for color selection when you’re trying to figure out what goes best with that teal blue sweater. Remember that even with low-energy blubs, under-shelf lighting needs breathing room. Clothing and other items shouldn’t come in direct contact with light surfaces, and illumination will be less effective overall if shelves are overfilled.
- Mirror, mirror, on the wall – How many mirrors, shelves, cabinets and drawers will it take to fit your needs? It can be worthwhile to browse through some sample closet organizer systems to get a sense of layout and some solid ideas for your own custom closet specifications.
- Furniture finale – Finally, if space permits, you may want to include a table at the center of the room, so you can lay out clothes and accessories when you’re deciding what to wear. Adding a comfy overstuffed armchair will make the space look welcoming and extra decadent.
Expertly conceived room additions in the hands of skilled builders take well-appointed walk-in closets from dreams to reality in no time at all. Time to start clothes shopping!
Greg Nelson
Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.
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