Tear Sheet Tuesday: Creative Closet Design Tips

It's time for another Tear Sheet Tuesday where the tears are never sad, just the basis for inspiration.  Today's tears are a collage of sorts. The fun dress shape and typography were torn from the pages of Metropolis (because they send me free magazines ;) along with one of my very own closet renderings. The image of the dress + the idea of customization inspire me to write about the one area that everyone can and should customize, your closet!

I think a luxurious closet is any gal's version of the man cave.  It's a space that must be completely personalized and, of course, you must feel pampered in it or else you won't keep it neat ;).  THIS closet pic below is consistently one of the most popular on my Pinterest. If you've been following The Big Move you know I am currently in the midst of a ginormous condo makeover and I CANNOT wait to get to the closet!

If you've been thinking about customizing your own dream closet considering these closet design tips will get you on your way to divine. 

How's it Hanging?

The first thing you need to do is take a look at your stuff.  The second is to get rid of (any means possible) anything you truthfully have not touched in a year.  I'm being generous here, what with the seasons and all... Really do it. Less is now.  Once this is done, look at what you've got left.  Some people hang, some fold.  Marie Kondo famed author of  The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing is a fan of hanging.  The reason, she says, is because it allows your garments to air out and let go of wrinkles.  It's also easier to find what you're looking for.  

If you're a fan of folding, you can do it like this.  I recommend it. I do it myself and have been for a year and a half. It works and you can see all your stuff so you don't end up wearing the same three pairs of undies over and over because you didn't see and forgot about the other 30, right? Kondo is quirky, no doubt, but she has a point and it has worked for me with a few tweaks.

In your closet, you'll need to allocate space for double hanging (shirts, shorts, skirts, folded over slacks), medium hanging (dresses, robes), and long hanging for long dresses. Figure out, based on what you have left after step one, how much you need of each.

The Shoes & the Bags

You'll find an abundance of shoe organization situations out there but my favorite is shelves plain and simple.  I'm not a fan of the slanty shelves simply because they take up more space and well frankly, they are only good for shoes.  If you opt for an open shelf unit, make sure you've got plenty of shelves spaced approx. 8 or so inches apart.  Different types of shoes will require different spacing so adjustable/removable shelves are perfect.  Shelving is the most versatile storage option.  You can also combine shoes and handbags in this area.

How About Some More Shelves?

Some people gonna be folders, especially for items like sweaters and maybe jeans so if you are a folder make sure you plan for enough shelving.  Keep in mind that shelves are less expensive than drawers and you can always use containers or baskets on shelves to group smaller items and make them look neat and tidy.

Drawers

If you have space, every closet definitely warrants a few drawers.  Take into account drawers you have outside the closet in your dresser.  If you have enough (who ever does?) you may be good to go (not).  One thing to remember about drawers is that they are the easiest way to add $$$$$ to the cost of your closet.

Hamper Options

Sometimes there's room for the hamper in your bathroom but if not, you can always leave space for one in your closet.  I love to locate them at the end against a wall for easy access. This one is from Dot & Bo and doubles as extra storage. Whatever I'm designing I always look for products and methods that are versatile. It's nice to have choices, no?

Light it Luxuriously

When you're in the closet it always helps to see what you're doing and today there are SO many lighting choices including recessed ceiling fixtures (hi hats), track lighting and even concealed LED lighting in your closet rod!  My favorite idea for lighting is a girly chandelier or ceiling fixture.  I guess I'm shy because that is the only place I'd have one. 

That lighted closet rod is pretty awesome too.  It's LED lighting inserted right into the center to offer a nice even light all the way through your closet.  No more navy vs black issue for the well lit walk-in!

Sometimes a Lady Just Needs to Sit Down

If you have the space a seating situation is a must! Not only is is convenient for putting your shoes on it can also be a lovely accent piece to play off of that fabulous light fixture.  Why can't we aim for beautiful as well as functional? 

So there you have it!  If there's anything here that inspires you to dig into your closet I'd be happy to collaborate with you!  Please comment below and don't forget to subscribe to my blog so you never miss a beat. xoxo

Hot Trends Make a Big Splash at KBIS 2014

As many of you know, the Kitchen and Bath masses gathered in Las Vegas February 4-6 for their annual pilgrimage to KBIS, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. This year the event was part of Design & Construction Week, a new concept, merging KBIS with IBS, the International Builder’s Show. As a result, it was bigger and better than ever. Let’s hope that what happened there does NOT stay there !Maybe I should limit that to kitchen and bath industry products and trends ;)   Uber interior design resource Modenus hosted their latest Blogtour group who covered the event in a big way! You can get the entire scoop here.So what is trending, you may ask? Here’s the latest scoop from Kitchen & Bath Design News and KBIS co-sponsors, the National Kitchen & Bath Association:Let there be light.  Yes we’re used to lights in the refrigerator but now we’re adding LED lighting to cabinetry as well.

Make that matte.  Last year I noticed a growing interest in matte finishes and it’s even more so this year.  One such surface is the new Dekton by Cosentino.  It's an ultra compact surface including quartz, porcelain and glass.  This makes it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, even better than quartz as it's UV resistant and can withstand extreme heat.

Keep it simple.   NKBA President John Petrie, CMKBDT tells us, "while transitional styles are still number one, we see kitchen design trending more contemporary this year, with clean , simple lines: less clutter and little ornamentation".Quartz rocks, especially if it’s patterned!  Homeowners have discovered quartz but they're not willing to give up the pattern and movement found in natural stone products like granite and marble.  New finishes by Cambria let you have the best of both worlds.Cambria's  Waterstone Collection captures the depth and beauty of marble and granite while offering the superior strength and performance of quartz. (Here's something for you "traditionalists", they clearly didn't get the message about contemporary in this kitchen!)Gadgets, gadgets, gadgets, We may like our cabinetry look pared down but gimme the gadgets!  Technology reigns, ie anything  touch operated or digital.The new Temp20 Technology by Delta Faucets boasts a digital temperature display that saves you the shock or injury from water that's not the temperature you were expecting.   When the temperature is less than 80 degrees the LED display will glow blue.  It's magenta from 80-110 and red when it's above that.  You can get this feature on your Delta faucet  this spring.A bath to come home to, trends in the bathroom focus on customization and spa ambiance.  In  the high end markets, free standing tubs are all the rage.  They are functional and sculptural at the same time. We are also understanding the benefits of hydrotherapy as in soaking tubs and steam baths.Additional features you may want to include in your new kitchens and baths include the following:-Induction cooktops (and now ranges too!)-Steam ovens-French-door refrigerators (duh, I think we all know that already!)-Bottom freezer drawers (ditto of above)-Touch activated faucets-Electronic (no touch) faucets-LED lighting-Charging stations-Pet stationsI believe all of the above are here to stay, at least in the foreseeable future, and the technology will only get better.

My Favorite Under Cabinet Lighting

It's been whirlwind of activity since my great NOLA adventure!  Installations are underway, new designs are being created and the busy summer season is ramping up!  I'm meeting so many new prospective kitchen clients and although they are all unique, many of them have the same questions.  Based on the very real inquiries of my clientele, I will be dishing out my answers and perspectives on five biggies that will give you a head start if you're beginning to plan your own dream kitchen. 

Traditional Kitchen Lighting And Cabinet Lighting by San Diego Lighting EnvironmentalLights.com

1) What kind of lights should I use for under cabinet lighting? I love to use strip, or rope, lighting to illuminate the area between upper cabinets and counter tops. This type of LED lighting casts an even glow without the need to worry about placement of individual lights. Because they are LED, you do have to locate a transformer inside or above the cabinets. They are energy efficient and long lasting allowing you to see what you're doing on the counter or simply providing ambient, or mood, lighting. I like to place them under the front of the upper cabinet either tucked behind the face frame or perhaps concealed with molding.  This position will cast light on the center of your counter top. As you can see in the photo above, they are also a perfect option for illuminating the toekick area between cabinet and floor. Not only does this look very stylish but doing this is also a great option for safety and aging in place design. There are many brands on the market with some easier to install than others.  I like the Loox line by Hafele.  In addition to the rope lights they offer all kinds of stylish, functional and efficient options for lighting the inner recesses of your kitchen. 

Contemporary Kitchen by Birmingham General Contractor Structures, Inc.

Some of the newest ways to use rope lighting is to illuminate the interiors of cabinets.  Seems so logical!Up next:2) Some of my cabinets are still really good, can I save money and just get more to match?