9 Features That Are Popular in Closets Now
Design pros and popular Houzz photos highlight the looks that homeowners are loving in closets
Gwendolyn Purdom
17 January 2019
Lover of architecture, history, dogs, the Chicago Cubs, crowded bookshelves, and homes with a story. Former editor at Preservation mag and Culturess.com.
Lover of architecture, history, dogs, the Chicago Cubs, crowded bookshelves, and... More
Long gone are the days of closets being relegated to stashed-away space. The closets home pros are designing and homeowners seem drawn to now offer just as much style sense as storage. To get a better picture of what closet features are taking off or going strong, we spoke to a handful of closet pros in markets across the country and abroad, and scoured some of the closet photos Houzz users saved most in 2018. Here are nine popular closet trends that stood out. Though many of the closets pictured here are large and high-end, we tell you how you can get the look in a more modest space as well.
1. Luxe Lighting
What the pros say. Again and again, the closet design pros we spoke to cited integrated and often dramatic lighting as a request they’ve heard more from homeowners in recent years. Lighted rods and shelves, interior cabinet lights, lights that shine on cabinets, and LED lights highlighting other specific areas of the space seem to be coming up in designers’ work more often, they said. Lisa Carlquist, president of Artisan Custom Closets in the Atlanta area, estimates that her team has seen about a 200 percent increase in sales of this type of lighting in its projects in the past year.
What popular Houzz photos say. Several of the most-saved closet photos from 2018 featured at least some elements of higher-end integrated lighting. In this gleaming white Nashville closet, for instance, Scott Moore and his team at the Tennessee-based design-build firm Austin Bryant Moore ran dimmable low-voltage lighting in each cabinet. “It was hidden behind a wooden trim piece to basically throw the light back into the cabinet,” Moore says.
Shop for ceiling light fixtures on Houzz
What the pros say. Again and again, the closet design pros we spoke to cited integrated and often dramatic lighting as a request they’ve heard more from homeowners in recent years. Lighted rods and shelves, interior cabinet lights, lights that shine on cabinets, and LED lights highlighting other specific areas of the space seem to be coming up in designers’ work more often, they said. Lisa Carlquist, president of Artisan Custom Closets in the Atlanta area, estimates that her team has seen about a 200 percent increase in sales of this type of lighting in its projects in the past year.
What popular Houzz photos say. Several of the most-saved closet photos from 2018 featured at least some elements of higher-end integrated lighting. In this gleaming white Nashville closet, for instance, Scott Moore and his team at the Tennessee-based design-build firm Austin Bryant Moore ran dimmable low-voltage lighting in each cabinet. “It was hidden behind a wooden trim piece to basically throw the light back into the cabinet,” Moore says.
Shop for ceiling light fixtures on Houzz
Getting the low-key look. Incorporating custom lighting is typically a pricier undertaking in general, but a few thoughtfully placed fixtures or LED bulbs can go a long way, the pros say.
Getting the all-out look. Whereas statement-making chandeliers were all the rage a few years ago and still come up regularly in upscale closet designs, designer Lisa Adams of Los Angeles’ LA Closet Design says she’s seeing fewer clients opt for all-out glam and more looking for unique and geometric fixtures, in addition to the other built-in light systems.
Getting the all-out look. Whereas statement-making chandeliers were all the rage a few years ago and still come up regularly in upscale closet designs, designer Lisa Adams of Los Angeles’ LA Closet Design says she’s seeing fewer clients opt for all-out glam and more looking for unique and geometric fixtures, in addition to the other built-in light systems.
2. Mixed Materials
What the pros say. Closet trends, Carlquist says, often follow in the footsteps of kitchen trends. That pattern may be at play in the number of homeowners and designers asking for and installing closets that combine different colors and materials. “Whereas for years you picked a color — white, black, wood grain, whatever — now there’s a tremendous surge of color mixing,” Carlquist says. One example might be a particular base color for vertical panels and shelves, and another for drawers and doors.
By pairing this navy island with the warm wood-look cabinets, for instance, Carlquist and her team added interest and edginess to an otherwise standard space. Blue, in particular, is a color some pros see as getting big, much as it has in kitchen cabinetry.
What popular Houzz photos say. The top 20 most-saved closet photos on Houzz in 2018 stuck mainly with more uniform color palettes (white, gray, wood-look), but several pros said that the popular design choice of mixing materials is one to watch.
What the pros say. Closet trends, Carlquist says, often follow in the footsteps of kitchen trends. That pattern may be at play in the number of homeowners and designers asking for and installing closets that combine different colors and materials. “Whereas for years you picked a color — white, black, wood grain, whatever — now there’s a tremendous surge of color mixing,” Carlquist says. One example might be a particular base color for vertical panels and shelves, and another for drawers and doors.
By pairing this navy island with the warm wood-look cabinets, for instance, Carlquist and her team added interest and edginess to an otherwise standard space. Blue, in particular, is a color some pros see as getting big, much as it has in kitchen cabinetry.
What popular Houzz photos say. The top 20 most-saved closet photos on Houzz in 2018 stuck mainly with more uniform color palettes (white, gray, wood-look), but several pros said that the popular design choice of mixing materials is one to watch.
3. Warmer, With Wood
What the pros say. The rustic character that’s been such a staple of the popular farmhouse style appears to be making its way into closets as well. “I am seeing a migration from ultramodern to transitional — a wanting for more warmth in the space, whether that’s wood-grain cabinetry or lighting and furnishings,” Adams says. Wood looks have additionally gained traction in the form of new textured melamine closet systems and other materials that appear more like natural wood than some earlier wood-grain iterations.
What popular Houzz photos say. Warm lighting, hardware and wood accents appeared in a number of recent popular closet photos, including this one.
What the pros say. The rustic character that’s been such a staple of the popular farmhouse style appears to be making its way into closets as well. “I am seeing a migration from ultramodern to transitional — a wanting for more warmth in the space, whether that’s wood-grain cabinetry or lighting and furnishings,” Adams says. Wood looks have additionally gained traction in the form of new textured melamine closet systems and other materials that appear more like natural wood than some earlier wood-grain iterations.
What popular Houzz photos say. Warm lighting, hardware and wood accents appeared in a number of recent popular closet photos, including this one.
Getting the low-key look. A wood or wood-look accent shelf, storage box or countertop can add a dose of warmth.
Getting the all-out look. For homeowners looking to keep their belongings behind closed doors, warm wood cabinets, or custom built-in wood or wood-grain furniture or drawers, can keep things looking tidy and incorporate a laid-back, textured element.
Find a closet designer near you
Getting the all-out look. For homeowners looking to keep their belongings behind closed doors, warm wood cabinets, or custom built-in wood or wood-grain furniture or drawers, can keep things looking tidy and incorporate a laid-back, textured element.
Find a closet designer near you
4. Dressing Rooms
What the pros say. The aspirational idea of a designated space just for getting dressed is no longer reserved for elite homeowners and lucky movie characters.
“People are creating their closet-dressing rooms in unused rooms in the house. While a walk-in closet was previously saved for the wealthy, everyone is now getting in the game. I see people converting dining rooms, living rooms and extra bedrooms into dressing rooms,” Adams says. “There has been a shift from closets to dressing rooms, I’d say — a space where you get dressed in, which includes a seating area, full-length mirror, vanity, et cetera.”
What popular Houzz photos say. Roomier, more decorated dressing room spaces, complete with details like seating, mirrors and art, appeared several times in the top 20 most-saved Houzz closet photos last year. In some instances, such as this dramatic cream-colored Los Angeles space, those rooms captured a soft glamour. In others, richer colors and dramatic lighting made for edgier results.
See how to turn a spare room into a closet
What the pros say. The aspirational idea of a designated space just for getting dressed is no longer reserved for elite homeowners and lucky movie characters.
“People are creating their closet-dressing rooms in unused rooms in the house. While a walk-in closet was previously saved for the wealthy, everyone is now getting in the game. I see people converting dining rooms, living rooms and extra bedrooms into dressing rooms,” Adams says. “There has been a shift from closets to dressing rooms, I’d say — a space where you get dressed in, which includes a seating area, full-length mirror, vanity, et cetera.”
What popular Houzz photos say. Roomier, more decorated dressing room spaces, complete with details like seating, mirrors and art, appeared several times in the top 20 most-saved Houzz closet photos last year. In some instances, such as this dramatic cream-colored Los Angeles space, those rooms captured a soft glamour. In others, richer colors and dramatic lighting made for edgier results.
See how to turn a spare room into a closet
Getting the low-key look. If you have the room for it, simply fitting in a makeup table or an ottoman can transform your closet from standard to special. Tight on space? A dramatic light fixture can feel just as elevated.
Getting the all-out look. Studio 28 creative director Stacey Hewett was tasked with creating this luxurious, hotel-like space for a U.K. client and in the process checked nearly every box for a grand dressing room. By combining a sumptuous tufted velvet ottoman, integrated in-shelf lights and a striking contemporary gold chandelier, Hewett illustrated one way to embrace the dressing room in all its chic glory.
Ultimately, a dressing room or dressing room-style closet should play up lighting, displays and special features that make it feel as if you’re walking into a boutique every day, according to design manager Debbie Ashton and marketing manager Christine Kazigian of Closets by Design in Exton, Pennsylvania.
Getting the all-out look. Studio 28 creative director Stacey Hewett was tasked with creating this luxurious, hotel-like space for a U.K. client and in the process checked nearly every box for a grand dressing room. By combining a sumptuous tufted velvet ottoman, integrated in-shelf lights and a striking contemporary gold chandelier, Hewett illustrated one way to embrace the dressing room in all its chic glory.
Ultimately, a dressing room or dressing room-style closet should play up lighting, displays and special features that make it feel as if you’re walking into a boutique every day, according to design manager Debbie Ashton and marketing manager Christine Kazigian of Closets by Design in Exton, Pennsylvania.
5. White and Gray
What the pros say. Though more colorful options seem to be gaining popularity (Carlquist says her team has installed blue, pink and purple closet features recently), classics like white and gray still dominate the market. “Right now we carry 36 colors, and white is still our most popular,” Carlquist says.
Gray, which has become a go-to shade in kitchens, bathrooms and other remodeled household spaces, is a favorite new neutral choice of closet remodelers as well, pros say. Adams says gray is most prevalent in cabinetry and flooring. She’s also seen a bump in a champagne-like color for painted closet surfaces. “It’s not white, ivory or cream but a nice subtle combination of all three,” she says.
What popular Houzz photos say. White finishes showed up in the majority of 2018’s top 20 most-saved Houzz closet photos. Gray cabinetry, walls or shelving appeared in only a handful.
What the pros say. Though more colorful options seem to be gaining popularity (Carlquist says her team has installed blue, pink and purple closet features recently), classics like white and gray still dominate the market. “Right now we carry 36 colors, and white is still our most popular,” Carlquist says.
Gray, which has become a go-to shade in kitchens, bathrooms and other remodeled household spaces, is a favorite new neutral choice of closet remodelers as well, pros say. Adams says gray is most prevalent in cabinetry and flooring. She’s also seen a bump in a champagne-like color for painted closet surfaces. “It’s not white, ivory or cream but a nice subtle combination of all three,” she says.
What popular Houzz photos say. White finishes showed up in the majority of 2018’s top 20 most-saved Houzz closet photos. Gray cabinetry, walls or shelving appeared in only a handful.
Getting the low-key look. “White never goes out of style,” Carlquist says. She suggests that budget-minded homeowners stick with white closet accents in a contemporary style that will stay fresher longer.
6. Brass Hardware
What the pros say. Brushed or antique brass is a must for many homeowners, the designers say, though Hewett says she expects black and gunmetal finishes to keep growing in popularity in the coming year as well.
What popular Houzz photos say. Only a few of the most-saved closet photos featured brass hardware. Classic silver drawer pulls and accents appeared more frequently, signaling at least one disconnect between what homeowners seem to be choosing with designers and what’s still catching their eye online.
Getting the low-key look. Investing in statement-making hardware packs a punch, even if cabinetry or other materials are relatively basic, Carlquist says. “You’re saving tons of money on the material and the faces, so you can spend a little extra on the hardware to really spice it up,” she says.
Getting the all-out look. Play up hardware and accents throughout the space that make other luxe details, like a statement lighting fixture, pop.
Shop for brass hardware
What the pros say. Brushed or antique brass is a must for many homeowners, the designers say, though Hewett says she expects black and gunmetal finishes to keep growing in popularity in the coming year as well.
What popular Houzz photos say. Only a few of the most-saved closet photos featured brass hardware. Classic silver drawer pulls and accents appeared more frequently, signaling at least one disconnect between what homeowners seem to be choosing with designers and what’s still catching their eye online.
Getting the low-key look. Investing in statement-making hardware packs a punch, even if cabinetry or other materials are relatively basic, Carlquist says. “You’re saving tons of money on the material and the faces, so you can spend a little extra on the hardware to really spice it up,” she says.
Getting the all-out look. Play up hardware and accents throughout the space that make other luxe details, like a statement lighting fixture, pop.
Shop for brass hardware
7. Hidden Features
What the pros say. Smart solutions that can neatly be tucked away remain a popular ask, designers say. Moore says his team often hides safes for valuables and integrates hidden panels or compartments into closet projects. Additionally, collapsible or pullout valet rods, hanging rods, ironing boards, drying racks and other features are desirable extras.
What popular Houzz photos say. Hideaway closet features are often tricky to spot in photos, but photos that showcase a space’s capability to open or expand for more or secret space, such as this shot of a cleverly designed Moscow apartment, were among last year’s most popular on Houzz.
Getting the low-key look. Even if you’re not incorporating a slick hidden safe, adding more traditional features (think drawers or cabinets) that keep messes contained behind closed doors or panels can achieve a similarly organized feel. Open cubbies seem to be less popular than they once were, Moore says. “Everybody is either liking the cleaner look of seeing [their belongings] hanging, or [they’re] behind something,” Moore says.
Getting the all-out look. Get creative. In addition to hidden safes, pullout drying racks and other unexpected details, added amenities like ottomans can also be made to be tucked away and pulled out when needed.
See more secret storage inspiration
What the pros say. Smart solutions that can neatly be tucked away remain a popular ask, designers say. Moore says his team often hides safes for valuables and integrates hidden panels or compartments into closet projects. Additionally, collapsible or pullout valet rods, hanging rods, ironing boards, drying racks and other features are desirable extras.
What popular Houzz photos say. Hideaway closet features are often tricky to spot in photos, but photos that showcase a space’s capability to open or expand for more or secret space, such as this shot of a cleverly designed Moscow apartment, were among last year’s most popular on Houzz.
Getting the low-key look. Even if you’re not incorporating a slick hidden safe, adding more traditional features (think drawers or cabinets) that keep messes contained behind closed doors or panels can achieve a similarly organized feel. Open cubbies seem to be less popular than they once were, Moore says. “Everybody is either liking the cleaner look of seeing [their belongings] hanging, or [they’re] behind something,” Moore says.
Getting the all-out look. Get creative. In addition to hidden safes, pullout drying racks and other unexpected details, added amenities like ottomans can also be made to be tucked away and pulled out when needed.
See more secret storage inspiration
8. Simpler Shoe Setups
What the pros say. Moore says he’s seen a shift in many homeowners’ approach to shoe storage. Flat shoe shelves and hidden shoe storage seem to be more common than in years past.
“For years, everybody wanted an angled shoe shelf with a toe catch, and what happens is when you have sneakers or something that doesn’t have a heel, it has a tendency just to fall off,” Moore says. “And the other thing is it eats up a ton of room.”
What the pros say. Moore says he’s seen a shift in many homeowners’ approach to shoe storage. Flat shoe shelves and hidden shoe storage seem to be more common than in years past.
“For years, everybody wanted an angled shoe shelf with a toe catch, and what happens is when you have sneakers or something that doesn’t have a heel, it has a tendency just to fall off,” Moore says. “And the other thing is it eats up a ton of room.”
What popular Houzz photos say. In this case, Houzz photos generally echoed the trend. Few angled shoe racks appeared in the top pictures, but several flat racks showed up.
Get Organized: Storage Ideas for Shoes
Get Organized: Storage Ideas for Shoes
9. Extravagant Extras
What the pros say. In general, closets appear to be spaces where more homeowners feel comfortable taking risks and having fun. “People are taking the designs of their closets and private spaces less seriously than the rest of the home,” Adams says. That might mean they’re more willing to use a playful wallpaper pattern, bold colors or a nifty fold-away feature, the pros say.
Even high-tech add-ons, such as an extraction ventilation system, is something Hewett says she sees more homeowners requesting. “Removing unwanted smells from clothes after a night out is always a great tool,” she says. “Or removing humidity from the wardrobe, avoiding damp clothes and unwanted moisture. Extraction helps to keep clothes smelling fresh and also dust-free.”
What the pros say. In general, closets appear to be spaces where more homeowners feel comfortable taking risks and having fun. “People are taking the designs of their closets and private spaces less seriously than the rest of the home,” Adams says. That might mean they’re more willing to use a playful wallpaper pattern, bold colors or a nifty fold-away feature, the pros say.
Even high-tech add-ons, such as an extraction ventilation system, is something Hewett says she sees more homeowners requesting. “Removing unwanted smells from clothes after a night out is always a great tool,” she says. “Or removing humidity from the wardrobe, avoiding damp clothes and unwanted moisture. Extraction helps to keep clothes smelling fresh and also dust-free.”
Getting the low-key look. If you don’t have the space or budget to fully deck out your closet, Moore suggests that you invest in mirrors. In addition to making the space feel a little more glam, mirrors can trick the eye.
“Introducing mirrors on the front of doors or on the backs of cabinets makes the room feel a lot bigger,” he says. “If you have light and color bouncing off that, it obviously makes the room feel like a lot more than it is.”
Getting the all-out look. When it comes to creating an updated closet space with all the latest bells and whistles, the possibilities are endless. The closet is now seen as a space worth investing in, the pros say, when just a few years ago that wasn’t the case.
“If you go back, say, 10 years, prior to that, [thoughtfully designed] closets were a real luxury item,” Carlquist says. “They were for the very upper end of your homes, and now they’re much more mainstream.… Everybody’s doing closets now, where it used to only be people who were in $800,000-and-up [homes] did their closet. It’s become much more common and much more expected from a builder. Nobody wants those darn wire shelves.”
Tell us: Which closet features are you loving right now? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More on Houzz
10 Times to Hire a Closet Designer
Find a pro for your home project
Shop for home products
“Introducing mirrors on the front of doors or on the backs of cabinets makes the room feel a lot bigger,” he says. “If you have light and color bouncing off that, it obviously makes the room feel like a lot more than it is.”
Getting the all-out look. When it comes to creating an updated closet space with all the latest bells and whistles, the possibilities are endless. The closet is now seen as a space worth investing in, the pros say, when just a few years ago that wasn’t the case.
“If you go back, say, 10 years, prior to that, [thoughtfully designed] closets were a real luxury item,” Carlquist says. “They were for the very upper end of your homes, and now they’re much more mainstream.… Everybody’s doing closets now, where it used to only be people who were in $800,000-and-up [homes] did their closet. It’s become much more common and much more expected from a builder. Nobody wants those darn wire shelves.”
Tell us: Which closet features are you loving right now? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More on Houzz
10 Times to Hire a Closet Designer
Find a pro for your home project
Shop for home products
Related Stories
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Midcentury Home With a Strong Indoor-outdoor Link
By Becky Harris
A nature-inspired renovation has given this ranch house a relaxed mood and a connection to the outdoors from most rooms
Full Story
Kitchens
10 Smart Storage Tips for Your Kitchen Bins
Keep kitchen rubbish stylishly tucked away with these clever solutions
Full Story
More Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Laundry Rooms on Houzz Right Now
Get decorating ideas for your laundry or utility room from these most-saved photos on Houzz
Full Story
Gardens
How Do I Create a Drought-tolerant Garden?
By Kate Burt
As summers heat up, plants that need less water are increasingly desirable. Luckily, there are lots of beautiful options
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Warm Tones and Luxurious Surfaces in a City Townhouse
An earthy colour palette, hidden storage and well-placed texture add character and practicality to this London home
Full Story
Gardens
5 Inspiring Before and After Garden Transformations
Check out what a difference designers have made to these once dull plots, visually expanding spaces and creating privacy
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Kitchen Tour: A Gorgeous Extension With a Leafy Glasshouse Feel
By Kate Burt
When the owners of this terraced house extended, they were keen to retain its period feel and highlight the garden
Full Story
Gardens
How to Disguise Rubbish and Recycling Bins Outside Your Home
Need to hide unsightly bins in your garden or driveway? Take a look at these clever ideas for inspiration
Full Story
Renovating
21 Ways Designers Are Incorporating Arches Into Homes
By Kate Burt
Everywhere we look on Houzz right now, a cheeky arch pops up. How would you add this timeless architectural feature?
Full Story
Lifestyle
How to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home
Want to ensure your home environment is clean and healthy? Start by assessing the quality of your air
Full Story
@cindycampbell your space is beautiful. So well done. And that piece of art is incredible. Does your friend who painted the dress have a website or other way to follow? I looked up the name but couldn't find anything. Thank you!
@Cindy Campbell I love your friend's art as well. Found a Joyce Landry in TX but her art is almost all horses, so I think it's not her.
Yes, @Roxanne Hoge, that is her. I see that I misspelled her name in my original comment. I sent her a couple pics to get some ideas from and she came up with what you see here. It's actually a mixed medium piece of art, and she included some pieces of her Grandmother's old silk patterns. I was blown away with what she created! @bethm19, I am sorry I didn't see you comment earlier. Thank you so much for the compliment. Here is her website: https://www.joycelandryvisualartist.com Go to the Commissions tab and scroll down about 1/2 way to see my dress painting. :)