There’s nothing more gratifying and stress releasing than organizing your home environment. When our spaces inevitably become too cluttered we eventually set aside the appropriate time to swoop through the garage, laundry room, food pantry and finally on that last component desperately in need of organisation – the closet.

After sorting through the stacks of “keep it, toss it, or donate it” items, or performing a “Marie Kondo” joy analysis, we suddenly realize that our closet just isn’t up to the task of quality organisation we need. Searching the internet for inspiration, the concept of the boutique-style closet emerges. This is the retail idea that everything needed is in plain sight, easily within reach, and extremely neat in appearance.

The good news is that a few easy upgrades can turn a boring closet into a luxurious, boutique-style storage space. Here are a few steps to storage nirvana:

• Planning: A custom multi-purpose closet can transform your clothing storage into a personalized space designed to your specific needs. It helps you maximize your space using every square inch regardless of its size. Think about what is needed on a daily basis so those items can be front and centre in the final design.

• Hanging space: Similar length items should be contained in separate sections. Instead of one long rod occupying the entire length of the closet, use shorter rods that are cut to accommodate the specific length of matching clothing items.

• Dimensions: Each type of garment should have enough space to be stored properly and kept in prime condition. Pants and dresses should have room to hang freely, while sweaters and casual tops can be folded neatly on shelves. Underwear, scarves and smaller items can be tucked away in custom size drawers.

• Shoes and storage: Like any high end retail boutique, open shelving and hanging areas make it easier to show off your clothes, bags, and especially your shoes. Shoes are typically the most treasured items in closets and require their own dedicated area. Try to store them in pairs on shelves at mid-height, or use open slide-out shelves to provide access to the full collection. Also leave room at the top to hold storage totes with out-of-season or seldom used items.

• Choose your material wisely: More and more custom home closets are being constructed using versatile, durable, attractive and cost-effective TFL, or Thermally Fused Laminate decorative panels. Today’s range of styles, grains and finishes easily compare to that of any high-end chic boutique:
  • Durability is key in high usage spaces like closets, so it’s no surprise Uniboard’ss Soft-touch anti-fingerprint panels are such a popular option. The soft touch panels are perfect for both horizontal and vertical applications in closets as they feature a finish with a medium reflective quality that hides fingerprints and wear over the long-term.
  • Another hot trend is the use of texture in closet panel materials. For those looking for a luxurious, soft feel the chic Calico texture really delivers. Imitating linen fiber, the Calico finish provides all the softness and versatility of a woven material. The subtle crossing of textile fibers accentuates the relief decoration and gives it a soft and pliable appearance. A perfect fit for modern closet projects.