Photos courtesy of Stefani Stein
When older homes are renovated for resale, one area that can frequently fall by the wayside is the closet. Or, in the case of Stefani Stein's clients, four closets. "[They] had just purchased a newly-remodeled home, and the builder did not finish the interiors of the closets," explains the Los Angeles-based interior designer. "But while it was a little frustrating when moving in, it presented them with a unique opportunity to really think through how they intended to use some of the secondary closet spaces and design accordingly."
First, Stefani partnered with Shara Kay of SK Organizing to bring in garment racks to act as temporary closet storage and help determine what the family needed. Shara worked out how the spaces would be used and which features would be absolutely essential. Once this step was complete, she and Stefani joined forces with The Container Store's design specialists to facilitate a final plan.
"I was able to select finishes, and Shara determined how the closets could be configured and accessorized to best suit the clients' needs," Stefani elaborates. "The functional concern varied by area of the home. For example, the closet near the entry needed to serve as both a coat closet and utility closet. The clients didn't want items like a vacuum and broom to be front and center, so we made a closet within a closet to keep more utilitarian elements hidden." In addition, the clients had a den that doubled as a guest bedroom, as well as a crafting closet and nursery closet that needed attention.
Coat Closet
For the coat closet, they chose a luxurious custom Laren solution with a warm, inviting satin oak finish. "The available finish options were very appealing," says Stefani. "We had a few areas where a bright white closet would feel very out of place with the adjacent room's color palette and finishes, so the clients loved the rich wood finishes of Laren." The space now has a tall cabinet with a handsome oil-rubbed bronze pull in the center for concealed storage. The sides are flanked by hanging space for long coats on the left and shelves for sweaters and boots on the right. With the addition of Water Hyacinth Bins for storing accessories, this beautiful storage solution is sure to make quite an impression on any of the home's visitors--not to mention making it much easier for the family to get out the door quickly.
Den Closet
A similar satin oak Laren space was also installed in the clients' den closet. While they departed a bit from the look of the previous closet by selecting a closet rod with a brass finish, they again supplemented the shelves with Water Hyacinth Storage Bins. "The closet wasn't large, but it did need to be functional for weekend guests as well as a wardrobe prep area before events," Stefani explains. "The incorporation of a full-length mirror in the guest closet was a must-have. And the combination of shelving and hanging still allows a little space to tuck away a suitcase."
Crafting Closet
"In other areas [of the home], more adjustable options made more sense," Stefani continues. "Shara loves Elfa, especially in areas where functionality may change over time, and it turned out to be the perfect solution in the crafting closet and nursery." The family's crafting closet now has extensive storage potential in the form of White Elfa Décor shelves and drawers, as well as utility pegboards and shelf trays for smaller items like markers, tape, and glue. Several styles of containers--including Farmhouse Canvas Open Bins and Storage Boxes--were brought in to complete this closet's organization ensemble.
Nursery Closet
The aforementioned nursery closet also underwent a White Elfa Décor makeover. "The clients worked with Shara to determine their current and future needs, and this closet can be reconfigured as their daughter gets older," Stefani says. The Elfa system's custom design provides the young girl with plenty of room for hanging clothes, folded clothes, shoes, accessories, and toys. And with the added touches of non-slip hangers and clearly-labeled Montauk Woven Storage Bins, the closet's transformation from "meh" to magnificent was finally realized.
With her clients delighted and the project complete, Stefani was satisfied with both the outcome and the ease with which it all came together, crediting The Container Store with making it all possible. "Having only one store for both the closets and the corresponding interior organizational elements was great," she remarks. "We were able to upgrade where needed and keep it simple in other areas--all while working with the same provider, which was especially convenient!"
Looking to change up your own closet and need some inspiration? Browse our Elfa, Avera, and Laren Custom Closets here.
