You open your closet…and you immediately feel defeated.
The items you want are ALWAYS buried. And you forget about half the stuff you own (because it’s out of sight and out of mind).
In every other closet, you have things you don’t know where to store, then you have others that you don’t know how to store.If someone asked you for a run-down of your “organizational system,” you’d be too embarrassed to start.
We’ve all been there.
Let’s talk about closets, but start from scratch. They aren’t just storage. They’re where the anticipation for a big event turns into the final outfit…they’re where a massive family meal turns from an idea into the event of your dreams…they’re where you organize your whole week, season, or year.
Closets are where the day starts and ends, and where your mood, energy, and confidence get their most important cues.
Yet…even high-end closet designs fall short. Sure, they’re nice (sometimes), but they’re not always practical. They don’t have creative solutions. And, if they were designed five years ago or more, they DEFINITELY aren’t designed for how we live now.
Here are my favorite closet design ideas that I know will change that for you!!
1. Integrated Power Outlets and Charging Stations
Closets are where routines happen, and today, routines today are powered by tech.
Think about built-in outlets that eliminate the scramble for plugs and let everything from your straightener to smartwatch stay ready…
Here are the features to consider:
- Discreet outlets for electric razors, hair tools, and grooming devices
- USB/USB-C ports and wireless charging pads built into drawers or counters
- Plug-and-play stations for steamers or handheld irons
2. Valet Zones for Daily Wear (and Travel)
These kinds of features simplify your mornings AND make things super easy before and after a trip. A dedicated valet zone truly can bring calm to your closet and clarity in ways you don’t realize you need…
For instance, you can install:
- Pull-out valet rods or trays to plan tomorrow’s look
- Fold-out tables or counters for packing luggage
- A simple and elegant system that supports a fast-paced lifestyle
3. Hidden Laundry Features
No more awkward baskets or visible clutter!! Now THAT’S an upgrade I call classy. Integrated laundry systems make staying organized (and stylish) effortless.
I’m personally a fan of:
- Built-in hampers for sorting delicates, darks, and more
- Pull-out ironing boards or compact steam closets
- Seamless connections to laundry chutes or nearby washrooms
4. Boutique-Inspired Display Zones
Turn your favorite pieces into part of the décor for a spacious walk-in closet.
(Look at this product I featured at High Point Market Fall 2024 for another example of how to put your best clothes on display…)
You can feature clothes or other things you store in the closets to share with others or just for your personal joy.
Consider:
- Glass-front shelving for designer handbags and accessories
- Backlit shelves and rotating shoe displays
- Museum-worthy moments for pieces you love
5. Wellness and Meditation Corners
Closets can offer serenity, too. I mean…why not?! A quiet nook for breathwork or mindfulness starts your day with intention…
Include:
- Calming lighting and minimalist design
- Built-in scent diffusers or essential oil trays
- Padded benches or yoga stools to pause and reset
6. Climate Control and Air Purification
For health, this is a must.
AND for luxury fabrics, this is part of luxury care. With the right systems in place, your closet can protect your wardrobe as well as showcase it.
- Dehumidifiers or custom climate controls
- HEPA air purifiers integrated into cabinetry
- Mold and odor prevention, even in older homes
7. Adaptive Storage for Hybrid Work Lifestyles
In luxury home designs, closets have shifted as lifestyles have, too. The nicest closets now have zones for workwear, loungewear, and activewear, creating a natural flow throughout the week.
This sometimes includes:
- Sections to rotate seasonal pieces or WFH staples
- Lockable drawers for laptops or remote work gear
- “Zoom ready” setups with lighting and prep tools
8. Showroom Lighting with Scene Settings
Yes!! Lighting design is a “thing” in closets, too, for functional and aesthetic reasons!!
Just look at this walk-through of the closet I designed for my mom’s addition that covers the lighting we’ll have for her…
The best closet lighting flatters your wardrobe, and scene-specific lighting lets you match your mood, activity, or occasion…like if you install:
- Dimmable LEDs and color-temperature control
- Motion-activated lighting for convenience
- Custom presets like “Evening Out” or “Sunday Lounge”
9. Wardrobe Management Tech
Closets meet smart tech in ways that feel futuristic and functional. It’s pretty great!!
You might not have even KNOWN how much of this existed or could be integrated into your closet…but we’re at the stage of tech where the real question is, why not?!
Consider, for instance:
- RFID or smart tags for garment tracking
- Screens or tablets for outfit planning and seasonal swaps
- Smart mirrors with camera-based try-ons
10. Expanded His-and-Hers Customizations
I’ve said before that custom everything is the new normal.
…And your closet should celebrate individuality in very real ways. Separate sections tailored to different heights, routines, and aesthetics are important for closets shared between different members of the family with different wardrobes and needs, too.
For instance…
- Dual designs with unique layouts and materials
- Personalized hooks, shelves, and accessory storage
- Harmony in shared space without compromise
11. Shoe Walls and Floor Protection
Shoes are investments and deserve more than a pile by the door!! Proper display and flooring make caring for them a joy, not a chore.
If you don’t have a shoe system you love, think about:
- Floor-to-ceiling shoe walls with adjustable spacing
- Dust-proof enclosures and shoe-specific lighting
- Easy-clean surfaces that protect against post-wear debris
12. Private Dressing Room Within a Closet
Why squeeze into a dark corner to try something on?! A spacious dressing area makes the act of getting ready feel indulgent in the best way.
Be sure to include:
- Full-length mirrors and plush seating
- Soft-close doors for privacy and acoustics
- Personal sanctuary built into your day
13. Smart Mirror Integration
Yes…the mirror that knows you.
Have you seen what these can do?!
This becomes a luxury that literally turns your reflection in the morning into something that truly sets you up for the day.
For instance, there are…
- Mirrors displaying weather, calendar, or to-do lists
- Smart outfit suggestions based on your wardrobe
- Fitness mirror capabilities for closet-based workouts
14. Integrated Seating and Lounge Function
Closets can be social, soothing, or simply supportive!! Add a place to sit so you can enjoy that moment of peace, even on the busiest days…
You can add:
- Ottomans, chaises, or benches for comfort and utility
- Style moments that make space feel layered and lived in
- Space utilization that encourages longer, more relaxed prep rituals
15. Hidden Safe or Luxury Valuables Storage
A closet is a haven and a safeguard. Thoughtful protection for what matters most keeps peace of mind close by…
These important features include:
- Disguised safes for jewelry, watches, or important docs
- Biometric locks and smart security integration
- Elegance and safety, perfectly blended…
See What You Want Most Now
Take a breath and imagine that it’s 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.
You step into your closet. What would instantly make your life easier, calmer, or more enjoyable? What would change the whole feel of your morning?!
Is it a built-in steamer? A bench to sit and breathe? That plug finally in the right place?!
Start there. Start with the upgrade that speaks most to how you live. When closets reflect your rhythm, luxury is just the beginning.
Contact me personally to have a conversation!!
About the author:
Robin Burrill, RID, NCIDQ, ASID, IDS, CAPS, is an award-winning professional kitchen, bath, and interior designer. Robin and her husband, Robert Mathews, have owned Signature Home Services, Inc. for over three decades, establishing a superior in-house team with a widespread reputation for delivering meticulous design to their many repeat clients.
In 2022, the national publication, Kitchen and Bath Design News magazine, named Robin to their Top Innovator list in recognition of her achievements in the field of kitchen and bath design. In 2024, she was named one of the Fall 2024 Market Pros and “tastemakers” by ANDMORE at High Point Market. Also in 2024, Fixr identified her as one of the Top Professional Interior Designers for their nationwide audience. At the start of 2025, she then acted as one of Dallas Market’s “Style Eyes” at Lightovation and Total Home & Gift Market.
Over her extensive career, Robin has been quoted in Architectural Digest and Forbes multiple times; her design work has been featured in top national trade publications; and she has been interviewed for Designers Today magazine’s “Profiles in Design” video series, among others. Widely respected for the depth of her knowledge, Robin is a sought after speaker and judge for many design industry events.
In 2023, Robin designed a bench for Charleston Forge, making her foray into product design. Robin currently serves as a volunteer on the board of the Dallas/Ft. Worth chapter of the Interior Design Society.
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