Dressed in Style

When Jim and Holly decided to renovate their West County master suite two years ago, adding a master closet was at the top of their list. After browsing through magazines for ideas, the couple hired the Closet Factory to design a handsome, richly toned closet with several key elements that included a granite-topped island and built-in dresser with jewelry drawers. The spacious closet was customized with furnishings that provide ideal storage. And according to Jim, “All of our clothes have a place in this great space.”  Don Rakey, Advanced Custom Designer at the Closet Factory, suggested the addition of a built-in hamper with a lift-out basket for easy transportation to the laundry room, adjustable shelves and clothing rods, a fold-out ironing board and slanted shoe shelves to simplify the process of searching for the perfect pair. “We took an inventory of the couple's wardrobe so we knew how much space to allocate for slacks, shirts, dresses, and accessories,” says Don. Glass wardrobe doors, varied-height crown molding and fluted trim enhance the luxurious feel of the space. Dim track lighting thoroughly illuminates the entire area. The closet features a cushioned seat for convenience – a much-appreciated amenity in the space. “It's more than a closet. It's our own private dressing suite,” says Jim.

“It's more than a closet. It's our own private dressing suite.”  – Jim, homeowner

This wonderfully designed closet in the master suite of a custom Frontenac home by Berkley Construction features scores of shelves and clothes racks of varied heights for dresses, tops and trousers, along with a hidden hamper. And with an elevated bar over the window, steaming wrinkles out of clothes is an easy task. Raised front panel drawers in a large center island – perfect for keeping jewelry, scarves and other fine garments neatly arranged while providing landing space for hat boxes and handbags – complement Berkley's signature crown molding.

While a clean white palette enhances the organized ambience of the space, interior designer Carolyn Grove suggested painting the rear wall a vibrant Maple Leaf Red to highlight the oval etched glass window. “This stunning window adds architectural interest from the inside out,” says Carolyn, who also notes the abundance of natural light that the window allows into the space. Margie Berkley of Berkley Construction agrees. “Good lighting in a closet is everything,” she says, referencing three ceiling fixtures that illuminate the entire space in the evening. And any fashionista who steps into this spacious closet would surely swoon over all of the well-thought details and delight in the custom space – where organization is dressed to the nines.