2. Welcome to
closet design
20142014 is the year when…
➢Less is more
➢Mars and Venus align
➢The natural world prevails
➢Technology drives design
These evolving desires and lifestyle choices are strongly influencing
the world of modern closet design!
The basis of every good closet design in 2014 will revolve around
“flow”—a closet working in tandem with our intuitive way of doing
and locating things. As we become increasingly techno-centric,
dependent on multitasking and multiple forms of communication,
our closets are actually transforming into a room where we can do
all of our tasks with ease, even pleasure.
In the year ahead, the closet continues its evolution from merely
storage to an actual living space, a room in its own right; aesthetics
and function are aligned more closely than ever. At the same time,
a backlash against excess and overindulgence has created a strong
interest in minimalism. Less is becoming more, both in design and
in what is actually stored within the closet.
Closet Factory’s role as style setter for the closet industry leads us
to provocative clues from many other disciplines—from fashion
to interior design to home construction—that help us compose a
snapshot of what closets in the future will look like. Each year, we
identify—and sometimes spark—important trends that greatly
impact how we counsel our clients on their own closet design.
We see these trends as layered and multi-dimensional, so that
elements of one trend often blend with elements of another.
From evocative color palettes to natural materials and a new way of
sharing closet space, there are many exciting options for those who
see a modern closet in their future.
Take a look at what’s ahead for walk-in closet design in 2014!
Fanciful blue
shoe towers
provide
color and
architectural
detail.
(Photo by
Eric Piasecki;
courtesy of
Thom Filicia
Inc.)
3. Table of Contents
Mars/Venus page 3
Closet design honoring the differences in the sexes
Celestial Spaces page 5
Drawing on the universe for warm, star-filled
inspiration
Curation / Minimalism page 7
Designing around a carefully considered wardrobe
Inspired by Nature page 9
Elemental shapes and colors of the natural world
Artful elements page 11
Bringing art, color and opportunities of
self-expression into the closet
Top Left:
His and hers closet: distinctive
differences
Top Right:
Storage with an artful twist
Right:
Natural color and pattern trends
Bottom:
Intentional “white space” replaces
stuffed closets
Technology Driven page 13
A stylish place for multitasking and using our
electronic devices
4. 3closet factory | three
1
Mars
Venuseffect
the
S
triking harmony between the sexes when it
comes to closet design is an important trend,
not to mention an exciting one. Sharing such
an intimate space often reveals just how
different men and women are in how they use
and respond to their wardrobes. Jeans? He folds, she
hangs. He likes everything in drawers, behind doors
and out of sight—she wants to show off her beautiful
gowns and shoes.
The Mars/Venus Effect is about creating separate
walk-in closets or clearly defined spaces within
a single closet for couples. It could be a walk-in
divided in half, or areas separated by color and
A shared walk-in closet embraces two very different styles that still
look great together. Design and flow are based on each individual’s
preferences. (Photo courtesy Robin Rile Fine Art; design by Kat Barrow-
Horth)
trend 1: the mars /venus effect
5. 4closet factory | four
Men and women express themselves
individually—within a shared closet or individual
closets—through color choices as well as
hardware and decorative details, such as molding.
Just as importantly, professional designers
create organizational flow that matches the way
each person gets dressed and uses the closet.
Elements of Style
• Visual and structural dividers—clearly defining
his and her space
• Contrasting styles for personal expression
• For him: leather textures, bold crown molding
• For her: linen textures, decorative applique
• Unifying elements: coordinated hangers, accent
color, hardware
Mars
Venuseffect
the
style. These distinguishing features reflect their
unique personalities—darker wood tones and
metal accents for him, antique white and brushed
nickel hardware for her. At the same time, unifying
elements are used to convey a cohesive design.
Closet designs that address differences in how two
people who live in close contact get dressed and
manage their wardrobes can actually help reduce
maritalconflict.Ratherthanforcingcouplesto“put
aside their differences” and behave the same way in
thematteroforganizingtheirwardrobes,theMars/
Venus closet design beautifully accommodates the
distinct patterns of masculinity and femininity.
From left to right: His sporty black rubber handle by Richelieu; dazzling white stone
surface by Lumicor; her frosted acrylic handle by Richelieu.
Large feminine walk-in closet lavishes attention on decorative detail—crown molding, crystal
chandelier and custom paint finishes. (Photo courtesy and design by Closet Factory)
His exclusive walk-in closet features bold metal and dark wood accents with no-fuss
space for business attire. (Photo courtesy and design by Closet Factory)
trend 1: the mars /venus effect
6. 2
5
C
elestial—relating to the heavens, a place of restful bliss. This is the mood captured by walk-in closets of
2014, which will serve as havens of sanctuary and calm. Designers create a closet system with an open
framework that both stores and soars, with floating shelves, extra-wide shelf spans and fewer vertical
dividers.
Capitalizing on higher ceilings and generous architectural details, celestial closets draw the eye upward with interesting
ceiling treatments that often mimic the galaxies or the nighttime sky. Higher ceilinged homes allow for greater storage
space above eye level, thereby creating an airier feeling throughout the rest of the closet.
closet factory | five
Celestial
Spaces
trend 2: celestial spaces
Note how the
semi-opaque glass
on the doors and
in the island top
contribute to the
soft illumination
in this closet.
The palette
here reflects the
planetary colors of
Jupiter and Mars.
(Photo courtesy
Rio Costantini
Photography;
design by
Danenberg Design)
7. 2
6
Integrating light is a vital component of the celestial closet
and designs are complying with some innovative uses of
spot and back lighting. Glowing countertops, shelves and
even wall panels evoke the Northern Lights; they help set the
peaceful mood while contributing soft illumination. Tiny
lights within the hanging rods mimic the stars of nightfall.
Celestial closets reflect the many moods of the universe.
Palettes range from light colors such as atmospheric blues
with some hints of sparkle, to the warmer orange/red hues
of Mars and Jupiter. Featuring uncluttered design and
carefully orchestrated flow, these peaceful spaces act as the
antidote to a stressful day.
The end result is maintaining a feeling of openness while
still providing the necessary systems for every part of the
wardrobe.
Elements of Style
• Minimal vertical panels and dividers
• Floating shelves
• Glass and Lucite details
• Built-in sitting area or vanity
• Lighted closet rods
• Backlighting
closet factory | six
Celestial
Spaces
Left:
Light, light, light—it’s all about letting in the light and the feeling of
soaring space in this ethereal closet. (Photo courtesy and design by
Susan Glick Interiors)
Below:
Crystal recycled glass countertop from Lumicor; hanging rods with
embedded LED lights from Hafele America.
trend 2: celestial spaces
8. 7
3
Closet Curation
Minimalism
closet factory | seven
O
ne of the biggest movements in closet
use is curation—a deliberate rejection
of excess as it pertains to the wardrobe.
Combining both high function and
minimalist style, the curated closet
becomes a showcase for what it contains.
As a part of that trend, the walk-in closet becomes less
like a storage unit, crammed full and visually hectic.
Instead, hand selected clothing, accessories and shoes
actually become part of the closet’s aesthetic whole.
Often found within modern urban environments
where space is at a premium, the curated closet tends
trend 3: closet curation/minimalism
Wide open
hanging spaces
and precise
placement of
all wardrobe
pieces are the
trademarks of
a deliberately
curated closet.
(Photo courtesy
and design by
Yamini Kitchens
and More)
9. 8
3
Closet Curation
Minimalism
to be transparent and open, with few doors
and open areas for special displays. The
palette is often monochromatic, using clean
white or neutrals, so that the wardrobe is
the focal point. Clothing is also carefully
grouped by type and the system is designed
so that no movement is wasted.
This trend takes its cues from trend-setting
fashion and style bloggers with highly
disciplined approaches to what clothing
remains in their closets and what is stored or
removed.Thisfunction-over-formapproach,
coupled with sophisticated wardrobe
management that may include using apps
such as Stylebook, NetRobe or TouchCloset,
is actually a highly practical way of getting
the most from your clothes.
Elements of Style
• Color palette: neutrals, dark gray, white
• Fewer garments overall
• Display area for key wardrobe pieces or
staging an outfit
• Wide open areas for spacious hanging
• Creative display areas
• Grouping wardrobe by type and color
• Emphasis on quality over quantity
closet factory | eighttrend 3: closet curation/minimalism
Going minimal with wardrobe provides greater opportunity to showcase
your greatest pieces, which is an important aspect of the curation trend.
(Photos left to right courtesy Closet Factory and Riley Jamison Photos/
Klein Financial-1600 Vine; both closets designed by Closet Factory)
10. 4
Inspired
Nature
E
arth-conscious home trends, from outdoor
rooms to modular construction, stem from
a continuing preference for green and
sustainable architecture. This sensibility
extends to modern closet design as well.
Humans respond to nature universally with feelings of
joy and tranquility; as John Ruskin said, “It is the poetry
of nature … that uplifts the spirit within us.”
The nature-inspired closet is defined by the colors,
materials and textures found in the natural world.
Featuring walls warmed by earth tones or vibrant hues
of autumn leaves, this space appeals to people wanting
to live in a healthy environment that feels untouched
by man. Comfort is addressed with hand-woven throw
rugs on hardwood flooring. And as in nature, the flow
of the closet exactly suits its user.
by
9closet factory | nine
Left:
Working with colors and textures from
nature create a harmonious space you
want to spend time in. The muted brown
cabinetry is paired with two-toned
leather texture drawer fronts. (Photo
courtesy and design by Closet Factory)
Natural details: Organic branch-shaped hardware
by Richelieu; Woodland panel by Lumicor.
trend 4: inspired by nature
11. Inspired
Nature
Weathered woods with gently
distressed finishes and blonder
woods with clear stain will
play an important part in
this aesthetic. Closets may be
paneled in melamine with the
addition of real wood door and
drawer faces. To complement
the wood we will see stone or
granite countertops (or at least
the look) on islands and display
areas. Transparent resin door
inserts contain a myriad of
natural elements such as reeds,
flowers and leaves; or textures
that mimic ice or rain.
Elements of Style
• Color palette: earth tones,
soft greens, spice hues of
cinnamon and clove
• Wood notes
• Textured wood grains
• Incorporating natural
materials such as
leaves, shells and reeds
• Glass elements:
counters, doors and
shelving
• Stone and granite
countertops
by
10closet factory | ten
Natural materials captured in translucent wall panels: Birch, Cattail Marsh and Vena Seaglass. (Photos courtesy Lumicor)
Functional wood-
tone floor-to-ceiling
cabinets are paired
with leather ottomans
and animal print
rug. (Photo courtesy
and design by Closet
Factory)
trend 4: inspired by nature
12. 5
Artful
Elements
rod, revealing one wall of white and another one with
color. Juxtaposition and primary color palettes rule
within the pop art closet.
Thenotionof“closetasartgallery”bringsacontemplative
facet to the space. Getting dressed is not the sole object;
so the closet design complements but does not detract
from the creative element expressed there. Closet
systems are spare and often without backing, with the
back wall painted or papered as a color accent.
As more time is spent relaxing within the closet,
decorative arts will increasingly become part of the
overall dressing experience.
A
s an important component of increased
personalization, walk-in closets
will become places where artistic
expression—and yes, playfulness—is
let loose. As a result of Trends 2 and
3, walk-in closets will be designed with more open
wall space as well as deliberately “framed” areas
in which to place art and other objects of interest.
The elements of creativity and surprise translate into
bold, textured walls, geometric patterns, whimsical
hardware and strategic spotlighting. Cabinetry takes
shape as suspended cubes with no doors, in fun bright
colors. Or perhaps there is cabinetry above a hanging
11closet factory | eleventrend 5: artful elements
The artful
closet is a
place where
wardrobe,
color and the
decorative
arts converge.
A handsome
shoe shelf
unit becomes
an object of
interest here
within the
context of
all the other
eye-catching
elements.
(Photo
courtesy
and design
by Saudah
Saleem
Interiors)
13. Artful
Elements
12closet factory | twelve
Elements of Style
• Playful details—colored walls, quirky hardware,
geometric patterns and shapes
• Single walls painted or papered as backdrop for art
• Framed paintings, prints and photos
• Displays of sculpture and other decorative objects
• Asymmetrical, open cabinetry
• Accent colors picked up from art and used in
cabinetry and decorative molding
Architectural shoe towers painted a deep blue become objects of interest at the closet’s entrance.
(Photo by Eric Piasecki; courtesy of Thom Filicia Inc.)
Top:
Bright paints create visual interest
for ordinary storage cabinets.
(Photo courtesy and design by HGS
Interiors)
Center:
Vibrant wall color and metallic
accents define this very modern
closet. (Photo courtesy and design by
Closet Factory)
Right:
Distinctive hardware such as these
brushed metallic handles is a key part
of the closet art movement.
(Photo courtesy Richelieu)
trend 5: artful elements
14. 13
6
Technology
Driven
M
odern times call for a convenient
place to drop, charge and check
in with all of our vital electronic
devices—aplacewheremultitasking
thrives without restraint. In 2014,
the techno-station of choice will be the walk-in closet,
professionally designed to allow for both productivity
and decompression.
The technology driven closet appeals to high-
performingtechnologyuserswhooftensimultaneously
check the news while helping their children with
homework, all while coordinating the next day’s outfit.
Expert attention to the closet’s design is crucial to
achieve an effortless flow, placing everything within
reach and in logical zones. For example, a sitting area
might be designed within reach of a countertop for
electronic devices and within viewing distance of a
flat-screen TV.
Taking palette cues from high tech—such as Apple
Computer’s iconic silver, black and white—and putting
function at the forefront, designers will incorporate
mini countertops, drawers, charging stations and
shelves to provide personalized technology centers
within the closet.
For men in particular, who tend to empty their
pockets at the end of the
day and need a place to put
wallet, keys and sunglasses,
customized valet drawers
will have distinct spots for
electronics plus these daily
necessities.
closet factory | thirteen
Left:
Acting as both haven and hub,
the technology driven closet will
become a well-used room for more
than simply getting dressed. (Photo
courtesy Stephani Buchman; design
by Shirley Meisel, MHouse Inc.)
trend 6: Technology driven
15. 14
Technology
Driven
Elements of Style
• Plug-in stations and
docking stations
• Mini countertops near
dressing or “valet” area
• Specialty drawers for cords,
mobile gear
• Mount bracket for tablet
(to stream Internet TV)
• Space for flat-screen TV
closet factory | fourteentrend 6: Technology driven
Top:
The island serves as a valet for
devices, offering perfect visibility
for mobile phones, tablets and keys.
(Photo courtesy and design by Closet
Factory)
Right:
Backlit Honeycomb panels by
Lumicor; glass and crystal hardware
by Richelieu.
16. ABOUT CLOSET FACTORY
Closet Factory opened its doors in 1983 in California to
providepeoplewithcustomclosets,offices,entertainment
centers, garage systems, pantries, built-in wall units and
more. Our expertise, innovation and long experience
with organizational systems gives us the ability to forecast
important trends in modern closet design.
Beginningwithafree,in-homeclosetdesignconsultation,
Closet Factory is dedicated to providing customers with
truly custom organization systems. From kid’s closets that
use adjustable shelves and rods to grow as your child does,
to clean and beautiful garages, Closet Factory designs
unique, brilliant, and gorgeous systems to organize your
life.
Call (800) 838-7995 for a free design appointment or visit
us at closetfactory.com.
17. Contributors and Acknowledgments
HGS Interiors
www.houzz.com/pro/hgsinteriors/hgs-interiors
Häfele America
www.häfele.com/us
Lumicor Inc.
www.lumicor.com
Richelieu
www.richelieu.com/en
Rio Costantini Photography
www.riophoto.net
Robin Rile Fine Art, Kat Barrow-Horth
robinrile.com
Shirley Meisel/MHouse Inc.
www.mhouseinc.com
Stephani Buchman Photography
stephanibuchmanphotography.com
Susan Glick Interiors
www.susanglickinteriors.com
Thom Filicia Inc.
www.thomfilicia.com
Yamini Kitchens and More
www.yaminikitchens.com
