I often see builders create long, skinny, galley-type master closets that have hang space flanking the sides and back wall. This is fine as long as there aren’t clothes hanging from those rods. A dressed hanger needs 24” of breathing room and when you double that for opposing walls you are left with a very tight walkway in which you have to view your belongings. In this galley master closet we tore out the existing rods and insufficient shelving and created two walls of usable hang space and a third wall filled with hanging drawers, shelves and vanity space. A new layout and materials created a serene, efficient and more spacious place to start and end the day.

I often see builders create long, skinny, galley-type master closets that have hang space flanking the sides and back wall. This is fine as long as there aren’t clothes hanging from those rods. A dressed hanger needs 24” of breathing room and when you double that for opposing walls you are left with a very tight walkway in which you have to view your belongings. In this galley master closet we tore out the existing rods and insufficient shelving and created two walls of usable hang space and a third wall filled with hanging drawers, shelves and vanity space. A new layout and materials created a serene, efficient and more spacious place to start and end the day.

Components like a pull-out pant rack make it easier to put away clothing and keep items off the floor. This is also a great way to see your clothing in a tight space, allowing you to pull out the entire rack to make your selection and then slide it back out of the way when you are finished. #elfa

Having a wall length of hanging drawers eliminated the need for the dresser that was previously inside the closet and a second dresser in the bedroom. This also provided the client the ability to get dressed from head-to-toe all in the same space, saving time and energy when getting ready for the day and packing for trips. Drawer inserts, like those pictured here are a wonderful tool to store jewelry. By separating your jewelry pieces you are more likely to wear more of what you have and eliminate what you don’t actually wear.

This master closet is an example of what can be done without having to tear out or install any new components. There is a lot you can do to make a “ builder’s-grade” closet feel cohesive and organized. The biggest pay-off is having a space that it not overwhelming to the eye so that you can quickly see your clothing, get dressed and on your way in an efficient manner. After all, don’t we all want more time added to our day?