Wire closet systems revolutionized the industry some years ago, and while local organization closet companies still sell a lot of it, more and more homeowners are willing to spend the money to upgrade to laminate or even real wood veneers. The Closet Factory, has had clients spend as much as $30,000 on their custom closets.

Don Sewell, owner of Closet Classics Franchise of Louisville, notes that it’s not necessary to spend so much. “Laminates have come down in price, so they’re much more affordable. I think they’re one of the least expensive upgrades homeowners can make, especially with closet space at such a premium,” he says.

For a 2200-2400 square foot new home, Sewell estimates the cost of laminate organizers to be about $2000 for the whole house.

Remodelers should also know that laminate systems can be used even in older homes with reach-in closets that are two feet deep and six or eight feet wide. “By compartmentalizing, we can effectively double the amount of storage space. And the price tag runs from $250-800, putting laminates within many people’s reach,” says Sewell.

Here are some other trends in home organization systems:

Closets
• More choices in laminate colors. In addition to white, Closet Classics of Louisville offers laminates in cherry, rock maple and a new color called candlelight with a maple grain and a blonde finish
• More choices in laminate styles, including door and drawer facings and mouldings. Sewell notes that Shaker styles are becoming very popular, along with glass drawer fronts.
• More choices in floor-mounted units, with mouldings to match.
• Greater demand for valet bars that slide out and allow the customer to hang garments easily. Homeowners can use them to lay out clothing or set aside clothes that need to go to the cleaners.
• Baskets in more depths, including 6”, 11” and 17”. The 17” depth is especially popular for socks.
• Children’s closets often get as much attention as adults’, according to Bill Morgenthal, president/owner of The Closet Factory. “In addition to hanging space, we see demand for valet rods, belt racks, laundry hampers, shoe storage, drawers and even jewelry drawers for high school-aged kids,” he notes. “For younger kids, we incorporate baskets for toys with special safety glides to prevent them from pulling them all the way out.”
• For those who prefer the look of real wood to laminates, the Closet Factory offers painted MDF with baked-on white, antique white and almond finishes and real wood veneers. “We offer everything from cherry and maple to oak, birch and poplar. Most of our customers prefer to paint birch and poplar, but we have many requests for alder stained to look like cherry,” he says. The wood and stain choice generally matches the furniture in the master suite.

Pantries
Pantries are the newest area of the home making use of special organization systems. Laminates are the most popular choice, as simple wire shelving gives way to more elaborate systems that can include:

• Pull-out trays / shelves with lips for canned goods
• Drawer units for canned goods, silverware, large utensils or serving dishes
• Special units for holding small appliances such as mixers, blenders and food processors
• Wire or rattan baskets for storing potatoes and onions
• Wine racks
• Planning desks with counters
• Hooks for hanging basket storage
• Utility hook racks for brooms, mops and vacuum cleaners

Home Offices
The Closet Factory also designs work areas for offices. Morganthal says that this now accounts for about ten percent of his business, with about half of installations in home offices. “We custom build everything to fit the space and the equipment the customer needs, from phone lines to computers and fax machines,” he notes. “Many people who work out of their homes can’t find the products they need at furniture stores, so we offer them a good solution.”

Entertainment Centers
Entertainment centers are also a part of The Closet Factory’s line. “We can save clients money over custom-built cabinets and still offer features such as glass doors, pocket doors, recessed lighting, vertical video, CD and DVD drawers and cloth door and drawer fronts,” says Morganthal. “Our products are not cheap, however and run about a minimum of $500-600 a linear foot.”

Another advantage is that The Closet Factory’s entertainment centers carry a lifetime warranty and can be made so they can be moved to another home.

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Source: Homebuilders Association of Louisville