Closets Archives - Behind Closed Doors

Vote for us as Best Closet/Home Organization Company

We are so honored to once again be named a finalist for Coastal Style Magazine’s “Best of 2023” awards for Best Closet/Home Organization Company in Sussex and Worcester County! Now all we need is your vote. You have until May 31st to cast your votes! Just follow these simple instructions:

1.Go to https://coastalstylemag.com/best-of-2023/

2. Click on Sussex County

3. Click on “For the Home”

4. Scroll down until you see “Closet/Home Organization” and Vote for Behind Closed Doors Custom Closets & Cabinetry

5. Repeat the steps for the Worcester County ballot

Behind Closed Doors has been voted the best Closet/Home Organization Company in both Sussex and Worcester County for six years running. We take great pride in our reputation and work very hard making sure we go above and beyond for our awesome customers. Here are few recent reviews from satisfied customers:

“Without hesitation, I recommend BCD. We did a home office and garage with them. Leatie was great to work with, allowing us to use design features we wanted from our former home, and making sure she tweaked them in a way that worked. She listened to us to make it happen the right way. The install team was professional, clean, and very mannerly. They were a pleasure to have in our home.” —Stacy

“From beginning to end, Behind Closed Doors was a great experience! The designer, the owner and the installers were excellent! My closets and my garage were well thought out and they look beautiful! I have used two other companies in the past for two different houses and Behind Closed Doors is by far the best!” —Karla

Thank you so much for your continued support and don’t forget to VOTE FOR BCD!

Outdated Closet Rules We Think You Should Break

Some people are rule followers and some are rule breakers! While there are many closet “rules” we always recommend adhering to—like a place for everything, everything in its place—there are others we don’t mind breaking! Here are four outdated closet rules we think can be tossed out when planning your next custom closet with Behind Closed Doors:

1.Rainbow organize your closet

If you’re a type A person who needs to rainbow organize to stay sane, then by all means, go for it! But if it’s not something that would greatly affect your well being, then it’s definitely in the category of outdated rules that can be tossed out. Not only does it suck up a lot of time at the onset, but it takes an effort to keep up with as well. Other ways to organize your closet include by category (grouping blouses, denim, skirts, sweaters, etc.) or by outfits (keeping pants and shirts that you wear together near one another). Basically, you have free reign to organize your closet in whatever fashion works best for you!

2. Your hangers have to match

You may not want to spend extra money replacing all your hangers right after your new closet is installed or you may really like some of the hangers you’re currently using or you might just not care enough about matching hangers to even bother! Either way, this is definitely one of those rules you shouldn’t stress about when organizing your new closet.

3. Pack away your seasonal clothes

Obviously your closet is going to change with the seasons but if you’re closet can fit all of your clothes, we say keep them all there! There’s no need to move seasonal clothing completely out of your closet if you have enough room to simply shift it to the back or another area. We’ve seen some clients build in extra cabinets and drawers specifically for storing seasonal clothes. Then they switch those clothes to the more prominent spaces each season! Of course, there are probably always going to be some things you move out of the closet with the seasons—like heavy jackets, boots, and large sweaters. But being able to keep most of your wardrobe in the same space is a lot less work!

4. You have to fill every square inch of space

We love when clients leave some space for their wardrobe to expand over time. If some of your racks, shelves, drawers or cabinets aren’t completely full after your custom closet installation, DO NOT rush out and buy more clothing! Let those spaces sit for a bit until you find a purpose for them. Sometimes just letting unoccupied spaces be allows your mind to process the best way to fill them!

Now that we’ve hopefully relieved some of the stress of closet organization, it’s time to design a closet that works for you! Contact us today to get started!

Five Signs it’s Time to Upgrade your Closet

March is here—a time for spring cleaning and organizing! So what better time to start thinking about your closet storage needs! If you’ve been weighing whether the time is right to finally pull the trigger on a custom closet, let us help! Here are five signs that it’s time to upgrade your closet.

1. It’s a mess

The No. 1 sign that it’s time to upgrade your closet is clutter! Sure, you can add in hampers, baskets and bins to try to control the mess, but the simple fact is if you don’t have enough space, the only solution is to install a better functioning closet. Period.

2. You can’t find anything

We’ve all been there—you’re staring into your closet searching for a specific shirt, dress or pair of paints, but it’s eluding you due to clutter and chaos. If you’re relying on builder-grade closets that don’t cater to your individual wardrobe, then you’re in need of a solution that will make your life easier—a better functioning closet! Think built-in drawers, varying height hanging areas, dedicated shoe storage, and maybe even an island to store accessories if you have space!

3. You don’t have enough storage space

When we say you don’t have enough storage space, we mean you don’t have enough usable storage space. Most builder-grade closets neglect to take full advantage of vertical space, which results in a lot of wasted space. Builder-grade closets also don’t give you the diversity of storage that a custom closet does. They mainly include hanging space and shelves—no drawers, no shoe racks, no dividers. You’ll be amazed at how much you can actually fit into your closet once your custom closet is installed!

4. Getting things down is a workout

If you’re forced to stack sweaters, jeans and other foldable clothing on high shelves, you’re in for a workout every time you have to get them down. Customizing the height of your closet shelves is one of the best features in a new closet, as it allows for easier access to everything in your closet!

5. You dread changing out your wardrobe each season

You know your closet isn’t functioning properly if you absolutely dread changing out your wardrobe each season. That means the clutter and chaos have gotten so out of control that you can’t even bring yourself to get into the right mindset to start sorting. Breaking out your spring or fall wardrobes should be exciting, not seem like a chore. Bring some joy back into your life with a custom closet this season!

Closet Design Trends for 2023

January is our favorite time to get inspired in the closet design world! And we’re ending this month with a bang—sharing our predictions for the top closet design trends of the year. Get excited, we think this is going to be the most stylish year yet for custom closets!

Cabinets Over Shelving

Putting everything behind closed doors is trending right now. Where we used to see clients opt for a mixture of open shelving and cabinets, we’re now seeing more clients move toward all cabinets and drawers for a cleaner look. If this fits your style, now is the time to make it happen!

Convertible Vanities

As we continue to see master closets morph into more than just closets (check out our blog post on how closets are becoming the new sitting rooms), we’re seeing clients add in elements that can serve dual roles, like convertible vanities. Start the day getting ready at a vanity and then transition it to a desk for working from home. We especially love doing in this in closets with windows so you can take advantage of the natural light.

Classic Look

We’re going to see a return to traditional style in 2023—a touch of the old fashioned mixed in with a clean, classic look. Think wood tones, painted cabinets, vintage hardware and artwork.

Focus on Flooring

Often an afterthought or a safe choice to blend in, we’re now going to be seeing a lot more attention paid to closet flooring. Be it a patterned carpet, marble tile floor or a colorful runner over wood floors.

Luxury Additions

As we continue to see closets morph into dual functioning spaces, we’ll see more luxury add-ons such as bar areas, washers and dryers for convenient laundry cleaning and storage specific areas for items such as luggage.

Whether you want to embrace these trends or take your own path, let us help bring your custom closet dreams to life! Contact us today.

Step-by-Step Tips for an Organized Home in 2023

New year, new you! January is almost here and there’s no better way to start the new year than with an organized home. But figuring where to begin can be overwhelming—especially when you have a whole new round of holiday clutter. Fortunately for you, we’re here to help! Here are our step-by-step tips for a clutter-free home in 2023.

Start with the area that is driving you most insane. Whether that be the closet, entryway, kitchen, laundry room, master bathroom. Think about the space that irritates you the most with its clutter or disorganization and start there. Once you’ve identified where to start, you’ll want to declutter first, going through all of the items in that space and deciding what you’re going to keep and what you’re going to donate.

After you’ve decluttered, the next step is to determine if you think you can organize this area with the current layout and storage capabilities or if you need to enhance it. For example, if you’re tackling your closet first, ask yourself: Is there a place for everything? Do I have enough shelving and drawers or is it mainly hanger storage? Is it easy to reach the things I need (or do you have to stack clothes in deep piles to make everything fit)?

If you decide you do have adequate storage, then you can move on to organizing your items in a way that makes the most sense. If you’re organizing the closet first, make sure the items you use most regularly are the easiest to reach. Try not to stack sweaters, jeans or other items more than 3 or 4 deep to avoid the hassle of reaching the items all the way at the bottom. And find shoe storage that can accommodate all of your shoes.

If you decide you don’t have adequate storage, then the next step is to contact our expert team to help find storage solutions that work for you! At Behind Closed Doors, we design, manufacture and install custom closets, cabinetry and storage solutions for all your home and business needs. From the initial in-home design consultation through fabrication and install, our team of experienced and passionate professionals will guide you every step of the way. We offer an industry leading array of material options and accessories—from the latest in LED lighting to security options, decorative hardware, sliding doors, shelving and drawers! No matter how big or small your space is, we’ll make sure everything has its place.

New Year’s Resolution: An Organized Home

Now is the time to start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions! Here at BCD, we believe strongly in the connection between an organized home and an organized life. So if your New Year’s resolution involves tackling some overdue home organization projects, we’re here to help! Here are the most popular spaces our clients reimagine in January:

Closets

The first step to a more organized home is always the closets. While you can de-clutter without changing a thing in your closet, if you really want storage solutions that works for your wardrobe and your lifestyle, it’s time to ditch the builder-grade closet for a custom Behind Closed Doors system. From drawers and shelving to doors and rods, our custom closets reflect your individual needs and style. If you’re looking for something even more luxurious, check out our blog post on the top five upgrades to consider.

Pantry

After all that holiday cooking, baking, and entertaining, you might feel disappointed with your pantry storage—or lack thereof. Whether you’re looking to make an existing space function better or create a new one, we’re here to help. We offer an array of pantry designs that include varying height shelves to accommodate all sizes of items you need to store, pull out drawers and shelves for easy access to deeper items, racks to organize spices and oils, and cabinet dividers for large plates, baking pans and Tupperware.

Entryway/Mudroom

It’s the first thing you see when you enter the house, and the area that can attract the most clutter. So naturally, we love helping clients reimagine their entryways and mudrooms with custom lockers, cubbies, benches and wall systems. There’s nothing more satisfying than having a stylish and functional place for all the shoes, coats, bags, and dog leashes that get dumped upon entry.

Offices

Home offices were once a neglected, sterile space used only sparingly, but they’re now a worthwhile addition thanks to the increase of people working from home part or full-time. We love helping our clients create offices that suit their needs, and often times making them multi-functional as well with the addition of a Murphy Bed. The great thing about wall beds is they’re the ultimate space-saving solution. When not in use, they fold back and out of the way. Plus the lines we carry are so much more attractive than the Murphy Beds of past!

Let’s start 2023 off on the right foot! Contact us today to discuss your next home storage project.

Give the Gift of Organization this Holiday Season

Tis the season for gifting! Which means, there are a whole lot of new items that are about to enter your house. If you’re still looking for the ultimate gift idea for a spouse or parent, why not give them the gift of organization with a closet, pantry or wine storage upgrade? Not only will it earn you huge brownie points, but it’s something they’ll be able to enjoy for years to come!

Give them the Closet of their Dreams

What’s better than a new piece of clothing? A perfectly organized place to put it in! At Behind Closed Doors, we specialize in both walk-in and reach-in closets of all shapes and sizes, with a large selection of real woods, laminates, textures, colors and accessories. All real wood materials are fabricated locally at our shop in Coastal Delaware—which means we can complete any size closet in a quicker timeframe without sacrificing on quality. If you’re looking for a more elevated closet design, check out our blog post on the five upgrades that will make your closet feel luxurious.

Upgrade their Pantry

If your spouse or loved one is the cook of the family, a pantry upgrade would be the perfect gift! Whether you’re looking to make an existing space function better or create a new one, we’re here to help. We offer an array of pantry designs that include varying height shelves to accommodate all sizes of items you need to store, pull out drawers and shelves for easy access to deeper items, racks to organize spices and oils, and cabinet dividers for large plates, baking pans and Tupperware.

Wine Storage—the Gift that Keeps on Giving

For the wine enthusiast in your family, how about a wine wall, wine room, or creative wine storage solution like an under-staircase display? Our wine storage solutions look as good as they function, creating an attractive display that guests are sure to admire. Check out our blog post detailing all of our wine storage offerings.

Let us help make this holiday season extra bright! Contact us today to get started!

Are Closets the New Sitting Rooms?

We’re certainly ready to make a case for it! Gone are the days where closets served simply as a clothes depository, often cluttered and packed to the brim. Enter the new era of closets—chic, boutique-like spaces that guests are—get this—invited to hang out in. You heard that right, closets are the new sitting rooms!

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There are a number of factors that have prompted this transition—the pandemic forcing people to reevaluate how their homes function; the upsurge of self-care mentality; the effect of influencers showing off their closet renovations and us wanting to follow suit. Whatever your reason, now is the time to take advantage of one of the hottest trends in home design—a boutique closet.

Imagine yourself sitting on an upholstered ottoman in the middle of your perfectly designed closet, sipping a glass of bubbly from the built-in mini fridge and chatting with friends who have stopped over before a dinner out. Or imagine yourself alone in your perfectly appointed closet, easily sifting through the impeccably organized racks and drawers, actually enjoying the process of getting ready in your own personal space. It’s a sense of refuge, a sense of home, and a little taste of old-world elegance. Those are the sentiments that boutique closets create.

So how exactly do you design a boutique closet? First, you need to think about your closet footprint. If you’re building a new home, make sure you’re allotting the right amount of space to make your closet feel luxurious and house all of the accessories you desire. If you’re renovating an existing space, think about if your current footprint is large enough or if you need to increase the size of the space. Second, give us a call! We’ll lead you through the entire process, showing you layout, finish and accessory options to make your closet a space you want to show off time and time again!

Let’s get started today!

How to Purge your Closet

November is here, which means cold weather is right around the corner! As you’re pulling out all of your cold-weather gear, why not spend a little extra time purging your closet of pieces that you no longer wear or want? We know closet purging can seem like a chore, but trust us, you’ll be thankful to shed the excess clutter so that getting dressed is easy and fun again! Here are our top three tips for purging your closet.

Try Everything On

Even if you know you want to keep something, trying the item on is essential to the purging process. It makes you feel and see the piece of clothing in a singular setting so that you are able to make a decision on whether it stays or goes. The top reasons people get rid of clothing are: it’s dated, it’s worn, and it no longer makes you feel your best.

Sort Items into Piles

We recommend sorting your clothes into four piles: keep, discard, maybe, and seasonal. The seasonal pile contains items you want to keep but that are out of season. The keep pile can go back into your closet; the discard pile can be donated or consigned; the maybe pile can be stored in a bin in your closet so you have the option to bring a few items back into your wardrobe if you decide you need them; and the seasonal pile can be stored away until the proper season rolls around.

Wait a Few Weeks

Live with your wardrobe for a few weeks before adding anything new. That will give you time to make sure you truly love the items you kept and to see if there are any holes in your wardrobe now that you’ve purged some items. You’re looking for quality over quantity so be sure any additions are items you truly love!

As a general rule, if you haven’t worn anything in over a year, it should probably go to the maybe bin—unless it’s special occasion wear or has sentimental value. The maybe bin is a great way to purge without remorse. If you end up pulling out an item to wear, you can go ahead and add it back into your wardrobe. Items that aren’t worn within a year should be donated or consigned.

Now that you’ve purged your wardrobe, it’s time to start thinking about whether your closet is working for you. From reach-in to walk-in to fully custom boutique closets, let us create the closet of your dreams at Behind Closed Doors! Contact us today!

Our Favorite Space-Saving Solutions

If you’re anything like us, you’re constantly reevaluating how your home storage can work better for you! There’s nothing more satisfying than a high-functioning home, and you can’t get there without talking about storage. Enter our Top Five space-saving solutions for your home!

Murphy Beds

The best way to make a spare room multifunctional is to add a Murphy bed for out-of-town guests. This space-saving wall bed is one of the hottest trends in home design right now and for good reason. It’s an extremely cost-effective way to make the most of your space.

Garage Systems

Whether you’re looking to store taller items like rakes and ladders or smaller items like tools and nails, track and rail systems are a great choice! The best part? They’re interchangeable so they can evolve as your life (and stuff) does.

High and Low Vertical Space

Be sure to take full advantage of high and low storage opportunities in your closets, pantry, garage, kitchen and laundry room. Take your cabinets all the way up to the ceiling to maximize your high vertical space. Down low, think about custom drawers that can fit under beds for increased storage or baskets and bins that can fit under console tables and bookshelves add additional storage.

Optimizing Closet Space

The best way to optimize your closet space is with a custom closet design. This will allow you to make every inch of your space work the way you need it to! Some of our must-haves include an island to store jewelry and accessories—as well as functional add-ons like a laundry hamper and fold-out ironing board—and a mixture of open shelving, drawers, and cabinets.

Dual-purpose Rooms

We’re all about maximizing functionality at Behind Closed Doors, which is why we’re big fans of dual-purpose rooms. Why have a laundry room AND a mudroom when you can combine the two? Why dedicate an entire room to guests who only visit a few times a year when you can add a Murphy Bed to a home office? Dual-purpose rooms are one of our absolute favorite ways to maximize space in your home.

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Are you ready to make your home storage work for you? Contact us today!

Vote for us as Best Closet/Home Organization Company

Outdated Closet Rules We Think You Should Break

Five Signs it’s Time to Upgrade your Closet

Closet Design Trends for 2023

Step-by-Step Tips for an Organized Home in 2023

New Year’s Resolution: An Organized Home

Give the Gift of Organization this Holiday Season

Are Closets the New Sitting Rooms?

How to Purge your Closet

Our Favorite Space-Saving Solutions

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