Wine Storage

Design Ideas: Texture and Depth in Cabinetry

Beyond Flat: Elevate Your Cabinetry with Texture, Design, and Depth

At Behind Closed Doors Custom Closets & Cabinetry, we believe cabinetry should be as expressive and unique as the people who live with it. Our team has been attending top interior design shows across the country, and one trend is clearly on the rise: texture. Cabinetry is no longer just a background feature. It’s becoming a focal point through bold materials, layered finishes, and dimensional designs that bring a space to life.

From Storage to Statement

Flat panel cabinetry has long been a standard, but we’re seeing a shift toward options that add depth, character, and tactile interest. These finishes aren’t just about style—they transform functional storage into statement-making furniture. Whether you’re designing a walk-in closet, media center, home office, or bar, textured finishes can enhance the space in subtle yet powerful ways.

Design Trends We’re Loving

Raised Panels
A timeless look with a modern twist. Raised panels create architectural interest and are ideal for built-ins in formal spaces like dining rooms, libraries, and executive offices.

High Gloss Finishes
Polished and dramatic, high gloss cabinetry reflects light and brings a sleek, contemporary energy to kitchens, offices, or entertainment areas.

Leather and Faux Leather Inlays
Warm, luxurious, and unexpected. These surfaces add a sophisticated edge to closets, cocktail bars, or statement furniture pieces.

Pebbled and Textured Surfaces
Inspired by organic textures and natural elements, these finishes bring softness and movement to modern spaces, from bathrooms to mudrooms.

Wood Grains and Reclaimed Looks
Rich with texture and visual warmth, natural wood veneers and distressed laminates give cabinetry a grounded, earthy elegance that feels both timeless and trend-forward.

Why Texture Matters

Textured cabinetry does more than look good—it invites interaction. The depth and detail can change how a space feels, making it warmer, more dynamic, and more personal. It also helps define the tone of a room, whether you’re going for bold sophistication, understated luxury, or natural ease.

Your Vision, Brought to Life

Our experienced design team will guide you through a wide range of materials, finishes, and design options to create something that reflects your taste and enhances how you live. We don’t just build storage. We build furniture-quality pieces that elevate every corner of your home.

Ready to bring texture home? Let’s talk about cabinetry that goes beyond the flat front and creates a truly customized experience.

Visit www.bcdclosets.com to get started.

The Psychology of Home: How an Organized Space Boosts Mental Health & Reduces Stress

Our living spaces profoundly influence our mental and emotional well-being. An organized, clutter-free home not only provides aesthetic pleasure but also plays a crucial role in reducing stress and promoting mental clarity. Understanding the psychology behind our home environments can empower us to create spaces that nurture our minds and spirits.

The Impact of Clutter on Mental Health

Cluttered environments can significantly elevate stress levels and impair cognitive functions. Research indicates that disorganized spaces can lead to increased anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns, and diminished focus. This clutter-induced chaos often triggers coping mechanisms such as overeating or excessive screen time, further impacting mental health.

Neurological studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have demonstrated that clearing clutter from home and work environments results in better ability to focus and process information, as well as increased productivity.

Benefits of an Organized Space

Conversely, maintaining an organized home offers numerous psychological advantages:

Reduced Stress: A tidy environment fosters a sense of control and calm, mitigating feelings of overwhelm.
Enhanced Focus: An orderly space minimizes distractions, allowing for improved concentration and productivity.
Improved Mood: Cleanliness and organization can elevate mood and promote a sense of well-being.

Designing a Mentally Healthy Home

To cultivate a home environment that supports mental health, consider the following strategies:

Declutter Regularly: Adopt a routine to eliminate unnecessary items, creating a more serene space.
Incorporate Natural Light: Maximize exposure to daylight to enhance mood and energy levels.
Use Calming Colors: Opt for soothing hues like blues and greens to promote relaxation.
Introduce Natural Elements: Adding plants can improve air quality and impart a sense of tranquility.
Create Dedicated Spaces: Designate specific areas for work, relaxation, and socializing to establish clear boundaries and purpose.

By intentionally organizing and designing our homes, we can create environments that not only reflect our personal aesthetics but also significantly enhance our mental and emotional well-being.

Here are some accessible articles discussing the psychological benefits of an organized home:

Mental Health Benefits of Decluttering
- WebMD
- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-benefits-of-decluttering
The Many Mental Benefits of Decluttering
- Psychology Today
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-resilient-brain/202302/the-many-mental-benefits-of-decluttering
The Mental Health Benefits of Decluttering
- Utah State University Extension
- https://extension.usu.edu/mentalhealth/articles/the-mental-benefits-of-decluttering
The Connection Between Cleanliness and Mental Health
- Verywell Mind
- https://www.verywellmind.com/how-mental-health-and-cleaning-are-connected-5097496
Mental Health Benefits of Staying Organized
- Workplace Options
- https://www.workplaceoptions.com/blog/mental-health-benefits-of-staying-organized/

Concealed Spaces: Creative Ideas with Murphy Beds & Hideaway Doors

There’s something undeniably captivating about hidden doors seamlessly integrated within cabinetry. Whether it’s a custom-built bookshelf that swings open to reveal storage or a sleek panel that blends into the surrounding design, these concealed doors add intrigue, functionality, and a touch of mystery to any home. At Behind Closed Doors Custom Closets & Cabinetry, we love finding innovative ways to incorporate these discreet features into our clients’ spaces. Let’s explore how hidden doors within cabinetry can transform your space with both style and function.

Cabinetry That Doubles as an Entryway

Hidden doors built into cabinetry provide a seamless and sophisticated way to conceal rooms, storage spaces, or even secret nooks. Whether it’s a custom bookshelf that acts as a doorway or a paneled cabinet that blends perfectly into the wall, these features create a sleek, uninterrupted look while maintaining full functionality.

The Hidden Bar: A Speakeasy Disguised as Cabinetry

Imagine entertaining guests with a hidden bar seamlessly concealed behind custom cabinetry. At first glance, it looks like a beautiful built-in, but with a subtle push or pull, the door reveals a fully stocked speakeasy. This trend has been growing in popularity—just like the bar hidden behind a bar featured in HGTV’s Inside Jasmine Roth’s Beachy & Casual California Home. It’s a stunning example of how cabinetry can double as a stylish entryway into a secret entertainment space.

Custom Cabinetry with Hidden Passages

Hidden doors within built-ins aren’t just for entertainment spaces. We’ve seen cabinetry used to conceal pantries, offices, and even private reading nooks. Homeowners love incorporating hidden entries that seamlessly blend into kitchen or hallway cabinetry, making them functional yet completely discreet. The concept of hidden doors has even made its way into pop culture, like in Peacock’s The Traitors, where a concealed door creates intrigue and mystery.

Powder Rooms Disguised Behind Pantry Shelving

A growing trend in modern home design is the hidden powder room concealed behind cabinetry. This works particularly well in kitchens, where a seamless panel or shelving unit serves as a discreet entry to a nearby restroom. This design allows for a streamlined, uncluttered aesthetic while keeping practical spaces easily accessible.

Closets & Storage Disguised as Built-Ins

For those who love a clean, minimalist look, hidden storage solutions are the ultimate game-changer. Built-in cabinets that double as concealed closets allow homeowners to keep essentials organized while maintaining a sleek design. These can be perfect for seasonal storage, linens, or even a walk-in closet hidden within a bedroom wall.

Why Hidden Doors Work So Well

Hidden doors aren’t just about aesthetics—they provide practical benefits as well:

Seamless Design: Maintain a clean, modern aesthetic without visible doors interrupting the flow of the room.
Space Optimization: Utilize every inch of your cabinetry for both storage and access to hidden areas.
Enhanced Privacy: Conceal spaces like home offices, bars, or storage without drawing attention.
Increased Property Value: Unique and customized features like hidden doors add an exclusive touch to any home.

Let’s Create Your Seamless Hidden Door

Whether you’re dreaming of a built-in bar with a concealed entry, a hidden powder room behind custom shelving, or a storage space seamlessly disguised within cabinetry, Behind Closed Doors Custom Closets & Cabinetry can bring your vision to life. Our expert designers specialize in creating hidden doors that blend perfectly with your custom cabinetry, providing both style and function.

Schedule a 15-minute virtual consultation to explore how hidden doors can elevate your space. Let’s make your cabinetry work smarter, not harder!

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Manageable Fall Upgrades for your Home

September is here, which means it won’t be long until Fall settles in. There’s something about this time of year that leaves us itching to organize and refresh our home. Maybe it’s because we know we’re going to be spending a lot more time indoors in the months to come! And while a large-scale renovation can seem daunting in the Fall—with the holidays looming—there are plenty of small remodels you can tackle that are much more manageable. Here are our recommendations for projects to get started on this month!

Closets

If you’re finally ready to ditch your builder-grade closet, now is the perfect time to upgrade—before your winter wardrobe hits the shelves! Start with an in-home consultation, sit down with one of our designers to talk specifics, and then enjoy a quick and easy install to wrap things up. Let’s get started designing your new closet today!

Pantry

Pantry remodels can also be quick—depending on your selections—making them an ideal Fall project as well. How great would it be to have your pantry remodel complete before the holiday baking season?! If you’re looking for inspiration for your new pantry, check out our recent blog post on five ways to elevate your pantry renovation.

Murphy Bed

If you’re planning to host guests from out of town over the holidays, now is a great time to add a Murphy Bed to your office, play room, or spare room! 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.

Wine Storage

Holiday hosting is right around the corner. Are you ready with ample wine and beverage storage? From wine walls to rooms to staircase displays, we offer storage solutions of all kinds for your wine collection!

Powder Room

A powder room refresh is another great Fall project to tackle! We offer custom cabinetry and several lines that promise a quick turnaround to best accommodate your timeline!

Now that we’ve laid out the options, the hard part is going to be choosing which project to get started on first! Once you’ve decided, contact us to get started!

Five Ways to Elevate Your Pantry Renovation

While there are plenty of standard upgrades to add to your pantry renovation—like shelf dividers for large plates, varying height shelves to accommodate items of different sizes, and spice racks—we love it when our clients add in custom touches to elevate their new pantry. If you’re looking to add some flair to your pantry, here are our top five recommendations:

Up Your Door Game

By incorporating a marquee door, you’ll turn your pantry into a kitchen focal point. You’ll want to choose something that complements the design of your kitchen—a sleek, glass-paneled door for a modern kitchen, a cool-toned oak door for a neutral kitchen, a rustic wood door for a country kitchen. Trust us, this one small move will completely elevate your pantry renovation.

Add a Ladder

Not only is a pantry ladder functional in helping you reach high-placed items, it’s also extremely attractive! Not to mention it has a certain old-world charm. For larger pantries, you can add a full-length ladder that slides to the location you need it. For smaller pantries, we recommend a half-length ladder.

Countertops

If your space allows it, we’re big fans of adding countertops (and a sink) to your pantry to provide a secondary space for food prep. You can also use them to store larger items used daily like coffee makers, toasters, and mixers.

Drawers

While pullout drawers are standard in any cabinet pantry, they’re sometimes overlooked in walk-in or butler’s pantries, which we think is a mistake. Whether you’re going to leave them open-faced or install cabinet-style drawers, they’ll make accessing your food and storage items so much easier!

Wine storage

We’re seeing more and more people add wine storage to their pantry, and we think it’s a great idea! Whether you’re looking to incorporate a wine wall, shelf, or fridge, we can help bring your vision to life!

Now let’s get started designing your new pantry! Contact us today.

Think Dual Purpose when Designing Your Home

Over the past few years, we’ve definitely seen a shift in design mentality from single-purpose rooms to dual purpose rooms. It’s such a simple concept, but one that hugely improves the functionality of your home! 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? As the preeminent leader in storage solutions in Coastal Maryland and Delaware, we offer tons of creative solutions to take advantage of one of the hottest trends in home design right now: dual-purpose rooms. See our top tips below to start making the most of every room in your home!

Laundry + Mudrooms

2022 06 30 0001 — Photo Credit: Joanna Gaines

Typically located off the garage or a side entrance, lots of people are opting for a combined laundry and mudroom rather than dedicating a separate space to each. If you think about it, it makes sense. Both rooms require similar materials—durable, water-resistant flooring and cabinet or cubby storage—and both serve as a dumping place (whether it be dirty clothes in the laundry room or jackets, shoes, backpacks, etc., in the mudroom). When combining the two rooms, most clients opt for a combination of cabinets, cubbies, lockers, hooks, and benches to accommodate all those dropped items and to store all your typical laundry room necessities.

Office + Guest Room

This one is a no-brainer. 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. As home offices become more coveted, it only makes sense to double up these spaces as guest rooms with the help 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!

Wine Storage + Basements

Whether you’re looking to incorporate a wine wall, room, staircase or cellar into your home, the basement is the perfect location! Not only does it typically stay cooler temperature-wise, but who doesn’t love the idea of a basement bar?! If you want to up your game, incorporate a makeshift tasting room by adding barstools, a countertop and lighting. Your guests will not be disappointed!

Closet + Bathroom

There’s something so luxurious about a master bathroom that flows into a master closet. We love when clients choose to blend these spaces together for a smooth transition throughout the master suite. It gives you easy access to all the things you need while getting ready—clothes, shoes, accessories, hair products, makeup, and more! And it makes you feel like you have your own little apartment inside your house. Who wouldn’t love that?!

Are you planning a new home build or renovation? Let us help make the most of every room in your house! Contact us today to get started!

Voted Best Closet Company

We are extremely honored and humbled to be voted the Best Closet/Home Organization Company in Sussex and Worcester counties for the seventh consecutive year! We want to extend a huge Thank You to all our customers who voted for us in Coastal Style Magazine’s Best Of Awards. We take great pride in our reputation and work very hard making sure we go above and beyond for our awesome customers!

We’re best known for our closet work, but that’s not all we do by a long shot! Here are all the services we offer at Behind Closed Doors:

Closets

Building a custom closet is a great way to get organized and create a functional space to store clothing, shoes, ties, jewelry, handbags, linens, pantry items and so much more! We specialize in both walk-in and reach-in closets of all shapes and sizes. Our large selection of real woods, laminates, textures, colors and accessories allow you to build a closet that reflects your personal style while creating optimal storage. 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.

Murphy Beds

Maximizing every inch of space is our goal, and 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 Storage

Turn your cluttered garage into an organized paradise. Make space for your car, bikes, kids toys, sporting equipment, tools, kayaks, paddle boards and surfboards with our innovative and attractive space-saving solutions. Our material options are specifically engineered to withstand moisture and heat to protect against the Coastal climate of the Delaware and Maryland beaches.

Pantries

Spice up your pantry with accessories such as sliding shelves and vertical dividers to provide organization, all while saving space. Customized pantries help cut back on cooking time by creating designated spaces for pasta, rice, soups, condiments and so much more.

Wine Storage

Wine storage, but make it art! That’s our philosophy when we approach residential and commercial wine storage projects. Whether you’re looking to fit a display into an unused space or create a stunning focal point, we’re here to make your wine storage look as good as it functions. Let us help create your dream wine wall, room, cellar or staircase today!

Mudrooms

Mudrooms do more than store coats and backpacks. From custom cubbies to lockers to benches and hooks, a well-designed mudroom helps you reduce clutter in the busiest area of your house.

Laundry Rooms

Laundry rooms that actually make you want to do laundry—our specialty. Let our experts help customize your laundry room with creative storage solutions for laundry supplies, hampers, ironing boards, folding areas, hanging space and more.

We also offer custom built-ins and storage solutions for home offices, kids rooms, and family rooms. Schedule your in-home consultation today!

The Best Wine Storage for your Hospitality Business

When it comes to commercial wine storage projects, the sky is the limit! Whether you own a liquor store, wine shop, hotel, bar, or restaurant, Behind Closed Doors can hook you up with wine storage that looks as good as it functions! We offer an array of storage solutions to upgrade your existing displays or install something brand new from scratch. To get started, here are our favorite ways to display wine in a commercial setting!

Behind Glass

Is there anything cooler than an entire room dedicated to wine? We think not! We recommend a wine room or cellar for businesses who need or want to store a large inventory, especially with temperature controls. Some clients even choose to turn their wine rooms into a makeshift tasting room by adding barstools, a countertop and lighting.

In the Lobby or Waiting Area

A wine wall or room in a lobby or waiting area creates a fun focal point for guests who are waiting for a table at a restaurant, a seat at the bar, or even for a meeting in a corporate office. And, bonus, it serves as functional storage for your wine inventory!

Inside Pretty Shelving

Wooden racks, pegboards, angled shelving to show off the label—you name it, we’ve got it at Behind Closed Doors. Whether you’re installing the shelving in a separate room, on a wall, or behind a bar, there are tons of ways to make it as attractive as it is functional!

Behind a Bar

We love the look of a dedicated wine bar with storage behind it. Upgrade your look with custom glass doors to give the bar an elevated feel or keep it simple with attractive shelving that’s easier to access. Either way, we’re here to help bring your dreams to life!

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!

Wine Storage But Make it Art

Wine storage, but make it art! That’s our philosophy when we approach residential and commercial wine storage projects. Whether you’re looking to fit a display into an unused space or create a stunning focal point, we’re here to make your wine storage look as good as it functions! Here are our favorite ways to add attractive wine storage to your home or business:

Wine Wall

Wine walls work equally well residentially and commercially. For businesses like restaurants and hotels, we usually go larger to accommodate their inventory. But in residential projects, we find smaller displays work better so as not to overwhelm or take over a space. Wine walls are an especially great option when you have limited floor space.

Wine Room

For our hardcore wine enthusiasts or our largescale commercial projects, we recommend a wine room or cellar. These larger spaces provide enough room for your collection or inventory and can be done in many attractive ways. Some clients even choose to turn their wine rooms into a makeshift tasting room by adding barstools, a countertop and lighting.

Wine Staircase

This is our favorite way to add wine storage when space is at a minimum, both residentially and commercially. You can go more rustic with wall shelving or more modern with glass-enclosed storage. Either way, it’s a creative and attractive way to incorporate wine storage into your home or business.

Let’s start planning your wine storage project today! Contact us to schedule your in-home or in-business consultation.