custom cabinetry

The Return of the Rec Room: Why the Ultimate “Playroom for All Ages” Is Making a Comeback

The bonus room is back, and it is getting a serious upgrade. Once called the rec room or rumpus room, this flexible, often-overlooked space is quickly becoming one of the most valuable rooms in the home. Today’s homeowners are reimagining these spaces into versatile, multi-functional retreats that reflect how we actually live, work, and play.

A Space That Adapts to Every Stage of Life

What was once a casual basement or spare room is now being transformed into a space that adapts and evolves with the household. For families with young children, a bonus room can become a safe, creative playroom designed to grow as they do. It might begin as a soft, toy-filled space for toddlers, then evolve into a homework and reading zone for school-aged kids, and eventually become a media or hangout room for teens.

For adults, it is becoming a highly personalized retreat. Some are turning bonus rooms into hobby studios complete with built-in storage for art supplies, music equipment, or crafting essentials. Others are designing home theaters, gaming lounges, or yoga and meditation spaces that offer a place to recharge, unwind, and enjoy time together.

Multi-Purpose by Design

One of the most exciting aspects of the modern rec room revival is its flexibility. With thoughtful design and custom cabinetry, the same space can serve multiple purposes without feeling cluttered or chaotic. Built-in shelving keeps games and books organized, hidden storage conceals toys and hobby materials, and versatile furniture makes it easy to transition from kids’ playtime to grown-up gatherings in minutes.

When extra sleeping space is needed, the rec room can also convert into a comfortable guest suite. A built-in Murphy bed or pull-out sofa, paired with custom cabinetry for linens and essentials, means overnight guests feel welcome without sacrificing everyday functionality.

Designing for Joy and Connection

Ultimately, the resurgence of the rumpus room is about creating a space that brings people together. It is about carving out a place where creativity, play, and relaxation coexist, whether that means hosting game night, practicing yoga, building Lego towers with toddlers, or curling up with a good book.

At Behind Closed Doors Custom Closets & Cabinetry | A Division of Artisan Interiors Group, we specialize in designing multi-purpose spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional. Our team of designers and artisans creates custom cabinetry, built-ins, and storage solutions that make every inch of your home work harder and look better, including those often-overlooked bonus rooms.

From flexible family playrooms to adult hideaways and everything in between, today’s rec rooms are no longer an afterthought. They are becoming the heart of the home, places for hobbies, connection, creativity, and lasting memories

Upgrade to A Boutique Closet

From Spare Room to Showroom: How DelMarVa Homeowners Are Creating Luxury Walk-In Closets at Home

Dreaming of a Boutique Closet? You’re Not Alone.

More and more Delaware homeowners are transforming underused spaces into luxury walk-in closets, complete with display shelving, vanity stations, built-in drawers, and even island storage. What was once a trend in high-end homes is now an attainable upgrade for everyday living.

At Behind Closed Doors Custom Closets & Cabinetry, we specialize in room-to-closet conversions that blend elegance with function without sacrificing the soul of your home.

Why Convert a Room into a Walk-In Closet?

✅ Maximize Space You Already Own
That guest room that only gets used twice a year? Or the office no one uses since the laptop moved to the kitchen counter? These spaces are prime real estate for a personalized, spacious closet.

✅ Add Everyday Luxury to Your Routine
Imagine walking into a space designed just for your wardrobe, shoes, bags, and accessories—with built-in lighting, full-length mirrors, and soft-close drawers. It’s not just beautiful—it’s functional luxury.

✅ Boost Home Value & Appeal
According to Zillow, custom closets—especially spacious, walk-in ones—are on the wish lists of modern homebuyers. A thoughtfully designed boutique closet can enhance resale appeal without the cost of a full room remodel.

Features Delaware Homeowners Are Loving

Display Cabinets & Glass Doors
Showcase designer bags, shoes, or jewelry while keeping everything dust-free.

Built-In Seating & Vanity Stations
Turn your closet into a personal retreat, not just a storage space.

Hidden Storage & Soft-Close Drawers
Tidy everything behind closed doors with custom cabinetry built from real wood—never fake laminate or MDF.

Lighting That Works and Wows
We integrate LED lighting so you can actually see your clothing—and enjoy the mood it creates.

Tailored Layouts
Unlike national brands with modular constraints, we design around you. Sloped ceilings, tight angles, and tricky alcoves are no problem for our local craftspeople.

Why Delaware Homeowners Choose Behind Closed Doors

Real Wood. Real Customization.
We don’t build from pre-set kits. Every closet is made to order with premium materials and craftsmanship.
Local Expertise, Not a Franchise Script
We’re proud to serve Delaware and Eastern Maryland, with a team that lives here and understands your home styles and space constraints.
Competitive Pricing Without the Frills
National brands often mark up their prices for name recognition. We deliver high-end results without inflated costs.

Start Your Walk-In Closet Transformation

Whether you’re dreaming of a full dressing room, a his-and-hers walk-in closet, or a converted spare room, Behind Closed Doors is here to bring your vision to life—with unmatched craftsmanship and local care.

Schedule a free consultation and let’s design the boutique closet you deserve.

📍 Serving: Rehoboth Beach • Lewes • Annapolis • Bethany Beach and beyond
🛠 Custom Closets • Dressing Rooms • Wall Beds • Cabinetry • Garages • Home Offices

How to Design Your Dream Closet: A Step-by-Step Guide

At Behind Closed Doors Custom Closets & Cabinetry, we believe your closet should be more than just storage space. It should reflect your lifestyle, support your daily routines, and bring order to your space in a way that feels effortless and beautifully designed. Whether you’re envisioning a luxurious walk-in or a space-saving reach-in system, our process is designed to deliver fully customized solutions that seamlessly blend function with style.

Here’s how we transform your vision into a well-organized reality:

1. Personalized Consultation

Every project starts with a conversation. During your free in-home consultation, our expert design team will:

Evaluate your space and take detailed measurements
Learn about your wardrobe, habits, and what’s not working with your current setup
Share ideas and inspiration that align with your lifestyle and design preferences

This collaborative approach ensures your closet works seamlessly with how you live every day.

2. Interactive 3D Closet Design

Once we understand your needs, we bring your vision to life using advanced 3D design software. This allows you to:

Visualize your space in detail before construction begins
Experiment with layouts, finishes, and features in real time
Feel confident about every design decision before moving forward

Your dream closet becomes something you can see, explore, and fine-tune with ease.

3. Exceptional Materials and Local Craftsmanship

Our materials are selected with care and built to last. Choose from a wide range of high-quality laminate options for sleek, modern looks, or elevate your space with real wood like white oak, walnut, cherry, or birch. These natural hardwoods bring character, durability, and warmth to any space.

All of our cabinetry is crafted locally by skilled artisans who take pride in precision and detail. Whether you prefer the contemporary appeal of clean finishes or the timeless charm of natural wood grain, we’ll build a closet system that suits your taste and endures daily use.

4. Seamless, Professional Installation

Once your design is finalized, our expert installers bring it to life with:

Clean, respectful work in your home
Timely and efficient installation
A thorough final walkthrough to ensure everything meets your expectations

We handle every detail so you can enjoy a smooth, stress-free experience from start to finish.

5. Ongoing Support and Flexibility

Our relationship doesn’t end after installation. As your lifestyle changes, your closet can evolve too. We offer:

Modifications or expansions for growing wardrobes
New accessories or reconfigurations as your needs shift
Ongoing service and support from a team that knows your space

We’re here to make sure your closet continues to serve you well for years to come.

Why Homeowners Choose Behind Closed Doors

✔ Fully custom designs built around your space and lifestyle
✔ Premium materials including real hardwoods and quality laminate
✔ Locally manufactured cabinetry crafted by skilled artisans
✔ Experienced team of designers, project managers, and installers
✔ Full-service process from concept to completion

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s create a closet that works beautifully and looks even better. Book your free consultation today and take the first step toward a more organized, personalized home.

Real Wood vs. Laminate Finishes: Understanding the Difference and Making the Right Choice

When it comes to cabinetry and storage solutions, the choice between real wood and laminate finishes is a crucial one. At Behind Closed Doors, we pride ourselves on offering both options to cater to a variety of needs, styles, and budgets. Understanding the differences between these materials, and knowing when to use one over the other, can help you make an informed decision for your next home project.

Real Wood: Timeless Elegance and Natural Beauty

Characteristics: Real wood is a natural material that exudes warmth, beauty, and character. Each piece is unique, with its grain patterns and natural imperfections adding to its charm. Wood can be stained, painted, or left in its natural state, offering versatility in design. Our extensive product line includes a wide range of wood species, from rich mahogany to elegant oak, ensuring that you find the perfect match for your style.

Why Choose Real Wood?

Durability: Real wood is incredibly durable and can last for decades when properly maintained. It’s a great choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens or living rooms, where you want your investment to stand the test of time.
Aesthetic Appeal: There’s nothing quite like the look and feel of real wood. It adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to any space, making it an ideal choice for those who value craftsmanship and quality.
Resale Value: Homes with real wood cabinetry often have higher resale value, as buyers recognize and appreciate the quality and longevity of natural materials.

Project Examples: We’ve completed numerous projects using real wood, from elegant kitchen cabinets to custom-built bookcases and living room cabinetry. These spaces not only look stunning but are built to withstand daily use, providing our clients with long-lasting beauty and functionality.

Laminate: Modern, Affordable, and Versatile

Characteristics: Laminate is a synthetic material made by fusing multiple layers of paper and resin. It’s available in a wide variety of colors, textures, and patterns, including convincing wood-look finishes. Laminate is a popular choice for those looking for a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing style.

Why Choose Laminate?

Affordability: Laminate is typically less expensive than real wood, making it a great option for homeowners who want a stylish look without breaking the bank.
Durability: Modern laminates are highly durable and resistant to scratches, moisture, and heat. They’re perfect for areas that see a lot of wear and tear, such as bathrooms or laundry rooms.
Low Maintenance: Laminate is easy to clean and maintain, requiring no special treatments or refinishing, making it a practical choice for busy households.

Project Examples: Our laminate projects include sleek and modern home offices, durable laundry room cabinets, and stylish bathroom vanities. These spaces benefit from the practicality and affordability of laminate while still offering a high-end look.

Why We Offer Both: Tailored Solutions for Every Home

We believe in providing our clients with choices that fit their unique needs. While many of our competitors shy away from using real wood due to the higher costs and complexity involved, we embrace the challenge. Our team of skilled craftsmen and designers is equipped to handle both real wood and laminate projects with equal expertise, ensuring that you get the best possible outcome, no matter which material you choose.

Extensive Product Line and Finishing Touches

Beyond the material choice, we offer an extensive product line that includes a wide variety of door and drawer faces. From traditional raised panel designs to sleek, modern flat panels, we have options to suit every style. To complete your cabinetry project, we offer high-end countertop options and a large selection of hardware, including handles, knobs, and pulls that add the perfect finishing touch.

Crowning Your Project

The final piece of the puzzle is choosing the right countertop and hardware to crown your cabinetry. Whether you prefer the luxurious feel of granite or the modern appeal of quartz, we offer a range of countertop options that enhance the beauty and functionality of your space. Our hardware selection further elevates your design, providing the finishing touches that make your cabinetry truly unique.

Let us help you create a space that’s not only beautiful but also perfectly suited to your lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore the possibilities!

Five Common Mistakes to Avoid when Designing your Custom Closet

As the premier custom closet company in Coastal Delaware and Maryland, we’ve designed and installed hundreds of closets for our customers. Over that time, we’ve seen a lot of closets that quite simply don’t make sense. Hence the need for our clients to redesign them! Fortunately for our clients, we have a team of expert designers to leads them through the design process from start to finish to make sure their closet functions for them. If you’re ready to get started on a custom closet project with us, check out these five common mistakes to avoid! And then give us a call to guarantee they don’t happen with you project!

Not Making The System Adjustable

Your mix of clothing will change over time, so you’ll need a system that can evolve with your wardrobe. Installing an adjustable system eliminates the headache of not having the right makeup of space as you add in new clothing. If you’re going to invest in a custom closet, you want it to function for you over the long haul!

Not Making the Shelves Deep Enough

Shallow shelves can leave to a sloppy look, with clothing and shoes hanging out over the edge. Avoid this common mistake by ensuring that your shelves are deep enough to fit a range of clothing and shoes.

Not Tailoring Your Closet to Your Needs

There is no one-size-fits-all closet! Which is why you need to do some inventory before designing your custom closet to make sure you’re incorporating the best components for your wardrobe! Maybe your work attire takes up the most space. Maybe you have more shirts than dresses. Maybe you’d prefer hanging your clothes instead of stacking them up. Our closet designer will run through all of this during the design process to make sure your closet functions for you!

Not Adding Adequate Lighting

Lighting can often be overlooked in closet design, but it’s essential to create a space that functions as good as it looks! It’s hard to get dressed in the morning if you have to search for things in the dark. Try installing a focal chandelier in the center of the closet to make a statement or go more subtle with recessed puck lighting to show off purses and accessories, LED lighting to illuminate your wardrobe behind glass doors, or ribbon lighting above closet rods to provide more functional light.

Not Having the Right Type of Shoe Storage

Not all shoes storage is the same! Cubbies can hold informal footwear such as sandals, flip-flops, slippers, and sneakers. Angled shelves with shoe fences can prop up your pumps and dress shoes. Flat shelves at ground level are best for everyday shoes to make the transition easy. Feeling overwhelmed? That’s why we’re here to help!

Five Steps to the Perfect Closet this Fall

Fall is here! And with it comes all of our favorite sweaters, jackets and boots. While you might be anxious to bust out your warm-weather favorites, your closet may not be ready to store them. Fall is the perfect time to simplify your life with a closet that works for you. As the premier closet designer in Coastal Delaware and Maryland, we’re here to help! Check out our five closet must-haves that will make your wardrobe transition from Summer to Fall seamless.

Shelves

Shelves are perfect for stacking cozy sweaters as we move into the cooler months. Don’t be afraid to use up as much vertical space as possible—especially for reach-in closets. This will allow you to stack your sweaters all the way to the ceiling for maximum storage.

Full-length wardrobe cabinet

You’ll obviously need one of these for dress storage but you may need to add on another for jacket and long sweater storage. Your everyday jackets probably have a home in the coat closet, but you may want to store dressier jackets and long sweaters with the rest of your wardrobe. So be sure to include ample full-length storage when planning your new closet.

Drawers

Drawers are so multi-functional for intimates, accessories, loungewear and beyond. But we especially like them for hat, glove, and sock storage during the transition to Fall. Try putting the drawers in your closet island to keep all your accessories centralized.

Varying Height Shoe Shelves

Don’t make the mistake of keeping all your shoes shelves the same height. You’ll want to incorporate some taller shelves to accommodate boots during the transition to Fall. This may seem like a no-brainer, but we’ve walked into plenty of closets with boots crammed in a corner on the floor because there wasn’t proper consideration!

Seating

Seating is instrumental in any closet, but we find it especially important during the transition to Fall when you’re working with boots that are harder to put on. You can do something built-in like a bench or bring in seating as a decorative accent with chairs or ottomans. Either way, you’ll thank us!

The only thing left to do is start planning your custom closet! Contact us today to set up your in-home consultation.

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!

+ More

The Return of the Rec Room: Why the Ultimate “Playroom for All Ages” Is Making a Comeback

A Space That Adapts to Every Stage of Life

Multi-Purpose by Design

Designing for Joy and Connection

From Spare Room to Showroom: How DelMarVa Homeowners Are Creating Luxury Walk-In Closets at Home

Dreaming of a Boutique Closet? You’re Not Alone.

Why Convert a Room into a Walk-In Closet?

Features Delaware Homeowners Are Loving

Why Delaware Homeowners Choose Behind Closed Doors

Start Your Walk-In Closet Transformation

Here’s how we transform your vision into a well-organized reality:

1. Personalized Consultation

2. Interactive 3D Closet Design

3. Exceptional Materials and Local Craftsmanship

4. Seamless, Professional Installation

5. Ongoing Support and Flexibility

Ready to Get Started?

Real Wood: Timeless Elegance and Natural Beauty

Laminate: Modern, Affordable, and Versatile

Why We Offer Both: Tailored Solutions for Every Home

Extensive Product Line and Finishing Touches

Crowning Your Project

Join Our Team

Get Started