Red canvas components transform a single closet rod into customised storage
for shoes, blankets and seasonal garments. The ruby-red cotton canvas pieces
have chocolate leather trim and clear PVC panels with industrial-grade zippers.
SURELY ONE of your new year's resolutions was to get organised. And there is no better way to start than with closets. Now that kitchens and all other home space have been dressed to the nines in many homes, it's time to spruce up traditionally hidden interiors.
Even if we don't save things, we now own more things and storing them neatly and conveniently can become an obsession.
In the United States, closets have become so 'cool' that they might even pass for bling and so might their price tags. Nick Lachay (singer), reportedly gave Jessica Simpson a 5,000-square foot California Closet. Since the standard six-by-two-footer will set you back a little more than US$1,000 (J$62,000), you do the math.
The cardinal rule: If you haven't worn something in the past year, say goodbye to it. Lose items such as old magazines, anything you don't wear, except blankies, extra pillows and luggage, which are relegated to top shelves.
Any place where storage is an issue the pantry, laundry closet, home office and kids' rooms now is ripe for the plucking of extraneous matter and improved stashing.
It is possible to update, carve usable space out of the skinniest layouts or should you have the luxury of stealing square footage from a bedroom, for example, create the walk-in closet of your dreams. Then you might have room for a granite-topped island (with storage on all sides), a bench, ottoman and dressing table.
THE IDEAL CLOSET
Although there's no formula for creating the ideal closet, there are a few guidelines. Even the two-foot deep, six-foot wide standard closet can be suited to today's needs. The old-fashioned hang-only approach on a single rod, with a shelf above, won't cut it today. Better to divvy things up. Instead of single rods that waste space beneath, go with a pair of parallel rods to hold shirts and slacks on two levels. Separate these by shelves or cubbies. If you need storage for long garments, perhaps one side can house a single rod.
You need a depth of 24 inches to hang clothing comfortably. Recommended heights are 64 to 78 inches for a single rod or the top of a two-rod system, 48 to 56 inches for medium-length dresses and trousers hung by the cuffs, and 38 to 42 inches for bottom rods and trousers folded on a hanger. A 16-inch-deep shelf should be adequate for folded pieces such as sweaters. You can squeak by with a little less, but you'll have to perfect your folding techniques. Twelve inches deep is plenty for shoes.
For kids, try looking at the room from your child's point of view. Get on your knees if you have to. Toys should be accessible for small hands to grab storage places within easy reach.
The most functional closet and this goes for pantries too, is one in which everything is in sight and easy to access. That means clear boxes and drawers with organisers, such as bins for socks and compartments for serving pieces, cookie cutters or tools.
Jumbles of stuff just make you dizzy. The Martha Stewart Living catalogue even has spool racks with pegs to hold up to 72 spools of thread, and ribbon organisers that store up to 20 rolls on dowel rods, so you can easily pull out the ribbon and snip when you're wrapping a package.
No matter which method of conquering clutter you choose, organisation plus a little creativity and personality will go a long way to make your closet top drawer. The only thing better is a personal valet.
Universal Press Syndicate
