America is obsessed with being organized. We want a place for everything and everything in its place. So it’s no wonder that closet design has become a huge factor to new home buyers and those looking to renovate.
Gone are the days of those wire shelving components. You know, the ones that eventually turn into virtual glue sticks that are impossible to clean. And the idea of a single rod with a storage shelf above is about as current as an avocado refrigerator.
Most people are now familiar with closet systems and how to get the most use of their space. Double hanging rods, shoe shelves, tie racks, built-in valet bars, belt racks, laundry bins, dressing islands, etc. have all become part of the expected closet.
Laminates are clearly the most popular choice primarily due to the cost savings. Although somewhat limited in colors and styles, the laminate units provide a sturdy, easy to clean product that appeals to a wide variety of clients at different price points.
So where does it go from here? Well, if the budget exists, new closets are taking it to a different level. Custom closets start out with real wood products which give the consumer endless choices of finishes, styles and hardware. What used to be simple square boxes has become high quality furniture. Clothing, which used to be exposed, is being stored behind doors as a protection against dust. And every article of clothing is given its own designated space. From shoes to sweaters to handbags, organizing a closet makes it easy to see what you have and keeps everything in mint condition. And the gadgets, well they just keep getting better.
Some of the newer gadgets you might find can include hidden compartments accessible only by rubbing a key across an invisible lock mechanism, hidden safes for organizing valuables and jewelry, breakfast bars (for the early morning coffee without leaving your room), automated lighting systems that turn on and off with the opening of doors, flat panel televisions, and the list goes on.
Sometimes a closet just isn’t big enough no matter what you do. As they say, go big or go home. In some cases, clients have turned entire guest bedrooms into luxury custom closets making them a room unto themselves.
Closets have come of design age, requiring as much thought and planning as a modern day kitchen. No longer considered just an necessity, it’s become a coveted design element of the home.
Nothing is more mesmerizing than gazing into the endless dance of real flames. We can’t help but stare at their beauty while being completely in awe of its danger. But nothing makes a home feel cozier and more inviting or luxurious during the winter months than having a live fire.
Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of having a fireplace in their home. Smaller homes, townhouses and condos rarely offer fireplaces but thanks to some new products such as those offered by Eco-Feu, now anyone can enjoy having the exotic luxury of their own personal fire.
Whether you want it in your living room or out on your patio or balcony, portable fire burners are the perfect solution for adding a personal fire without the expense of a fireplace. For the most part, they are relatively inexpensive, easy to use and extremely safe. They can be lit at the last moment before a party and extinguished as you walk out the door to dinner without worrying about burning embers or a potential fire hazard.
