Designing a Closet Can be Stress Free
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Shoe storage – and the location of shoe storage –  is always at the top of a client’s list when it comes to designing their closet space.
 
So here’s what I recommend after figuring out where to store over 5,000 pair of shoes (it’s really closer to a million but who’s counting?) during my career as a closet designer: While it’s true that we (women) may decide on the shoes we want to wear and then build our outfit around that, the shoes are typically the last clothing item we put on.
 
So I design from the perspective of last on – first off (because shoe’s are typically the first item of clothing we remove when we get home). That translates to having some shoe storage close to the entrance of a closet space so it’s easy to put those shoes back where they belong (instead of kicking them off on the floor and having them be in the way).
 
One of my favorite ways to do this is to use a configuration called “Half and Half” (coffee, anyone?). That is a short hang rod with shelving above it.
 
First of all, as a woman of great height (61 inches in all), I love being able to easily see and reach the items I wear the most. It’s that 80/20 rule. This section often becomes “command central” because the garments and shoes that you grab most of the time live in this section for easy access.
 
 
If the return wall is too shallow in a walk in closet to allow for hanging right by the door – then use a full column of shelving and it can be used for either all shoes – or shoes and folded items that are worn most frequently.
 
And if you’re looking for ways to gain more insights about ways to effectively design closet space - I’ve got answers with my Closet Design 101 program.
 
If you want to learn about closet design, or want to become better at closet design, this three-part coaching plus course will make that happen! Learn how to effectively design and utilize closet space for your clients.
 

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About the author
Denise Butchko

Denise Butchko is a design and marketing expert who teaches these concepts with the intention of helping people grow their businesses (particularly those in the design/build industries). She’s been a contributor to Closets magazine since 2003 and is a judge for the closet industries “Top Shelf” Design Competition. She's also a member of the first graduating class of Registered Storage Designers. Her design work has been featured in national publications like “Better Homes & Gardens” and The Chicago Tribune and she works with some of the top interior design firms in the country. She’s helped cabinet companies launch closet product lines and trained sales professionals in both design and marketing, including ways to leverage social media and design to increase opportunities and brand themselves as the “go to expert”. If you want to have fun while you learn and bring your “A” game to your business, Denise is the one to partner with to make that happen. You can find her at denisebutchko.com or at the above links.