The Traditional Closet

Recently, Decorati Contributor Lisa Adams  educated our readers on Modern closet elements. This week, Lisa describes how to design a traditional closet with today’s modern functionalities and comforts.

Traditional closet design still remains very popular in American home decorating. Gracious, comfortable and inviting, traditional design evokes images of understated elegance and the grand style of the 18th and 19th century – and the warmth and classical comfort many of us remember from our childhood homes.

There are several design details of a traditional closet space. The closet cabinetry for this style resembles large furniture pieces, usually made from hard woods, with straight lines, gentle curves and light-carving details. Clothes are typically stored behind large doors, not to be seen. Room colors vary from peach and green tones mixed with aubergine and tan for a slightly floral but unfussy palette. To further the look, accessories such as bronze or brass hardware accents and crystal chandeliers are used to accentuate the style.

For some, the “traditional” may equate to “old and stuffy.” While elegance and history still exemplify this style, a modern sensibility has been interjected, transforming the concept of a traditional closet. The conventional idea of “storing” clothes behind closed doors in a closet has changed into showcasing clothing, by eliminating doors. Homeowners, now more than ever, want the closet to be an inviting and social living space that one can show off.

There have also been many design modifications made to the traditional closet that streamline and enhance its efficiency. For example, modern closet accessories such as electronic swing-down rods are used wherever there are tall ceilings, to maximize the space below. Also, soft closing mechanics are used instead of traditional glides and hinges, which allow for a smooth full extension and a soft close of the heavy drawer and doors. Closet accessories that are normally used in modern closets, such as jewelry inserts, ironing board drawers, or pull out laundry baskets can also now be found in traditional forms.

Lisa Adams is the creative force behind LA Closet Design, a full service firm offering personalized living spaces created to calm the chaos of everyday living.

Traditional closet design can be all encompassing, with the workability and usability of modern features. By properly combining these techniques , the perfect balance can be achieved.