Expertise: Organization

Whether you're looking to display your shoe or exotic handbag collection, elevate your wine cellar or simply want to get the most out of your home, organizational design is key. Thoughtful planning can ensure the maximization of your space, allow you to achieve your dream aesthetic and boost the value of your home.

House & Home spoke with Closet Factory's senior designer Brittany Palko-Harris and general manager Charles Palko about the benefits and growing trend of organizational design.

What separates Closet Factory from other businesses in this industry?
Customers that are upgrading their closets are making a major investment in their home. They want quality and the peace of mind that a well-organized space will bring them. We've been in the premium architectural woodwork business for over 40 years and bring those quality and constructability standards into the most basic reach-in closet. Our commitment to quality and a calming aesthetic separates Closet Factory from other home organizational businesses.

Closet factory does much more than closets. Can you tell me a little bit more about the other services you offer?
By virtue of the fact that our name is Closet Factory, the majority of our business focuses on simple to spectacular closets, although we offer whole-home organization solutions for pantries, home offices, garages, mudrooms, entertainment centers, wine rooms and all areas of home organization except kitchen and baths. While we provide a great deal of low-voltage lighting, we depend on electrical and plumbing professionals to deal with those areas of responsibility.

What does organizational design bring to a home?
Our designs are meant to focus on two areas – organization and aesthetics. While many in our industry overlook vertical planning, a 10-foot simple reach-in closet could almost double the storage capacity of this small space. With vertical planning, we not only maximize the space but we can make it as aesthetically pleasing as the customer desires. The mission of each one of our designers is to maximize storage capacity while bringing a level of calm or excitement to the environment. The homeowner is a collaborative partner during the design process, and they play an essential role in us designing and installing a home organizational solution that meets with their ultimate expectations.

What are some trends you've noticed in terms of design and project types?
Since everything we design and produce is custom based on the organizational requirements and aesthetic appearance of our customers' individual tastes, we've seen the trend leaning toward systems that are more upscale that match the interior influence of the home. Our customers have certainly gravitated to organizational projects – simple or spectacular – that give them peace of mind and a sense of calm. In the past, our customers and home builders have focused on the importance of kitchens and bathrooms but now home organization and a well-planned closet or pantry have become a significant focus for the most discriminating buyers. As professional organizer and author Christina Scalise says, "Organization isn't about perfection, it's about efficiency, reducing stress, saving time and money, and improving your overall quality of life."

Since COVID, more people are working from home. This trend has created new requirements for many of our customers who have decided to transform a spare bedroom or unused space into a productive working environment while still maintaining sleeping options with the installation of a home office and wall bed.

With the hectic athletic lives of most families, garage organization has become paramount to organize tools, athletic equipment and garden accessories while maintaining space for the family car.

What is the process for starting a new project?
An initial phone call to schedule a no obligation design consultation. From there our designers will meet, review inventory requirements, consult on aesthetic and budget expectations, and then start the design process with the use of a computer-aided design (CAD) program. Within an hour or two, and in collaboration with the homeowner, the organizational expectations and storage requirements will come to life in a 3D image. If all is in order, the project will be placed on the production and installation calendar and our expert installers will transform the original space into a space of beauty and calm.

Closet Factory
(856) 545-8462
ClosetFactory.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 24, Issue 3 (January/February 2024)
For more info on House & Home magazine, click here.
To subscribe to House & Home magazine, click here.
To advertise in House & Home magazine, call 610-272-3120.