The (Very) Dated Closet Features Buyers Always Notice

The appearance and functionality of a bathroom can significantly impact a guest's comfort and perception of a home. Addressing specific areas can transform a bathroom from merely functional to inviting and comfortable. One primary concern is the toilet, where a "comfort height" model with an oval or elongated seat is recommended for universal comfort and ADA compliance. Round seats are generally less comfortable unless space constraints necessitate them. Hand towels are another crucial element. Grungy, mismatched, or wet towels can detract from even the most elegant bathroom. Investing in plush, neutral-toned guest towels, perhaps monogrammed, and displaying them neatly can create a boutique hotel ambiance. For larger gatherings, disposable dinner-size napkins on a small tray offer a practical and elegant solution for ensuring a dry, clean hand-drying option for each guest. Privacy is paramount in a bathroom. Trendy barn doors, for instance, are often acoustically inadequate and do not seal properly, compromising privacy. Solid-core doors, water closets, and even acoustic insulation in walls are recommended for enhanced sound blocking and a greater sense of ease for guests. Ventilation plays a vital role in maintaining a fresh and pleasant atmosphere. Upgrading the ventilation system or installing a discreet fan timer can combat stale odors. When a full system upgrade isn't feasible, a well-placed reed diffuser with a sophisticated, subtle scent like sandalwood or white tea can effectively elevate the room's ambiance without being overpowering. Outdated fixtures can quickly date a bathroom. Builder-grade faucets or yellowed light switch plates can be easily and affordably updated by swapping them for hardware in brushed brass, matte black, or polished nickel, offering an instant aesthetic upgrade. Cluttered vanities, strewn with personal items like toothpaste and makeup, can make guests feel intrusive and detract from the overall aesthetic. If items must be left out, they should be intentional and decorative, such as a crystal jar of cotton swabs, a small orchid, or an artisan soap bar. Hidden storage solutions, like vanities with concealed outlets for electric razors or hairdryers, help maintain an uncluttered appearance. Functionality is key for a guest bathroom. Built-in niches in showers and recessed shelving for towels contribute to an intuitive and convenient space. Even small, affordable details like an under-vanity night light can prevent guests from fumbling in the dark and demonstrate thoughtful consideration for their comfort. Signs of neglect, such as dirty grout lines, scuffed baseboards, or accumulated grime in hidden corners, can be immediately noticed. Regular maintenance, including using grout pens or steam cleaners and re-caulking tubs, along with dusting and repainting baseboards, signals a well-cared-for home. Finally, ensuring a readily available supply of toilet paper is a simple yet often overlooked detail that significantly impacts guest comfort. Storing extra rolls in an accessible, stylish basket or drawer, and preemptively checking the current roll, prevents guests from having to search for or request more. #BathroomDesign #GuestExperience #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #BathroomFixtures #HomeMaintenance #Privacy #Ventilation #ComfortHeightToilet

This article highlights 34 innovative products designed to maximize closet organization and efficiency, catering to various storage needs and closet sizes. The products aim to transform cluttered closets into tidy and functional spaces, making it easier to find and store clothing, accessories, and other items. The suggestions cover a wide range of solutions, from space-saving hangers and shoe organizers to specialized storage for hats, scarves, and purses. Several products focus on optimizing vertical space, such as stacking shoe organizers that double storage capacity while keeping shoes visible, and super-slim velvet hangers that allow more garments to fit on a single rod. Shelf dividers are introduced for organizing items like sweaters and jeans on upper shelves, preventing them from toppling over. For higher storage areas, stackable storage cubes are recommended, although a step stool might be necessary for accessibility. Vacuum-sealable space saver bags are suggested for compressing bulky items like off-season clothing or bedding, freeing up significant closet space. Creative solutions for specific items are also featured. Hoodie hangers simplify the storage of sweatshirts, while various hat organizers cater to both fedoras, displaying them as decorative elements, and baseball caps, offering a compact way to store multiple caps on one hanger. Scarf organizers are presented as a way to keep scarves visible and untangled. Adjustable closet rods and hanging shelf organizers with built-in rods are highlighted for adding extra hanging and folding space, making the most of every inch of the closet. For smaller accessories, hanging organizer trays are recommended for wallets and clutches, offering clear visibility and easy access. Soft-sided cotton storage bins with front-opening designs are suggested for linens and towels, maintaining neat piles and allowing easy retrieval. Portable garment racks are presented as a solution for those with minimal built-in closet space, providing sturdy additional hanging options. A T-shirt organizer, known as a Roll Keeper, is featured for its ability to store numerous T-shirts efficiently, making them easy to view and select. Further organization tools include foldable storage bags for off-season items, hanging closet organizers with shelves for folded clothes or shoes, and specialized hanging purse organizers designed to protect and display handbags. One innovative purse organizer even rotates 360 degrees for full visibility. Hanger stackers are introduced to keep hangers neat and untangled, while cascading closet organizers multiply hanging space for garments. Over-the-door shoe organizers are shown to be versatile for shoes, cleaning supplies, or winter accessories. For bare-bones closets, a storage organizer with bins offers a modular solution for folded items and loose articles. An over-the-door hook rack provides a simple way to hang jackets or sweaters. Drawer organizers, such as honeycomb dividers, are suggested for tidying socks and underwear. An eight-tier over-the-door shelving unit, typically used in pantries, is repurposed for small closet items like baby shoes or accessories. A jewelry organizer with numerous clear pockets keeps small items visible and tangle-free. Lastly, an over-the-door flip valet provides a convenient spot for planning outfits or steaming clothes, and a hanging boot organizer protects and preserves tall boots by keeping them upright. #ClosetOrganization #HomeStorage #SpaceSaving #WardrobeManagement #HomeImprovement #OrganizationalProducts #Efficiency #Decluttering

In the competitive New York City real estate market, closets are a highly valued amenity, often ranking in importance after kitchens and bathrooms due to the premium placed on storage space. However, when preparing an apartment for sale, closets are frequently overlooked in staging efforts. Many listing photos omit closet interiors, often because they are cluttered or overflowing, a common issue even after sellers attempt to declutter their homes. Professional organizers emphasize that this oversight sends a negative message to potential buyers. Kadi Dulude, owner of Wizard of Homes, warns that buyers will inspect closets, especially those in bedrooms and hallways. If these spaces appear cramped or disorganized, it can create the impression that the apartment lacks sufficient storage, deterring potential buyers. Janine Sarna-Jones, founder of Organize Me, highlights that the objective of staging is to reduce visual clutter and convey a sense of order and meticulous maintenance. The aim is to create an impression that living in the apartment will allow for an organized and stress-free lifestyle, distinct from merely organizing for personal use. Staging for a sale focuses on buyer perception, making the closet appear functional and spacious. Experts provide specific advice for staging different types of closets. For bedroom closets, the recommendation is to significantly declutter and reorganize. Dulude suggests packing away out-of-season clothing and items not regularly used, keeping only a curated selection of outfits. Attractive shoe collections can be displayed if a proper shelving system is in place, but most shoes should be stored away. The master closet, in particular, should be staged to evoke a sense of desire and spaciousness. Sarna-Jones advises editing hanging clothes to ensure ample space, removing items from the floor, and placing them on shelves. Color-coding clothes and ensuring all hangers face the same direction can enhance the visual appeal, making the closet seem organized and airy. Lisa Zaslow, founder of Gotham Organizers, recommends grouping similar clothing types, arranging them by length and color, and perfectly folding sweaters. Displaying a few high-end designer shoes or attractive accessories can add perceived value to the apartment. Zaslow also cautions against storing unrelated items in closets, citing an instance where a slow cooker was found in a clothes closet, which could raise buyer concerns about kitchen storage or the seller's state of mind. Beyond bedroom closets, other storage areas also require attention. Barbara Reich of Resourceful Consultants suggests treating a closet like a small room, advocating for visible walls to be wallpapered and light fixtures added to increase perceived value. She recalled a particularly impactful laundry closet with custom wallpaper that became a highlight of an apartment. For utility and coat closets, organization is key. Reich advises arranging coats by length and color, utilizing the space beneath shorter coats for shoe or accessory storage, and using monochrome white bins to neatly group cleaning products. Marty Basher, a home organization expert with Modular Closets, recommends removing at least 50 percent of closet contents and thoroughly cleaning the remaining space, including vacuuming corners, as buyers will often inspect these areas. If a closet appears dingy, a fresh coat of white paint can significantly brighten the interior and make it seem larger, especially for pantries. Linen closets can benefit from a spa-like presentation. Basher suggests packing away unnecessary items, editing out worn-out sheets and towels, and coordinating remaining linens by color. For fitted sheets, he recommends storing them with their matching flat sheets and pillowcases inside one pillowcase for a tidy package. White baskets can store extra toiletries, demonstrating functionality, and a lavender sachet can maintain a fresh scent. For children's closets, Dulude advises donating or packing away toys not actively played with, emphasizing that children adapt well without an excessive number of possessions. Sarna-Jones recounted a case where a child's closet was used for overflow adult clothing, which was rectified by decluttering the master bedroom and returning the child's closet to its intended purpose, creating a sense of spaciousness in both areas. Ultimately, staging closets effectively contributes to a buyer's perception of overall space, organization, and the care taken in maintaining the home. #ClosetStaging #HomeSelling #NYCRealEstate #StorageSolutions #HomeOrganization #ApartmentStaging #Decluttering #InteriorDesign #RealEstateTips

Closets by Design, led by owners Doug and Cindy Gauert, stands as a prominent provider of custom storage solutions across Southeastern Wisconsin. Established in 2019, the company has cultivated a strong reputation for its unwavering commitment to customer service, which is integrated into every interaction, from the initial contact to the final installation. Their offerings encompass a comprehensive range of custom storage options, including solutions for walk-in closets, home offices, garages, pantries, and laundry rooms. The company emphasizes personalized features such as pull-out hampers, stow-away ironing boards, jewelry trays, and integrated lighting, all designed to enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. A core aspect of Closets by Design's methodology involves conducting the design process within the client's home. Designers arrive at consultations fully equipped to create a space that aligns with the homeowner's vision and financial parameters. This on-site design and pricing model allows for immediate visualization and adjustments, ensuring that the client's needs are met efficiently and effectively. Doug Gauert highlights that this approach significantly reduces time and enables clients to instantly envision their newly designed space, with modifications being made in real-time. All furniture and decorative elements are manufactured in-house by the Closets by Design team, maintaining control over quality and craftsmanship. The installation process is also handled by company employees rather than subcontractors, providing a personal touch that distinguishes them from competitors. This integrated approach ensures consistency and a high standard of service throughout the project lifecycle. The company, which began as a family endeavor, has expanded to a team of nearly 50 individuals, all dedicated to upholding the company's strong focus on customer satisfaction. From the moment a homeowner contacts the office, the team at Closets by Design is focused on delivering the best possible experience. Their dedication to customer service, combined with their on-site design capabilities and in-house production and installation, positions them as a leader in providing tailored storage solutions. This client-centric approach ensures that each project not only meets but often exceeds client expectations, solidifying their standing in the custom storage industry. #ClosetsByDesign #CustomStorageSolutions #HomeOrganization #MilwaukeeHomes #InteriorDesign #HomeOffices #GarageStorage #CustomerService #HomeRenovation