Elevated Design Meets Everyday Function
This transformational custom closet project took a creative, highly-personalized approach to maximize the client’s storage while maintaining her preferred existing balance of hanging and shelving, now elevated for greater functionality. Thoughtful design and boutique-style details, like a sleek glass countertop, glass-front cabinetry, and integrated lighting, bring visibility, practicality, and sophistication to the space.
Jill’s Custom Closet Project Snapshot
Product Category: Boutique-style primary walk-in closet
Client: Jill B.
Designer: Taylor Juska, Inspired Closets Chicago
Project Objectives:
- The client, Jill, was looking for a boutique-style closet that would allow her to beautifully display her collection of clothing and accessories.
- The large walk-in space served double duty as both a primary closet and an en suite home gym. Jill wanted a natural sense of separation between the two spaces without seeing her husband’s gym equipment the moment she walked in.
- Jill also wanted to open up the space and bring in more natural light, creating a brighter, more elevated feel compared to her existing closet system.
Inspired Closets solutions: Taylor and Jill re-imagined the space entirely by introducing a peninsula that runs horizontally across the room, creating natural separation between the closet and the gym while opening up the space and allowing more natural light to flow through. The peninsula acts as a boutique-style display, showcasing Jill’s most prized bags and shoes. On the opposite side, it provides wardrobe storage for her husband’s items. The closet also features a beautiful bi-level island with a glass top, integrated strip lighting, and glass cabinet doors in our Houghton finish, bringing both function and a refined, boutique feel to the space.
Designer
Taylor Juska
Project Challenges and Objectives
Physical Limitations of the Space & Existing Client Frustrations
- Sloped ceilings and a lack of lighting due to the existing closet system.
- The space previously had a massive double-sided island that incorporated double hang and drawers, creating a tight, galley-style layout on either side. It blocked windows and natural light, making it difficult for Jill to see and properly zone her items.
- With the need for ample storage and the challenge of clipped ceilings, Jill met with multiple closet companies but kept receiving designs that either resembled her existing layout or didn’t provide enough storage.
Jill’s Wish List
- A closet that feels like a boutique to display and showcase items, like shoes, bags, jewelry, watches, and sunglasses.
- Increase wardrobe accessibility and overall visibility.
- Separation from husband’s gym and closet.
- A floor-based system with full-depth hanging sections, an island, integrated lighting, and glass display cabinets.
Planning and Design
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When Jill bought her home, she inherited a closet system with a large freestanding unit sitting right in the middle of the space. It created a tight galley on both sides, blocked natural light, and made it difficult to see or organize anything. With a long background in the fashion industry, Jill had built a wardrobe collection she was proud of, but couldn’t properly see or display.
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Adding to the challenge, the generously sized closet also doubled as an en suite gym for her husband. Jill loved the idea of a boutique-style closet, but didn’t want to be greeted by gym equipment the moment she walked in. Between the clipped ceilings and the need for ample storage, she met with several closet companies and kept getting variations of the same layout she already had. Eventually, she put the project on hold for about a year.
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Taylor Juska, a designer for Inspired Closets Chicago, met Jill after being referred to her by a contractor connection. Together, Taylor and Jill took a fresh approach to enhancing the closet by reimagining the space altogether.
Installation and Execution: Project Timeline
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The custom closet project took approximately 2.5 months from start to finish. With the support of the Inspired Closet Chicago installation and purchasing manager, Jill and Taylor worked closely together to finalize the finer details — a process that took about one month. From there, materials were ordered and installation was scheduled shortly after the flooring was completed.
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The one-week installation went smoothly and was completed without any service needs. This outcome is a reflection of the thoughtful planning and attention to detail that went into considering every possible scenario before installation began.
“Working with Taylor at Inspired Closets was a great experience. She listened to our requests and designed a plan that maximized every inch.”
– Jill B. | Chicago
Featured Closet Materials
Layout style:
Boutique closets are 12 by 15 feet on average and typically use all four walls of a space. They have boutique-style features, like glass-front cabinets, a custom island, and integrated lighting, to create the feeling of shopping in an actual boutique, right in your home.
Colors:
Standout Features:
Bi-level island with drawers, hidden open shelving, and a glass counter top with velvet jewelry, watch, and sunglasses inserts for display
Integrated lighting
Glass display cabinets
Project Outcomes and Design Impact
Time Saved, Stress Reduced: Jill’s custom closet design improved visibility and overall flow, making it easier for her to find items and put together outfits quickly.
New habits supported by the design: The enhanced visibility allows Jill to rediscover older pieces and reintroduce them into her everyday wardrobe.
Get Started On Your Custom Closet Project
Jill’s custom closet transformation shows how thoughtful design can completely reshape the way a space looks, feels, and functions. By reimagining the layout and incorporating personalized features, this once-challenging space now supports her daily routine with ease and clarity.
More than just a beautiful upgrade, this custom closet case study also highlights the impact of designing around how you truly live. With the right balance of storage, visibility, and style, a closet is more than a place to store your wardrobe — it becomes a space that inspires confidence, simplifies your day, and brings a sense of calm to your home.
Take a look at our digital brochure for more ideas on how to transform your closet so it truly works for you, and if you’re ready, schedule some time to talk with a design expert about your custom closet project today.
