Designing a Luxury Custom Closet That Balances Style and Function
BlogWhen you picture your dream closet, you probably imagine a space that feels elegant, organized, and tailored just for you. At Classy Closets, that vision becomes reality through thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship. One of our recent projects, designed by Rachel Murphey, showcases how a custom storage solution can transform even a uniquely shaped space into a beautiful, functional retreat.
This particular closet wasn’t just about installing shelves and drawers. It required creativity, collaboration, and a clear vision to make the unusual layout work for the client’s lifestyle. With angled ceilings, vaulted walls, and multiple ceiling heights, the room presented a challenge—but also an opportunity to create something truly one of a kind.
In this post, we’ll take you inside the design process, highlight the materials and finishes selected, and share how Rachel worked closely with the homeowner to ensure the new closet complemented their recently updated bathroom. The result is a custom closet design that embodies both luxury and practicality, proving that with Classy Closets, style and function always go hand in hand.

Understanding the Client’s Vision
Every great custom closet project starts with listening. The homeowner came to Classy Closets with a clear need: they wanted more than storage—they wanted a sanctuary. The closet needed to be highly functional, with dedicated areas for clothing, shoes, and accessories, but also refined enough to feel like an extension of the home’s elevated style.
Rachel Murphey began the process by walking through the space with the client and asking the right questions. How do you like to store your clothes? Do you prefer open shelving, or do you want doors to keep things tucked away? What finishes do you gravitate toward? Do you envision the closet blending seamlessly with the rest of your home, or standing out as a statement space?
These conversations are at the heart of Classy Closets’ approach. By understanding the client’s lifestyle and preferences, Rachel was able to design a layout and select finishes that felt personal, purposeful, and timeless.

Designing for a Unique Footprint
Most closets are rectangular or square, which makes designing storage relatively straightforward. This home’s closet, however, had a more complex layout. Vaulted ceilings created soaring heights in some areas and sharp angles in others. Multiple ceiling levels added variation throughout the room.
Instead of viewing these quirks as obstacles, Rachel treated them as an opportunity to create a design that was truly customized. Careful planning ensured that every wall, corner, and height change was used strategically.
- Tall sections were placed beneath the highest ceiling points, perfect for long-hanging garments like dresses or coats.
- Shorter sections fit neatly under angled walls, ideal for folded items or shoes.
- The center island grounded the room, offering both additional storage and a luxurious countertop surface.

By tailoring the design to the architecture, Rachel maximized usable space without making the room feel crowded or unbalanced.
The Finishes: Balancing Light and Depth
The beauty of this custom closet lies in its thoughtful mix of colors and textures. Rachel and the client selected a palette that feels timeless but striking, with contrasts that highlight the details of the design.
- Perimeter cabinetry in Snow Drift White: This soft, clean finish brightens the space, making it feel open and airy even in areas with lower ceilings. White cabinetry also creates a perfect backdrop for clothing, letting colors and textures stand out.
- Island in hand-stained Onyx with wood show-through: The dark, rich finish of the island anchors the room and creates contrast against the white perimeter. The wood grain adds warmth and dimension, bringing a touch of natural character.
- Treviso doors in Sienna: These cabinet fronts introduce elegant detail and craftsmanship. Their subtle texture elevates the design while maintaining a refined aesthetic.
- Nordic Storm quartz countertop: Durable yet luxurious, quartz was the perfect choice for the island surface. The Nordic Storm finish adds a touch of movement and sophistication, enhancing the overall palette.
- Modern Metro pulls: Sleek and contemporary, these hardware pieces tie the look together. Their clean lines add polish without overpowering the cabinetry design.
The result is a balanced mix of light and dark, smooth and textured, classic and modern—a design that feels cohesive, intentional, and luxurious.
Creating a Closet That Complements the Home
While the closet is a standout feature on its own, Rachel also considered how it would connect to the rest of the home. The homeowner had recently updated their bathroom, so it was important that the new closet felt like a natural extension of that space.
Rachel worked with the client to coordinate finishes that would flow seamlessly between the two rooms. The result is a cohesive look that makes moving from the bathroom to the closet feel effortless. This kind of design continuity is a hallmark of Classy Closets projects—our designers consider not just the room at hand, but how it interacts with the home as a whole.
Function Meets Style
At the heart of this design is the idea that beauty and functionality shouldn’t be separate goals—they should enhance each other.
- The center island isn’t just a visual statement; it provides storage for accessories and a convenient surface for folding clothes or laying out outfits.

- Custom cabinetry ensures that every piece of clothing, from seasonal coats to delicate jewelry, has its place.

- The mix of open shelving and enclosed storage balances display and discretion, giving the client flexibility in how they use the space.

- Thoughtful lighting placement (integrated during design planning) ensures that every corner of the closet is well-lit, highlighting both clothing and finishes.

This is what sets custom storage solutions apart. Instead of trying to make a pre-fabricated system fit, the design adapts to the client’s needs and the room’s architecture.
The Role of the Designer
Rachel Murphey’s role went far beyond selecting finishes. She guided the client through each decision, ensuring that the final design reflected their lifestyle and taste. From the earliest conversations to the final walkthrough, she acted as both a creative partner and a trusted advisor.
That personal attention is what makes Classy Closets different. Our designers are experts in balancing aesthetics and function, but just as importantly, they know how to listen. Every decision is made with the client’s vision in mind, resulting in a space that feels personal and practical.
Watch the Custom Closet walk through with Rachel Murphy
Why Choose a Custom Closet?
Stories like this one highlight why custom closet design is an investment worth making. A luxury closet isn’t just about having more storage. It’s about:
- Maximizing space in ways that pre-built systems can’t match.
- Creating beauty that elevates your home and your daily routines.
- Improving organization so that everything has a place, reducing clutter and stress.
- Increasing home value by adding a feature that future buyers will appreciate.
When done right, a custom closet isn’t just another room. It becomes a personal retreat—a space that reflects your style and supports your lifestyle.
The Classy Closets Difference
At Classy Closets, we’ve been designing and installing custom storage solutions for decades. What sets us apart is our commitment to quality, customization, and client care.
- Quality materials that stand the test of time.
- Tailored designs that fit your home’s architecture and your lifestyle.
- Expert designers like Rachel Murphey, who bring both creativity and practical know-how to every project.
- Professional installation that ensures every detail is perfect.
Our goal is simple: to help you live “Life Organized.” Whether you’re dreaming of a walk-in closet, a pantry, a home office, or garage storage, our team can bring that vision to life.

Bringing Your Vision to Life
The Snow Drift White perimeter, the hand-stained Onyx island, the Nordic Storm quartz countertop—these details aren’t just finishes. They’re part of a bigger story about how design choices come together to create a space that works beautifully and looks stunning.
Rachel Murphey’s project is a perfect example of what happens when expertise, collaboration, and craftsmanship meet. A unique, challenging space became a dream closet that the homeowner will enjoy for years to come.
If you’re considering a custom closet for your own home, know that with Classy Closets, you’re not just choosing storage—you’re choosing a partner who will listen, guide, and design with your vision at the center.
Ready to Start Your Custom Closet Journey?
Your home deserves a space that feels both elegant and functional. At Classy Closets, we’re here to make that vision a reality. Our designers will work with you one-on-one to create a custom solution that fits your space, style, and lifestyle.
Schedule your free design consultation today and take the first step toward a home that’s beautifully organized.



