4 ways closet designers stay ahead of the trends
Closet designers are constantly trying to stay ahead of fashion, lifestyle, and technology trends as clients demand the latest in colors and patterns, add ever more activities into their lives, and yearn for the latest technologies to make their lives easier. Among other trends clients are demanding:
• More flexibility
• More options in finishes
• More options for storage
• Better lighting and accessibility
• More personalization
Closet design software that’s loaded with more options gives designers the best chance of showing clients how well they can meet those demands. Here are four ways closet designers can stay ahead of the trends.
1. Keep an eye on runway and interior design colors/patterns
This year runway fashion and interior design trends both indicate a switch from neutrals to bold colors, patterns, and accents. Metallics are also in, transitioning directly from the industrial look in interior design. Chandeliers for lighting; intricate onlays, cornices, and moldings; and materials such as Lucite and quartz give a touch of elegance.
With plenty of online choices in hardware and control over color and pattern, designers can adapt their vision to the most current fashion sense of their clients. Great design software lets clients see right on the screen how well the latest combinations will work while still in the idea stage.
Photo: KCD Software
2. Personalize to the client
Along with enabling closet designers to keep up with the latest fashion trends, closet design software helps them to experiment with ways to actively improve their clients’ lives. Closet organization is not only about finding a “place for everything and everything in its place.” It also affects ease of use, space for growth, and efficiency.
Individuals want ease of use as they change activities (from jogging clothes to business clothes to tennis shorts), space to indulge their passions (for shoes, jewelry, vests), and efficiency in their preferred storage (everything visible or hidden away, in boxes or on shelves, with soft close or tip on opening). Comfortable seating and lighting reduce the stress of finding the perfect outfit for each occasion. The closet becomes a resource that helps clients move smoothly and calmly through their day.
To fully personalize a design to each client, options must be adjustable both online and in real-life. For example, online shoe storage should adjust to varying shoe widths and for holding sandals, and shelves should appear at the perfect height and location for accessibility and handedness. One of the goals of this personalization is to make sure the clients can continue to keep the closet organized and functional as time goes on.
3. Embrace technology
As technology changes, clients expect designs that include the latest devices, such as soft stop hardware for heavy doors, the latest drawer slides, keyless cabinet locking, pop-up power decks, unique lighting, and pivoting mirrors. Closets need power adapters as much as jewelry drawers. LED lighting can be fit into almost any nook or cranny.
Technology is also changing the materials available for closets. Laminates now mimic wood so closely that no one can tell the difference, except in increased durability and ease of maintenance.
4. Choose design software with a full range of hardware accessories
Software companies are responding to these challenges by adding hardware and ornamentation to their closet design software. The vertical integration of the library creates a seamless design process, a simple matter of drag and drop and quickly choosing desired measurements, colors, and patterns, enabling closet designers and manufacturers to tailor closets to each client’s needs and preferences.
Source: KCD Software. For information call 508-760-1140 or visit KCDSoftware.com.
