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21. Pest controlMoths are a fashion lover’s worst nightmare. Gone undetected, they can wreak havoc in your closet and eat their way through your treasured collection. Interestingly, they tend to have expensive taste and only feed on natural fibres or natural-blend fabrics such as cashmere, wool and silk. If you want to protect your wardrobe from these pests, keep your closet and bedroom free of dirty clothes (besides natural materials, moths apparently enjoy feasting on unwashed laundry), regularly vacuum carpet and rugs in or around your closet, and store seasonal items (such as wool coats or silk dresses) in airtight bags or containers. Moth repellent sachets, insect sprays or natural solutions (lavender is said to repel clothes moths, as is cedar, which this closet is made of) will also help prevent the clothes-eating critters from taking over your closet.
18. Pull-out pantsIf you hate how trousers slip and slide on coat hangers, and never fail to become crushed and wrinkled after being hung in a cramped closet, a simple solution is to incorporate a pull-out pants rack into your closet. Choose a rack that’s compact yet offers ample room between the rods so your pants remain perfectly folded and crease-free. Non-slip rods will also ensure your trousers don’t slide off the racks.If you’re less worried about slippery hangers and wrinkles, and more about space-saving (and budget-friendly) storage, invest in a pack or two of tiered pants hangers that hold multiple trousers.
15. Divide and conquerAre your drawers out of control? Bring order back to these pull-out storage spaces by fitting them with handy drawer dividers and inserts that will keep them neat and orderly – that’s right, no more tangled jewellery, crumpled ties, kinked belts, misshaped bras or lonely, single socks (hurrah)! They’ll also help prevent delicate or fragile accessories, such as lacy lingerie or sunglasses, from getting damaged, as each item (or similar items that have been grouped together) will have its own designated space, rather than being thrown in a drawer with other wares they could become tangled with and end up getting scratched or snagged.Learn from these expert tips on how to organise the wardrobe
8. Mirror magicNo dream wardrobe is complete without at least one full-length mirror (or even better, one that extends from the floor to the ceiling). Choosing the right lighting to illuminate the area surrounding your mirror is vitally important. Avoid installing harsh, fluorescent lights above the mirror, as they will cast harsh shadows over parts of your face and body. Instead, opt for softer ambient lighting overhead or long, vertical lighting fixtures that run alongside both sides of the mirror, as these are more flattering.Wondering about the best materials and finishes for wardrobes?
15. Built-in hamperThere are many things about this closet that more than 21,000 Houzzers love, but a built-in hamper with transportable bags stands out as a favourite. Architect and designer Laurence Tamaccio says people love the space efficiency and warm wood elements found in this Elements closet system, unfortunately no longer available. “This modular closet system truly thinks of everything,” Tamaccio says. “There are so many on the market, but there’s something about this one that stands out. It’s so simple and nicely designed.”Read more:What to Learn From Dream ClosetsTell us:What kind of closet solutions do you find convenient for storing your things? Tell us in the Comments below.
13. All-in-one closet unitSure, we all love our niche storage solutions, but most of us want a closet that accommodates all of our items, from ties to traditional shirts. Added to 30,000 ideabooks, this photo shows a space that has it all: An abundance of clothing rods, see-through pullout drawers, a tie tray and plenty of open shelving. Little touches of luxury, like leather drawer pulls and a fully stocked mini fridge, customise the closet for an above-and-beyond look.Learn how to make the most of a small closet space
7. Oregon, United StatesAlong with an opulent chandelier and an ottoman, this well-planned wardrobe has tie racks, lingerie inserts, pull-out hooks and more!Look at these stunning wardrobe and almirah designs
8. Detroit, United StatesThis smart wardrobe has a blend of drawers, slide-out shelves, scarf racks, hanger racks and custom storage accessories too.
11. A row of bright light bulbs illuminate the pergola under a deep blue sky. The use of bare bulbs and their placement right along the middle of the wall makes a unique display.
8. The lights running along the sides of this huge bas-relief sculpture of a climbing vine give a gleaming outline to the whole design. This use of light imparts a layered look to the installation, so it stands out from the wall, which is the same colour. .
2. Light up the ceilingThis puja ghar, while not a room in itself, has an illuminated tray ceiling of its own, distinctive from the rest of the room. The recessed lights in the ceiling throw down a warm glow that is complemented by the wooden ceiling and floor.
38. Firm: Space Architects + PlannersLocation: United StatesIt’s in clean, crisp, white spaces like these that you get the opportunity to focus on the finer details – like the peppering of the black frames, the gentle wall lights and the black-and-white table and mirror that subtly yet surely enhance the look of the space.
2. Firm: Ace AssociatesLocation: IndiaThe chevron-pattern wooden flooring gets a colourful design partner with the blue walls and the carved white sofa. What a charming passageway this is.
Incorporate water and plantingsJust as misters keep cool those in the queue at the amusement park, a fountain, pool or other water feature will definitely keep the surrounding air cooler. And plants act as shades, blocking the sun’s rays before they reach the ground.
2. Graphic office Even a little bit of wallpaper can have a dramatic effect. This office has beautiful built-in cabinetry and millwork, but it’s the black-and-white pattern on the ceiling that really draws the eye. The pendant also attracts attention upward, further emphasising the ceiling.
3. Freestanding benchFrill-free and easygoing, freestanding furniture can be a great way to experiment with new pieces and formats. This understated balcony is a perfect example. The bench pressed against the railing offers a front-row seat to the sky, but come the rains, and you can easily nest it inside the taller bench laid against the wall. The two benches can be effortlessly rotated through the balcony to suit the occasion.Pros:Leaves room for easy modificationPortable and lightweight
8. Here is a classic example of glass mosaic tiles in muted grey. It demarcates the shower area from the rest of the bathroom. Notice the steel finish on the vanity counter – it teams well with the grey tiles, chrome-finish hardware and sanitary fixtures to give a sleek modern look. So chic.
Horsetail reed grassEquisetum breaks down into two Latin words, meaning ‘horse’ and ‘bristle’. It is a perennial herb that is evergreen (although the green colour will fade somewhat during the course of a rough winter), but this ancient plant is more closely related to ferns than to the perennials which we are most accustomed to growing in our gardens.Botanical name: Equisetum hyemaleWater requirement: Medium moistureSoil: Prefer moderately damp soil, but can also grow in shallow standing waterLight requirement: Extremely adaptable in terms of light levels, growing in full sun, deep shade and everything in betweenMature size: 0.6-1.8 metres (2-6 feet) tall Native to: North America, Europe and Asia
To provide better cross-ventilation and draw in much-needed natural light into the apartment, the designer decided to remove all unnecessary walls and rooms in the public areas. They were replaced with slatted screens for a contemporary interpretation of the heritage shophouse interior.Here’s how to open your home to more light
Toughened glassThis type of glass is highly resistant to weather conditions and is used to cover large spans to achieve a seamless look. Each glass piece can be manufactured to a maximum width of 20 feet and a maximum height of 12 feet. In case of damage it breaks into very small fragments that are less harmful than the sharp shards produced by standard glass. Toughened glass finds wide applications in structural glazing, partitions, frameless doors and so on.Pro tip: Ensure that the glass is cut to proper size and all the holes are drilled (for frame-less doors) before it is toughened. Note that no modification is possible after production of the glass piece.
8. Just like blocks in the game of Tetris, here, too, cabinets of different length and breadth fit in together. They are like slits within the wooden wall. The TV, books, vases and various candle stands are neatly placed inside it, giving the whole area a clean, sophisticated look.
4. There are an infinite number of ways to arrange or build a media wall – this particular one forms an essential part of the room’s architecture. The ends of the criss-cross beams on the roof continue on to the build of the media unit, creating a dynamic space. The structure is used as a TV-cum-library unit, divided into smaller shelves that help break up the structure’s mass and accommodate varying depths of storage for books.
7. U-shaped layoutA U-shaped sectional layout is a popular choice for TV rooms, because almost all seating angles promise unrestrained visibility. Alternatively, a conventional 3+1+1 format can be paired with a single futon or sofa bed to create an extended, custom-made U-shaped layout.Pros:Provides optimal viewing across seatsEnables compact seatingCons:Requires three-way space, which may be unavailable in some rooms
1. The wooden media unit stands out as a dominant decor feature in this uncluttered living room. The stark colour contrast of the dark brown against the grey of the floor and the beige of the walls gives an almost 3D effect to the structure, making it look like it’s emerging from the walls. The large cabinets above and below hold all the peripherals, leaving the TV to star by itself without competing with too many decorative or electronics objects.Browse images of TV units
Land and waterPictured here, simple wood-plank decking (representing ‘land’) is bisected by a ‘river’ of stones and boulders on this patio. Such simple symbolism of land and water creates a beautiful harmony of textures that have a spiritual meaning as well. Potted plants provide green cover over the space while being maintenance friendly.More wood planks mounted on the wall provide organic warmth as well as a place to hang more potted plants.
A stairwell courtyard with ample light is another great place for a Zen garden. Using larger plants (pictured here are some lovely Chinese fan palms or Livistona chinensis) and a grey groundcover instead of pebbles is a modern take on the traditional Zen garden.
24. Quality controlYou may think that any old type of hanger will do, but trust us, it pays to invest in good-quality hangers for your closet. Avoid using cheap, thin plastic or wire hangers, as they can be flimsy or easily break. They can also crease, stain (in the case of wire hangers) or stretch out the shoulders of tops, too. Timber hangers may fall at the pricier end of the hanger scale, but they’re definitely worth the splurge. Thanks to their sturdy frame, all-purpose wooden hangers are ideal for both lighter and heavier garments, while their smooth, contoured design will ensure your clothes won’t sit too closely together, causing them to crease. Slimline flocked (non-slip) hangers made from durable resin and that feature gently curved shoulders, or sturdy plastic or chrome hangers with wide, contoured arms are ideal alternatives.Also, if possible, try to use the same style of hangers in your closet, as this will give your wardrobe a seamless, uniform look, especially if your wardrobe is sans doors.
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