Walk-in Closet Investment: 7 Must-Know Benefits

woman in walk-in closet

The best home improvement projects improve your quality of living and have a good return on investment. A walk-in closet investment provides both of these benefits.

More homeowners are learning that walk-in closets can significantly enhance our living spaces.

Storing clothes and accessories isn’t the only thing walk-in closets are being primarily used for, either. Walk-ins also serve as luxurious, personal home sanctuary spaces that can fundamentally change your daily dressing routine, too.

Walk-in closets have also become an in-demand feature for homebuyers who want more storage room and functionality from their prime bedroom’s closets. 

The ideal home for 59% of Canadian homebuyers includes a walk-in closet, according to a recent survey by real estate marketplace Zolo.

7 walk-in closet investment benefits

A survey by House Digest found that the most preferred type of closet for 79% of homeowners is a walk-in closet.

Whereas walk-in closets were once viewed as a niche amenity found almost exclusively in mansions, they’re more commonplace nowadays. Homes of all sizes and property values now include walk-ins.

Walk-in closets also have much more mainstream appeal nowadays because we see them so often on TV and streaming makeover shows, social media, and interior design websites.

Let’s find out why this home design trend is so popular and what benefits a walk-in closet investment provides.

1. Walk-in closets solve storage issues

We own so many things that it’s harder than ever to stay organized. Recent data from Statista shows that the closets of consumers worldwide had an average of 136 apparel items in them.

Untidy closets tend to spill over into the main bedroom area. They’re also more frustrating and time-consuming to use because it’s harder to locate specific items in the closet. One reason clutter and disorganization cause so much stress is that it makes us feel like we’re not in control of our environment.

Has it been years since you last saw the back wall of your master bedroom’s overstuffed reach-in closet? If so, here’s how a walk-in closet can be a wardrobe organization game-changer:

  • the ample space comfortably fits your entire wardrobe
  • walk-ins can be optimized for maximum storage efficiency
  • custom closet systems allow for superior organization
  • you can give each clothing item a proper home
  • everything you own is viewable at a glance
  • establish organization systems that work best for you and are easy to maintain
  • sharing a closet with a partner becomes easier
walk-in closet with green walls

A walk-in closet provides enough space to give everything you wear a proper home and better visibility.

2. A walk-in closet investment boosts your home value

Smart homeowners considering a renovation project cast an eye toward the future and how their investment can pay dividends later on.

Architectural Digest recently analyzed the National Association of Realtors’ annual Remodeling Impact Report. Their article lists the best interior remodeling projects for return on investment percentage. Here are the top five results:

  1. Hardwood flooring refinish (147%)
  2. New wood flooring (118%)
  3. Insulation upgrade (100%)
  4. Basement conversion to living area (86%)
  5. Closet renovation (83%)

Remodelled closets have such an impressive return on investment and stand out to homebuyers for a few reasons.

For starters, most homes have fairly basic closets. In a lot of cases, not much has been done to update a master bedroom’s builder closet. Some may contain little more than a single rod and shelf. Naturally, a spacious, stylish walk-in closet with premium functionality will look positively heavenly in comparison! 

A homebuyer who sees a tidy closet with plenty of storage capacity and practical functionality will envision how nice the space would be to use for themselves.

And the more luxurious a walk-in closet is, the more its “wow factor” goes up. A well-appointed walk-in tells potential buyers that you have high standards for your living space, which leaves a positive impression.

Walk-in closets with the right upgrades and high-quality materials don’t just give your home a competitive edge to help it sell faster, it can boost your selling price, too.

walk-in closet infographic

Walk-in closets are one of the most desirable home features for Canadian homebuyers. (infographic from Zolo.ca)

3. Customize your walk-in closet design

The ample space available in a walk-in closet allows you to design to your heart’s content. It can be as simple or elaborate as required. 

Here are some popular walk-in closet ideas worth considering for your custom design:

  • enclosed cabinetry
  • dresser-style drawer towers
  • open shelves with dividers
  • extra hanging rods
  • a tiered or pullout shoe rack
  • pullout laundry hampers
  • closet accessories like valet rods, pullout pant racks, and jewellery drawer inserts

Why custom closets are worth it

The beauty of custom closets is that you have a lot more design options compared to off-the-shelf closet organizing systems. You’re not limited by the “one size fits all” philosophy that comes with buying mass-produced closet organizer products.

Organized Interiors’ Classic and Monogram closet systems are ideal for walk-in closets. Choose from hundreds of options for cabinetry finishes and decorative hardware. The widths, depths, and heights of everything in your walk-in closet can be tailored to your specifications by our designers.

Yes, custom closets do cost more than DIY closet organizers, but for a good reason. As you can imagine, custom-designing, manufacturing, and installing a walk-in closet takes time.

The higher-quality materials that are used also increase the cost, but the result is a far superior product compared to budget-friendly walk-in closet systems. All of these details factor into how much you’ll recoup from a walk-in closet investment.

4. Create a luxurious home space

Walk-in closets are often designed with luxurious aesthetics in mind to produce stylish and upscale spaces to showcase your wardrobe and accessories. 

Professional closet design companies like Organized Interiors can create bespoke walk-in closets with as many luxury features as you need.

Depending on your budget and requirements, it’s possible to create a home showpiece that inspires closet envy. If this is your goal, our fully customizable Monogram closet system is exactly what you’re looking for.

Lighting upgrades will improve the space’s functionality and can significantly impact the luxurious look and feel of a walk-in closet. Touches like adding an elegant chandelier and dynamic accent and ambient lighting features create a chic, boutique-style aesthetic.

Consider some of these other additions to help you style up a luxury walk-in closet:

  • a centre island
  • luxurious countertops
  • a makeup vanity
  • a comfy chair or bench
  • décor features such as crown and base moulding
  • cabinets with glass doors
  • full-length mirrors
white walk-in closet storage

The right luxury touches can make a walk-in closet look like a high-end clothing boutique.

5. Enjoy the comfort of a dressing room

Let’s expand on one of the walk-in closet investment benefits we’ve briefly touched upon: using it as a dressing space.

Having an all-in-one home area where you can store your wardrobe, get dressed and undressed, and do your makeup, hair, and grooming is invaluable.

A dedicated home dressing room becomes a personal sanctuary that provides privacy, comfort, and convenience.

The efficiency of your morning routine will improve and you’ll waste less time getting ready for work. This fosters a positive mindset and sets a better tone for the rest of your day.

At the day’s end, you’ll appreciate having a personalized, cozy, and tranquil space where you can unwind and reflect on your day.

6. Closet renovations “spark joy”

Another reason a walk-in closet investment is worth it is because closet renovations are one of the most satisfying types of remodeling projects homeowners can do.

The Remodeling Impact Report’s “Joy Score” measures the enjoyment homeowners get from their remodels on a scale of 1 to 10. Closet renovations, along with a few other types of projects, scored a perfect 10 out of 10 for interior renovations. That’s higher than popular home improvement projects like bathroom and kitchen remodels.

Closet renovations are one of the remodeling projects that give homeowners the most enjoyment. (infographic from the National Association of Realtors)

A recent Today’s Homeowner study found that 39% of people who renovate do it to increase their enjoyment of their home. And 93% of homeowners who did a renovation felt their quality of life was better afterwards.

There are so many benefits of having an orderly walk-in closet with easy grab-and-go functionality, so it’s no wonder that homeowners love what a revamped closet space offers.

7. Make better use of a spare room

One more practical benefit of adding a walk-in closet is that it gives a spare room more functionality. Having an empty room in a home is nothing more than wasted space. An underused room doesn’t make the most of your home’s square footage, either.

The best location for a walk-in closet is in a spare room adjoining the master bedroom (or across the hall from it). Another benefit of using a spare room is that it allows you to take advantage of its natural light.

The room doesn’t have to be huge because you can do a lot with a walk-in closet design in a smaller room.

For some people, converting an entire room into a closet may seem extravagant and impractical. Keep in mind, however, that a walk-in closet with built-in storage allows you to get rid of bedroom furniture like a dresser and wardrobe.

A walk-in closet can even be designed to incorporate a home office space. As more people find themselves working from home, the cloffice has become a practical way to get more functionality from our living spaces. Learn more about a cloffice and whether it’s right for your home.

Bring your walk-in closet ideas to life!

A walk-in closet investment transforms your master bedroom closet from ordinary to extraordinary.

Organized Interiors has walk-in and reach-in closet solutions to fit your style and meet your organizing needs.

Schedule a free design consultation with one of our design professionals to experience for yourself the enjoyment of owning a beautiful walk-in closet.

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7 Rewarding Winter Home Renovations to Take on Before Spring Arrives

winter home renovations walk-in closet

The long Canadian winter can make spring seem like it’s light years away.

But before you know it, the days will be longer, the summer clothes will be pulled out of storage, and those to-do outdoor home improvement projects will be calling for your attention.

That’s why now is the ideal time to take on some winter home renovations, on either a large or small scale.

And when you’ve been cooped up inside for most of the winter, refreshing and updating the interior of your house can feel extra fulfilling.

What are the benefits of doing winter home renovations?

Spring and summer are the peak home renovation seasons, so the basic law of supply and demand makes tackling some home renovations during the winter highly practical.

Consider these benefits of a doing a home improvement project during the winter:

  • better contractor availability
  • lower likelihood of scheduling issues with tradespeople
  • building permits can be obtained faster due to lower demand
  • completing interior home upgrades lets you prioritize exterior home improvements when it warms up

Here are seven suggestions for some winter home renovations to get done before the tulips start blooming.

1. Give your garage a makeover

If you live in a cold climate, getting a winter garage makeover might not seem feasible. A lot of homeowners seem to be under the mistaken impression that a garage makeover can’t even happen during the winter.

This is simply untrue. Interior home improvement work can occur in a garage year-round, regardless of what climate you live in.

A big part of any complete garage makeover is the application of a new floor coating, which is perhaps why there’s so much confusion about getting a winter garage renovation.

Choose a garage makeover specialist that uses polyaspartic floor coatings, which allows flooring applications to be done even in frigid conditions (unlike epoxy floor coatings).

Here are a few more ideas for ways to make your garage a more comfortable, functional, and visually appealing space:

  • tame garage clutter by adding efficient storage systems like slatwall, custom storage cabinets, and overhead racks
  • upgrade your garage lighting
  • add new garage doors (which have one of the best returns on investment for home improvement projects)
  • upgrade to a garage door opener with smart home tech capabilities

Talk to the trusted professionals at Garage Living for more information on making upgrades to your garage before spring arrives.

winter home renovations, white car in garage

In most houses, garages have become the primary entry and exit point for families. More homeowners are seeing the value in making their garage an attractive, functional extension of their living space.

2. Remodel your closet

Like the garage, closets are hotspots for home clutter. Owning too many things is naturally the main reason excess clutter becomes a problem.

Another big reason clutter can become unmanageable, however, is that there’s a lack of an efficient, smart storage system to make optimal use of your available storage space.

A remodel of your closet can make it easier to keep your closet space organized. Have a professional evaluate your closet space so they can create a more functional wardrobe storage area where everything has its place.

Establishing a proper storage space for all of your items will eliminate the time you waste looking for things and keep the closet looking much tidier.

From improving a smaller reach-in closet with a closet organizer, to thinking bigger with this home improvement project and adding a large walk-in closet/dressing room, you’ll appreciate what a closet remodel can do for your home.

Spacious walk-in closets are a good investment, too. According to a survey of 3,000 homebuyers for a recent Canadian Home Builders Association study, a walk-in closet was the home feature they wanted the most.

3. Make some small-scale home décor upgrades

You might not consider moving furniture around, changing light fixtures, or some of the following relatively minor tasks to be renovations, but they are.

Think of them as just smaller “cosmetic renovations”.

Applying one of the fundamental elements of feng shui and simply rearranging the furniture in a space can dramatically alter the flow and energy of a room.

Changing the placements of wall decorations in your living areas can also help to modify a room’s dynamics. Update your lighting fixtures, trim, or crown moulding to add a stylish, elegant touch to a room.

You can also take things from stale to fresh in a room by reupholstering your furniture or replacing rugs, carpeting, or drapes as part of your winter remodelling project.

4. Freshen things up by painting

Another cosmetic renovation that’s perfect for doing during the winter is painting. Any room’s look and feel can be significantly changed just by slapping a fresh new coat of paint on the walls.

Updating a room’s wall and trim colours with a different colour can give the space a much-needed décor refresh. It’s also one of most inexpensive winter home renovations you can do.

Whether you’re lightening up a room that’s too dark or getting adventurous with an accent wall, the wealth of paint varieties and shades available makes any room a literal blank canvas of endless creative possibilities.

A winter interior painting project might bring up temperature-related concerns and issues about ventilating the paint fumes.

Just make sure the temperature in the room you’re painting is at least 15°C and you should be fine. As a matter of fact, winter can be a better time to paint than in the summer, when heat and humidity can cause paints to take longer to dry.

Unfortunately, you’ll need to open some windows in order to ventilate a painted room. That’s obviously not ideal when it’s cold outside, but it’s an unavoidable one-time extra utility expense you’ll have to live with. Use some fans to get more air moving in the rooms you’re airing out.

Another incentive to repaint is that you can apply a paint that has no VOCs (volatile organic compounds). VOCs are an organic compound gas found in many consumer products. The gasses (typically in very small amounts) are slowly released over time, so using a zero VOC or low VOC paint is a clearly healthier option for your home.

winter home renovations, painting supplies in room

Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels

5. Transform a spare room into a more useful space

A spare room in your house can be a lot more useful than merely being used as a dumping area for your home’s odds and ends.

Make that space work harder for you by transforming it into something that allows you to get more functionality out of your home.

That walk-in closet you’ve always wanted? A spare room is the perfect spot for it. Another great spare room idea is to turn it into a guest room.

Having a dedicated guest room simplifies things when relatives or friends stay overnight and you can create a space that’s more comfortable for your guests. To save space, add a practical pulldown wall bed (also known as a Murphy bed) to the room’s design.

There are plenty of other excellent uses for a spare room, including:

  • fitness room/home gym
  • kids playroom
  • craft room/hobby room
  • wine room
  • home office
  • study room
  • home library

6. Upgrade your home energy efficiency

If you’re looking for other winter home renovations that add value to a home, home energy efficiency upgrades are a smart choice.

You’ll start recouping your expenses for this project right away with monthly savings on your utility bills and benefit from these upgrades years from now.

That’s because the 2017 Canadian Homebuyer Preference National Study and that Canadian Home Builders Association study cite excellent energy efficiency as another one of the top selling features for homebuyers.

Getting a home energy audit from a professional can help you pinpoint the areas in your home that can benefit most from some eco-conscious upgrades.

Addressing inadequacies in your home’s wall, ceiling, and attic insulation can admittedly be an expensive undertaking, but will produce considerable improvements in how efficiently your house manages its heat retention.

Upgrading your furnace or central air conditioner to more energy efficient models will also have a noticeable positive effect on your heating and cooling bills.

Here are some other ways to improve the energy efficiency in your home:

  • upgrade to more energy efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs
  • install a smart thermostat for better temperature control
  • switch your single pane windows to dual or triple pane windows (or use thermal window film)
  • address drafts around windows, doorways, electrical switches, and outlets with caulking, insulating foam, weatherstripping, or thresholds
  • add a thermal lining to existing curtains or upgrade to new insulated curtains

7. Finish that basement

A finished basement also adds value to your home and is considered to have a good-to-excellent return on investment of anywhere from 70-80%.

Updating your basement’s décor and making the space more comfortable is worth it when you consider the many uses a finished basement can have for a family.

You can create extra play space for your kids, design a room for enjoying your media, or create a more stylish, hospitable space for hosting social gatherings.

Setting up a private area for exercising or adding an extra bathroom are other worthy basement upgrade ideas, as are adding an extra bedroom or guest room.

Adding an extra basement bedroom is smarter than converting part of your garage into a living space (which can make your home harder to sell later on).

If you do decide to make a basement renovation one of the winter home renovations you plan to tackle, Organized Interiors can help.

We have plenty of ideas and solutions for making your basement more comfortable and functional, such as:

  • an electric fireplace for ambiance and a source of heat
  • entertainment unit
  • stylish custom cabinetry that maximizes a basement’s storage space
  • wet bar

Don’t delay on those winter home renovations

There’s never a shortage of work to do on your home’s exterior and the rest of your property when spring arrives.

Start on one of these interior winter home renovations now so you’ll be able to focus squarely on what the outside of your home needs during the warmer months of the year.

Schedule a free virtual or in-home design consultation with Organized Interiors to get some of the home improvement projects listed here rolling.

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9 Walk-In Closet Design Ideas: All the Basics You Need to Know

walk-in closet design ideas
Once considered a feature typically only found in large luxury homes, the walk-in closet is now considered essential for anyone looking for a new home.

The 2018 Canadian Home Builders’ Association study of homebuyer preferences revealed that walk-in closets topped the list of the most wanted home features.

Even if you’re not looking for a new home, converting a spare room into a large walk-in closet (also known as a dressing room) has become a popular home improvement upgrade in recent years for a few reasons.

A professional utilizing smart walk-in closet design ideas can create a special space that is highly functional, practical, and luxurious.

Who wouldn’t want all of that out of a spare room in your home that’s just sitting there, waiting to be used more purposefully?

9 essential walk-in closet design ideas

Designing a large walk-in closet that does more than just give you a lot more space to store your clothes requires some creative thinking.

Your comfort level within your new space is equally important, so what walk-in closet design ideas will help you achieve the best results?

Get familiar with the basics and learn which walk-in closet design ideas should be considered essential when putting together your home improvement project.

1. Smart closet storage

One of the most important walk-in closet design ideas you’ll want to get right is the closet’s storage layout.

Just because you have more storage space at your disposal doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be maximizing every bit of space available in the closet.

Using your vertical storage space to the peak of its capabilities can help to accomplish this. Incorporate extra hanging rods, closet hanging accessories, floor-to-ceiling shelving, and shoe racks into the closet design.

Using a high-quality custom closet organizer is also highly recommended. They’ll maximize your closet’s storage space best by creating a home for everything you wear and will effectively complement your home’s décor.

2. A luxurious look

A dream closet is only worthy of that name if it has a luxurious, elegant look.

Bespoke closet cabinetry with rich finishes and refined accents, like our Monogram cabinetry, help create that desired high-end look.

Adorn your walk-closet with additional stylistic touches, such as tasteful lighting, cornice moulding, fluted columns, frosted glass cupboard doors, and attractive decorative cabinetry hardware.

walk-in closet design ideas, custom cabinetry

Floor-to-ceiling fitted cabinetry with rich finishes create a luxurious walk-in closet space.

3. Good lighting and the right colours

A walk-in closet doesn’t just provide ample storage space and luxurious surroundings for your dressing area. It also lets you showcase your entire wardrobe and all of your clothing accessories.

To make your wardrobe really stand out, using the right colours and lighting in your closet is crucial.

Your closet colours can range from the earthy, darker look that comes with choosing more natural-looking cabinet finishes to the brighter, crisper look that’s conveyed by using lighter colours for your cabinetry finishes, wall, and ceiling.

For lighting, a chandelier adds an extra measure of extravagance to the closet space. It can be supplemented with overhead recessed lighting, task lighting, and strategically placed LED lighting integrated into the cabinetry design to show off your wardrobe and add extra ambiance.

4. Practical closet accessories

It’s the little details that can elevate a closet’s design from merely good to something truly great, which is where closet accessories come in.

Take advantage of the wide variety of practical closet accessories that are available to help you streamline your daily routine of getting ready for work and special occasions. Here are a few recommendations:

  • retractable valet rods
  • laundry hampers
  • a pullout pant rack
  • sliding belt racks
  • belt hooks

5. A closet island

When it comes to walk-in closet design ideas that have your convenience in mind, a closet island is a must-have feature.

A centre storage island in your large walk-in closet provides a handy spot for placing items down temporarily and folding clothing.

This multi-purpose closet feature also provides valuable extra storage space. A closet island can include drawers to keep things hidden and maintain a tidy look, open shelving for easier access, or a combination of the two.

walk-in closet design ideas, jewellery drawer

A closet island provides extra closet functionality with additional storage space and a countertop for folding clothes or placing items.

6. Space for your valuables

When having your closet designed, create space to keep your valuables safe and secure.

Your bespoke cabinetry can include a document drawer that’s discreetly hidden for holding vital documents, like a will or insurance policy. Adding a drawer safe to safeguard valuables is another option.

Felt-lined jewellery drawers an also be incorporated into your closet cabinetry to keep jewellery organized and safely stored.

7. Comfortable seating

You’ll spend a good deal of time in your dressing room sitting down, so comfortable seating is another priority when it comes to the walk-in closet design ideas you’re considering.

A comfortable chair, ottoman, or stylish bench with hidden storage provides the perfect, relaxing spot for getting dressed and undressed and putting on makeup.

8. A makeup table

With so many beauty products available to buy, it can be tricky keeping them all organized when your collection keeps growing.

Set up a makeup table or vanity in your walk-in closet to keep all of your beauty products tidy, easy to find, and in the same space where you’ll be getting dressed.

walk-in closet design ideas makeup table

A makeup table keeps you organized and streamlines your daily preparation routine.

9. The perfect finishing touches

The last of our walk-in closet design ideas is to choose the perfect finishing touches to complete your closet and dressing room space.

This can include adding a stylish rug and a charging station or easily accessible outlets for all of your electronic devices. A full-length mirror is another smart addition, to both evaluate your appearance and make your closet space look a little larger.

Adding artwork, inspirational quotes, photos, and perhaps a small TV or sound system will help to personalize your walk-in closet space even more and boost your comfort level.

Talk to the walk-in closet design experts

A walk-in closet adds value to your home, reduces bedroom clutter, and allows you to pamper yourself within a luxurious, private dressing room space.

If you’d like to free yourself from the limitations of a small closet and preparation space, book a free in-home design consultation with us to determine which walk-in closet design ideas can best serve your needs.

See also:

The 7 Home Features Buyers Want the Most

home features buyers want house exterior
A home improvement project should upgrade your house with features that add convenience and extra functionality to your living space.

Too many homeowners, however, make the mistake of not adding home features buyers want the most when it comes time to sell their house.

It’s natural for anyone to look more to a home improvement project’s impact on their family’s life over the next 5, 10, or 15 years.

While you’ll get plenty of use out of the home upgrades over that period, casting an eye towards the future should also be a factor in your renovation decisions as well.

Choose home features buyers want and need

Certain renovation projects have a poor return on investment that can significantly affect the back-end value of your expenditure. Experts agree that for potential buyers, these renovations don’t add value to a home:

  • removing closets
  • converting the garage into a living space
  • adding a sunroom
  • turning a spare room into a home theatre
  • adding a pool

These remodeling projects are considered too niche or just not practical for the average homebuyer.

And the first two examples completely go against the second-most important factor that goes into a homebuyer’s decision – available storage space. Not surprisingly, a home’s location was the most important factor.

Do your research to find out which home improvement projects provide a good balance of fulfilling an everyday need and will also be desirable in the eyes of anyone home shopping years from now.

7 of the home features buyers want the most

Certain home features buyers want the most virtually never change.

At the top of that list is storage space. Garage parking space and updates to kitchens and bathrooms also consistently rank highly with buyers.

We’ve looked at numerous studies, surveys, polls, and expert opinions to come up with a list of seven of the home features buyers want the most when they’re searching for a house.

1. Walk-in closet

A recent extensive Canadian Home Builders Association study found that a walk-in closet was the most valued asset of the 3,000 homebuyers surveyed.

A Braun Research survey of 500 realtors found that 97% of them said their clients valued closet storage space more than attic and basement storage space. And a 2013 National Association of Realtors survey shows that a walk-in closet in the master bedroom was the second-most important feature to homebuyers.

For many buyers, a large walk-in closet (also known as a dressing room) is an absolute essential. The absence of one may very well prove to be a dealbreaker for them.

A spacious walk-in closet doesn’t just provide a lot more space to store your clothes (although that’s one of its best benefits). They also:

  • provide a private, relaxing space for getting prepared or unwinding after a long day
  • make it easier to manage your wardrobe and keep it organized (saving you time)
  • provide a stylish and elegant space to showcase your wardrobe and accessories
home features buyers want walk-in closet

A walk-in closet (also known as a dressing room) is considered one of the most essential features for homebuyers.

2. Energy efficiency

The 2017 Canadian Homebuyer Preference National Study shows that better energy efficiency is another of the top home features buyers want and will pay more for.

That Canadian Home Builders Association study also cited energy efficiency as one of the most desired home features for buyers.

This can include everything from a home having energy-efficient appliances, energy-efficient lighting, and modern windows and doors that will keep hydro bills lower. More energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems are also valued by homebuyers.

Buyers also place a higher priority nowadays on how well insulated a home is. Are the attic, garage, and the rest of the home outfitted with high-efficiency insulation that’s actually been properly installed to deliver the best energy efficiency?

3. Master bathroom

Whether or not a home has a master bathroom is another important factor for many buyers. A master bathroom is defined as a bathroom with a sink, bathtub, and shower that is accessible from the largest bedroom (also known as a “master bedroom”).

The terminology for this room can vary. Some people may refer to it as an “ensuite master bathroom” or simply “ensuite”. It can also be written as “en-suite” (just to make things even more confusing).

When referring to bathrooms and bedrooms, you can expect to hear less usage of the word “master” in the coming years, however. Homebuilders and realtors are phasing it out due to the word’s negative gender and racial connotations.

Bathroom features buyers are looking for most are a custom bathroom vanity/makeup area, two sinks, and a separate shower enclosure. Forward-thinking buyers in their forties and fifties want the latter, in part because they’re considering its ease of use a couple of decades down the line.

Surprisingly, linen closets topped the list of the most desirable bathroom features for new home buyers surveyed in 2013 by the National Association of Home Builders.

4. Two-car garage

For both older homes and newly constructed homes, two-car garages are another feature buyers consider essential. 80% of buyers factor in the garage when making their decision, according to an Impulse Research survey.

And while that Braun Research survey found that 97% of buyers valued closet space more than attic and basement storage space, the garage ranked a close second. Realtors surveyed said that 96% of buyers valued the garage over the attic and basement as a home storage space.

Garages provide valuable storage space not just for tools and items there’s no room for elsewhere in your home, they also allow you to park vehicles indoors. That protects your sizeable investment in your vehicles.

There’s also the convenience of parking indoors. That’s why 55% of homeowners use the garage as their house’s main entryway, according to a Chamberlain Group study.

Garage makeovers are also a hot home improvement trend. As Garage Living’s Linda Fiore Ceolin explains it, “There is so much potential in every garage space, large or small. More homeowners have realized the importance of upgrading their garage to make it a beautiful, functional extension of their living space.”

home features buyers want 2 cars

96% of homebuyers view the garage as a more valuable storage space in a house than the attic and basement.

5. Hardwood floors

The National Association of Realtors survey shows that just over half of homebuyers are willing to pay more for wood floors. The main reasons are its contemporary look, durability, and how much easier wood floors are to clean than carpeting. 

Hardwood is most preferred, especially original hardwood flooring found in older houses, which can be a real home seller. Authentic hardwood flooring is easier to refinish compared to engineered wood flooring. It should also theoretically last a lifetime. 

Engineered wood flooring is less expensive and not as durable as original wood flooring. However, it does nicely replicate the look of hardwood with a hardwood veneer over layered fibreboard and structural plywood.

A higher percentage of homebuyers under the age of 54 looks for a house with wood floors than older buyers. This is attributed to the fact that older generations tend to find carpeting a little cozier and warmer than wood floors.

6. Laundry room

Look at a variety of studies and surveys on the home features buyers want most and a dedicated laundry room will assuredly rank highly on most of them.

In fact, last year’s report from the National Association of Home Builders on the home features buyers desire most had “a separate laundry room” at number one.

92% of buyers surveyed considered a laundry room essential. An increasing number of homebuilders agree and are incorporating laundry rooms into their building designs.  

Those in the aged 35 to 54 demographic placed a high priority on having a laundry room. Millennials especially favour owning a laundry room, preferably upstairs close to a bedroom or on the main floor, off the kitchen. Space-saving stacked washers and dryers are also popular with younger generations.

Laundry rooms are considered a must-have feature for many buyers because of the convenience and high functionality they add to homes. A dedicated space to take care of all of the ironing, sorting, folding and other tasks that go along with laundry duty helps to simplify and speed up the process.

Second floor laundry room.

7. Modern/open concept kitchen

Concluding our list of the home features buyers want most is the open concept kitchen. Once again, younger buyers favour open concept kitchen designs more than baby boomers.

The Canadian Home Builders Association reports that 85-90% of consumers in Ontario and the Toronto area prefer this more modern type of kitchen design.

An open concept kitchen that includes a kitchen island and inclusive eating area is also considered an attractive selling feature, particularly to buyers with kids. 

Realtors and designers widely agree that modern kitchen updates yield better returns come resale time than a bathroom remodel.

Additional modern kitchen upgrades that appeal to homebuyers include:

  • double kitchen sinks
  • high-quality stainless steel appliances
  • walk-in pantry
  • granite, marble, or quartz countertops
  • stylish cabinetry with modern hardware

Do you have the home features buyers want most?

Is your home keeping up with the modern design trends that can make your life more comfortable and pay off when you sell your home?

Organized Interiors specializes in bespoke home organization and storage solutions for the entire home. We can improve your living space with many of the home features buyers want and need the most.

Sit down with us to discuss your aspirations for improving your home’s interior by scheduling a free in-home design consultation.

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Create Your Dream Closet by Turning a Spare Room Into a Dressing Room

In the hustle and bustle of a busy lifestyle, we easily forget that a life worth living is a life worth organizing. One important part of your home’s organization includes having enough space for storing your clothes.

Perhaps you have very little space for clothes storage and getting dressed. Or perhaps a spare room in your home is just waiting to be transformed into your own personal space, where dressing becomes no ordinary ritual.

To dress in clean, crisp clothes that can easily breathe in an airy and well-designed dressing room, well that is an experience we are all worthy of.

Pamper yourself in your private home sanctuary

When Gloria Dilecce decided to convert her spare room into a dressing room, she wanted more than a walk-in closet for her clothes and shoes. 

She wanted a dream dressing room, her very own sanctuary where she could pamper herself while dressing daily for work and for special occasions.

“Ever since I was a little girl, the idea of a dressing room was an ongoing dream of mine,” says Gloria. “Once I decided to convert the spare bedroom into a dressing room, it made all the difference in my life.”

“At the time, my smaller walk-in closet just wasn’t providing enough space for my husband Joe and I.”

dressing room

A dressing room makes better use of your spare room’s valuable space

You can take charge of the manner in which you dress by turning a spare room into a dressing room (also known as a large walk-in closet).

Dressing and grooming with ease in the right environment can make all the difference between how the rest world views you.

Imagine how exhilarating it would be to have all of your clothes and valuables in one place, where dressing is a pleasurable experience rather than a chore.

A dressing room can be designed to be an elegant and soothing space where life slows down just enough for you to unwind. It can be a place with plenty of space and light, creating the ideal, calming environment for choosing the perfect outfit.

The limitations of a small closet and preparation space

How many times has a lack of storage and preparation space lead to the realization (long after you’ve left the house) that you’ve committed a fashion faux pas?

This might include noticing that the blouse you thought was white is actually a creamier shade. Perhaps it’s mistakenly pairing navy blue socks with your black pants.

Then, of course, there’s the added hassle of touching up pants, jackets, and shirts before you wear them because they lack the desired crispness, due to being crowded into a small storage space.

Your dream dressing room can become reality

A spare room in your home represents an underutilized and valuable space, full of untapped potential. In the hands of a skilled design professional, your dream dressing room can be carefully molded into reality.

Imagine sitting on a bench comfortably while you are putting your socks, stockings, and shoes on. The space can include a full-length mirror with proper reflective lighting, either from natural light from a window or by installing brighter light fixtures.

Now imagine pullout shelves lined with shoes where you can mix and match your clothes quickly and efficiently, without having to trek all over your home searching for something.

Adding a personal touch to your sanctuary with inspiring pictures and words of inspiration and motivation can also help you get your day started on a positive note.

It’s like a fashion boutique in your own home

Gloria says that having a dressing room “feels like I have my own boutique right in my home.”

Whether you are in the fashion industry like Gloria, or you just want to be able to see everything at a glance, these convenient features add to the comfort of dressing.

Soon after first using her dressing room, Gloria came to realize that it made getting dressed so much easier and more enjoyable. It became a routine that she truly appreciates.

“I never thought of turning my spare bedroom into this amazing dressing room until Organized Interiors suggested it. What else would I do with three extra bedrooms without children at home?”

“Why not pamper myself? It was well worth the time and expense. My clothes appreciate it just as much,” says Gloria.

No detail is too small when it comes to your custom dressing room

Organized Interiors leaves no stone unturned and no detail is too small.

Do you require a locked document drawer? Done. How about compartments for jewelry so nothing is tangled and messy? Done. How about using clever closet accessories to accommodate scarves, ties, and belts? Easily done.

Gloria adds, “I particularly love my foldout ironing board and valet rod so I can hang what I picked out for the next day, making coordinating my look a lot faster.”

A dressing room can be as stylish or as simple as you like with unique features that can make this space the envy of all your friends and family.

A combination of features like shelving, pullout shoe racks, and hanging bars for your finest garments of all sizes are options that are sure to enhance your dressing experience.

“All my clothes and shoes are so visible. It’s the complete solution to all my morning problems,” says Gloria.

White dressing room walk-in closet with plenty or storage.

Every dressing room is unique and reflects your personality

The benefits of having a special place for dressing, which helps us look our best, is being increasingly recognized by homeowners and home improvement professionals.

A dressing room is synonymous with luxury, elegance, and comfort. Organized Interiors’ innovative and creative ideas and workmanship, coupled with every individual’s distinct style, makes every dream closet design unique.

“The experience with Organized Interiors was phenomenal from start to finish. It has made staying organized a lot easier and a dream come true,” says Gloria.

“This is now my sanctuary, which brings me more joy and value then soaking in my tub. This made all the sense in the world for Joe and I. He loves his walk-in closet, which he now has all to himself.”

Your dressing room sanctuary awaits!

Does turning your empty spare room into an elegant dressing room that allows for more storage room and a cozy, private area for getting dressed sound like a no-brainer?

Discover the same joy that Gloria found with her dressing room by scheduling a free in-home design consultation with us today!

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