KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) When it comes to creating a functional, stress-free home, few upgrades deliver more impact than a well-organized closet. Whether you’re working with a spacious walk-in or a compact wall closet, smart design choices can transform cluttered chaos into calm efficiency.

Ann Henderson, owner of Ann Henderson Interiors on Central Square, has spent more than three decades helping homeowners make the most of their space. From her full-service design studio, she handles everything from space planning and lighting to color consultation and installation. Closets, she says, are a game-changer.

Why Walk-Ins Win

“Walk-in closets are the way to go,” Henderson explained. “Master bedrooms now tend to have a smaller bedroom square footage, so there is room for a walk-in closet.”

To keep things neat and accessible, she recommends open shelving with flexible storage for purses, shoes, pants, and sweaters.

“There is flexibility in choosing open shelving,” she explained. Hanging space is key, too. “Nowadays double hanging is really popular. These are rods that can hang shirts, shorts and pants, so you get more linear feet for the double rods.”

Furniture Features That Work

Adding furniture elements can increase both function and comfort.

“I always like to include a chest of drawers, if possible,” she noted. “Other things that are nice to have in closets if you have the room would be a bench, which not only looks nice, but is a great place to take a seat when dressing, or could it could be a storage bench for more storage space.”

Room for an Island? Even Better

In larger closets, there’s even room for a center island.

“Sometimes if the square footage is big enough, you could have an island in there,” said Henderson. “An island could offer additional storage for clothing, accessories, travel items and would offer some extra workspace, whether you want to utilize it for a hair and makeup area or a place to fold clothes.”

Small Touches, Big Impact

Small upgrades can have a surprising effect.

“I often make sure that there are hooks on the walls,” she said, “usually around four to five for hanging clothes that you are getting ready to put on or considering wearing, and wall storage units are great for miscellaneous items such as accessories and scarves, or ties for men.”

Making the Most of Wall Closets

For compact closets, Henderson is realistic about the limitations.

“For smaller spaces, wall closets are what they are—there’s not a whole lot you can do to change them,” she said. “Your clothes are going to be hung up in a linear fashion. The trick about it is that for most wall closet units—where they are located—you are either going to have a bi-fold door or sliding door, so you aren’t going to be able to see all the things at once.”

Her strategy?

“Lay it out so you can have all the same things on one side, so you can slide the bifold open and that linear layout is very well organized by items,” she said.

Vertical Space = Hidden Potential

She recommends making use of space above and below the hanging rod. Add a second rod for shorter clothes or install low shelving for shoes. Above, a single shelf can hold bins for folded scarves, belts, or seasonal items—keeping them accessible and the space looking tidy.

Upgrade Your Closet Doors

And don’t overlook the closet doors themselves.

“Aesthetically, with linear wall closets, having those doors on the wall detracts from the aesthetics of the space,” she said.

Her solution? Dress them up. “In setting a mirror or a nice panel, installing wallpaper covering on the panel, or architectural design on the door, could be some of the ways to make it more appealing and fit into the room in a more cohesive way.”