Closet and home storage organization has never been more popular, both when it comes to remodeling and new construction. Homeowners are looking for new and creative solutions to optimize every square inch of space and get rid of clutter to make their homes more functional – and beautiful. With interest surging in storage space, so has the demand for closet designers, organizers, builders, & remodelers to stay on top of the latest trends and features. Today’s homeowners have access to vast amounts of inspiration online, making them well-versed in options and ideas. Through our partnerships with designers across the Midwest, conversations with homeowners, and connections across the industry, Kambium is always keeping an eye on developments to better serve our customers. Here’s a recap of the latest trends we see across the industry that, in turn, can translate into opportunities for growing your business.
Trend #1: Closets, Closets and More Closets
A recent study by Mercari, the Selling App, found that 50 percent of Americans say they feel overwhelmed by the amount of “stuff” in their homes. And while consigning, donating, or disposing of unwanted items is part of the solution, people are increasingly looking for more sophisticated storage solutions to manage and organize their belongings.
In fact, the National Association of Realtors’ Home Preference study found that home buyers are looking for more or larger closets and more storage space when purchasing a new home. While more closets make for a strong selling point, a walk-in closet for the master bedroom still reigns as king, topping most buyers’ wish list. And, when a walk-in closet isn’t part of the existing floor plan? The market is also seeing an increase in projects converting living spaces, such as a spare bedroom, into a closet.
Trend #2: Closet as an Oasis
People spend dozens of hours in their closet every year, and often, it’s the first place they head in the morning and one of the last places they visit before their head hits the pillow. So, it’s only natural that people are looking to dress up their bedroom closets as a stress-free sanctuary. The result? More requests for soothing lighting, calm color palettes, warm wood tones in cabinetry, and comfortable, textured seating – even dedicated spots for artwork.
Closets are becoming much more than just a place to put things – they’re a place to set a mood and provide respite from the daily grind.
Trend #3: Personalization Is Key
One closet definitely doesn’t fit all. Consumers want closets that work for their specific lifestyle. Need to run from the office to the tennis court to an evening out? Custom drawers and shelving can help find a just-right home for every type of clothing from activewear to business suits to designer gowns. Shoe racks can be customized based on shoe width, toe type, and heel height. Hidden storage allows people to better manage seasonal items and maximize decluttering.
And whether their 5’3 or 6’5, homeowners want their closet shelves customized at the perfect height so they can be fully accessed, and items can be handled with comfort and ease.
Trend #4: Go High Tech!
People are embracing technology to control their thermostat and water their lawns, so it makes sense that we see technology finding a place in closets and other storage solutions as well. Keyless cabinets, power mirrors, charging stations for devices, and lighted rods and shelves are in. There are even systems to improve airflow and remove unwanted odors from a closet. Closets are going high tech, too.
Trend #5: Work From Home Spaces
COVID-19 sent many homeowners into a scramble this spring to set up home offices for both parents and students to work from. Now, with COVID-19 still prevalent, many companies are extending the work-from-home window, and, in some cases, even looking to make work-from-home a permanent solution. Paired with many schools choosing remote learning this fall, more homeowners are taking steps to improve the work and school set-up within their home. From custom home offices designs to multi-purpose storage solutions to desk space within a child’s bedroom, homeowners are ready to move past ‘make-do’ mode to create home office space that better fits their family’s needs.
Kambium - Your Trusted Midwest Custom Closet & Component Manufacturing Partner
The days of unsightly clutter definitely aren’t trending, and people are looking for more built-in storage solutions that provide a thoughtful, functional home for their belongings. Kambium is a trusted resource to help you with your closet, garage, and home storage fabrication and millwork needs when selling solutions for your clients. We offer our partners competitive wholesale pricing, design and installation support, one of the largest range of options in the Midwest, and an unwavering commitment to quality and accuracy. Simply put, it’s our goal to make our partners’ day-to-day work easier.
Contact us today to learn more about our closet manufacturing capabilities. We’d love to start a conversation about how we can best serve your needs.