If you’re lucky enough to have a walk-in closet to call your very own, why not go all out and turn this functional space into a chic, colorful one? After all, as Suzan Wemlinger, the founder of Suzan J Designs, puts it, “A walk-in closet can become a sanctuary of sorts so it should be a place one wants to be in. Adding pattern and texture to the utilitarian aspect of the room is key to creating this haven.”
We asked Wemlinger and three other designers how they’d weave Pepper fabrics and wallpapers into a closet to create an extra stylish space to house clothing, shoes, accessories, and more, and they delivered with a range of eye-catching ideas below.
Patricia Justice, the founder of Patricia Justice Designs, always recommends incorporating a nice fabric ottoman to sit on inside of a walk-in closet—bonus points if the lid comes off for extra storage. “The Alice Printed Cotton fabric would be amazing for an ottoman,” she says. “Cadet velvet would be a great trim for around the top edge of the ottoman to give it some contrast.” Justice pictures enveloping the closet in Daphne Rose Clay Coated wallpaper. Some of Justice’s other walk-in closet essentials include small drawers to accommodate lingerie and jewelry, a cedar lined storage area for extra winter coats and sweaters, and plenty of shoe storage.
Wemingler notes that while closets don’t tend to have a ton of open walls, wallpaper will work wonders where possible. “Adding wallpaper to the back walls of open shelves and the hanging area of closets would change the space from just functional to fabulous,” she says. “Having that pattern and color peek out will make you smile every time you enter your closet.” The designer is partial to the Annabelle Forest Clay Coated wallpaper in particular. Then, she recommends bringing in a simple roman shade if the closet features a window, suggesting Julia Printed Cotton as a possible fabric. “Add in a built-in window seat, with a custom cushion and pillows and you’ll have some nice softness added to the room, along with a place to put your socks on, read a book and more,” the designer shares, stating that she envisions a beautiful looking bench made from Citron Solid Velvet with Peacock Velvet Piping.
“We want to feel as inspired by where we’re getting dressed as we feel by what we’re wearing, if not more so,” Lindsey Gregg says, citing the importance of a chic walk-in closet. “One easy way to add a dose of personality to a walk-in closet is by wallpapering the ceiling,” adds the interior designer with Big Sky Design. “I would choose a pattern that isn’t directional and has more of an all-over impact, like the Ginger Rose Clay Coated Wallpaper, to keep the eye moving,” Gregg says, regarding her ceiling selection.
Like other designers, Marya Karlton, the founder of Karlton Kelly, is all about an ottoman in the walk-in closet. “I love a round tufted ottoman on casters in a dressing room,” she says. “It's perfect for sitting to put shoes on, to step on to reach that high shelf, or just to let the dresses pile up while you try things on.” She’s partial to Frida Sand Printed Cotton or Rosie Printed Cotton for this purpose. “Adding a skirt to the ottoman with a trim around the base would make the look even softer and prettier,” Karlton says.
For a masculine walk-in closet, Karlton envisions using patterned wallpaper and a coordinating colored paint for the trim and cabinetry. “I would love to use the Ginger Moss or Ginger Navy Clay Coated wallpaper for this, a relaxed gingham pattern that is sure to complement any wardrobe,” she says.
