The New Closet

Interior design is trending away from inefficient extravagance and more toward a balance of function and beauty. Homeowners are seeking new ways to increase productivity in their workflow of home chores and daily tasks. Every room in the house should be subjected to this scrutiny. However, the closet hinges solely on this principle, as its function, flow, and aesthetic are equally important.

According to the Experts

“The role of closets in your everyday life starts when you wake up,” says Curtis Orton, owner/operator of Urban Closets in Kelowna, BC. He has dedicated his career to creating custom designer spaces to improve the quality of life for his clients. Therefore, Curtis has a unique understanding of the role of the closet and its importance in our daily routine.

With a strong focus on custom design, Curtis believes that, “[Since] your clothes are the first thing you put on and the last thing you take off, [it is important] to walk into your closet and have everything organized; your dress or suit ready.” The understanding that the closet has become increasingly important in the average person’s day has prompted the trends to evolve to suit these needs.

“With homes and closets these days, the approach needs to fit with what is current. We are constantly adding new products and hardware to the ever-changing styles and trends. Right now, the biggest trends in closets are numerous drawers and accessories. Master bedrooms are getting smaller and closets are getting larger. They have become a dressing room with islands, shoe shelves, and even lighting behind closet rods.  There is also more of a demand to upgrade the normal white closet to a very popular wood grain textured melamine. It gives it a real wood look at half the price. We have also noticed floating cabinets are in, so we hang a lot of closets off the ground with no toe kick, which gives it that clean, modern look,” says Curtis.

How Marathon's Product Selection Helps The New Closet

Due to these new trends and customer demands, in addition to high-quality work and design, the success of Urban Closets relies partially on great relationships with suppliers. Marathon Hardware loves being the go-to distributor for businesses like Urban Closets. They believe in giving the customer exactly what they want, while upholding high standards in quality, innovation, and service.

“Working with Marathon Hardware has been great. We love trying out different handles, whether it’s a black or the new brushed brass. With such a wide selection of handles [and knobs], it gives the customers many choices of styles and colours. They also have lots of drawer slides, soft close or the standard full extension,” Curtis explains.  

In a heavily service-related industry, Urban Closets also benefits from what Marathon Hardware offers beyond high-quality products at great prices. Curtis recognizes service as a factor in why he does business with Marathon Hardware. He notes, “Marathon’s service levels are great here in Kelowna, B.C.  Most times I call in my order for drawer slides and closet rods, and they’re ready for me in 20 minutes. They stock many items so it’s a quick turnaround for whatever closet supplies I need.”

As Urban Closets continues its success, Curtis enjoys conveying the message of what a well-designed and organized closet can do. He explains, “Closets nowadays are more important than ever, not only for organizing your life, but making your house more desirable when selling. Storage in general is in such high demand that with higher pricing in homes these days, maximizing your space will elevate your life!”