Photo and closet by Balas Design
All wardrobe closets are not created equally, and neither are all Israeli closet companies! Adina Cooper, Living That Works (@livingthatworks) provides an insider’s look at the best and the worst of the industry.
Spoiler alert – priciest is not the best!
In my project management and home organization work I have found that choosing the right closet is a key step in creating a well-designed home that works for you.
I have reviewed leading closet making companies in the Sharon and Central Region: Riviera, IKEA, Balas Design and Beit Omanei Haetz (House of Wood Artisans) and rated them based on their performance in recent projects.
Mashrabia Style Doors
The rating focuses on quality of materials, service, installation, and value for money on a scale from 1-5.
IKEA - * The closets vary in quality, and one must define needs and assess the space, prior to ordering at the shop. Ordering at IKEA is an art. There are some amazing solutions at IKEA. Most people assume it is always the cheapest option. In many cases it is not the least expensive. It depends!. IKEA delivery and installation is efficient and usually well executed.
Balas Design – I found Balas to be all around best for service both while ordering and in their delivery and installation process. The team was responsive and gave invaluable advice to clients throughout the process. During the installation, the carpenter noticed that the shelving and hanging set-up might work better for my client if we made a small change. We looked at the options and together found the optimal arrangement.
Beit Omanei Haetz – Undeniably the worst of the lot both in service, installation, and overall value for money. The installer did whatever he wanted regardless of its suitability. The installer recognized that there were some problems with a drawer and took it to be repaired. When the repairmen came, he was without tools and lacked the carpentry skills to execute the repair. When asked to repair or make changes, the company was unresponsive.
Riviera – While Riviera has some of the most beautiful materials on offer, such as mashrabia style doors, they are significantly more expensive than the competition. Their luxury image is not necessarily reflected in their initial installation process. That said, they were immensely helpful when a recent installation proved below par. They were responsive and went to great lengths to bring the final product up to the standard that their price point suggests.
Bi-fold Doors (IKEA)
Closet takeaways:
· Choosing materials – Closets provide a long-term styling solution to your home. A closet does not have to be expensive to contribute to the unique look and feel of your room. While glass, slated and mashrabia doors are beautiful, locations with direct sun exposure can be problematic.
· Door type – Sliding doors are great in small spaces, while classic doors provide more styling options. I have recently used a bifold door on a cabinet-style closet, which added a unique touch to the room.
· Interiors - In ordering a built-to suit-closet, note that the depth can vary according to your storage needs: men’s jackets, children’s clothes, toyboxes, long dresses, in cabinet office printers can be accommodated with varying depths. I have found some very cool solutions for small Israeli bedrooms that do not overwhelm the space.
· Drawers versus shelves – Drawers are great for storage and provide a neater solution for areas from mid-chest height and below. Shelving is the only solution for higher areas and can be divided into sections to minimize mess overflow. There are some newfangled shoe storage options that operate as separate closets within the closet. Simple pull-out shelves provide easy access and space can be maximized with IKEA plastic shoe stands.
· Dressing rooms – I have created many dressing rooms especially in Israeli Mamads. They are not just a closet. Walk-in closets and dressing rooms are special spaces beyond storage.
Dressing Room by Living That Works
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