The Ultimate Guide to Designing Your Dream Closet Shelina Jokhiya, Founder of DeCluttr Me

Personalisation is synonymous with luxury interior design, and there’s very little that can’t be customised to suit your lifestyle. One of the finer details is your closet. Here in the UAE, where fashion, functionality, and high-spec homes go together, we’re definitely seeing an increase in demand for custom wardrobes, in both villas and apartments.

I’ve seen how a thoughtfully designed closet, can transform not only your space, but your entire routine by bringing a sense of ease and organisation. Why settle for a generic wardrobe, when you can have one tailored to you?

What is the first priority when designing your own wardrobe?
Before choosing finishes or sketching layouts, the most important thing is to think about how you live and dress each day. Do you travel frequently? Work from home? Need fast access to gym wear, abayas, or formalwear? A wardrobe should mirror your lifestyle. If you wear suits regularly, you’ll need more hanging space. Whereas if you’re more casual day-to-day, prioritise drawers and open shelving for folded items. Also, consider how often you shop, how seasonal your wardrobe is, and how much you want to display versus keep hidden.

Your habits matter, too. If mornings are hectic, you’ll benefit from a layout that puts the items you use most at eye level, with accessories and footwear within easy reach. If you like to plan outfits in advance, a dedicated rail to prep is a great asset. And if you tend to forget what you own, visibility is key; think glass-fronted drawers, open shelving, and even backlighting.

Share some common mistakes people make and how to avoid them
Custom wardrobes may feel like a design exercise, but they should start with practicality. What do you really wear? What do you own that you never use? I always advise clients to declutter before starting the design process. Holding on to clothes that don’t fit or don’t suit your lifestyle will confuse your storage needs. Let go of what no longer serves you so you can design smarter, not necessarily bigger.

I often see wardrobes designed purely on aesthetics and it’s easy to get swept away by Pinterest and Instagram images. But if they’re not functional, it’s a wasted exercise. One common pitfall is underestimating how much space items like shoes, handbags and accessories actually require. People often assume a few drawers will hold everything, but if they’re not measured or positioned properly, they can become cluttered and impractical. Everything needs to be designed with purpose, right down to the last centimetre.

Another big issue I see is designers who don’t ask the right questions. If your interior designer hasn’t asked to see your current wardrobe or asked detailed questions about your lifestyle, there’s a good chance they will miss something vital.

Then there’s future-proofing – or the lack of it. So many people don’t account for future purchases, particularly shoes. If you love shopping or your lifestyle is evolving, your wardrobe needs room to grow.

Other important elements are ventilation and lighting. Without good lighting, even the best wardrobes become difficult to use. I always recommend integrated LED strip lighting inside, ideally motion sensor activated. It’s practical, elegant and preferable to overhead spotlights, which cast shadows and don’t illuminate the internal spaces well enough.

Also, consider the colour temperature. Warm lighting looks good but can distort colours, so I usually suggest a neutral white light.

Overall, it’s about practicality, planning, and real-life habits, not just pretty finishes.

Are there any general rules when organising your closet space?
While every wardrobe is unique, I generally recommend allocating around 70% of the space to hanging space, with the remaining 30% dedicated to drawers and shelving. Include a section for long items like dresses and coats, and another for shirts and trousers.

Drawers are ideal for underwear, gym wear and accessories. Open shelving works beautifully for folded jumpers, jeans and bags. I also like using shallow drawers with dividers drawers for items like sunglasses, belts, and watches; they add a luxurious feel while still being practical.

What are some of the smaller details that get forgotten?
Some of the most useful features are the most overlooked. Pull-out trays for accessories are perfect for storing watches, sunglasses, jewellery and things that usually get lost. Built-in laundry hampers are another underrated addition. A valet rod – a simple retractable bar for planning outfits – is something most people don’t think of, but once it’s installed, they wonder how they ever managed without it.

Shoe storage is one of the biggest things that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Designers often default to standard sizes without checking the actual shoe sizes of the client. I’ve seen shoes sticking out, squashed in or having to be stored elsewhere, which defeats the whole purpose. You also need enough depth and width not just for length but also for bulkier shoes like trainers, boots or men’s formal shoes.

What are the benefits of custom closets?
It’s all about ease and elegance. A luxury home isn’t just about expensive materials—it’s about every element working seamlessly together. A well-designed wardrobe brings calm and order to your day. It’s like your own boutique. Plus, they’re a solid investment, adding value to your property and improving daily life.

What are your top three golden rules for creating a custom wardrobe?

1. Create zones –store tops together, dresses together, and accessories in their own space.
2. Prioritise visibility – if you can’t see it, you won’t wear it.
3. Use quality hangers and matching organisers – matching hangers and smart storage elevate the look and keep clothes in top condition.