Eureka! The secret is out! Emphasis on that additional room was more to ensure a well-appointed closet than guest comfort! “My closet is a priority as my TikTokvideos will be shot in there” were words shared recently by a customer of leading custom cabinetmaker Oppein Jamaica.  In fact, a recent article in the Wall Street Journal speaks to the evolution of the closet. “A closet is no longer just a closet. In high-end homes, they’re doubling as entertaining spaces, with seating areas and Champagne bars where owners can host friends.” The same conversations are being held here in Jamaica according to Oppein Jamaica CEO Tanya Buxani who has, too, witnessed the increase in requests for luxury closets suitable for TikTok and IG Reels and for luxury closet layouts that include features such as make-up vanities, walk-in closet islands and seating for comfort and conversations.

“An absolute must,” she informs Style Observer (SO), “is inbuilt lighting, illuminating the exquisite collection of clothing, shoes and handbags. The addition of glass in the closet, whether in the island for displaying jewellery, gold aluminum framed glass doors or lit glass shelves, adds a luxurious touch whilst a two-tone colour combination allows for a pop of colour that adds personality and character.”

Accessories such as in-built drawer safes, jewellery pull-out drawers, lattice drawers, laundry baskets, pull-out shoe panels and functional mirrors, SO gleans, are top on the list and Oppein’s well-appointed showroom makes it an obvious choice for luxury wardrobes. Plus, and of utmost importance, clients trust that Buxani and her team will grasp and deliver each individual client’s closet goals.

So, what kind of dream closets are being requested?

“We have a Jamaican client who resides in Bermuda and their walk-in closet is one of our favourite designs. Their closet is absolutely gorgeous, most definitely extravagant, and loved by the client. This particular walk-in closet spanned 340 sq ft, which is an ideal space to create this dream closet for our client. The neutral colour palette, being charcoal, white and gold, gave the space the perfect balance of character. Luxurious layout features included a gorgeous island spanning 8 ft by 4 ft, his & hers closets, seating, and a 13-ft wall dedicated to shoes and handbags. With the addition of in-built LED lighting throughout, this closet is an absolute stunner!”

Based on the many requests for new and or upgraded closet spaces, Oppein has responded to the market, says Buxani. “Oppein leads in closet design and is able to offer more than just the basic closet requirements. Being a one-stop shop, we are able to design and deliver a full product, including all accessories and optimal hardware, without having to procure bits and pieces from elsewhere. We exceed our client’s expectations in closet design and in all cases provide a dream come true. Our product on a whole is welcomed by the well-travelled clients. We offer a complete experience, consultation, design and installation,” she shares.

Not one to rest on her laurels she’s gearing up to launch ready-to-assemble walk-in closet solutions in April. Eschew all thoughts of basic!

“This line has been designed with a neutral palette and in-built closet lighting. Closet spaces that span 5ft by 6ft to a 10ft by 10ft are ideal for these modules. We are excited to start new design journeys for this line of ready-to-assemble, and prepare for installations in May 2024,” she concludes.

Reason enough, we reckon, to reflect on the latest looks to hit the Big Four runways, in anticipation of, not just more space for clothes, shoes and handbags but to exchange retail therapy notes in between sips of bubbly with our besties.