Homeowners in older properties often face a common challenge: charming character paired with a severe lack of practical storage. This was precisely the issue for Lisa, a resident of Riverdale, who reached out to design expert Virginie Martocq in a column published on January 16, 2026. Her large, second-floor bedroom in a Victorian house was filled with mismatched, handed-down dressers and inadequate armoires, creating a cluttered and unrelaxing environment.
The Core Challenge: Maximizing Storage in a Unique Space
Martocq identified the primary problem as the room's small single closet, which was insufficient for Lisa's needs. The placement of multiple windows limited traditional renovation options. The expert proposed a clever spatial reconfiguration: condemning the closet from the adjacent room to create a double closet for the primary bedroom. If that wasn't feasible, the recommendation was to invest in a comprehensive wardrobe system.
She suggested running a system, like Ikea's PAX or a custom floor-mounted option from Komandor, along the entire wall where the bed was currently located. This approach is space-efficient, requiring only about 24 inches of floor depth compared to the 28-29 inches needed for a traditional drywall closet. This strategy would replace the collection of mismatched dressers with a long, unified wall of storage.
Creative Layouts for Function and Style
Martocq presented several layout options to integrate the new storage seamlessly. If keeping the bed on the same wall, she proposed recessing it between cupboards to form a cozy alcove. Alternatively, moving the bed to the opposite wall opened up more possibilities. The long storage wall could be broken up with a lower section to function as a makeup station or work desk.
For this desk area, she recommended using a stone countertop, installing fabulous wallpaper, and adding a mirror to complete the look. An upholstered chair and an accessible plug would enhance its utility. For those wanting to keep an existing antique wooden dresser, Martocq advised planning the new armoires around it and having a contractor build a bulkhead to create a finished, built-in appearance for off-the-shelf units.
Finishing Touches for a Cohesive Look
With ample new closet space, the existing small closet could potentially be given to the neighboring room. For the sleeping area, Martocq recommended choosing an upholstered bed flanked by two matching wood dressers for additional storage, replacing standard side tables. If Lisa preferred to keep her wooden bed, painted dressers in a hue coordinating with the new built-ins would help break up the textures.
The final touches include matching lamps on the dressers, large art over the bed, and cozy textiles like a chunky cotton fisherman throw from Quince.com, priced at $95, to add warmth and color. The goal is to transform a chaotic room into a stylish, functional, and truly relaxing retreat by solving the fundamental storage issue with smart, built-in solutions.
