I don't think CA closets and "very high end" homes are really in the same category, and certainly not Easy Closets. Granted that "high-end" is probably relative to most people, but most "very high end" homes, talking those at the true upper end are going to have custom built closets (which can still be adjustable), or use closet systems that are truly high-end. If you want truly high-end closet systems in that spectrum, look at Studio Becker or Poliform - which really specialize in closet systems. A lot of high-end cabinet makers like QCC, Wood-mode, Pedini, Bulthaup, and others also make closet systems but not specialize like Studio Becker and Poliform. You know all those hollywood closets that you see on tv ? Well a lot of those are Poliform or Studio Becker. Thats "very high end". Ca Closets and others are just trying to knock off that high-end.

We just ordered elfa for the Master and Guest closets. We finished our whole house remodel in Aug, but didn't do closet interiors (I replaced the closet doors, tracks, baseboard, and trim). In the process of turning our compartmentalized 1960 ranch into "open concept," adding essential space in both bathrooms, and adding a wet bar we actually eliminated 6 closets in our remodel. Whereas before it didn't matter that we only had poles and a shelf in these closets (we could just pile in our junk) now the closets need to work a lot smarter. Like many people I suppose, I always viewed Container Store's elfa system as overpriced (which is my view of this store in general)--"the same can be bought at Home Depot for 1/3 the price you know..." Well anyway, I've changed my tune. Did some measurements at home yesterday (after I noticed TCS had a sale that was ending today) and went over there last night. A wonderful woman spent at least 2 hours with me designing the closets, explaining options, working around my architectural issues and running different pricing based on different finishes. I left the store with a folder full of all the information I needed, renderings of the closets and pricing and info to show the DS. We went back this morning and got another hour or more of a very helpful guy's time making some tweaks and last minute items. Both closets will be delivered and installed in less than two weeks. The entire experience was pleasant, easy, and satisfying. This weekend I also installed ClosetMaid shelving that I bought from Home Depot in my hall closet for shoes. What a difference. The ClosetMaid stuff may look like elfa, but it's not. Spend any time with the two products and you see everything from the BigBox line is inferior quality-wise. It doesn't fit as well, it's not as sturdy, it's flimsy, etc. elfa is coated in a nice enamel. ClosetMaid is coated is some kind of sticky epoxy. elfa can be specified with well fitting acrylic mats that set on top of ventilated shelves to provide an even surface that's easy to dust. elfa has covers for unsightly and sharp edges. elfa has endless options, including a 22" chest of drawers that are interchangable--exactly the size I needed and couldn't find a similar item at Depot, Lowes, or IKEA. It's just a different product; elfa is made in Sweden, ClosetMaid is made in China. It shows. Additionally, I needed to cut down some shelves from the size sold at the Depot to fit my closet. Depot told me to buy $50 bolt cutters and cut the shelves myself. A lot of sweating later (it's more work than it looks) these shelves are installed and are a very functional shoe rack, though I suspect the sitcky epoxy coverings will eventually get quite dirty. I believe TCS will cut elfa for you if needed without charge (you should confirm). But I can't imagine having to do this kind of work on my own for the much more complex bedroom closets. The Depot staff are clueless, the store is a mess, and it's very hard to find any information about how everything is supposed to work or find the parts you need. I think the Rubbermaid isn't much better. Certainly not very nice when compared to elfa--I've had some of these shelves before and actually used their parts for the track that holds the ClosetMaid shelves as it looked slightly sturdier. I do think their system works better than ClosetMaid and have read about people who have succesfully used (abused) the free TCS design service and recreated an elfa solution with Rubbermaid products so that may be an option for some. The only budget DIY system I looked at that I care for for use in my bedroom closet is Space-Pro Flex sold at Lowes. The problem here is that there are extremely limited components available so I would have been required to cut the shelves down, live with dinky little drawers, and waste at least 2 feet of my small Master Closet because no options were available for certain spaces. And it was only a few hundred $ less than elfa. Plus with elfa I get cool extras like Valet Rods and Glide Out Tie/Belt Racks. You get what you pay for. Part of what you pay for at TCS is the great knowledge from the closet designers and their valuable time. I got this whole closet thing sorted in 1 day without pouring over catalogs and making inventory lists. And the installation is several hundred $ but it's quite reasonable considering they remove the old closet stuff and patch and paint your drywall (and it's optional). Our last home had California Closets installed by previous owner and they were wonderful. elfa is not quite that wonderful (no good laundry hamper like the last house), but it's mid-grade, not high-end as far as pricing goes. Overall, I'm generally thrilled to have this over with and have completely wonderful, functional closets showing up shortly that I'm confident will last. No Bolt Cutters required. Another nice thing, since elfa is terribly customizable I'm not stuck with the layout in the Guest room if that ends up turning into a nursery in the future. I think that the cheaper big box stuff is fine if you just want some wire shelves to hold paper towels and supplies. But when you want to combine storage with clothes, really use your space and need a lot of choices to do that properly, want flexibility to make changes in the future easily, and just want a nicer looking sturdier product, elfa is worth the extra cost. Good luck to all in their search! PS -- we bought during the elfa shelving sale which is 25% off except the drawers (I know, weird). The better sale starts Christmas Eve through Jan-Feb and it's 30% off everything. We could have saved several hundred, but I didn't want to wait until after the holidays. For those that missed this one, get designing now so you can put your order in right away. I understand the 30% sale is a lot like the IKEA kitchen sales (i.e. bedlum). This post was edited by ChrisInSD on Mon, Oct 20, 14 at 12:53

Hi daisychain, When we installed hardwood in the bedrooms a couple of years ago, we took off the sliding doors in 1 of the spare room, build pax cabinets and inserted them in the closet space. The doors are also ikea. There was a little bit of a gap in space, maybe 1" or so, going around the sides and top so had sone trim placed around to close up the opening.( not perfect along the top...need a better handyman;) As the room is small, we chose to leave 1 section open without a door for sone display. The drawers are kept empty for any guests. We were torn with using the sliders, but went this route. I think cost for entire setup @'$800 Cdn. FYI, Inside, we have a bar for hanging clothes w/ 1 shelf at top and 2 long drawers at the bottom.

Sorry for the late reply. I decided to drive 3 hours over the weekend to visit the closest IKEA and The Container Store. We decided to go with Ikea PAX for the kids' closets. Even with the 30% off ELFA sale, we were able to get more bang for our buck with Ikea. I think we will have to do a tiny "hack" to get PAX to work the way I envision, but I think it will get the job done. The sales rep called it a "hack", but I don't think the extra steps are enough to call it a true hack. I'll know once I install them. :) I haven't purchased anything for my master yet. I like the simplicity and accessories available with the PAX, but I worry about quality. I decided to install the kids' systems first to see how I like them. This will also give me time to get a quote from a local company. While looking at the ELFA system, I saw the custom closets available at The Container Store. Those are by far the nicest systems I've seen, but the sales rep didn't seem amenable to finding a budget friendly solution. The display said as shown $3,000, starting as low as $1000. When I inquired about what the $1,000 gets you, I got the....we don't do partial systems...you can't just buy parts...you get what we design...on average $10k/closet. It is unfortunate. For the quality, I would have been open to designing my closet in phases to spread the cost over a few years to get a much nicer system. Doesn't seem like that is an option. @Lawarence, thanks for the tip regarding Ikea Knoxhult. They have that system tucked in at the end of the Kitchen displays, so I had never noticed it before now. I had to ask for help finding them. It looks like a great deal. I've decided to wait and see where we are with the final budget before I outfit my walk-in pantry. I know I have extra bookshelves that I can use temporarily. Plus, we've been in temp. housing for 18 months and all my things are in storage. I don't even remember what I have! Once all my things are delivered, I'll know exactly what I need to store and can select a system to store everything. Again, thanks everyone for the advice. I'll try to update you all on the PAX systems once their installed. I'm sure I'll have more questions moving forward, but it is nice to at least have a solution for 3 of the closets.