Closet & Organized Storage magazine’s Top Shelf Design Awards is in full swing, accepting submissions until Monday, January 29. Early birds can take advantage of discounted pricing until Friday, December 15.

The 2024 contest, sponsored by Sauder Closets, honors designers for their creative closet and home organizational designs. With categories from laminate and wood closets to home offices, garages, specialty products, and wine cellars, storage projects from every part of the home are accepted.

Looking back at the contest over the past several years, garage projects, with all the bells and whistles, took home the top prize in Best of Show for two years, with a dazzling wine cellar project also edging into the top spot.

In Closets & Organized Storage magazine's annual State of the Industry study, participants noted that garage projects were among the top three project types that grew the most. Respondents also said cabinets, flooring, countertops, and hanging racks were the top requested upgrades.

Best of Show winners

The 2021 Best of Show project, “Modern Industrial Garage,” designed by Karen Rolleri, Organizeology, features black slatwall, sand-molded flat brick, a floating shoe shelf, extended 12' long cement stairs, black diamond-plated doors, Italian laminate, epoxy floors, custom pegboard door, and a Stikwood wall showcasing the homeowner’s riding jackets on industrial hooks. Lighting features were prominent in this project with overhead lights on sensors that turn on when they enter the room or roll up the garage doors; barn lights above the featured walls to add to the industrial vibe; under cabinet lighting at the workbench and under shelf lighting to illuminating their helmets.  

Best of Show for 2023 was “Car Condo Heaven,” designed by Alfonso Rosas, Jr., of Euro-Works. The two-story modern car condo with a bar and office space was constructed using miter folds to accomplish clean lines. This entire project was completed using the Luxe line. At the bar, using a combination of Luxe Rojo and Negro; in the office, a combination of Luxe Euroline 3 and Negro; downstairs, Luxe Negro for the display cases and electrical panel cabinets; and metal tool chest cabinets with aluminum slat wall. The project also included 3M carbon fiber wrap and Luxe Rojo inlays.

Growing demand for specialty rooms
According to the Closets & Organized Storage State of the Industry study, specialty areas were among some of the top projects sold. From wine rooms and cellars to craft rooms, laundry rooms, and more, these spaces show closet companies' diverse range of product offerings.

In 2022, a modern wine cellar won the top prize. Designed by Darryl Hogeback, Savante Wine Cellars, “Mountain Modern Wine Cellar” received the highest score from all judges. According to Hogeback, this project was designed to be the centerpiece of the homeowner's love of entertaining and passion for wine collecting. The white oak modern wine cellar features complex curves and storage and entertainment space. A concrete spiral staircase connects the space to a bar and gaming area. 

Enter the 2024 contest
The 2024 Top Shelf Design Awards, launched November 15, runs until January 29. Enter now.

Winners will be recognized at a reception sponsored by Sauder Closets on April 18 during the 2024 Closets Conference & Expo, which takes place April 17-19 at the Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, Illinois. #YoungWoodPro, sponsored by Grizzly Inc., winners will also be announced during the reception. Winning projects will be showcased in Closets & Organized Storage and its weekly newsletter. Each category winner will receive an award plaque plus a $50 gift card and be eligible for the 2024 Top Shelf Awards Best of Show prize of $500.

CATEGORIES:
Garage: under 600 square feet; over 600 square feet
Home Office: under 150 square feet; over 150 square feet
Laminate Closet: under 18 linear feet; over 18 linear feet
Wood Closet: under 18 linear feet; over 18 linear feet
Reach-in Closet
Specialty: (craft, pantry, laundry, mudroom)
Wine Cellar

Entry fee: $30 Early Bird (Nov. 15 – Dec. 15), $45 (Dec. 16 – Jan. 29)
Entry Deadline: January 29, 2024

Registration for the Closets Conference & Expo is now open. Visit closetscon.com for more information.