The California Closets system, accessible through the 17squares design platform, offers a modular closet design experience that allows users to customize towers, finishes, and layout configurations. While the platform is designed to streamline the planning process, users must navigate specific design modes, resizing constraints, and installation guidelines to achieve a functional and aesthetically pleasing result. This article provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the design and adjustment process based on the available documentation, ensuring users understand the limitations and features of the tool.
Overview of the Design Process
The 17squares app serves as the central hub for creating and modifying closet designs. Users begin by accessing the design tool through the Modular Closets website. After logging in via the "Welcome" section, designs open in review mode, which displays the final layout but does not allow for direct changes. To return to design mode, users must click "Back to Floorplan" in the lower left corner and then "Design Closet" in the lower right. This transition is essential for making modifications to tower configurations, finishes, and door placements.
Once in design mode, users can begin creating or adjusting their closet layout. The system is built around modular towers, which are 71.25 inches tall and typically installed at a height of 84 inches from the floor. While the design tool does not allow for vertical repositioning of towers, the final installation can accommodate slight height adjustments based on user needs and industry standards.
Navigating the Design Interface
The design interface is divided into several key sections that allow users to customize their closet systems:
- Towers Tab: Located in the left-hand panel, this tab enables users to select and modify tower units. By clicking on a tower, the right-hand panel displays available module options, allowing users to swap the selected tower with another unit.
- Modular Options Panel: This panel provides customization options such as finish colors, door configurations, and accessory placement. Users can access this panel without highlighting any tower, making it a useful feature for applying global changes.
- Edit Components Tab: When in design mode, users must switch to the "Edit Components" tab to make changes to individual elements such as doors, accessories, and tower sizes.
Users should be aware that the design tool does not accept a value of "0" when entering measurements. Instead, the minimum allowable value is 0.125 inches. This requirement ensures that all dimensions remain within acceptable tolerances for manufacturing and installation.
Customizing Tower Configurations
Customization of tower configurations is a core feature of the 17squares app. The process involves selecting a tower, resizing it, and replacing it with another unit if necessary. However, the tool has specific constraints:
- Resizing: To resize a tower, users must click and drag the arrows on either side. If the tower turns red, the selected size is not available. This visual cue helps users avoid invalid configurations.
- Swapping Units: After clicking on a tower, the right-hand panel displays all available module options. Users can replace the selected tower with another unit by choosing the desired option from this panel.
It is important to note that the design tool does not allow for vertical movement of towers. This constraint is based on the standard installation height of 84 inches from the floor, which is considered the industry norm. While the final installation can be adjusted to accommodate different ceiling heights, the design tool does not reflect these changes during the planning phase.
Managing Door and Accessory Placement
Door and accessory placement is another critical aspect of the design process. Users can adjust the swing direction of doors by clicking on the "Door Swing" option in the right-hand panel. This feature allows for left or right-handed door configurations, which can significantly impact the usability of the closet.
Accessories, such as drawers, shelves, and lighting units, can be added by clicking and dragging them into place. The "Edit Components" tab must be active to make these changes. Users should ensure that all accessories are properly aligned with the tower structure to avoid installation issues.
Retrieving and Reviewing Saved Designs
Designs can be accessed in two primary ways:
- PDF Downloads: Users may find a completed design as a PDF file in their computer's downloads folder, named "Installation." This file typically contains the finalized layout and installation instructions.
- 17squares App Login: The design tool is a separate account from the general Modular Closets account. Users must log in to the 17squares app using the "Welcome" section and the folder icon in the top left to access their saved designs. When opening a saved design, it appears in review mode by default. To return to design mode, users must click "Back to Floorplan" and then "Design Closet."
This dual-account structure can sometimes cause confusion, so users are encouraged to keep their login credentials for the 17squares app separate from their general Modular Closets account.
Finalizing the Design for Installation
Before proceeding with installation, users should ensure that all design elements are finalized and that the layout aligns with the intended use of the space. The following steps are recommended:
- Review Tower Configurations: Confirm that all towers are the correct size and that any swaps have been made.
- Adjust Door Swing Directions: Ensure that all doors are set to the correct swing direction to optimize access and usability.
- Apply Finish Options: Select the desired color and material for the towers to match the overall aesthetic of the space.
- Verify Accessory Placement: Double-check that all accessories are in the correct positions and that they do not interfere with the structural integrity of the tower.
Once the design is complete, it is important to review the "Installation" PDF to confirm that all measurements and instructions are accurate. This document serves as a guide for the installation team and should be referenced during the final stages of the project.
Conclusion
The California Closets system, accessible through the 17squares app, offers a powerful and flexible design tool for creating custom closet systems. While the platform provides a range of customization options, users must be aware of its limitations, such as the inability to move towers vertically and the requirement to use a minimum measurement of 0.125 inches. By following the outlined workflow and understanding the constraints of the design tool, users can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing closet layout that meets their specific needs.