When walk-in closets appeared on the residential scene several decades ago, it was a practical answer to closet clutter. The extra-large space meant homeowners could view their wardrobes at a glance. Everything had its place. Gone was the fear of opening the closet door and enduring an explosion of purses, shoes, jackets and suits.

Like most spaces in today’s houses, the walk-in closet has been super-sized. Dressing rooms have become the next generation of closet sophistication. The latest addition to the master suite is a dedicated and stylish space filled with furniture and built-in storage solutions. Functioning as a contained space, these rooms allow an early riser to get ready without disturbing the sleeping spouse or partner, says Lorry Granof, vice president of Glendale-based Lemel Homes.

Operating on the premise that everything old is new again, dressing rooms are not a modern concept. Dating back centuries, these rooms were places that women could receive friends while primping for the day or dressing for a royal ball.

The concept of a dedicated space for changing and storing clothes means the need for furniture in the bedroom is reduced. Dressing rooms replace the dressers and vanity tables that were once housed in the bedroom.

Much like their kitchen counterparts, islands or peninsulas have found a place in the dressing room because of their flexibility. "It’s a place where you can stage everything," says Marie Kaysen, vice president of business development of Mequon-based Lakeside Development. Granite or marble topped, islands can hide hampers for dirty clothes. Others have lined drawers for lingerie or jewelry. Some include an ironing board for quick touch-ups.

Storing clothes is obviously the main reason for the room, but how the clothes are stored is optional.

For one homeowner, Westridge Builders built separate his and hers cabinets out of walnut. Clothes are enclosed behind glass doors and angled shelves with toe kicks display shoes and purses. "It’s a really elegant closet with high-end cabinetry," says Carl Tomich, the Waukesha company’s owner and president.

The dressing room in one Westridge-built home contains a few other surprises. SubZero refrigerator drawers keep those bottles of water cool for after a workout. Multitasking as a clothing care center, there’s a Whirlpool Valet Revitalizing System that takes odors and wrinkles out of clothes and eliminates some of the trips to the dry cleaners. Washables are sent to a cabinet in the laundry room via a built-in clothes chute. A three-way full stand up mirror eliminates fashion faux pas. To light the space, a chandelier hangs over the island while audio speakers set the mood. There’s seating on both sides for changing shoes and socks.

If hardwood trim and cabinets threaten to break your budget, Mirage Closets offers some innovative options. "Everything we do is made from melamine," says Chad Albrecht, owner of the Waukesha-based company. "Cabinet finishes and drawer and door front styles range from super contemporary to very traditional." Some of the finishes look like wood, but at half the price. One of the advantages of melamine is that it can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Oil-rubbed bronze, polished chrome or brushed nickel hardware fit any décor.

While baskets are a popular closet accessory, Albrecht generally installs them only for workout clothes or in kids’ closets. The newest are wrapped in black leather for a modern touch.

To make the most of the space, Albrecht installed drawer glides in fluted pillars for one homeowner. The pillars, topped with rosettes, separated each built-in "cabinet." The glides hide ties and belts behind some creative architectural details. Mirrors can also be placed on glides to retreat when not needed.

Safes have become the latest extra to the room. Whether hidden or in plain view, they give the homeowner peace of mind. From $1,500 for a basic closet to $50,000 for a high-end dressing room, the organized closet concept that hit the interior design world years ago has come a long way.