Closets – One of the single most under-utilized spaces in our homes.

Metaphorically speaking, to clean out your closet is to gain control of your life.

To design your closet so it suits your lifestyle is to achieve Nirvana!

Are you aware of the Pareto Principle? It’s commonly referred to as the 80/20 Rule. It goes something like this: 80% of your sales will come from 20% of your clients. Or 80% of the time, your kids will gravitate towards the same 20% of their toys.

Apply this concept to your closet and 80% of the time you are wearing the same 20% of your clothes. Really? So I’m wasting 80% of my closet space?

Test it out. Hang each hanger “the wrong way”.

Then, every time you wear item on hanger, turn that hanger around. After a short time, you’ll see what clothes you are consistently wearing and what ones are taking up valuable closet real estate.

Let’s Design our way to a Dream Closet.

Step One:  Purge      

I asked Professional Organizer Gal Pal and Design Cartel member Jackie Mastropolo of SPACES Organizing Solutions for some of her tried and true Tips:

“Before you even think of designing a closet or having a professional design one for you, go through and ditch all the clothing and shoes that you no longer want or need. Be courageous and go for it! There are plenty of worthy causes to donate to and this will help you get a realistic idea of what you actually own and how much space you need.”

Step 2:  Organize

Make Groupings of the clothing you think you are going to keep. Place items either on your bed or floor.

Then…
Arrange items by purpose. Is it formal wear? Is it professional? Is it casual?
Arrange by color
Arrange by size: short hang vs. long hang

Step 3: Stand back and survey the landscape. Look what is left.

You may find you have an over-abundance of dresses which require rods for long hang section. Alternatively, you may find you are a sweater fanatic and would benefit from shelving.

Tip: go with solid shelving over wire as your clothes will ‘wear’ better on a solid surface.

Jackie remarks, “Make sure your closet is designed to fit your needs. If you are a person that likes to see all of your clothing at a glance, opt for plenty of hanging space. If your lifestyle is busy and ease of access is your main priority, incorporate shelving and pull-out drawers or baskets to store items.

Store larger, bulkier items (think luggage and blankets) on higher shelves and keep a small step-stool nearby to access these items, especially if they are not frequently used. Avoid putting smaller items on the higher shelves, since it’s easy for them to get lost up there.

Step Four:  Measure your Closet

Take note of length, depth, height and returns

This is where it gets fun!

Our Firm took a 6’ wide Master bedroom closet and designed it no less than six unique ways for our Client.

Some of the stylings were subtle but they all hit the mark. Maximize finite space in organized fashion for Client’s preferences with systems she could purchase at Home Depot or Lowe’s.

As Jackie reminds us, “Remember that you are the expert when it comes to knowing what will meet your needs. The perfect closet system is one that is easy to use and maintain!”

Today’s closet systems have some fun specialty components.

• Pull Out Mirrors
• Jewelry Boxes
• Accessory Organizers – If you can see it, you will use it.
• Pull outs are brilliant!

When it comes to shoe storage, you have to think outside the box and get creative. Latest estimates have women owing on average 27 pairs of shoes. Really? We only have two feet. Well, ok, then we have to get creative with how we are going to store these puppies.

Seeing as most of us probably don’t have this expanse of space, we may have to resort to clear acrylic boxes strategically placed on closet shelving

Florence shoe storage has a workable solution.

Or you can get creative with a Ferris wheel for your pumps….

Perhaps mount shoes on the wall or under the stairs!

When displaying jewelry, my favorite source is Robert H. Ham.

Finally, remember to personalize your closet – inject a little “you” into your space. You want to smile every time you step inside.

Artwork, whimsy and color works wonders!

Don’t forget what’s tucked inside those closed doors – it’s a wondrous space to explore and Design as your own!