Watch any episode of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” or “Real Housewives,” and you’re sure to develop a full-on case of closet envy. More space than most studio apartments, and shelf after shelf of perfectly organized gleaming Louboutins and Lanvins—what’s not to love? For any fashionista, this glamorous type of closet is certainly something to aspire toward, but one need not have millions to create a streamlined, star-worthy closet space.
As a starting point, it’s time to say sayonara to clothing that’s past its prime. LA Closet Design founder Lisa Adams suggests making three piles: keep, donate, and toss; anything that’s gone untouched for more than a year (and isn’t heirloom- or consign-worthy) should automatically go in the donation pile. Once you’re done, store the remaining off-season items in a temperature-regulated area so you have more room for the items you currently wear, and commit to organizing more often. “Add a liner to your existing laundry basket or drawer for items to purge, edit, or donate moving forward,” says Adams. “Making it an everyday process will help you feel empowered and clutter-free.”
Next, it’s time to implement small changes that will make a big difference. Tops on Adams’ shopping list are matching space-saving hangers, boot trees and/or shapers, acrylic shelf dividers, and silk drawer inserts for intimates and accessories. You can also improve your closet’s cosmetic appearance by making strategic swaps: “Change out your drawer knobs and handles, and replace your hanging rods to ones that have a metal finish—you’ll go from bland to designer closet.”
And for the piece de resistance, go glam by painting the walls and adding touches such as wall coverings or crown molding. Adams also believes her clients should hang things other than clothes in their closets: “Add a crystal chandelier,” she says.
Previous
