Interior Design: How to Design the Closet of Your Dreams

Have you ever opened your closet and thought “I can’t find anything to wear!”  Or “nothing in my closet fits me!”  For such a small space, closets are so important.  We don’t get rid of things, so they become messy and it’s hard to find what you need.  Instead, you should be able to open your closet and love everything you see!  As an interior designer, I know some good tips and tricks to getting (and keeping) your closet working for you.

1.      Start with a clean slate

It’s going to get messy before it gets organized, but trust the process!  You need to remove everything from the closet so you know what you’re working with.  As you’re grabbing things, determine which pile they should go in: keep, donate/sell, or toss.  This follows the OHIO rule of “only handle it once.”  But also don’t take too much time trying to determine.  If you’re not sure put it in a “maybe” pile, and you can decide later.

Once you’ve removed everything from your closet, immediately throw away the “toss” pile.  Bag or box up the “donate/sell” pile and put it in your car and donate to your favorite charity.  If you want to try to get some money out of your clothes, take them to a consignment store.  Save the time and energy of selling items yourself for organizing the rest of your closet!

2.      Refine what you’re keeping

Let’s tackle that “maybe” first and create even more categories: accessories, shoes, and separate clothes into seasons.  As you’re sorting (using OHIO again) ask yourself the following questions:

-          Do I love this piece?  If you don’t love it, there’s no room in your closet for it.

-          Does it fit?  If it doesn’t fit right now, it’s time for it to go. 

-          Does it have sentimental significance?  If so, you can keep it, but it will go in its own pile.

-          Have I worn it in the last 6 months?  This is similar to the first question, but you can love something and not wear it.  So even if you love it, if it’s not sentimental, it’s time to let someone else love and appreciate it.

If you haven’t answered “yes” to at least 3 of the above questions, create new “toss” and “donate/sell” piles.  Repeat the process of questions and sorting with the “keep” pile.

3.      Organize each category

When everything has a place, then it makes it easier to find what you want and keep your space organized.

Accessories

Find a cute display or storage for your accessories.  Here are some fun ideas for storing jewelry, and other accessories:

Jewelry Armoire with Mirror

Hat Organizer

Tip: if you purchase something new, select something to go. 

Shoes 

Shoes are also seasonal items, so pack away sandals in the winter and boots in the summer.  Here are some good ways to keep your shoes organized:

Shoe Organizer

Tip: buy pool noodles at the dollar store and cut to size to put in your tall boots.

Clothes

Off-season clothes should be packed and put away when not in use.  For the clothes you are currently wearing, neatly hang and/or fold them. 

The sentimental pieces should also be stored to protect them from the elements. 

Tip: keep a nice box or laundry basket for items you plan on donating.

4. Storage Ideas

Wait until you’ve sorted through everything before determining what you’ll use to store them. 

Sometimes I’ll put a dresser in a closet.  It saves space in your room and keeps all your clothing in the same place. 

When you keep only the items you love, you will love opening the doors of your closet every day!  When everything has a place, your closet stays neat and organized. 

Additional Resources: 

-          Personal Stylist. They can help you determine your style based on your body type and lifestyle. 

-          Professional Organizer.  They can help with the cleaning and organizing process of your closet.

-          Storage Solutions.  There are businesses that can help you design a custom closet.  Where I live in Vancouver, WA, I refer my clients to Tailored Living of Vancouver. 

-          Interior Designer.  We can help design the perfect closet for your new home or remodel. 

Emily Powers is the Owner and Designer at Three-Sixty Interiors in Vancouver, WA.  She loves to help homeowners create a space they love to feel at home in!

Photo Credits by Olena Sergienko on Unsplash