TIPS FOR CLOSET PERFECTION
This week — in keeping with my latest series on instagram — I thought I would round up a few of my most basic, but essential closet pro tips! Consider this your starter pack for making the perfect functional and fashionable closet. South China Morning Post asked me to discuss a few ways we can all make upgrades at home, and what functional advice I always adhere to when designing for one of our discerning celebrity clients. You can read more about what makes these projects so special in their article, meanwhile I’m going to give you the run-down of these designer tips and tricks to get your own closet in tip top shape, right here!
VALET RODS
I like to say this is the secret weapon of any good closet! We design them into our closets, so they get built into the woodwork, which makes for a great custom look. Our celebrity clients (and non-celebs alike) love these for styling looks, packing for trips, or as a quick spot to hang dry-cleaning and items to/from the tailor! You can also purchase many varieties to install yourself! Some affix to the side of a panel in your closet, while others (like this folding one) can be placed on any wall or surface in your space. The options are endless!
MATCHING HANGERS
It may seem simple, but this is one of those things we all take for granted! It’s an easy fix, and makes a major impact on the look and feel of your closet! I don’t care what kind of hangers you’re using (although I might prefer a flocked velvet ;) ) they should all be consistent! You’d be surprised, even the most famous and fashionable of clients often overlook this one. Eliminate all the random dry cleaning and department store hangers — not only will this keep your clothes looking nice, it will make the experience of getting ready so much more enjoyable! Your closet will instantly have a more curated look.
ADJUST SHELF HEIGHTS
Another underratedly simple fix — this one won’t cost you a penny! Take stock of the things you’re storing in your closet, and adjust heights of shelves accordingly. This is especially critical for shoes, to ensure you’re getting as much real estate out of your existing space as possible! Decide where you want taller items like boots, tote bags, and duffels, and decide on an optimal placement. You can make up for this additional height by lowering shelves in areas where you’re wasting space (often sandals, flats, and hats are being stored on shelves far to tall)! Not only will your space look more custom, but it will be far more functional, and you’ll be able to see everything you have!
DON’T NEGLECT DRAWERS
Just because the insides of your drawers aren’t readily visible, doesn’t mean they should be overlooked! Outfitting drawers with appropriate compartments makes your life so much easier. You can find smaller items like jewelry, wallets, clutches, and matching socks SO much faster. Additionally, partitioning deeper drawers for folded tees, sweaters, and sweats means never having to dig. You can ensure everything is kept in neat rows, so that even if you pull a few items out, they don’t all cave in on each other. You can purchase standard-sized dividers at many retailers, or opt for a more custom liner like our luxurious suede inserts!
HAMPER LINERS
I like to incorporate a custom hamper in every closet where we have space! It’s a nice thoughtful touch that simplifies the daily routine, and helps to avoid cluttered clothing on the floor. Within, we always dedicated separate liners for the clients’ categories! This can include laundry (darks, colors, whites), dry cleaning, items to be tailored, and even items to be purged! If you don’t have a custom hamper to outfit, consider a simple store-bought hamper with separate compartments, or even multiple smaller hampers side-by-side in a corner of your closet!
If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out a few of our influencer clients and their fabulous closet makeovers in my post here on CLOSETPHILE, or see behind the scenes of a few transformations on YouTube!