In case you missed it, last week I had the pleasure to sit down with Edward Barsamian for a closet Q&A, hosted on IG Live with @joinfreddie! We covered the gamut of topics, from insider business advice to DIY home hacks. Thanks to the IG Live platform, we were able to take some great viewer questions as well! I definitely recommend checking out the full conversation over on Instagram. Below are a few of my favorite topics we covered, along with my pro tips and takeaways for you to implement in your own closets!

DIY HACKS

While we specialize in high end custom closets, there are always details in our projects that can be implemented or recreated with off-the-shelf alternatives. One of my favorite examples of this is the custom staging area! A staging area is essential in your closet — especially if you’re someone who travels often or plans your looks in advance. The staging area is the perfect landing place for new items coming into the closet, pieces you want to remember to wear, or for styling and packing looks for a trip. Often, we create custom designs for this area, either as a freestanding furniture piece, or a modern wall-mounted rod. A simple way to recreate this, which I shared with FREDDIE, is to incorporate a standard towel bar in your closet. This can be installed anywhere, and instantly elevates the look and overall functionality of your closet!

DESIGNING IN SMALL SPACES

We don’t always have the luxury of space. In cases where square footage is at a premium, it’s all the more critical to have a thoughtful design for your closet. I often use my own closet as an example of this — I don’t have my clients’ budget, nor do I have their space. However, as a designer and a busy professional, I needed my closet to be as beautiful and efficient as possible. In a very small footprint, I managed to incorporate many kinds of storage, by utilizing every square inch, and maximizing often overlooked areas , like the corners!

TALL SPACES

Another question we covered, which comes up often, is what to do with tall spaces! Obviously we want to use every part of the closet, but if you can’t reach the items at the top, how do you make the most of the space?! I like to create closed storage above for my clients to store away seasonal items or luggage that might otherwise get stored in an attic or ancillary closet. Another great option, if the space allows, is to do triple hanging, with automatic lowering rods above so that even the tallest parts of the closet remain accessible — the wonders of modern technology! Most importantly, you have to be smart about how you utilize the space from eye-level down. Make sure you aren’t wasting valuable space below your hanging in your closet. The more you can store within reach, the less you will need to store above!

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL CLOSETS

Increasingly, clients are looking for ways to incorporate more programming into their closets and dressing rooms — it’s not just a space to get dressed, or even to hang out in. For many, the closet is an ideal place to create a work-from-home setup, a glam station, or even a spare bedroom! I like to incorporate convertible cabinetry wherever possible — be that an island that flips open to reveal a vanity, a pull-out work surface / laptop table, or even a sliding TV cabinet.

PURGING

The goal of a beautiful closet is to feel like you are shopping in your home, and to have the space feel as curated as possible. We accumulate so many “things” over time and it’s important to take stock of what pieces you’re actually using and enjoying versus what’s cluttering your closet and your mind, and taking up valuable space. Evaluate each and every piece and ask yourself if you’ve worn it in the past year, if it fits, and if it’s still in style. If the answer to any of these is “no” it’s time to send it packing.