PICTURE-PERFECT CLOSET STYLING
So often we talk about the ways to maximize and organize your closet — how to make the most of your space to really utilize every square inch. However, the real “wow” factor in many of the closets we share on social media is in the styling! A little OCD can go a long way in taking your closet from functional to fabulous. I’m talking about the little things you can do in your closet that don’t necessarily increase its utility, but make the space easy on the eyes, and encourage you to keep it clean!
Recently, a Nashville client requested a closet styling session to transform her space in preparation for a photo shoot, and today I want to share some of the expert tips you can use in your own space to achieve that picture-perfect closet!
SHOES
In almost every closet we style, the shoe wall is the real show-stopper, and we like to treat it as such! It’s important when styling this area to make sure there’s not a shoe out of place… Arrange them so that they’re all sitting straight, with a little space to breathe in between pairs. Maybe you prefer the look of having them all front-facing, or you like to alternate the direction of one shoe to see the heel of each pair at quick glance! I like to organize by style of shoe, keeping sneakers together on a lower shelf, boots all together, and heels and wedges displayed at eye level to maintain a consistent look! You can also organize by occasion for a more curated look, or create a rainbow effect, styling by color.
BAGS
You should style your bags the same way you see them on display in the store! Wherever possible, keep them front-facing, and ensure they’re properly stuffed with a pillow or tissue paper to keep them looking full. You can also use bag stands for smaller handbags and evening bags, to keep them hanging nicely. We like to create vignettes with the bags, based on color or style, often pairing larger and smaller bags together on a shelf. You can also style your bags throughout the closet, either above and below hanging, to fill otherwise void areas with something visually interesting!
CLOTHING
The real trick to styling clothing so that it’s easy on the eyes, is to taking any items out of your closet that are visually distracting. If you have a brightly colored sweater hanging among an otherwise neutral wardrobe, it’s going to take away from the overall look you’re creating. If you’re someone who wears a lot of color, but you have a few clashing pieces, this is also a great place to start. Organize your clothing by color, to ensure your eye moves smoothly around the space from dark to light to color. Any items that you need to remove can be stored in a less visible area of the closet, or behind a door in a closed cabinet if you have one! This can still be a functional option for many people who prefer a consistent look, since they know these specific items are stored together.
HANGERS
Hangers, hangers, hangers — this can’t be stressed enough! Your hangers have a huge impact on the look and feel of your space. They MUST be consistent throughout, for a curated look. Additionally, it’s nice if you can use a slightly thicker hanger, similar to what you would find in a store. It just makes for a better tactile experience when you’re adding / removing items, and ultimately is better for your clothing to maintain its shape! Also, I like to make sure there is a little space between hangers, ideally 1-2” between each. If this means you have to purge a few pieces to make room, or some of your shirts need to get folded into a drawer, so be it! It’s a tradeoff you will thank yourself for later. Once you experience the ease of access this gives you to your clothes, you’ll never look back!
DECOR
This is the styling step so many homeowners overlook in the closet! It’s so important to treat your space like you would any other room of the house. Furnish with seating, area rugs, and artwork where possible. Don’t treat your island and bureau surfaces as a dumping ground, but rather as a place to display your favorite photos and accessories. Invest in a vanity tray and stage some of your favorite trinkets here. You can still have a catch-all, but dress the area up with a few decorative accessories, and always fresh flowers!
