Spring is here and one way to get organized while you are transitioning your closet for warmer weather is to make sure you store your boots so they are in shape and ready to wear in the Fall.
There are many options available but the one I use for myself, and my clients , is the Original Boot Shaper.
In my opinion they are good quality, easy to use and keep the shape of the boot. If you store your tall boots on a shelf these inserts are hidden in the boots so they look neat and organized. They also come with a integrated hook if you prefer to hang your boots.
Right now they are on sale at The Container Store so it is a good time to stock up!
Functional, good price and look great (because you can’t see them) is a winner in my book.
Today I’m sharing my new closet with you (this post may be a bit lengthy)! The master closet was just one part of an overall renovation that consisted of a new master bedroom, bathroom, powder bath, office and outdoor living space.
The master closet was one of the most important areas of the renovation for me. Not only because I’m a women, but I share the closet with my husband. Most women gasp at the thought of that! In November we will have been married 30 years and some of our best conversations have occured in the closet and I didn’t want this closet to be any different.
I was very fortunate to work with a great team and one of the most important lessons I learned is sometimes a job is too big to tackle on your own and you can’t be afraid to ask for help (even if you’re an organizer)!
I knew I needed help putting my ideas on paper and having usedCalifornia Closetspreviously thats where I began. A friendreferred me toBetsyand after our first meeting I knew we were going to come up with the perfect design to fit my needs.
As an organizer I wanted to make sure every bit of space was utilized. For that reason I chose to use a mirrored pocket door to give more space in the room. I described all of my needs and showed her my exisiting closet. I gave her a list of what was working and what was lacking. I also wanted to make sure there was adequate drawer space for me and my husband.
After measuring the space for the new closet, which was nothing but a plywood floor, four walls and no lighting, she took all of the information back to her drawing board. We exchanged emails with minor changes and I went to the showroom to get a closer look at my options. I knew I wanted white cabinets because they always look neat and clean and never outdated. There were many options so I was glad I was able to go to the showroom and see them in person.
I wanted the hardware to blend with the bathroom cabinet hardware because when the door is open you can see them both. Idecided to use theGrafton Pullin polished nickel fromRestoration Hardwareand it was perfect!
Working with a professional closet designer helped me figure out how to use odd spaces that can’t be changed. We had to deal with an electrical panel in the corner and it became the perfect spot for tall boots. I even turned useless wall spaces into a homefor belts andjewlery. The important add ons were tie racks and valet bars and that made for a happy husband.
After the closet was installed the organizer in me took over and I decided to do what I do best, organize. I choseblackhangersbut really its a matter of preference. The imporant thing is that you keep them are all the same color. I put like things together and color coded. I usedboxes on the shelves for winter items and travel assecories, anacrylic collatorfor smaller handbagsandacrylic shelf dividersto keep my t-shirts neat and organized. My out of season shoes are stored on an upper shelves and my everyday shoes fit perfectly side by side in the tall unit designed just for shoes.
I was already working with my designerKellyatOrangerie Homeon the plans for this project so now I was ready to have her work her magic on the final touches in the closet. Kelly suggested bringing in an antique chandelier that I already owned and mirroring the small back wall above my center drawers. I love how one mirror makes the room feel even larger. The area rug she chose brought in the warmth I was looking for.
We are still looking for the perfect bench and when we find one I will be sure to share!
Next up the organizers bathroom so make sure to subscribe to get all the latest posts.
During the summer of 2016 I embarked on a major home renovation. As an organized person I tried to be extremely prepared before we began our project. I had renovated a previous home so I knew what I would be up against or so I thought. When you are renovating a home you can never be totally prepared but you can survive.
I kept a detailed account of all of the things I experienced so I could share with others before they start their own renovation.
Keep a Notebook
This is so important to keep you organized through the entire renovation. Make lists, jot down information and if you have to refer back to something it will make it easier to read your notes. It may sound old school but sometimes its best to keep it simple.
Clear the Clutter Before You Begin
I know this is obvious coming from me but I help people downsize and move as part of my job and I always stress to clear the clutter on the front end. When you are ready to put everything back into your new clean space you will be glad you did. Get rid of the things you don’t love, use or need and start fresh with a simple less cluttered space.
Keep a Renovation File
Keep a file on your computer to keep track of all your emails and keep labeled files for all of your receipts. Make a warranty notebook for all of your manuals and warranties. If you move the new owners will thank you!
Start a Pinterest Board
I could not have done this renovation without Pinterest. I made a board for each room I remodeled and it made it so much easier to communicate with my designer. It’s easier for someone to understand what you want when they see it rather than guessing and it turning out completely wrong.
Make a Budget
This is a tough one because we had a budget and still went over. No matter how hard you try sometimes it’s out of your hands. Communicate the budget with your contractor so they understand there isn’t an endless money tree in the backyard.
Find a Reputable Contractor
I know you have heard this before but this is by far the most important part of a renovation. If you don’t get along with your contractor the project will last longer and their will be constant conflict. Interview more than one and when you meet them act like you are the CEO of a company and you are interviewing them for a job. Talk to their previous clients and ask to see their work including the small details such has trim work. Do your homework and ask questions!!!
Renovations Are Not Like Building a Home
Renovations are not like building a home especially when you are remodeling an older home. There is always those unexpected things that come up that no one could anticipate and that is why it is so important to have a contractor that is really knowledgable in renovations not just new construction. I cannot stress enough how important this is.
Temporary Storage
If I had a dollar for every time the contractor or a sub said don’t worry you won’t even know we were here I’d be a millionaire! You will know they were there by the amount of dust that accumulates through out your home even if you are remodeling just one area. Put what you can in a temporary storage unit or get a POD. You will thank me for this later. Its hard to stay on top of the dust so if you can afford to use a cleaning service this would be the time to put it in your budget.
Take Pictures of Everything
I took pictures prior to the renovation, during the renovation and after it was completed. Documenting everything helped me communicate with everyone involved during my renovation. If something didn’t look right, if something was unexpectly found or if I had a question I could just send the picture. Take advantage of technology where you can when renovating. It’s important to see the progress you are making.
MOVE OUT
If I learned anything from this renovation it was to trust my instincts. I wanted to move out because I knew what this was going to entail but I was talked out of it. It was mainly one side of my home and I was told it could be blocked off. I knew better and didn’t listen so I’m telling you MOVE OUT if you can make it happen. No one can describe to you the amount of dust, noise and disruption that occurs while you live in a renovation. It’s not healthy for mind, body or spirit. It’s draining and at times you ask yourself why did I do this I should have moved! I will say it again if you can move out while the work is being done DO IT you will never regret it!!!!
This post would have come to you sooner but not only did we deal with a renovation that was delayed we had two major hurricanes decide to visit in two years. One during our renovation and the other right when we finished. Living at the beach definately has its benefits so I have learned to live with the good and the bad.
Stay tuned next week for the after photos of my new closet and more of my renovation in the up coming weeks!
