If you love keeping closets well-organized, or hope to one day tackle and tidy a disorganized space, be sure to check out my closet organization story in the April issue of Martha Stewart “Living” - it’s at newsstands today!
I consider myself to be a rather organized individual, but I needed more room for my wardrobe. Not long ago, I decided to transform a spare bedroom into a large walk-in closet - one place where I could neatly store clothes, shoes, handbags and other accessories. The team at California Closets helped me design a plan that included a variety of custom features and a few personal touches - the layout also blended seamlessly with the rest of my Bedford, New York home. I love how it all turned out, and I know you will also, so be sure to pick up your issue of “Living” today for terrific closet-organizing tips and photos!
My closet makeover has already received lots of attention from Today.com, Jezebel, People.com, wmagazine.com and more. Take a look by clicking on the highlighted links. And enjoy these photos of how it all transformed.
I decided to convert a small little-used bedroom for this closet. You can see the “before” photo of the bedroom in the April issue of “Living”.
I went to the California Closets showroom and factory in Hawthorne, New York to create a plan for the new room.
All the cabinetry is made right at this location.
I sat down and decided on the colors, materials and design of my new closet – it took a couple of hours to go through all the details, but in the end the design included everything I needed.
Before any work could begin, I had the electricians from D’Amico Electric, in nearby Bedford Hills, come to add all the necessary outlets and wiring for the closet lighting.
And then, once the room was ready, all the pieces were delivered in one day.
Here is lead California Closets installer, Wojciech Moranda. Wojciech is wonderful to work with – he made all the necessary cabinet adjustments right in the room, so everything fit perfectly.
The smaller shelving unit pieces came in next.
The team worked quickly and efficiently throughout the entire process.
Here, Wojciech installs the window seat with underneath storage. I show how it looks all finished in the April issue.
Wojciech’s assistant, Ivan Avila, makes sure the closets are all level.
Drawers with the popular soft close feature are installed in the dresser.
The dresser is also checked for perfect level. I chose my own drawer pulls for the dressers in the room.
Deep shelves were installed for sweaters in a glass covered cabinet.
Special valet bars were installed for dry cleaning items or day-of outfits.
Here, Wojciech installs a special drawer with compartments for my jewelry.
The shoe shelves were built from the floor up to the ceiling.
Lighting was also incorporated into every hanging space and cubby.
Here is Ivan wiping down every surface, so it is completely clean before the clothes are hung.
The closet looks great, but I also wanted to add a few more personal touches, so there’s still a bit more to do.
Here I am with California Closets design consultant, Chris Reynolds, and California Closets PR Director, Emily Reaman.
I had some beautiful marble I knew would look perfect in this room. It was expertly cut by Alise Marble, Granite and Limestone in Bedford Hills, New York. One of the pieces is placed on the dresser to be sure it fits.
Then the adhesive is placed onto the surface as the marble is held overhead.
The marble is very heavy. This piece was carefully placed on the taller dresser.
Another piece of marble is placed on the upright surface to create this “waterfall” effect.
The corners are mitered, so it fits almost seamlessly to the side of the unit.
Another dresser is fitted with the same marble.
And a short backsplash is installed to give it a finished look.
Once all the marble is in place, it is wiped down to remove any dust, finger prints or extra adhesive glue.
Here is the beautiful dresser all ready to be filled. To see how I organized all my clothes, shoes and jewelry in this new walk-in closet, pick up our April issue of “Living” now! You’ll love it!