Reader Space: A Gracefully Organized Closet

Tomorrow we ring in a New Year and I couldn't be more excited for all that lies ahead in 2015!  Later this week I will share some tips for sticking with the resolution to get organized, but today we are sending off 2014 with our final Reader Space feature of the year!

The spaces you organize, create and share always inspire me to get something done in my own home.  Whether it be update a box with decorative paper or clean out an entire drawer, we are always encouraging and motivating one another.  That is what makes this place so magical to me.  So thank you to all of you who submit spaces and share your stories; I really can't wait to see what y'all do next year!

I have always said that by putting a little effort and love into your organizing, you will most likely feel inspired to maintain those systems.  It will also add excitement to your day-to-day routine when you come across those organized moments.  For example, imagine waking up and heading toward your closet in the morning.  It is one of the very first places you will see, and your experience can impact your mood going into the day.  Spending time sifting through piles or feeling frustrated that you can't find your favorite blouse, may instantly put you into a panic mode or leave you feeling disgruntled.  But walking into a space that you have set up to feel like a boutique, a closet that allows you to see at a glance everything you own and a space that is simple to maintain each day, will surely bring a grin to your face.

That is what Maria set out to do.  She blogs over at Graceful Order and is always looking for ways to gracefully take control of her home.  She created a personal closet haven to welcome her and prepare her for each day.  She wanted something simple yet special, and she did a beautiful job achieving that. 

So I asked...


What is the main function of your space?

"My walk-in closet also functions as my dressing room.  I need everything easily accessible so that I can dress up and accessorize quickly in the mornings." 

Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?

"The best thing I did was color-coordinate my clothing.   It took a while the first time I did it, but it saves me so much time to know where a certain blouse is, and it even makes putting away laundry faster.  Any tip that speeds up laundry duty is a winner in my book!  Also, I try not to crowd my closet with items that I no longer wear.  If garments are jammed in the closet because they have no room to breathe, they will be more likely to fall of the hanger and putting away clean laundry will be more of a chore."

What items did you find were essential while organizing this space, and why?

"I purchased boxes and containers to store items that were not for regular use.   I also wanted to maximize all the vertical space and I purchased bins from Target, which were perfect for the top shelf.  I labeled every bin using a big enough font to know the contents at a glance, especially the ones in the very top.  I also purchased kid-sized felt hangers for my pants and that small change gave me more leg room (hehe) to walk around my narrow closet."

What did you do to go the extra mile and "make it pretty"?

"I tried make the space pretty in ways that were also practical.  I added a tie organizer to an empty wall to display my chunky necklaces.  I also added a tiny plant to bring in some color and "life" to the space.  The rug that I added is plush and comfy and the gold stool was not only a practical spot to sit while putting on my shoes, but also a finishing touch to the space."

How has this space impacted your life for the better?

"I lived in my home for almost 10 years before fixing up my closet so I appreciate this set up so much more!   I love being welcomed by this bright and colorful little closet every morning.  Also, my morning are so much smoother!  The closet stays organized because the systems in there work for me, except of course when I get dressed up for a special event and I try on like 18 outfits before deciding on one (usually the first one that I tried on)."

I learn so much from these features.  Child size hangers to save on space?  Smarty pants! (wink wink)

Another great organized closet to go down in the books!  This closet offers a great use of vertical space, labels in easy-to-read large lettering, less frequently used items stored up top, a cozy spot to sit, a delightful jewelry display, shoe storage galore, color coded clothing system and clothing that she actually enjoys wearing.  So much to love and learn from, I give Maria a standing ovation.

You can read many more details about this gorgeous and graceful closet, over on Maria's blog here.

Now, time for me to go try on 18 outfits myself as we have some celebrating to do tonight!  Happy New Year everyone!

*  All images courtesy of Graceful Order

ATTENTION!!  Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition?  Have an awesome organizing story to share?  I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life, big or small.  They can be anything from an organized drawer or cabinet to an entire room.  Please submit your story and photos to iheartreaderspace@gmail.com, and I would heart to feature them right here on the blog!!  Photos should be high resolution and unedited.  Please include a description of the project, including any costs, inspiration, and how it has changed your life and routine for the better!  Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice!  Only love goes on at this blog!