After tackling five other closets around her home (take a peek inside the closet she designed for her husband), Gibson knew exactly what kind of storage her home lacked. Rather than buy five cheap pairs of jeans that will clutter the drawers, Gibson invests in a single quality pair that will last for years. “I ask myself a lot of questions prior to purchasing something. If I’m spending money on clothing, it needs to be something I’ll love for years to come.” (We can never get enough of smart shopping tips.) It’s much easier to remember to wear jewelry when it’s stored where you can see it. Since Gibson started displaying her bracelets and perfume on the top of her dresser, she hasn’t forgotten to wear either. To buy: Acrylic Jewelry Stands, From $15; containerstore.com. Hidden in the back of the closet, garbage bags full of clothing the family intended to donate sat waiting to be brought to the collection bin. The spacious walk-in closet held plenty of potential for a more effective organizing strategy and a complete style refresh. Luckily, she loves the results and considers it “practice” for incorporating bold designs into other areas of her home. The next time you’re feeling shy about painting your living room a vibrant hue, take Spain’s advice and paint a closet first. Simple gold hooks keep jewelry untangled and purses within reach. For less than $3 a pop, these hardworking hooks are tiny room transformers.To buy: Grayson Hook in Brushed Brass, $3; dlawlesshardware.com. To make sure these tops are always ready to wear (and keep them looking neat on open shelving), follow our no-fail folding technique. It may take a couple of tries to learn the steps, but once you have the method memorized, you’ll never want to go back to a sloppy jumble of shirts again. Open shelving lets purses stay on display, reminding Yates to switch up her bag every now and then. Pieces that aren’t regularly incorporated into her wardrobe get stashed in drawers, leaving mainstays front and center. Visit A House in the Hills to rummage through the rest of the closet. To organize your own jewelry using this boutique-inspired method, you can buy a jewelry dish, or simply search your house for spare trays, plates, and bowls you can devote to the cause. To buy: Dial Boot Shapers, $17; amazon.com. Peek inside the drawers, and you’ll see that Mora uses transparent drawer dividers to separate jewelry and other accessories. Clear compartments mean never having to hunt for a necklace when you’re getting ready in the morning. To buy: 6 Compartment Drawer Organizer, $6; target.com. To keep her rings where she will easily find them, Mora borrows another trick from the jewelry boutique: velvet ring trays. These plush organizers may seem indulgent, but caring for prized possessions is a worthwhile investment. To buy: 2 Black Velvet Ring Trays, $15, amazon.com.
