These days, spending extra time at home can lead to fresh inspiration for organizing those often-overlooked spaces—like closets. If you’ve ever felt the frustration of a jumbled closet, you’re not alone. Even renowned designer and Jungalow founder Justina Blakeney experienced this when it came to her own studio closet. Recently, she teamed up with The Container Store’s Custom Closets program to transform her chaotic storage area into a functional and visually appealing oasis. Join us as we explore the key insights from her closet makeover that could revolutionize your own storage solutions.
The Motivation Behind the Makeover
A disorganized closet can be a significant time drain, especially when you’re searching for specific items amidst the chaos. Blakeney mentions, “Nothing really had a designated space, and the space we did have wasn’t being utilized well,” highlighting how clutter can hinder efficiency. Recognizing the potential for improvement, she embarked on a mission to create a closet that was not only practical but also visually delightful.
Before: A chaotic closet space with no defined organization. (Photo credit: Jungalow)
Highlighting Beauty Among Functionality
Make the Pretty Things Visible
One of the standout strategies from Blakeney’s makeover is keeping beautiful and functional items readily visible. Aesthetically pleasing samples of rugs, textiles, and vintage finds were previously crammed into bins. By transitioning to open racks, Blakeney created an efficient system where every item is not only accessible but also enhances the visual appeal of the space. She incorporated The Container Store’s Elfa Classic line, which is currently available at a discount and designed specifically for maximizing closet organization.
After: A bright and organized space where every item is beautifully displayed. (Photo credit: The Container Store)
Hide the Clutter
While displaying beautiful items is crucial, Blakeney wisely acknowledges that functional storage for mundane supplies is just as important. Items such as shipping materials and office supplies can create clutter if left out in the open. By using designated drawers to conceal these less attractive items, she helps maintain focus on the visually appealing elements in the closet. “Having drawers to store some of those things reduces visual clutter and helps the eye focus on the prettier elements in the closet,” she states.
Organized drawers allow hidden storage that reduces visual distractions. (Photo credit: The Container Store)
Maximizing Storage Space
Use all your Space
Effective organization means exploiting every inch of available space. Blakeney emphasizes that she completely emptied her closet during the makeover to ensure every corner was utilized to its fullest potential—what she refers to as a “total reorganization.” The addition of more square footage was met with smart adjustments, ensuring continuous effectiveness of the design.
Open shelving not only maximizes space but also displays props in an attractive manner. (Photo credit: The Container Store)
Create Visual Arrangements
Being a maximalist doesn’t have to result in chaos. In fact, Blakeney shares how strategically organizing items can yield a visually appealing arrangement. Incorporating symmetry in displays can soothe the eye, while grouping like items together can create delightful and manageable collections. “When these things that bring you joy are all displayed and accessible, it can be really inspiring and can spark some real creativity!” she comments.
Conclusion
Transforming a closet doesn’t have to be an overwhelming project—even if it feels neglected. Using strategies employed by Justina Blakeney can offer you the inspiration needed to approach your storage spaces creatively and effectively. From making beautiful items visible to strategically hiding clutter, these insights can transform your closets from chaotic to curated. So gather your supplies, dig into your projects, and reimagine those once-forgotten storage areas—your dream closet awaits!
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