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Spring Fling: Home organization designers share their secrets

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By Wendy Lyons Sunshine
March 2021

Spring is around the corner and organization is in the air! 

From pantries to entry closets, corner nooks to attic space, innovative storage solutions can maximize your home’s hidden potential and streamline your days. 

Wondering where to begin? Lora Van Balen of California Closets shares pro tips, with an assist from three skilled design consultants. 

What design trends have you seen recently, and feel will be continued throughout 2021? 

As home design trends come and go, we see several styles repeat themselves just like in the fashion industry. One of the most popular trends we are seeing recently is mixing metals with deep textured materials for a rich, sophisticated feel. 

How should we select a custom-designed organizational solution? 

Work with someone who listens and will discuss your vision, timeline, and budget. Ask if they provide a 3D rendering that brings your custom designed space to life. Do they have a comprehensive product line and hardware collection with extensive finishes, color palettes, and accent choices to meet your aesthetic preferences and living requirements with storage options that are built to last? Are their products built locally, for quick turnaround, and is white glove delivery service available? A skilled organizational design professional will look at various ideas to determine your style and ultimately perfect a cohesive, functional design for your home aesthetic.

We chose to allow the red painted wall to show throughout the piece. Flip up doors above the open area allow for glassware storage above the counter, perfect for mixing cocktails. The mirrored back offers reflective light and opens up the space.

— Jana Schneider, Design Consultant

A decorative, multifunctional unit with glass shelving and doors doubles as a bookcase and cocktail nook.

The laundry had to be special for this growing family. They wanted the washer/dryer concealed, a sink basin added, and the space decorative, as it is near the entry of the home. We decided to add a ‘mud room’ feature with a bench seat and added storage for household items and pool towels.

While the home is brand new and expresses a more contemporary décor, the clients’ own taste leans more to traditional. That is why they chose the shaker style fronts in the laundry. The client went all out with electrical outlets placed out of sight, drawers and baskets for easy access by kids. No space was wasted!

— Jana Schneider, Design Consultant

Every inch of space is captured when a high-functioning laundry area becomes an all-purpose welcome room for a growing family.

These clients were downsizing and needed a custom workspace with open areas for showcasing photos and decor items in addition to maximizing concealed storage. We used every inch available in the room while still keeping the system efficient.

—Madison Simoneau, Design Consultant

A custom office hides unsightly equipment and increases productivity; added molding creates a cohesive feel throughout the home.

We considered what would work best in the space, down to the smallest detail, with drawer placement for easiest access while sitting at the workspace, pull-out printer access, and keeping all office wiring hidden yet accessible.


—Madison Simoneau, Design Consultant

Concealed upper cabinets, white finish, and contrasting bronze hardware give this entertainment and display unit a contemporary blend of traditional Shaker and modern eclectic style.

These master closets had very minimal wire racking and my client’s possessions were piling up and getting lost. Maxing out the hanging space was the top priority, along with creating concealed storage space for all of those smaller items that needed a home.

—Myriah Mchenry, Design Consultant

They asked that hanging rods get set back so clothing would not stick out and chose deco glass doors for handbags. Folded items now stay clean and organized in tall shelving towers with acrylic dividers. Overflow storage is hidden behind upper and lower doors.

—Myriah Mchenry, Design Consultant

A master closet is revolutionized for better use of vertical space and stowing shoes and accessories.
Customized crown molding, doors, and drawers in navy blue tie this closet into the home’s light and bright nautical beach house aesthetic.

More Pro Tips from Myriah

If you feel overwhelmed by your inventory, try editing out things you don’t wear or use as often and donate those items. Once you have a clearer understanding of your space and inventory, start re-organizing in sections and designate an area for each aspect of what’s going into the space (hanging items, folded garments, shoes and accessories, etc.). Of course, seeking professional will always be most helpful, but there are things that you can do yourself to get started. 

Remember, when you can’t see what you have, those items will be unused and useless to you. If you’re spending money on beautiful clothes, shoes, and accessories, you should get to enjoy them! Having an efficient, organized space designed specifically for your needs will change your day-to-day life in more ways than one. Organizational design specialists are here to help you achieve that!

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