This is why she's the KarJenners' first call.
From Cher Horowitz's digitized wardrobe in Clueless to the revolving shoe rack Goldie Hawn had in Overboard, a well-appointed (and undeniably luxurious) closet has been a major draw for style savants and design enthusiasts alike. We gasp every time we see a memorable closet on screen. And over the past few years, celebrities have been leading the charge of bringing chic closets to the real world.
"Celebrities have really driven the transformation forward and it's amazing to see how far closets have come," says Lisa Adams, founder of LA Closet Design. "It has become a place where people can go in, close the door, and spend time in their sanctuary." With a roster of A-List clients including Khloé Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Christina Aguilera, and so many more, Adams has designed her fair share of incredible closets. (A wardrobe that spans three stories? A three-way mirror with tailoring platform? A wet bar nestled into a walk-in closet? Check, check, and check.)
But while celebrities have been taking closets to new heights—sometimes literally—you don't need a star-studded budget or limitless square footage to recreate the look in your own home. "It's about taking bits of what works for you and your lifestyle," Adams explains. "You might not have space for a bar, but maybe you can dedicate a drawer in a way that's cool but attainable." To help, the closet designer to the stars is sharing her top tips for bringing that star quality into your closet.
Before Adams takes on a new project, she asks her clients a series of questions to help inform the space. Will you store your luggage in your closets? Do you need a spot for packages and samples for big events? And, of course, how do you structure your day?
"If working out every day is a big part of someone's lifestyle, you wouldn't place the sports bras on the opposite side from the leggings," she explains. "I equate it to a kitchen: You keep your things in one area so for easy access—and I think that's a really important principle in the closet as well."
Simply put, you can't wear what you can't see. Adams is a big proponent merchandising your clothes and accessories like you'd see merchandise arranged in a boutique. While hanging items is usually preferred—as Adams puts it, "It's good for the clothing"—it is very possible that not every closet has ample hanging space. Fear not, she's says: It is possible to keep your drawers and shelves organized, too. "Use purse, drawer, or shelf dividers, so that you can keep [your closet] tidy," she advises.
If you do have plenty of room to hang your apparel—first, congratulations! Next, consider upgrading your hangers. While thin, velvet hangers are a great space-saving, non-slip option, Adams points out that they can break easily. If you can, she recommends investing in "thicker hangers made with wood, acrylic, or even suede."
Admittedly, the mere thought of designing a dream closet might seem like a downer if your closet is on the smaller side. If you're looking to maximize your compact space, Adams encourages you to get a little creative and think beyond the shelves and hanging rods. "I was just with a client who's renting a place," Adams shares. "The closet she was given stopped at a hanging rod and one shelf, so we added bins and com acrylic compartments all the way to the ceiling."
While Adams is a proponent of defying gravity, she's not a big fan of "awkward corners," explaining, "I think people don't know what to do with them, how to maximize them, or how to make them look nice, but be functional, too." Instead of cramming a bunch of sweaters in the corner, Adams recommends making the most of the space with L-shaped rod. Then, if you've still got ceiling space and want to turn your closet into a showplace, add crown molding, which, she advises, "really finishes off a closet."
Speaking of finishing your closet, it's important to give your wardrobe a personalized touch. "I think everybody wants [their closet] to feel like a retail dressing room," she says. Whether you opt for a space-saving ottoman with built-in storage or a lavish chaise, great seating is a must. Another thing to consider is the right lighting, which can help you physically see all of your clothes and add a warm, inviting glow to your space.
Of course, no closet is complete without a mirror. Though some celebrities have opted for a generous wall-to-wall options, your mirror doesn't have to be of Kardashian proportions to make an impact. Adams says you can attach one to the back of your door, or add storage behind a three-way mirror for a mix of form and function.
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