Monday, April 23, 2012

SHOE, JEWELRY, HANDBAGS, AND UNMENTIONABLES ORGANIZATION TIPS

Unless you live in a mansion or have paid to have specialty closets built, I'm sure you are lacking in closet space or looking for new ways to show off what you own or find it easier.  Today's tips are for the urbanite and suburbanite looking for new ways to store your shoes and jewelry.

Museum Shelving- clear glass shelves with lighting properly showcase the shoes that you own.  Do it with flair by painting the back wall in a color that captures your personality but won't overwhelm the shoes (lighter colors work better).  Add small pieces of artwork or handbags in between.  Men might want to add things that suit their personality and interests, such as football helmet, sailboats, motorcycle gear.  It is about adding you to your shoe shelves.  Shelving versus cubbies also give more room and flexibility in displaying your shoes.


 



This allows for each pair of shoe to have its own space.  The issue with set cabinets built this way is you can only display or own shoes that will fit in the box.  This becomes an issue if you get rid of or shop for more.



Hanging Shoe/Clothing Display- this is great for someone with lots of wall space.  Make it like an art gallery and hang with different spacing and colors.  Add jewelry and clothing to give it some panache.  Get the look:  Photo ledges, typically used for pictures, can be used to free up closet space.  Determine the proper spacing by using your longest pair of shoes as a gauge.  Paint the ledges and/or the wall behind them to define the space.  Home gallery traditional ledges, $35 each.





Glass Cabinet- an Apothecary Glass Cabinet is a great way to have a boutique like atmosphere in your home.  The glass doors let you see what is inside and show off your favorite pairs.  This is a great option for men and women.  If you don't have enough shoes that you would want to display, mix in art pieces or design pieces that speak to you and your style.  To figure our how many shoes the cabinet can hold, measure your largest pair across leaving at least 1/2 inch space on each side.  Men's shoes and women's shoes typically run the same width for each pair.  If each pair takes 8 inches as an example, then measure to see the length of the shelving or search for a cabinet that contains the number of shelves and length of shelves you desire.  Shoe height varies for ladies so be sure to consider this and check if the shelves are adjustable, as a lot of antique cabinets are not (but you could do the work to adjust them yourself).  Hemnes glass-door cabinet, $320 at IKEA.




Glass Bell Jar- seen above, is an interesting way to show off a favorite air of shoes.  This typically works better for heels as it adds height and dimension, though I have done this for a client with bright blue suede men's loafers.  Glass Bell Jar, $60, Z Gallerie.


Under the bed- is a great place to have pull out drawers or containers for shoes and clothing.  Have a clear lid or covering so you can see what is inside.  Underbed Shoe Chest, $7.98/one or $14.98/two.




Shoe Storage Cabinets-come in all finishes and styles.  Find one that fits your aesthetic, from the ultra-modern to antique.  This can be placed in a closet or as a piece of standing furniture.




Mixed Shelves- glass shelves are inexpensive and look luxurious, but wooden shelves can be used to. Mix up the shelving lengths or line them up in an interesting pattern versus stacking them in a row to create a design aesthetic.


Clear Storage Containers-if space isn't the issue but seeing what you have in your shoe boxes is, try these clear storage containers from http://www.shoebby.com/.  These containers come in all shapes and sizes to fit boots, heels, etc.

stacked shoe boxes, one pulled out


Drawer Dividers- this is great for lingerie, bikinis, socks, underwear etc. for men and women.  Leave 6 inch wide sections giving each garment its own space.  Draw Dividers, $5, Container Store.






Decorative Display- if you have tabletop room, display your favorite necklaces, cuffs, rings, watches, etc. on a tray.  Add elements such as your perfume or cologne bottles, candles, etc. to make it more decorative.




Purse/Handbag/Workbag/Manbag Storage- cubbies and shelving with dividers are great to store bags and have them sit where you can see them.  Clutches work well, satchels and manbags sitting on shelves, workbags or longer handled bags can hang from hooks.  Alternate your short and long strapped bags to keep them from rubbing up against each other.



If you have the space, a credenza, is great to show off your collection and work as a piece of furniture to display artwork, lamps, etc. on top.  White low rider bookcase, $349, Land of Nod.




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