The Closet Chronicles: How I Created a Boutique-Like Closet with Simple Upgrades
Chapter One.
Every morning begins with a decision—what to wear, how to present yourself, how to step into the day ahead. Your closet is where those choices take shape. It’s where confidence is assembled, and the tone for the day is set. But when it’s cluttered, dimly lit, or just not working for you? That seamless morning routine turns into a frantic search—wrestling with hangers, hunting for a missing shoe, surrendering to a black hole of sweaters.
I wanted my closet to feel as good as the rest of my home—chic, functional, and frustration-free. No digging. No mystery piles. No stress. Just a space that works as hard as I do. And because I’m in a rental, a full custom closet wasn’t happening. So, I made smart, simple upgrades that completely changed how this space feels and functions—proving that thoughtful changes can make a major impact.
With a few strategic swaps, I turned my closet into a space that works beautifully—highly functional, beautifully organized, and like shopping in a curated store every morning.
THE AESTHETIC UPGRADES
Simple Changes, BIG Impact
While organization is what makes a closet function, the overall look sets the tone for what products to use. I wanted my closet to feel elevated and intentional, so I focused on elements that made an immediate impact. Smart swaps took this space from standard to stylish.
Before: THE DREADED BOOB LIGHT.
After: Closet Zen.
Goodbye, Boob Light
Lighting makes all the difference, yet closets are often stuck with bad builder-grade fixtures that do nothing for the space. Mine was no exception. The standard flush mount (you know the one) had to go. I swapped it for a stunning dupe of the Visual Comfort Talia 20" Flush Mount, and immediately the entire room felt more polished, more intentional, and, honestly, like a completely different space. I also added a neutral rug to help soften the space, adding a layer of warmth and making the closet feel more finished.
WHY IT WORKS
The right lighting makes a space feel bigger, brighter, and far more elevated. A rug is an easy, removable, take it with you when you leave way to make any closet feel more polished without a permanent change.
WHAT I USED
Wynetta 3-Light Bubble Flush Mount
Gorgeous Visual Comfort dupe, at a much prettier price.
Natural Fiber Rug in Ivory
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
ORGANIZATION
Curating A Cohesive Closet
A beautiful closet is great. But, a beautiful AND functional closet is the goal. I focused on organization pieces that not only worked but also contributed to the overall aesthetic. Choosing the right elements ensured the space felt streamlined, high-end, and easy to maintain.
Rather than letting key organization elements feel like an afterthought, I selected elevated, intentional pieces that tied the whole space together.
The White & Gold Collection.
HANGERS
White Velvet Hangers with Gold Hardware: Streamlined, cohesive, and instantly polished.
Gold Aluminum Open Pant Hangers: A functional yet stunning way to display pants in a way that feels curated, not cluttered.
White Wood Hangers (for heavier items like blazers & jackets): Adds durability while keeping the aesthetic clean.
White Wood Skirt Hangers: Keeps everything uniform and neatly displayed.
ROD DIVIDERS
Clear Acrylic Rod Dividers: The ultimate tool for keeping your closet structured and intentional. These sleek dividers create clear sections, bringing a boutique-level organization to your space.
If you aren’t sure where to start, our Core Collection Closet Labels were designed for exactly this—helping you define categories (our Collections, like Tops) and interior sections (our Edits, like Sleeveless, Short Sleeve, and Long Sleeve) so everything has its place—no guesswork required.
BASKETS & BIN CLIPS
A perfect pairing—clean, structured Montauk Bins that keep everything contained while maintaining a polished, high-end look. Gold Bin Clips not only add a functional label, they flow perfectly into the closet’s gold hardware, reinforcing the cohesive, elevated aesthetic.
THE DETAILS
Acrylic Rod Dividers
Chicest way to create clear categories in your closet.
SHOP THE PROJECT
JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES
Finishing Touches
Closet organization isn’t just about clothing—accessories are an essential part of your wardrobe, and they almost always involve a lot of small pieces. Without a smart system, it’s easy for jewelry, sunglasses, and belts to end up in tangled piles or scattered across drawers. But the right setup doesn’t just keep things organized—it makes accessories feel as intentional as the rest of the space. When you open a drawer and see your baubles perfectly displayed, you should think, WOW.
Here are my tried and true favorites.
Jewelry
Velvet Jewelry Trays → I love the Avera version for organizing all types of jewelry. They are available in multiple sizes, stackable, and a velvet that feels ultra luxe. So pretty
Bracelet & Ring Displays → Keeps pieces visible and protected while making everyday accessorizing effortless. This version from Amazon is what I use for my bracelets, and I love this geometric display for both bracelets and rings.
Accessories
Belts → We always recommend a pull out belt rack, like this one from Rev-A-Shelf, but it doesn’t work for every closet. If you need a more flexible solution, this Belt Organizer is perfection: functional, 5 individual compartments for each belt, sleek AND can be attached to the wall. Smart, right?
Clutches → The Container Store’s 4 Section Purse Organizer is perfect for clutches.
Headbands → I love this Headband Organizer: made from a sturdy acrylic, and will fit 7 of my large headbands.
Sunglasses → This 6 compartment Acrylic Organizer is our go to for any closet project.
THE DETAILS
SHOP THE PROJECT
Acrylic Linen Jewelry Drawer System
Luxe Acrylic & Linen in a modular setup. Stackable, functional AND gorgeous? Chef’s kiss.
Unseen Organization: The Systems That Keep It All Together
Unsung Heros
Not every upgrade is visible or pinterest worthy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not essential. Behind the sleek aesthetic are organization systems that keep everything in place. These behind-the-scenes tools make day-to-day life easier and ensure that my closet stays functional and organized day to day.
Drawers
Sections → Adjustable Bamboo Drawer Dividers are perfect for customizing sections in drawers to keep items neatly separated and immediately streamline your drawer. TIP: make sure to measure your drawer; some closets have a more shallow depth and require a shorter divider.
Socks & Underwear → The 32-Compartment Drawer Organizer is the ultimate solution for socks and undies. I kid you not, this one is life changing and such an easy upgrade!
Small Items → For drawers that are housing small wardrobe accessories, individual drawer organizers are the way to go. I use The Home Edit Organizers and The Manhattan Drawer Organizer Bins in my closet.
Swimwear →The House of Prim Petite and Perfect Pouches are a total home run for organizing your swimwear. Our favorite trick for organizing our client’s collections? COLOR CODING. Pick one color for all of your bikinis, and a different but coordinating color for your one pieces. It’s simple, but it really works, and makes packing super easy too.
Secret Weapons
Label Maker → Yes, our custom labels are gorgeous, but for areas like drawers, we always create labels on-site with our Brother P-Touch Cube. Drawer organization tends to change more often than areas like bins, so having a flexible labeling option is key. I cannot stress enough the importance of labeling drawers or other areas—this is probably the most important piece of your closet puzzle. When you put a label on something, it clarifies, gives structure, and eliminates any room for confusion.
Felt Pads → Pop these onto the bottom of any closet bins—no need to scratch up your shelves pulling bins in and out.
Museum Glue → The Professional Organizer’s secret. For small containers in your drawers, apply a little to the bottom to keep it from sliding around.
Adjustable Bamboo Dividers
The MVP of your drawers.
SHOP THE PROJECT
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t a full closet renovation, and that was the point. A few well-chosen upgrades completely changed how the space looked and functioned—proof that you don’t need a major overhaul to make a closet work harder for you.
In any space, form and function should hold equal weight. Every piece was chosen not just for its practicality, but for its ability to elevate the experience of getting dressed. Because small details—the right hangers, smart storage solutions, intentional design choices—are just as impactful as the big changes. In the end, it’s the combination of both that turns a closet into a space that feels effortless, intentional, and truly your own.
