5 Tips on How to Organize and Design Your Dream Closet

Happy Friday friends!

Today I want to share the top 5 tips that helped me organize my thoughts when it came to designing my dream closet (with the space we had to work with of course....it could always be bigger!) so that I could organize my clothes in order to have the most efficiency when it comes to getting dressed and ready to go every day!

It's super important (whether you have a tiny NYC apartment or a huge walk-in) to be able to see the things that you have and love in a clear way so that pieces don't get lost in the mix, and therefore invisible and gone forever! You know it's true. If you can't see it, it basically doesn't exist. 

When we moved into our home, there was no real closet in the master bedroom, just some Home Depot metal shelving that was clearly put up for  men's clothes plus it was ugly and not set up for women's clothing i.e. dresses, robes, kimonos, shoes, etc. I contacted California Closets (not sponsored) because I had heard great things, and was able to map out the entire space we were working with and give my designer an exact inventory of all my clothes and accessories that needed space in the new closet. That way, there would be no surprises. Everything was accounted for. I also knew I wanted my shoes to be visible, front and center, and covered from dust, so we decided on gorgeous white wood frames with glass fronts and I chose vintage hardware for the handles. Check out more photos below and learn what my top 5 tips are for organizing your dream closet!

A shoe cabinet keeps the dust away!

1. Get rid of anything and everything you're not crazy about- If you don't love it, you won't wear it. I understand sentimental value, but realistically, if you haven't worn it for a year, you probably don't LOVE it. Of course, I don't mean classic pieces that age well or seasonal pieces, but items you look at and think "eh"... get rid of it. It's just taking up valuable real estate and ain't nobody got time for that!

2. Color Coordinate- Color coordinating your clothes allows you to know where pieces are more quickly and allows you to dress for how you feel. During the winter, I don't wear that many bright colors so it's nice that all my black and darker colors are in the same area. I go from white to pink, to red, and down the line of the rainbow from there with my black towards the back since I don't have a ton of black. 

3. Hang according to sleeve length- I like to hang my tops from tank/strapless styles at the front to long sleeve toward the back of that particular color. That way I know exactly where specific pieces are that I am looking for. Looking for that pink tank? There it is!

4. Create space for hanging bottoms- I used to fold and stack my pants/shorts/skirts because there just wasn't enough space to hang my bottoms. I was so used to folding and storing bottoms in a dresser, that I didn't even think to ask to have a space to hang them. Thank goodness my closet designer suggested it because now I see exactly what I have and don't forget about that cute A.P.C skirt that I love so much! I love seeing what I have to work with laid out right in front of me!

5. Create some space for accessories (purses, luggage, belts, hats)- I always thought of these items as an afterthought, but as I have gotten older, I have a couple nice bags I need to store when not being worn, luggage that needs to be stored when I am not traveling, and belts that should be hung, not crumpled up in a drawer somewhere. We made sure to include shelving that was taller than the tallest purse and big enough for my hats, belt hooks on rolling tracks that come in and out, and space at the very top of my closet to fit my suitcases neatly. It makes me so happy to know that everything has a place! Without planning these details, my closet would look like a bomb went off with purses and hats thrown about, squeezing into blank spaces.

Do you guys have any tips that you feel are musts for your closet? Share in the comments below! And for more on this topic, visit my IGTV for a tour/ explanation of how I organized everything and why I love it!! See that on my Instagram here!

xo, Kim

15 Dining Chair Options that Look Designer

Hi all!

I just got back from a whirlwind 5 day trip to NYC and saw so many pieces for the home that I fell in love with and wish I could have brought back with me. We went to a ton of shops and got inspiration for our homes and new and fresh ways to put them together! Have I mentioned how much I LOVE NYC?! It is my favorite city in the world with its contagious energy and on the go lifestyle. 

Today though we're looking at dining chairs! l I have had quite a few friends over time ask me to help them piece together their homes and one thing they always get a little stuck on is which dining chair to choose. I get it. It's hard to buy 6 of one thing because no matter how much of a deal you got, its still multiplied by  4, 6, or 8 + and that's $$! Dining chairs are definitely one item you need to plan on spending at least a bit on.

Not only that but many people who are asking for my help, generally like my style (to a certain degree!), which is a mixture of vintage pieces redone, big box pieces that look like they could be from another time or possibly designer, and some bohemian (I'm not crazy about the overuse of the word bohemian) textiles and fun patterns to spice things up. My friends or clients want something similar to what I might have in my home, but there is a catch...

1. You either have to be comfortable spending hours and maybe months searching for a deal consignment shopping to find the perfect piece (s) for less (GUILTY),  (hint: Craigslist is a great resource for vintage and retro design for cheap, but be prepared to have the vision to bring it back to life!)

2. Or you have to buy designer (which most can't afford, it's insane!),

3. Or you have to be comfortable with going to "big box stores" and knowing what looks designer and what looks big box. Hint: many things look big box if they are from big box stores so you really have to pay attention to the details, which ones you buy from, and if you are seeking help, you need to take the advice of the person helping you.

Okay! So as much as I do love consignment and vintage shopping for my home, it's not feasible for most clients on a time crunch because it takes timmmme. 

So, I rounded up my favorite current "big box" dining chairs in a range of prices that will help you get the look you want without spending thousands on the designer one you really want. Below are some of my favorites! Check them out and let me know which ones you love!

15 Dining Chair Options

5 Alternatives to Basic Window Coverings

Hi all!

Today I am sharing 5 alternatives to basic window coverings.

There are so many different options when it comes to window coverings instead of taking the basic route! I am not one to opt for plain or basic decor when there are so many gorgeous options available if you know where to look.

My motto for the things that I buy is that I can only get something if I am obsessed with it. I really don't want anything in my house or closet that I don't love because that item just gets pushed to the side and takes up space. This principle applies to EVERYTHING in my house, even the window coverings!

 As I'm sure you have gathered from previous posts, I am passionate about home decor and design and feel life is too short to not be crazy about your space. One detail in a space that can make it cozy, airy, and inviting is the window covering. 

As some of you know (if you are signed up for my newsletter), Chay and I are moving once again (I'll explain for those of you who are new to my blog in a post very soon!)! After having been in Redondo Beach for a year and 3 months (but who's counting?), we realized we really wanted to be in LA again. However,  a couple months ago this option wasn't really on the table and I was getting really tired of our old school windows with ugly dust collecting white cardboard shades. I finally got around to ordering my dream black iron curtain rods with white linen drapes for the main rooms as well as bamboo roll down shades for the bedrooms . Of course, shortly thereafter an amazing home pops up that is perfect for us, but thankfully we can use these coverings in the new house. 

I can't tell you what a difference it made to have these gorgeous curtains and rods up. It seems silly to say but it made all the difference in the way the room felt. All of a sudden, it went from being a kinda quirky space to a polished and inviting one. I also learned a few tricks! Here are some tips I learned from my hunt for the perfect window coverings.

1. If you have the wall space above the window, hang the curtains from the highest point possible to make the windows feel bigger and the ceiling feel taller.

2. Have the drapes kiss the floor. Meaning, for a more streamlined home, dont allow them to drape or gather, or be visibly floating above the ground. 

3. Pottery Barn has gorgeous white linen drapes and curtain rods! I don't normally shop here but was so happy with their window covering game.

4. Bamboo shades are a really affordable option for stylish rooms that want some warmth but also feel light and airy.

5. Curtain rings really elevate a space and make the drapery feel that much more substantial. However, they are expensive and add up really fast. So these would be best if you're really planning on investing.

See below for 5 Window Covering Options I LOVE and why:

5 Window Covering options

I love a simple and modern roll down shade for a sleek home. If you want a less traditional option, this is it. We had these types of shades at our last home and they are so clean looking. They roll down when you want less sun, and they roll up and virtually disappear when you don't!

I love the look and functionality of bamboo roll down shades behind beautiful linen drapes. Not only do the two materials look great paired together, they are also very efficient at controlling the amount of natural light you want. If it's just a little, you can do just bamboo! I think it looks so pretty!

The bamboo roll down shades alone are also gorgeous and let in such gorgeous twinkly light. It creates a great ambiance and softens the vibe of any room. I got these for our Redondo Beach home and love them!

I have been a huge fan of these modern ceiling track drapes. They make the room feel taller and bigger and feel very chic. I feel like these are drapes you would see in a very upscale hotel or in a super cool Hollywood Hills home. Also, see how they just kiss the floor?

Ahhh Roman Shades. I love them. I think they instantly elevate the look of a room and add a huge sense of design. Roman shades also come in lots of fun patterns and fabrics too, so you can go all out or keep it more subdued. Either way, both options are gorgeous.

Since Chay and I are moving, home decor and design is on my mind more than usual and this topic is front and center for me! These styles have caught my eye over and over again, so I thought I would post about my personal preferences for my own home. I think these styles also translate well into more traditional homes as well as modern homes. See below for some of my favorite options!

Comment below and let me know your favorite style and what you would use in your home!

xo, Kim

SHOP THE POST

Our DTLA Loft Home Tour at The Eastern Columbia Building

I don't know why it's taken me so long to do a post on our DTLA Loft revamp, except for the fact that I probably wanted to wait because there is always more to do, right? The projects are never done and it always feels "too soon" to put it out there, except it's not! Nothing is perfect and even though my creative juices are always flowing, those changes would take lots of time and cash, which we can't spend on this place. Since Chay and I buy these properties as future investments or rental properties, it doesn't make sense to pour too much time, energy, and money into them. But, of course we want them to look awesome and represent our style. So, with some fresh white paint, light fixtures, fun pieces of furniture and a few days, we updated our loft at The Eastern Columbia Building in DTLA! 

To be honest, since the building is awesome, it didn't need much help. This building is considered "the jewel of DTLA", and for good reason. It's ornate and completely unique. It was built in 1930 and used to be a department store, and only became lofts 12 years ago. Also, Kelly Wearstler did the interior design! So yes, pretty great to begin with, but our unit was a little dark and just a tad boring with the basic light fixtures. Whenever I approach a new project, whether it be a personal one Chay and I are doing for an investment property, or for a client, I always look to see if the space can be brightened up with some basic upgrades, most of them being decor! This is of course more cost effective, as the sky is the limit if you're willing to knock down walls, or frame out new rooms etc. But most don't want to do that! If you want to get the best bang for your buck, I created a downloadable checklist to focus on these 5 things to get a room to come alive with minimal work and money that you can download for free here:

Here are some before pics so you can see what we were working with:

Before

With a few quick fixes, some different decor, and bright white paint. the loft really came to life! Check out the afters below:

After

See how the light fixture, table, art, and paint color make such a huge difference?! I love this Pendant from West Elm. You can shop it below if you love!

The photography is from Max Wanger.

Yes, these lights are from Christmas:) I love keeping them up!

This view of the ornate moulding across the way is my favorite. It reminds me of Soho.

I am in love with my Casper mattress and Parachute bedding. I linked it below in the Shop the post section!

I just love how much brighter and more open it feels now! We wanted it to have a slightly less bohemian feel and have a more modern and streamlined vibe than our primary residence you guys have probably seen on instagram. I think Chay is over all of my colors and patterns haha.

Do you guys like the revamp and if so what part about it is your favorite change? I think the paint and lighting really did it for me! As always, thank you guys for reading and the love! I will see you again in a couple days!

xo, Kim

Shop the Post

9 Brass Hardware Options under $35

Hi all! Today I am sharing 9 Brass Hardware options under 35 dollars!

When it comes to revamping a space, there are a few things that I always focus on to really elevate the look and feel of a room. When you're  on a budget, these items can make a huge difference in the overall look of what could otherwise be a simple or even drab space. I am going to do a post on my " room revamp checklist", but for today, I really wanted to focus on one aspect I always focus on to amp up a space,  hardware. (Meaning the knobs or pulls for kitchen cabinets, for example) Great hardware can really make or break a space in my opinion. They are such a small physical detail, yet can make such a huge statement. 

For the last few weeks, I have been helping consult on a huge project for my girlfriend Lauren, who is completely gutting her midcentury modern home. She has a vision of how she wants the home to feel overall, but I am helping narrow down the options and get specific on what they are doing throughout the house. Since the entire home is going to be remodeled, you can imagine that would be costly, so I am making sure to only send her options that are affordable while still being chic, and accomplishing the look we are going for. I have eclectic taste in general but love a modernized version of vintage style. Lauren loves classic and more simple vibes but is totally willing to do some fun details like BRASS HARDWARE in the kitchen and powder room! I was so excited to hear her say that but knew the hardware I have been coveting is outrageously priced since its Waterworks, (the place where all of my dreams live) an amazing place for inspiration but super costly. 

I wanted to find hardware that maintained a similar chic and modernized aesthetic but like 99% less expensive! I found some great options that I would use in a heartbeat in my own home, but more than that, fit the simple and clean look Lauren is going for. Check out the options I found below:

Affordable Brass Hardware Options Under $35

(and most under $10!)

1.//2.//3.//4.//5.//6.//7.//8.//9.

I love how all of these are simple but also pretty and really clean looking. They aren't going to take over a space at all, but will definitely elevate it. We are going to use brass hardware in the kitchen and powder room for a pop and then use stainless steel in the other bathrooms for a less trendy look throughout the house. 

I will keep you updated on design ideas and plans as they come as well as before and afters when the majority of the remodel is complete. Do you guys like brass hardware? If so, which one is your fave? I LOVE it and think it's timeless if you choose a substantial option that feels quality. Comment below on your thoughts!

xo, Kim

10 Statement Tile Options I LOVE

I love the look of marble subway tile paired with brass inlay to glam up a backsplash, wall, or even a floor. How gorgeous would this look in a chevron pattern with a flat inlay as a bathroom floor?

I am OBSESSED with this pattern and the colors in this cement tile option from one of my favorite online shops, Cle Tile. The colors are muted but still statement and would look great in a California modern home or a midcentury style. I would love to do this as either a powder room floor or the siding tile to a kitchen island. It's so fun, and I definitely believe in making your home happy and fun with pops of color and pattern. Staying safe with neutrals is fine but I want my home to be a representation of me uniquely. There are so many simple homes with carrera marble and white cabinets, so why not spice it up?

Terrazzo flooring is EVERYTHING to me right now! I am OBSESSED with this throwback flooring option for a Midcentury home or even a bohemian bungalow with a mix of different interior styles. There are tons of benefits to this type of floor. It's long lasting, durable, non-porous ( so no dirt can accumulate), and it looks sooo cool!

As much as I love statement tiles that are fun and colorful, I also love the idea of a simple glazed ceramic tile. The glaze makes it more of a show stopper while the lack of pattern still allows it to be a great option for tiled wall or backsplash. I am loving this kitchen and its simplistic yet chic style. I would definitely do a patterned tile on the floor in this kitchen to mix it up.

I cannot get enough of this fun green and blue circular tile. It is such a statement and is so playful. I have seen this tile done as a backsplash in a kitchen and as flooring like this photo. I would love to use this an an outdoor patio tile or statement tile in the shower. It's soooo me!

Another trend I am loving more than anything are these oversized subway tiles cut from super detailed black, cream, yellow, and pink marble. The way it's laid makes all the difference! I would die to have this as the floor in a small room in my future home, however, I don't know if it would blend well if I decided on some of the statement cement tiles. This is more glam and the others are more California Modern meets Boho Luxe. Regardless, this is a fave!

This geometric pattern in this powder blue cement tile has been a go-to fave for a long time. I really feel like I will use this somewhere at some point soon because it's fun but not too busy. The pattern reminds me of a starburst without the literal star pattern (which I also love!).

Can I just have a house with 10 rooms so I can tile it all? I loooove this pattern! Confession: I have a rug in this same pattern under our dining table in our DTLA loft. I love it, mostly because it's a temporary fix to my obsession with geometric tiles. I truly can't figure out if I would love this tile for years to come or if I would get over it, so for now, it's in the inspo pile.

As you can see, the glossy ceramic subway tile mixed with a patterned cement tile floor is a showstopper! I think this might be the magical combo. I always go back to this amazing bathroom. Ceramic glazed tiles are definitely in my future!

This bright blue statement tile is one I have loved for years! Many of you will recognize it from the hip LA coffee shop, Intelligentsia. This is the tile used for their flooring from indoor to outdoor at the Silver Lake location and is pure FUN. You gotta comitt if you're gonna use this tile!

Get The Look

1 (lots of options)//2//3//4 (similar)//5//6 (more options to create the look here as well)//7 (different colors available)//8//9//10

I love all of these tiles and have even more on my Pinterest here (follow along to get updates on all my style inspo and home decor ideas). These 10 above are my go to's for remodel options or update options if Chay and I stay in our Redondo Beach home, or sell and update another home. I will keep you guys posted on what we decide to do, I don't even know yet! Hahaha who knows what we will do next, but you guys will be the first to know.

I'd love to know what you guys are thinking about these tiles. Do you love? I am obsessed! Please let me know in the comments below!

xo, Kim