My appreciation for minimalist decor is not just a design preference but a lifestyle that evolved from decades of city apartment living. Through the years I’ve discovered that small spaces shine best when met with intention, filled with items that spark joy and bring a comfy, clean look. The same goes for areas behind closed doors, notably when organizing a bedroom closet. Here are my top five tips for curating an inspiring small space closet:

#1 Let Pretty Items Inspire You

While you may not wear flowy dresses or slip on stilettos every day, keeping all the pretty items of your wardrobe visible invokes a romantic feeling that will inspire you to not fall into a practical rut. Any day can be a special occasion if you want it to and I’ve found the more pretty things I see as options the more likely I am to put them on. Even when you do go to grab that t-shirt and jeans combo you’ll be inspired to pair it with a sexy sandal or luxury flat and throw a pastel pink cashmere sweater over your shoulders to add that delicate, feminine touch.

#2 Make Storage Modular

When it comes to storing essentials items — undergarments, socks, t-shirts, and pajamas — they should be neatly tucked away so as not to clutter a closet unnecessarily. Ironically, all the containers often sold to tackle small space clutter like wire mesh bins, linen boxes, and wicker or seagrass baskets end up making an area feel even more suffocated. Modular units with drawers are the perfect answer. They have angles that tuck well into otherwise wasted closet space, bring a clean, simple look, and also serve as a shelf for odds and ends like sunglasses and jewelry.

#3 Stay in Every Season

While some items are best put away after winter, like gloves and hats, keeping an off seasonal mix of clothing visible and accessible stimulates adventure. Confining a wardrobe by seasons is limiting, often leading one to stick only to the same items for the duration of the calendar months. By keeping off season items handy — like a sheer spring blouse, fall blazer, or soft cotton winter sweater — you are more apt to try on an interesting mix of layers and bring more versatility and excitement to your wardrobe.

#4 Group by Color and Function 

Deciding what to wear comes easily when you group items by color and function. You’ll naturally gravitate toward a color depending on the events planned for the day or your mood. Grouping by function also helps to bring wardrobe clarity and end the inner debate of whether to don a sweater or sweatshirt — when you see them separated the choice of which is appropriate becomes clear.

#5 Keep Shoe Boxes

When it comes to small space closets nothing fills them up quicker than a pile of shoes haphazardly tossed on the floor. Keeping shoes and boots in their original boxes and cloth shoe bags not only ensures they stay in beautiful condition but elevates the look and feel of your space.