Western Living Magazine
Trade Secrets: How to Design a Problem-Solving Prep Kitchen
Mood Board: 6 Things That Keep Designer Kelly Deck Inspired
KI Atelier: Immersive Storage Design
5 Incredible New Wineries Have Hit the Okanagan
The Grape Escape for Wine Enthusiasts
The Gin of the Summer (and Fall, Winter, Spring) Is on Sale
Dark Skies in Utah: Chasing Cosmic Connection on the Road
Cycling the Emerald Isle: A Windy Adventure on Ireland’s Greenway
Glamping Utah: Adventure Has Never Felt So Good
Discover California Closets – BC
Trending Now: 10 of Our Favourite Homewares for Late Summer 2023
Catch Top Vancouver Designers Sharing Their Decor Secrets in a New Design Convo Series
5 Reasons to Enter the WL Design 25
Introducing Western Living’s 2023 Designers of the Year Award Winners
WL Architectural Designer of the Year 2023: SMStudio
The 'Love It or List It Vancouver' star knows the secrets to maximizing storage space.
Between stuffed animals, snowboards and stacks of tile samples, interior designer Jillian Harris has plenty of stuff to store, thanks to her growing family and business. No wonder that when building her dream house, storage spaces were a primary concern. “A walk-in closet in the master bedroom will be configured differently from a linen closet that simply needs to accommodate towels, sheets and blankets,” Harris explains. “The same goes for storing games and toys in the family room; cleaning supplies in the utility room; or coats, hats, boots and umbrellas in the entry closet.”Bottom line? “Every storage space should be custom designed to suit its specific purpose,” Harris says, which is why she has launched a new line of custom Stor-X organizing products. But while configuration is a key first step, keeping a closet organized—and aesthetically pleasing—takes more. Below, Harris reveals her professional tips for making every nook and cranny not just neat, but beautiful.
We all want the walk-in, but if your closet is more of a cubby-hole, fear not. Harris notes that a light, bright coat of paint can help create an illusion of spaciousness.
Another way to save space? “Weed out what don’t wear!” Store out of season clothes on a top shelf or, better yet, under the bed.
READ MOREJillian Harris Transforms a Heritage Home for the Holidays
Harris met her fair share of small space dwellers on Love It or List It Vancouver—so she knows better than anyone that “every inch matters.” Her best tip? Hang the top closet rod high enough to fit a second one underneath, and invest in stacked or cascading hangers.
Arrange clothes so that all your sweaters, tees and shirts face the same way. “Not only does this make your closet look neater, it makes it so much easier to find exactly what you are looking for,” explains Harris.
“It is important to have the right purse for every outfit or occasion,” Harris says, “whether it’s a day at the beach, a business lunch or a black-tie affair.” Stash satchels in hanging baskets to make accessorizing a breeze.
Ergonomics aren’t just for the office. To maximize functionality, “store your most used items at eye level, less used items down below and the least used items up high,” Harris recommends.
Are you over 18 years of age?