A little organization can go a long way toward enhancing living space

By Kirsten Beard
A closet is more than just a space to store your clothes – it’s a personal sanctuary of organization, style and functionality.
Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious walk-in with custom shelving or simply looking to maximize space in a smaller area, closet remodeling can transform how you start and end your day. With the right design choices, even the most cluttered spaces can become sleek, efficient and tailored to your lifestyle.
Alexa Fries, marketing manager of California Closets, emphasizes that closet design is not just about storage – it’s about enhancing everyday living.
“We collaborate with our clients to provide the best possible outcome,” Fries tells Jstyle. “In fact, this is part of the California Closets culture and allows our customers to have optimal storage solutions long after the project is complete. We believe in making your home more than just a place – it should be a meaningful source of creativity, comfort and connection.”
Fries says at California Closets the goal is for clients to remain organized through decluttering and encouraging clients to look at the space “as a form of wellness.”
“You work on your physical, mental and emotional well-being, and your home should reflect that growth as well,” she says. “We strive to provide residual meaning in the solution the client designed and joy in the experience of (the) organization long after the install.”
Fries says people contact the company to help solve a problem, whether they are “tired of tripping over their child’s backpack and sports equipment or they want a more comfortable home office space for their hybrid work schedule.
“People want to customize a space that makes those mundane tasks into an enjoyable experience for you and those that surround you,” she says.
Fries says California Closets provides “solutions for the whole home” and can create designs for closets, garages or pantries.
Although closet remodeling isn’t just about function – it’s about style. Fries notes that several design trends are shaping the way people personalize their spaces, including butler pantries, which increase kitchen storage; children’s closets; matte-finished doors and drawers, a stylish upgrade that also resists fingerprints; custom hardware, which provides a unique way to add personality to storage spaces; antimicrobial materials, which are designed to limit germs and promote a cleaner environment; and a pop of color to add interest and vibrancy to the space.
“We find that people want to enjoy their experience within custom storage, so by adding a touch that is uniquely their own, it adds to the overall design aesthetic,” Fries says.
She says California Closet’s design process begins with a complimentary design consultation to determine a customer’s ideas and desired outcomes.
“Our design process was created to make designing your space a one- on-one experience,” Fries explains. “Everything is custom designed to fit your space. Some people want functional and some people focus on the concept of the space. Nothing is too big or too small when determining which places in your home needs a solution.”
While noting most installations are done with a day depending on the size of the project, Fries says California Closets also hires its own installers and designers that work directly for the company – ensuring clients know who they’re working with and welcoming into their home.
Small details are also crucial in the design and outcome of your closet, Fries says. A scarf rack keeps delicate accessories within reach and wrinkle free, while a valet hook is excellent for planning outfits or hanging dry cleaning. A jewelry organizer is convenient for keeping favorite pieces tangle free and easy to find.
“The small details are not always something you immediately think of when it comes to designing your perfect space, but they can always be the add-on that takes your design to another level,” Fries says.
As a name brand in custom design solutions, California Closets is known for its high-quality custom design solutions, she adds.
“We are a design brand, meaning we collaborate with our clients and provide a high-quality solution to meet their individual needs and budgets,” Fries says. “That doesn’t mean we are expensive, it means there is value in the decisions the client has made for many years to come.”
Whether you’re revamping a closet, upgrading a pantry, or reimagining a home office, thoughtful design can make a significant difference. With expert guidance, stylish trends and a focus on both beauty and function, your remodeled space can bring ease, organization and joy into your everyday life.