How to Create a Closet Space That Works Beautifully for You

Product Highlight: Preston from Container Store

A Closet Designed for Real Life, Elevated

There’s a difference between a closet that looks good… and a closet that works beautifully.

This Hyde Park project is a perfect example of what happens when design, function, and intention come together. The result is not just an organized space, but a system that supports daily routines with ease and clarity.

This custom closet was built using the Preston Collection from The Container Store, a line known for its elevated aesthetic and fully customizable functionality. The design was a collaboration with interior designer Molly Lauer of Molly Lauer Design, ensuring the space felt cohesive with the home renovation plans for the ensuite build out.

The Philosophy: Organization Is About Performance

At this level, organization is not about bins and labels. It is about how your environment supports your life.

Every decision in this space was made to answer one question:

How will this function on a busy, real day?

From the layout to the spacing of rods, from shelving height to product selection, this closet was designed to remove friction and create natural flow.

Each section, or “bay,” was intentionally assigned based on how she actually moves through her day.

Casual, grab-and-go pieces are positioned just behind the door for easy access. Athleisure lives front and center because it is what she reaches for most often. Directly beneath, drawers are thoughtfully arranged with coordinating athletic shorts, tennis skirts, leggings, socks, sports bras, and undergarments. Everything she needs, exactly where she needs it.

The secondary section of the closet transitions with her lifestyle and the seasons. Short spring dresses flow into longer, more formal pieces, followed by winter wear, creating a clear visual and functional progression. A dedicated section for game day gear ensures everything needed for Cincinnati Bearcats games and events is visible, accessible, and ready without hesitation.

Because when a space is designed this intentionally, getting dressed is no longer a task.It becomes effortless.

The Process: From Consultation to Completion

1. Consultation & Discovery

Every project begins with understanding how the client lives. We walked the space pre-demo and reviewed architectural blue prints for layout plans. At this time I was able to give specific feedback to the interior designer about storage specifications with regards to products and re-incorporation of her items. Some slight modifications were done to the depth of storage spaces to maximize the efficacy of space. 

2. Inventory & Editing Strategy

Before designing anything, we assessed the full wardrobe. Categories, volume, and lifestyle needs all inform the layout. This ensures the system is built for what exists, not a guess. Our clients had a large quantity of of a certain style on bin that she wanted to use in the space and we ensured the design kept that promise. We intentionally designed shelving to fit bins the client already owned. This level of precision matters. It ensures the system works seamlessly from day one without wasted product or mismatched dimensions.

3. Space Planning & Design Collaboration

Working alongside Molly Lauer, she  mapped out a closet layout from the architectural standpoint and gave us architecture of the space such as windows, laundry nook, brick walls and unique sloped ceilings. From there we measured the space and designed it with complete attention to detail. 

4. Installation & Organization Day

The Container provided two contracted installers to install the unit which took about 2 ½ days to complete. It was a very big closet. Once the installation was complete our team of 3 organizers completed the editing and reincorporation of items in 7.5 hours. 

This is where the magic happens:

• Full category edits

• Thoughtful placement by frequency of use

• Visual alignment and spacing

• System creation that is easy to maintain

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We also removed a full carload of donations, delivered to Matthew 25 Ministries, creating space both physically and mentally.

The Result: A Space That Supports Daily Life

This closet now functions with intention:

• Clear zones for categories

• Easy visibility and access

• Storage that matches the client’s lifestyle

• A layout that works with the architecture, not against it

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And most importantly…It is maintainable.

The Power of Partnership

As the exclusive in-home organizing partner for The Container Store in Cincinnati, we bring a unique advantage to our clients.

We bridge the gap between design and execution:

• Access to premium systems like Preston

• Direct collaboration with designers and installers

• Real-world organizing expertise layered into every design decision

  
  

This ensures your space is not only beautiful, but built to function long-term.

A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

This project was recently featured on FOX 12, offering a closer look at how I came into professional organizing.

Final Thought

Luxury is not just how a space looks.It is how effortlessly it works for you.

When your closet is designed with intention, your mornings are smoother, your decisions are easier, and your home begins to support your life in a meaningful way.

That is the standard we build every project around.

X.O. - Cindy

Interested in creating a space like this in your home? Start with a consultation.

Founded by Cindy Thomas, Simply Organized Interiors helps high-performing individuals and families create spaces that work as beautifully as they look. Through thoughtful design, strategic organization, and a hands-on approach, we transform homes into environments that support clarity, efficiency, and ease.