Getting Serious Abour Your Closets

Perhaps you pictured “the Beverly Hills Organizer” lobbying for feng-shui-ed closets in exotic woods outfitted with titanium hangers. While Linda Koopersmith would be happy to create such a closet for you, she is aware that most of us spend more time in Bed Bath & Beyond than we do at Pratesi. The designer, consultant, author and instructor is on a mission to organize the masses. We asked for talking points on the closet.

Where do you stand on the “banish clutter” question?

I truly believe you can keep everything you’ve ever had your whole life if you can put your hands on it.

What’s the biggest mistake people make with closets?

A lot of people call in a contractor and think, “It’s going to be great when they’re done,” and they don’t think it through.

But isn’t that why you’re paying a contractor?

There’s a difference between a designer and a contractor. You can’t count on contractors to take issues like [garment length] and your height into account. I have had to do rescue work on countless high-end closets. People spend tens of thousands on these fabulous rooms and can’t reach half their stuff.

Tell us about fantasy closets you’ve worked on.

Oh, I’ve been in closets that were exquisite, finished in beautiful woods, with antique furniture, center islands--just amazing. But all that beauty is worthless if what you want to wear isn’t at your fingertips.

What faux pas makes you crazy in a high-end closet?

Deep drawers. Unless you’re storing pillows or towels or comforters, you’re digging for stuff. If you really want drawers in your closet, install them with glass fronts, so you can see what you’re looking for.

What’s another closet nightmare?

Shoes. While you can have a beautiful shelving system built, there are great over-the-door, expandable shoe racks available. Just look for one that your shoes can sit on rather than the ones where your shoes hang--the racks leave indentations in the leather.

How much does a really fabulous closet run?

Even pre-made is already a few thousand dollars. To have a contractor do it costs tens of thousands. [But] anybody can do it on their own.

How does one achieve nirvana without a design degree?

It’s not that hard. For under $200, including hangers, you can get a $1,500 look with all the functionality. A linear measure of all your hanging stuff will tell you exactly how much rod space you need. And if you organize your clothes by length, you can install hanging rods (one up, one down) for the short stuff and get twice as much clothing into half as much space. Those stacking storage units are terrific. Stack as needed and you’ve got a closet wall unit you can take with you when you move.

Who is your role model--Joan Crawford in “Harriet Craig”?

I model myself after the kid in “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” [After I’m finished], everything that’s escaped you all these years will be at your fingertips. Whether I’m working with a group or one on one, I’ve changed a life.

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Beverly Hills Organizer, (310) 313-3813; www.beverlyhillsorganizer.com