6 Expert Tips on How to Create Your Dream Closet

1. Entryway

From work commutes to errand runs, you're probably on the go a lot. Why waste time getting out the door by dealing with a disorganized entryway every single day?

Think of your front door as a "launching pad." In other words, whatever you need to help make leaving and arriving home easier should be right there for simple access.

If you have a closet to work with, that's great. Otherwise, cubbies or even a utility shelf will work. Make sure your most used shoes, coats, and other accessories are neatly stacked, hung, or put away. You can take those heels you only wear for date nights or random extra scarves back to your bedroom.

Then, set up a space for your personal items, like your purse, keys, sunglasses, and any mail you grab on the way in. You'll know exactly where they are the next time you're running late, and you can add personal touches like greenery or artwork to make your launch pad more aesthetically pleasing.

2. Living Room

Next up is the living room, where you probably spent the bulk of your time with family and friends. This fact means it tends to naturally become the most cluttered room in everyone's home.

If you feel like you're lacking storage, don't forget to utilize vertical space. You can install shelving, for instance, or buy tall open-shelving cabinets that look like built-ins.

Either way, by adding decor pieces, books, or other commonly used items, like speakers and games, you'll infuse the room with more character and dimension while saving floor space.

Don't underestimate the functionality of baskets, either. They're great for holding everything from pet toys to blankets and even magazines or photo albums.

Plus, if you have kids and constantly feel inundated by their toys, say goodbye to the typical storage container solution. Even though it may work for some parents, these containers are still an eyesore and never really leave your line of sight in the living room.

Instead, you can transform an old or thrifted dresser into a toy storage area. Select one that matches your interior design style to keep your space looking clean and uncluttered while allowing your kids to easily grab whatever they want to play with.

3. Bedroom & Closet

Shared or not, the bedroom has a way of collecting clutter like nobody's business. That's why we have to get creative to save space and make our lives easier.

One of the most overlooked areas is right under your bed. You can store anything from hobby items, like art supplies, to seasonal clothing and less frequently worn shoes.

Search for storage containers with wheels under the bed. Or, if your bedframe needs an upgrade, look for one that has drawers!

Then, in your closet, make sure your clothing and accessories are arranged in a way that makes sense.

For example, if you work a corporate job, group all of your business attire, like slacks, blazers, and loafers, in one section to quickly get dressed and go in the morning. The same goes for casual wear, workout attire, and evening wear or pajamas.

Finally, if you have shelving, add labeled bins to store clunkier garments like sweaters and sweatshirts. Any remaining room can be used to hold extra clutter that you clear off horizontal surfaces, like your desk, vanity, or dresser, to make your bedroom feel more light.

4. Bathroom

Last but not least is the dreaded bathroom. This room of the house can become a dumping ground for all sorts of products and beauty tools.

Just like in your living room, you should use any empty wall space to your advantage. Hang up hooks to hold your towels and clothing while you bathe, or use an over-the-door organizer to give your extra towels and robes a home.

Also, if you live with multiple people, it can be helpful to give each family member their own designated cabinet. This will keep everyone's products separate and prevent any from becoming a "junk drawer."

Last but not least, our top tip for keeping your bathroom fresh and organized is to get rid of your personal items on a regular basis. Stop holding onto that old tube of toothpaste that's practically flat or accumulating multiple bottles of face wash.

Rather, go through your products once a month to purge anything that's expired or no longer used. This simple act alone will make a real difference.

On a recent visit, B+C's VP of Content, Ali Ives, and I wandered into Somme and were instantly smitten. Imagine cottagecore with depth, where antique treasures meet bold, layered styling that feels both timeless and unexpected.

Francesca is a master at crafting vintage-inspired spaces with a distinct, modern POV. Here, she shares insights on her design philosophy, her latest collaborations, and her stunning transformation of a $24 million estate now on the market.

B+C: How would you define your aesthetic?

Francesca: I’d define my aesthetic as eclectic, nostalgic, and unexpected. It’s about mixing eras, textures and patterns in a way that feels curated and collected over time — like stepping into a space with history and soul.

B+C: How do you make a space feel one-of-a-kind?

Francesca: I love designing spaces that have depth and a bit of tension, whether it’s a balance of feminine and masculine, vintage and modern, or soft and bold. To make a space personal, I lean into unique, one-of-a-kind pieces — antiques, art with a story, textiles that feel lived-in. I want it to feel like someone’s life has unfolded there, not like a staged set.

B+C: What's the strangest or most surprising source of inspiration you've ever drawn from?

Francesca:I love wandering through European flea markets, where every object has a history, or getting lost in an old city and noticing the way time has shaped its architecture. Even something as simple as the tilework in a tiny café or the way laundry hangs between buildings can spark an idea. LA still influences me in the way it blends so many cultures and eras, but traveling pushes me to see design through a different lens — less polished, more lived-in, always with a story to tell.

B+C: What is your design pet-peeve?

Francesca: Anything that feels too sterile or overly "designed" with no personality. I’m also so over the idea that everything has to be beige to be timeless — give me color, give me texture, give me something with character!

B+C: You recently staged and styled a 6-bed, 9-bath Spanish-Mediterranean Bel Air Estate that just hit the market for $24M. What were your design goals for this Bel Air project, which leans into the more neutral territory?

Francesca: Our goal was to use our furniture and décor to enhance the home’s Spanish-Mediterranean elegance while introducing a sense of modern livability. We wanted every piece to feel intentional — respecting the architecture while making the space feel fresh, inviting, and effortlessly luxurious.

Francesca: To achieve this, I partnered with home decor brand Olive Ateliers and leaned into organic textures and warm, neutral tones. Soft linen upholstery, sculptural wood accents, and vintage-inspired statement pieces brought depth and a sense of history, ensuring the interiors felt collected rather than staged.

Francesca: In spaces like the living and dining areas, we focused on balancing grandeur with intimacy — placing oversized, plush seating to emphasize comfort while layering in antique and contemporary elements to create visual intrigue. The use of ceramic vessels, textured textiles, and aged metals further complemented the home’s natural materials.

Francesca: For the bedrooms, we aimed for elevated serenity, incorporating soft, layered bedding and curated accent furniture to create a retreat-like atmosphere.

Francesca: Overall, the staging was designed to bridge the past and present, celebrating the home’s timeless craftsmanship while making it feel approachable and effortless for modern living.

B+C: You recently worked with designer Amr Samaha of Samaha Studio on his latest project, an eco-conscious ranchette in Beverly Hills. He said he pulled heavily from his Egyptian background, citing the mashrabiya-inspired front door as an example of the textures and tones of historic Cairo. "Every decision, from materials to layout, was made with the intention to tell a cohesive story," he said. How did you stage the home to complete the story?

Francesca: For the Beverly Hills project at 1300 Shadybrook Drive, our aim was to stage the home in a way that accentuated its contemporary architecture and designer fixtures while creating an inviting and aspirational atmosphere for potential buyers.

In the living room, we placed a plush, earth-toned seating arrangement to complement the home's incredible steel fireplace and built-in cabinetry. To add a little extra warmth and character to the living room I added these gorgeous Myrtle Accent Chairs from Arhaus that I felt really elevated the space.

Francesca: In the dining room I wanted it to feel really funky and eclectic so we added some really fun sculptural dining chairs from Neue Maison. We brought in some incredible art by CLEW and Kader Boly that really amplify the appeal of the home.

Francesca: For the bedrooms, we aimed to create serene retreats by using soft, layered bedding and understated decor while still infusing some pops of color. I wanted the bedrooms to provide a sense of luxury while still feeling like cozy and warm.

Francesca: Throughout the home, we utilized accessories such as ceramic vases, greenery, and area rugs to add depth and cohesion to the overall design. Our goal was to present a lifestyle that potential buyers could envision themselves enjoying, thereby enhancing the home's appeal.

Follow Francesca Grace Home for more design inspiration!

What is On Swift Horses about?

On Swift Horses Plot

Muriel begins a new life with her husband Lee when he returns to California from the Korean War. But the life they're building together — and their future — changes forever when Lee's brother Julius, a headstrong gambler, arrives. Julius is attractive, charismatic, and hiding plenty of secrets.

According to the official synopsis, "when Julius takes off in search of the young card cheat he’s fallen for, Muriel’s longing for something more propels her into a secret life of her own, gambling on racehorses and exploring a love she never dreamed possible."

The story explores LGBTQ+ identity and desire in the 1950s, but does so with a hopeful tone rather than a devastating one. “The first scenes that we filmed were the scenes we had together, so we got all of that done with—when we were apart, we had put the groundwork in,” Daisy tells Vanity Fair of working with Jacob, who adds, "I believe Taylor Swift calls it an invisible string.”

"I loved the connection between gambling and risk-taking, and pushing the boundaries of her desire and what she’s looking for,” Daisy adds. “Muriel’s rebellion throughout the film is quite quiet, in the small ways in which she takes back her power by concealing things. A lot of what’s happening is behind closed doors.”

Who's in the cast of On Swift Horses?

On Swift Horses Cast

On Swift Horses stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jacob Elordi, Will Poulter, Sasha Calle, and Diego Calva.

"It's not hard to make chemistry with Jacob because he's just so charismatic," Daisy said during a Q&A, via People, adding that the script "felt almost like reading poetry and so much of what happens is in the subtext."

"This movie is just about love,” Calle added. “It’s important to just feel that — whoever that might be, where that takes you. It’s important to feel that and to feel safe in it.”

Has On Swift Horses been released?

On Swift Horses Release Date

On Swift Horses premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, and is currently looking for a distributor. Check back here for news on its release date!

Watch The Teaser Trailer For 'On Swift Horses'

As charming as Julius appears in the teaser trailer, his brother Lee tells Muriel they live differently than he does. "He's just not like us," he says before a scene cuts to Muriel exploring her own "passions." Based on this, On Swift Horses appears to blur the lines of love, lust, secrets, and recognizing one's identity.