Visual Organizing 101

Seriously.. Life Changers

Maybe it's due to my creative nature or my exposure to top-tier designers, editors, and stylists over the years, but I love visuals and looking at things in a certain way.

I have this friend, Rose Cali, who's been like a life teacher to me—I've learned so much from her. When Rose downsized her house, she let go of some seriously fancy crystal and silver she no longer needed. I was the lucky recipients of some of these beautiful pieces. Now, most of the collection is at my hotel, The George in Montclair, where it's used for teas and special events. The rest is at my house, and I love finding different ways to use them. As I sit at my desk, I'm looking at this gorgeous silver toast holder, which I imagine once held perfectly browned toast. I've repurposed it to hold invitations and envelopes— so organized and so chic.

In my bathroom, I've placed the crystal salt and pepper holders that Rose once used for entertaining. They sit on a beautiful tray, now repurposed to hold my vitamins and medicines that I take each morning. I typically set out what I need the night before, so when I brush my teeth, I can easily take them. When I see an empty container, I know I’ve taken my medicine for the day. I find this system works better for me than a little plastic organizer.

I love modern, sleek styles, especially when mixed with vintage pieces. I've found a brand that has a lot of pieces I really like. In my bathroom, my toothbrush and toothpaste are neatly placed in a Yamazaki, holder on an ivory tray—I just love the way it looks. I organize all of my oral care products on one side of the bathroom and keep vitamins and skincare on the other.

Finding the right laundry baskets has always been challenging. I could never find one that maintained its appearance as the laundry began to pile up. Previously, I only used wicker baskets, but since refining my style, I am happy with the laundry baskets I bought from Uashmama. I chose a grey one for my husband, a bone-colored one for myself, and a rose-colored one for my granddaughter’s room. Since I don’t enjoy having piles of magazines or spreading them out like a fan, I also use the brand's square baskets to organize them.

Another basket company I found and love is Chairish, which makes baskets in Africa. Buying these baskets helps support local communities, and also offer a stylish upgrade. I bought some white ones for my beach house to store all the shoes. I also have tan ones with handles where I keep towels and blankets. I just love the way they look.

Shout out to designer Michael Addis, who taught me to organize often-used items on a beautiful tray—it makes any space look calmer and neater.