Martha Stewart may be a domestic goddess, but her closet wasn’t always perfect.
Just a few years ago, the 76-year-old lifestyle guru had to get ready in multiple rooms at her home in Bedford, New York, because there wasn’t an area large enough to hold her entire wardrobe.
Never one to settle for mediocrity in any aspect of her life, Martha turned an unused bedroom into an incredible walk-in closet, unveiling the end result in the latest issue of Martha Stewart Living.
Perfectly organized! Martha Stewart has opened the doors of her immaculate walk-in closet after turning a small bedroom in her Bedford, New York, home into a wardrobe space
Works of art: The 76-year-old has her extensive collection of designer shoes — ranging from Manolo Blahnik heels to Valentino mules — displayed on open shelves
Pricey picks! When it comes to her favorite styles, Martha has several pairs in different colors, including $380 Céline espadrilles (bottom shelf) and $645 Manolo Blahnik slingbacks (third shelf from the bottom)
Although Martha had an idea of how she wanted the space to turn out, she enlisted some outside help before embarking on the renovation project.
The television star worked with consultant Chris Reynolds of California Closets to help create a space that is functional yet a natural extension of her home.
While pricing for California Closet systems vary, typical installations cost between $1,500 and $5,000. However, it is probably safe to say that Martha went all out when designing her custom closet.
To keep from having any of the room’s original moldings removed, Martha opted for the company’s classic cabinetry in the custom shade of light gray, known as ‘Cashmere.’
Amazing: Martha’s clothes are arranged by item and color, ranging from light to dark. Each piece is hung from a specific wooden hanger, which matches the finish of her floors
Added touch: Martha placed a two-sided bureau topped with marble carved by a local stonecutter in the center of the room. The marble is similar to the kind on her kitchen counter
Blueprint: Martha worked with a design consultant from California Closets to create the walk-in closet of her dreams
Dimmable remote-controlled LED lights were installed in all of the cabinets, meaning Martha will never be left in the dark while looking for something in her wardrobe.
In the center of the room, Martha placed a two-sided bureau that features brass knobs and is topped with marble carved by a local stonecutter.
Spring issue: Martha unveiled her new closet in the latest issue of her magazine
The personal touches were inspired by other areas in her home, as the marble is similar to the kind on her kitchen counter and the knobs by E. R. Butler & Co. are the same ones she has throughout her house.
When it comes to organization, Martha is in a league of her own. Her clothes are arranged by item and color, ranging from light to dark. Each piece is hung from a specific wooden hanger, which matches the finish of her floors.
She had valet bars installed to keep her outfits organized for TV appearances, trips, and events, and she uses laminated hanger tags for care and laundry reminders.
Martha displays her designer shoe collection on open shelves arranged by style, but there are quite a few repeats. When she finds shoes that she loves, she buys them in multiple colors.
The shelves are filled with shoes by Manolo Blahnik, including five pairs of the designer’s slingbacks that retail for about $645 each, depending on the style.
Attention to detail: Martha’s dressers feature brass knobs by E. R. Butler & Co. — the same knobs used in other rooms in her home. She keeps her perfume on a silver tray
Perfectly displayed: Each one of Martha’s drawers hold specific items that are stored slightly staggered, so she can see each piece
Neat as can be: Martha’s jewelry is stored on velvet-lined trays inside her dresser drawers
Thinking of everything: Martha had solar shades installed to keep UV rays from fading any pieces in her wardrobe
She has a $645 pair of the label’s Carolyne mules in yellow, as well as a pair of snakeskin heels by the designer that retail for $795.
Martha’s black and white Manolo Blahnik heels cost about $795 dollars, while her black pumps retail for approximately $695.
Meanwhile, her cage boots by the designer appear to be one of her most expensive pairs of shoes at $1,245.
Although she clearly favors Manolo Blahnik, Martha’s collection includes gold Giuseppe Zanotti heels featuring ankle straps and peep toes. The flashy heels are sold out, but similar styles retail for $795.
Out and about: The domestic goddess celebrated her new book Martha’s Flowers at a book launch luncheon in New York City on Thursday
Here’s how you do it! Earlier this week, Martha taught Stephen Colbert how to arrange flowers on The Late Show
Style star: Martha was all smiles as she headed to the taping of the late night show on Monday in a puffy white jacket and platform peep toe mules
Martha is also a fan of Céline’s $380 leather espadrille booties, which she has in she has cognac, brown, black, and snakeskin.
Like her shoes, her frequently used handbags are stored on a top shelf for easy access, while the rest are placed in cabinets located below the room’s window seats.
The cookbook author keeps her sweaters (color-coordinated of course) in a tall cabinet featuring glass panels that were made to match the windows in her home.
Whether it be gloves or scarves, each one of Martha’s drawers hold specific items that are stored slightly staggered, so she can see each piece. Even her socks are carefully folded and grouped by color.
Meanwhile, delicate items are wrapped in acid-free tissue paper, and jewelry is stored on velvet-lined trays.
To help her housekeepers maintain her system, she has small printed labels on each of the drawers to eliminate confusion.
Thinking of pretty much everything, Martha even has solar shades to keep UV rays from fading any pieces in her wardrobe.