Thanks so much to Lisa Adams, owner and founder of L.A. Closet Design for sharing her expertise with us today! Take it away, Lisa!

Summer Stress Saver: 5 Tips for Making Your Closet Summer-Ready and Organized

Summer is time for relaxation. Lazy afternoons basking in the sun, spontaneous voyages to the beach, pina coladas at arm’s reach. Summer means many wonderful and adventurous things. One thing the spontaneity of summer shouldn’t include? Navigating the tangled jungle of your closet. Here are a few tips for making sure your closet jives with the serenity of the season.

1. Start with a clean slate.
It’s July now. If there are still remnants of wool, fur, or fleece in the main parts of your closet, something is wrong. Take the time to divide and prioritize your closet space, making sure that your cold-weather adornments are neatly packed away in the less accessible parts of your closet or in another storage place in your living space. Same goes for your trusty boots and Uggs. Let them have a break and give your gladiator sandals and Rainbows a bit of air and wiggle room.

2. Banish the hoarder in you.
You know that voice in the back of your head that whispers: “Well, give it some time, maybe you’ll wear it soon…” “I mean, you do plan to diet next week…” “But maybe it’ll come back in style…” This voice may masquerade as a friend, but alas, she is not. In order to add a healthy dose of pragmatism to your wardrobe, mark how often you wear each article of clothing by the hanger positioning. Start with all hangers facing the same way, then turn the hanger around each time you wear something. When summer draws to a close, the articles that are still hung in the original position should probably be tossed. It may hurt at first, but it’ll get easier. I promise.

3. Be ready to roll.
Summer usually brings about certain activities or excursions. Days at the beach, trips to the lake, or timely weekend trips are all things that might manifest themselves during the dog days of mid-year. What will prevent your closet from meandering into mayhem as you frantically try to pack or leave for a day out is to have a small part of your closet devoted to the summer activity of your choosing. For instance, if you love to go to the beach, have your beach tote ready, stocked with bathing suit, cover up, sunscreen, hat, and your other must-have summer wears. Not only will this prevent the tornado of time shortage and stress from waging war on your closet, but it will also ensure that you don’t forget a crucial item.

4. Have it in the bag.
Summer calls for the transition from structured, heavy bags to lightweight totes and slouchy hobo cross-shoulders. Keep your fall and winter purses intact by stuffing them with bubble wrap or tissue to keep their shape, then stash them with the rest of your winter goods. Ideally, it’s best to have a couple hooks devoted to your bags so that you can efficiently and easily switch from day to day or make the seamless transition from day casual to nighttime chic. If you stick with this organizational tactic, you’ll never again be throwing the contents of your closet or room every which way in search of that one bag that perfectly complements your seasonal duds.

5. Be Future-focused.
Divide your closet into 3 sections: spring-to-summer choices, solely summer apparel, and summer-to-fall transitions. That way, when the warm breeze starts carrying a chill, you only have to take out the preceding section of your closet, then moving those seasonal clothes into storage and trading out your winter wear that has been hibernating the past few months. The summer-to-fall part of your closet will be ready as the appetizer to the main course of hearty sweaters and coats that accompany the chill of the winter months. Planning for seasons—and the transitional times in between—will ensure that you always keep one step ahead of the weather.

Just five simple rules. Abide by them, and you will not only find yourself more organized, but also more free to enjoy the relaxing respite of the season. After all, summer should de-clutter your mind and de-stress your lifestyle…why not do the same for your closet?

Today we’re sitting down with John Eric Byers, the furniture designer behind Jeb Jones. Jeb Jones is an environmentally conscious company that creates furniture distinguished by simple geometric forms, traditional construction methods, hand-tooled surfaces and hand finishing. Based in upstate New York, the designs are influenced by the four seasons and the surrounding countryside. Without further ado, meet John!
Jeb Jones Spools (Short)

What was the first piece of furniture you ever made?

I made a ladder back chair in high school shop. Gave it to my Mom of course.

What has your career path been; what led you into designing furniture?

I always had a desire to work with my hands and with wood. When I discovered the furniture of Wendell Castle I was hooked. I was very fortunate that he had a small school of which I attended for 2 years and then went out on my own.

Jeb Jones Stacking Drawers Dresser

What is your philosophy when approaching the design of a new piece?

Excitement and anxiousness.. I get this kind of  buzz.

What inspires you? What do you do to overcome a creative block?

Honestly, I have never had a creative block. But the best cure to indecision is to stay disciplined and make a decision and hope for the best.

Jeb Jones Wood Ball

Please tell us a bit about the sustainable aspects of your practice and products.

At the onset  I wanted JEB JONES to represent sustainability and enduring quality. We use only FSC select hardwoods and VOC-free environmentally safe opaque and clear coat finishes. Our costs are higher but I refuse to cheap out on the environment . When you purchase one of our pieces, you can feel proud that you are doing right by your planet. And you can feel that way for a lifetime because our pieces will last a lifetime and our warranty supports that.

Can you tell us a quick story about three of your designs and how they came to be?

Most of my designs start as quick thumbnail doodles, I never do working drawings. I often have a few designs being made at the same time and then I begin to see variations on the pieces as they come to life.

Jeb Jones Open Form Bench/Table

The idea of emphasizing the interior space of the Open Form Tables led me to to extend that interior consideration and attention to detail to all the open pieces in the collection.

What’s your workspace like? How do your surroundings in upstate New York influence you work?

My private studio is short 30 foot  commute from my 1860s farm house which makes it easy to go to the studio every day.  I think the simplicity of my lifestyle in the country has contributed to the simplicity of my design forms . The four seasons certainly has influenced my color palette.

Thanks so much to John for sitting down with us today! Here are more of his designs.

If you liked 9xDesign, you’ll love Home by Novagratz. It premieres on HGTV tonight (10 p.m. here on the east coast; check your guide). If you’re chomping at the bit to see what this designing duo are up to, hgtv.com has provided 12 sneeky peaks at some of the designs. Here are my favorites:

all images property of hgtv.com

Arg, it is so hot I feel like I’m melting after one quick trip to the drycleaners or the P.O. Besides my blasting A/C that is working its tail off, I think the interior of my house needs a cool summer makeover. Flipping through the pics in our Flickr Fresh New Spaces Group I’m finding inspiration from clean white spaces. Check out a few  faves:

from Flickr member jinkazamah

from Flickr member afewthingsfrommylife

from Flickr member ivystyle

from Flickr member almostbunnies

from Flickr member ? stammerfotografia

From Flickr member irideeën

Thanks so much to everyone for sharing their photos in our group. Keep them coming!

Hey All! I’ve been so disorganized lately that I think I need to sign up for this course over at Simplify 101; it’s called It’s About Time and it’s all about making the most of your time and quitting the runaround. I took another class with Abby over at Simplify 101 before and it really helped me clean up and get more organized. However, it’s definitely time for a refresher. That, or watching a Hoarders marathon to scare me straight.

Are you diving into any organizing projects this summer? I used to use this time to put photos in albums, but now that everything is digital, I need a new system for putting books together. Do you have a favorite site for creating books from your photos? I love the books that I have Apple make from iPhoto, but they are WAY too expensive.