That’s exactly what one of our clients in Staten Island, NY, thought every time she climbed up those attic stairs. The space was dark, cramped, and chaotic. Every visit felt like a chore. She spent her time searching for stored items in cluttered corners. (And leaving with more frustration than when she entered!)

But here’s the thing: attics don’t have to be burden zones. They can be transformed into spaces that serve you beautifully. And that’s exactly what we set out to prove.

In this blog post, we’ll share the beautiful transformation we did for our client, making her cluttered attic a dream-worthy walk-in closet! Keep reading for all our design secrets, plus what our client thought about the entire process and results.

The Challenge: Sloped Ceilings, Limited Light, and No Real Flow

When our client reached out to us at CRAFT by Anika, she described her attic as overwhelming. It was the kind of space that drained her energy just by looking at it. She had limited storage downstairs, so eventually had to force herself upstairs. But it was a dreaded trip every single time.

“I was a little worried having never worked with a designer or someone taking over”, our client shared. “I wasn’t sure how involved I would have to be. I was also concerned about the challenges my space had: very tight, dark, and cramped. It was hard to envision how it would turn out.”

Her concerns were valid. The attic had:

• Sloped ceilings that made standing and designing difficult
• Poor lighting, leaving the space gloomy
• Random storage pieces with no cohesion
• Zero flow

It was time for a rethink.

The Vision: Designing with Functionality and Feeling in Mind

At CRAFT by Anika, we believe your home should make your life easier. That’s why our approach goes beyond aesthetics. We listen, plan with purpose, and design spaces that feel like they were always meant to be.

For this attic, we focused on:

Semi-Custom Cabinetry

Attics are notorious for tricky angles and low ceilings. But instead of fighting the architecture, we worked with it. We designed semi-custom cabinetry tailored to the unique dimensions of our client’s attic. This helped make sure every inch of space was used purposefully. No awkward gaps, no wasted potential; just seamless cabinetry that looks like it was always meant to be there.

Floating Shelves

For this project, we were looking for a stylish and functional way to use the sloped walls. And floating shelves were the solution. They provided easy-to-reach storage for books, baskets, decor, and framed art while keeping the floor area open and uncluttered.
If you’re looking for heavy-duty real wood shelves, we recommend J Thomas Home for their beautiful options. Their shelves are made to order with a wide selection of wood types and finishes, making them an excellent choice if you’re looking to add strong, timeless shelving to your own home.

Hidden Storage Solutions

One of our client’s biggest struggles was visible clutter. We resolved this by incorporating hidden storage solutions throughout the attic. From built-in drawers tucked under eaves to concealed compartments within cabinetry, these smart storage ideas keep items out of sight but always within reach.

Warm Lighting Fixtures

Lighting can make or break a room, especially in an attic where natural light is limited. For this project, we replaced the dated fixtures with the stunning Sculptural Glass 3-Light Chandelier from West Elm, which instantly elevated the space with its modern elegance. We paired it with the matching Sculptural Glass Flush Mount to ensure cohesive lighting throughout the attic.

These fixtures not only illuminated the space beautifully but also created a boutique-like atmosphere. Soft, diffused light now reflects off the white cabinetry and hardwood floors, making the attic feel bigger, brighter, and more inviting.

Defined Zones

Organization thrives on clarity. We designed the attic with clear, intentional zones for clothing, shoes, linens, and decor. Shoe racks line one wall for easy access; a dedicated hanging area keeps coats and dresses wrinkle-free; and central drawers store folded items neatly. With our interior design services, paired with our organizational services as an add-on, every piece now has a home, making it effortless for our client to find what she needs without the daily rummage.

The Reveal: A Walk-In Closet That Just Makes Sense

Stepping into this attic now feels like walking into a boutique. The space is calm, organized, and beautiful.

Here’s what we created:

• A central drawer island with elegant brass handles (perfect for folded clothes, accessories, and linens)
• Closet nook with hanging space for coats, jackets, and long dresses
• Shoe gallery shelves
• Reading and decor area with floating shelves and rattan baskets for storage
• Warm chandelier and flush mount lighting to brighten the sloped ceiling
• Design cohesion; every drawer, handle, shelf, and light fixture was selected to complement each other seamlessly

Our Client’s Experience: In Her Own Words

When we asked our client about her experience, we were delighted with her words.

“I am thrilled with Anika. It’s been a dream to work with them. Everything from the planning to the final finishing touches, they took everything out of my hands. They took away all the worry and coordination, from ordering to planning to designing. I couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out from start to finish”.

When asked how the process felt compared to the outcome, she admitted there were nerves at first:

“Once I let go and let them run with it, I couldn’t have been happier. Not having to be involved in every little detail… but with my input, of course. They always informed me of any change in plans. The attention to detail was something I couldn’t do myself”.

And her favorite part?

“If you’ve seen the before and after, you’ll know how relieved and happy I am with how the space looks. Before, I never wanted to come up here. Now I don’t dread walking up those stairs. I know where everything is. It looks so pleasant and pretty. My entire life is better because of this! It takes the stress out of ‘Where did I put something?’ or ‘Where am I gonna hang this?’ It’s an incredible transformation”.

More Than a Pretty Space…

This project was about reclaiming a neglected attic and turning it into a walk-in closet that supports our client’s lifestyle. From clutter and chaos to clarity and calm, the difference is night and day.

Because at the end of the day, your home isn’t just a place to live. It’s where you organize, recharge, and feel like yourself.

Final Words

If you have an attic that feels more like wasted square footage than a bonus room, let’s chat. At CRAFT by Anika, we turn challenging spaces into dream-worthy realities. Just like this Staten Island attic walk-in closet.

Your home should work for you. Let’s make it happen with some smart home organization tips!

The post From a Cluttered Attic to Dream-Worthy Walk-In Closet: CRAFT By Anika’s Recent Transformation appeared first on CRAFT By Anika.

That’s what our blog post is dedicated to today. At CRAFT By Anika, we’re all about making the most of every square foot in interior design, something we love to do as a part of our organizational services. In fact, we recently had the opportunity to contribute to Redfin’s Jewelry Organization Guide, where we shared one of our favorite apartment-friendly storage tips: an over-the-door mirrored jewelry organizer. Let’s dive into the details!

Over-the-Door Mirror and Jewelry Organizer

An over-the-door mirrored jewelry organizer gives you full length functionality with hidden storage. It keeps earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets organized and easily accessible, all while saving shelf or counter space. One of our go-to options is the Container Store Overdoor Mirrored Jewelry Organizer, which includes a velvet-lined interior, removable trays, and ample compartments.

A Swivel Ring Hanger for Belts and Scarves

We love recommending swivel ring hangers to clients who have minimal closet space. Not only do they eliminate visual clutter, but they also make everyday accessories like belts, scarves, hats, and handbags feel accessible and organized without installing anything permanent. They rotate 360 degrees and easily hook onto standard closet rods. No tools or hardware needed! One swivel hanger we swear by is the Rolly Hanger Multipurpose Closet Hanger, available on Amazon.

Underbed Multifunctional Storage

For seasonal or less-used accessories, look under the bed. We mean, underbed storage with wheels. It keeps items out of sight while still accessible, making the most of tight bedroom storage. We love the Eastherry Under Bed Storage with Wheels, which features a sturdy metal frame, a visible PVC cover, and a generous 54L capacity. It is foldable when not in use.

Over-the-Toilet Storage Cabinet

If there’s one room that’s always compact in apartments, it’s the bathroom. That’s where we recommend looking towards vertical space. This gives you room to store extra towels, toiletries, or cleaning supplies without taking up floor space. The Enhet Storage Combination offers open and closed storage, all while taking up little floor space.

Modular Sectionals

If you have moved into a small apartment, you may shift to a new place a few years down the line. One good investment in such a scenario is a modular sectional. You can use a compact part of it that fits your living room now. When you move into a bigger space, the sectional can grow with you (and your evolving family needs). For example, you buy the Burrow Range 3-Piece One Arm Sofa for your small space. Then, when you need some more room (say, to rest your legs), you can add on the ottoman. And if you’ve got a wider space, you can also attach the sleek table.

Hidden Storage in the Living Room

A storage pouf offers a practical way to keep items hidden but close to reach in the living room. You can keep in your shoes, seasonal items, and even some board games. Placing it next to your sofa can allow it to double as seating. You can also use the pouf as a spot to rest your feet. The best part about such a piece is that you can move it around. Keep it at the end of your bed and allow it to double as a nightstand. Place it in the entryway and top with a potted plant for a welcoming first impression. It’s got plenty of uses! 

We love the JÄRRESTAD pouf at IKEA for its gorgeous deep blue color (and practicality, of course). If you have some extra room, you can go for a slighter bigger ottoman, like the Mod Storage Bench at West Elm. This comes in 2 different sizes and 34 color and fabric options.

Wall-Mounted Fold Down Desk

Lack of space in apartments can mean you don’t find a spot for your desk, let alone a full-fledged home office. If you work from home and need your own nook, consider a wall-mounted fold down desk. It folds away when not in use, freeing up space. Some versions also include shelves or corkboards. We recommend the Friday Clamshell 36 Desk, which includes a fully adjustable monitor arm suitable for up to a 27-inch monitor, integrated dimmable lighting, and built-in USB-A and USB-C charging ports. It also has an inner cable management system, so you don’t have any visual clutter (which we definitely don’t want in a small space).

 For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Tangkula Foldable Wall Mounted Desk. This folds into a cabinet when not in use, freeing up floor space.

Final Words

Organizing a small space like an apartment demands some serious creativity! If you’re looking for expert help in organizing your home as well as space-saving tips tailored to your unique space, let’s have a chat and discuss the possibilities.

The post Smart Home Organization and Space-Saving Tips for Apartment Living appeared first on CRAFT By Anika.

How do you declutter/free up your space? We’ll help you find a way, or 2 or 3!

To combat this and lower our negative impact on the environment, let’s think of the phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Our homes are filled to the brim with tons of antiques, collectables, and items waiting to be refurbished by someone else. So let’s get into ways we can declutter while being sustainable and making a quick buck!

Turning Your Home Into a Shop – In-Person

Get Rid of Goods with Garage Sales

Picture this: folding tables lined up on your lawn with boxes of old toys and piles of jeans that don’t fit. Perhaps a family member is walking all around the neighborhood ringing doorbells, begging for a few folks to visit you before the seasonal storms set in and wash away the handwritten signs you’ve taped to telephone poles. That’s what a garage sale is all about. 

In one or two weekends between late April and early summer, you can set up your very own garage sale, just like Andy’s family in Toy Story. If the more traditional nagging —I mean, word of mouth— doesn’t work, Craigslist and Facebook groups are great places to advertise, even better, you can sell there too! 

If you can get enough people, this is perhaps one of the easier (fee free!) ways you can get rid of your belongings or in other words DECLUTTER. The only catch? Prices must remain low. Most folks go to a garage sale with the intention of buying items under $10. If you’re looking to sell more pricer items, like vintage bags and shoes, the estate sale may be for you.

The Internet Is Your Friend – Go Online to Declutter

eBay, established in 1995, was one of the first e-commerce sites that allowed people to list items they no longer wanted and sell them to people all over the world. We’ve come a long way since then, dozens of apps with niche purposes and gimmicks to help you sell all kinds of things. Today we’ll be discussing the perks of just three: the aforementioned eBay, Depop, and Mercari.

Get your Clean Up and Clean Out with eBay

As aforementioned, eBay was one of the first resale sites out there and continues to be beloved some 30 years later. Of all the options on this list, eBay will prove time and time again to be the most diverse, from toys and collectables (see: partnerships with multimillion dollar companies like Funko), to jets and cars and accessible with a user base found in 200 countries all over the world. 

One of the most unique features of eBay is the ability to host auctions for your items. Users can place bids and go back and forth with others until the time you’ve set is up. Though, there is also an insta-buy and offer option, which is a simpler process and offered on both Depop and Mercari, which we will get into next.

Additional Notes:

• eBay takes care of shipping prices/labels for you. They even go as far as to “manage overseas shipping, customs, returns or refunds [and t]here’s also no international selling fee when you use eBay International Shipping.” (Source). 
• Payout options may be either daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. For the weekly and longer options, payouts occur on Tuesdays and can be requested “on demand” at any time. Funds will typically be processed a few days after a buyer’s order is confirmed.
• Ratings are not required but always suggested and welcomed. Sellers also have star rating badges based on how many reviews they’ve received.
• eBay is a worldwide company, meaning you can buy and ship from hundreds of countries. Buyers and sellers may be from all over the world and you’ll come across many different currencies.
• Desktop and mobile versions are available, desktop is more easily navigated.
• Fees on eBay vary greatly depending on the category, ads, list boosting, and more. To find out how much eBay takes from you, consult the hyperlink.

Disencumber with Depop

Depop is home to millions of users looking to buy and sell used clothing and accessories in hopes of being more sustainable and declutter at the same time. It is to be noted that while you can sell items that aren’t clothing and accessories, that is not its purpose and said items may not sell as well. 

Hot items on Depop include obsolete brands, vintage, and designer. Depending on the brand and rarity, items can be snapped up in hours. This doesn’t mean you can’t sell fast fashion or handmade items, but these are likely to remain on the market for weeks or even months at a time. The quickest way to sell said items would be to price them quite low. From personal experience, the hot spot for fast fashion (such as items from Zara, H&M, and Forever 21) is $5-$15. It varies plenty for handmade items, but the hot spot for those is often $15-$40. 

Additional Notes:

• Depop takes care of shipping prices/labels for you.
• Your earnings payout will be initiated to your linked bank account 2 days after the item is marked as delivered.
• Ratings are not required, but always suggested and welcomed.
• Depop is a worldwide company, meaning you can buy and ship from dozens of countries. The majority of sellers are in the US but you will also find a number of sellers from the UK, EU, and Australia.
• Desktop and mobile versions are available, mobile is more user friendly.
• Listing is free.
• The selling fee is a flat 10% with an additional service fee from either Depop Payments (2.9% + £/€0.30) or Paypal (3.49% + $0.49.)
• Boosted listings, listings pushed, or boosted, in the search results are available. The only downside to this is that you will be charged an additional 8% if you sell through one of these listings.

Make Alterations with Mercari

Mercari, like Depop, is home to millions of users. 350k+ items are listed every single day, in any niche you can think of. With a fine filtration system, Mercari makes it easy for you to categorize your items and find your target audience. If you want to declutter on your own time and as much as you’d like. This is a great option!

Some of the hottest items on Mercari are women’s wear, baby items, and electronics. From personal experience, rare collectables —specifically CDs, vinyl, and music-related merchandise— sell quite fast. Please note that highly saturated markets, such as the infamous Funko Pop! may take longer to sell unless you put up a competitive price. 

One thing that makes Mercari special is their option for local delivery. This allows you to safely “ship” large items to people in your area. For a low price of $15.99, you can ship any item under 50 pounds and smaller than a microwave and $199 for up to three items larger than the aforementioned (such as a table and 2 chairs).

Additional Notes:

• Mercari takes care of shipping prices/labels for you and offers an average 39% discount from retail. 
• To access your earnings you must be rated by, and personally rate, the buyer. Once done, your earnings will go into your “balance”. From there you can use it to spend on the app or transfer to your linked bank account. Please note that if a buyer doesn’t rate you in 3 days, Mercari will do so automatically and you’ll still receive your money.
•  Buyer and seller protection is great and issues are often dealt with quickly and efficiently.
• Mercari is based in the continental United States and while there is a Mercari Japan, you cannot access it without a third party.
• Desktop and mobile versions are available and both are quite user friendly.
• Listing is free
• As of March 27th, all new listings on Mercari have a 0% selling fee! 
• Mercari also has a boosting option, but it’s free. To boost, you simply drop the price of your item, offering those who see it a deal. You can either boost this offer in the search (to anyone) or to those who have liked your listing. Mercari makes no additional earnings if you make a sale from the boosted post.

Tips and Tricks for Online Selling

Read on for more useful tips and tricks:

• Users on Depop and Mercari will often create “ISO” (in search of) posts to let other users know of hot items they desire. Many users will spend hundreds of dollars on items on these ISO lists. Looking through the ISOs in your niche will help you decide if an item you’re looking to sell even has a market.
• Search the item you’re looking to sell (or similar) and see what it’s previously sold for. This is the quickest, and easiest, way to gauge the value of your item.
• Try to put up a competitive price. If you see items like yours listed for $100, list yours for $90 or offer perks such as free shipping. Remember, you’re trying to declutter here.
• Take good photos! Poorly lit and staged photos will not get likes or offers. Make sure you show every angle and flaw of the item, even if you think it’ll harm your sales. Honesty is better than a disappointed buyer and a poor rating (or refund request!).
• On a similar note, be open to offers and holds. Buyers will be more inclined to purchase your items if you offer them a good deal or work with their schedules. 
• The way you ship your items is super important! A well packaged item will lead to high reviews and thus, buyers will be more likely to trust you. In addition to this, adding thank you notes and freebies (such as stickers) adds a personal touch and can compensate for your faults (such as delayed shipping). You want to declutter, YES, but take the time to do it right.
• Different apps are for different things. While we may have only spoken on only three e-commerce apps/websites, there are plenty out there that may be better for your niche. For example, the new and trendy Whatnot has become popular with collectors who’ll showcase their items in live streams. Users can not only see the item at all angles, but ask questions and bid for items right then and there.

The Best of Both Worlds – Hybrid In-Person and Online

Rearrange with Estate Sales and Auctions

Estate sales and auctions are two solid ways one can get rid of high-value or bulk items. This is the ultimate declutter! Most of the time, these items once belonged to someone who’s passed, or folks looking to downsize when moving. For example, a foreign china collection. This is typically something one may not wish to sell at a garage sale, as the crowd expects a certain price range. They likely may not know its worth or how to care for the items as well.

Traditionally, estate sales and auctions are held within the home. And while it may be easier to sell pricier items, it can be an invasion of your privacy. You may consider hosting sales for select rooms only if not moving. For example, if you’re a bit of an art supplies or materials hoarder, you may do a sale within your studio.

If that still doesn’t sound like it would work for you, don’t worry. Websites such as AuctionNinja and Black Rock Galleries allow for you to advertise your estate sales and auctions, but host them virtually. You can still have a huge declutter AND host it online. Similar to websites such as eBay, you may list all of the items you intend to sell for buy-now prices. You can also allow people to engage in a competitive bidding process. Once a sale is made, you may set up a date and time for the buyer to pick up their winnings, or ship it to them. Of all the options here, estate sales and auctions through the aforementioned websites, may provide you with the most customizable selling and declutter experience.

A Quick and Charitable Solution – Donation

Selling takes a lot of time and energy, and sometimes we just want to get rid of things. All we keep thinking is declutter, declutter, declutter! Whether it be hosting a garage or estate sale, or listing and shipping items, it’s no easy feat. It’s hard to commit to making a profit when so much work is required. It can feel overwhelming, especially if those items aren’t worth anything of significant value. So we have a third preposition for you: donations.

With all of your excess, you can help people that are in need. It doesn’t quite matter what it is either. If it’s in good condition and clean, charities and resale parties will take them. Because we are a NYC/NJ based company, options will be limited to our area, but many of these options can be applied to your own areas with a little bit of research.

Transform with Thrift Stores

Chain thrifts are flooded with items they have no idea what to do with, and aren’t always helping the communities that need it the most. The best way for you to help, is to look into local thrifts that have high rotation or a dedicated purpose. For example, Vintage Thrift in Brooklyn, donates proceeds to the United Jewish Council of the East Side. They take just about everything including but not limited to: clothing, jewelry, houseware and collectables. See the full list here. Some additional thrift shops you may give a chance include L Train Vintage and Dream Finds Thrift Shop, which are also in Brooklyn. Every Thing Goes is in Staten Island.

Change for Charities

Thrifts aren’t the only place you can donate your items to. An organization we personally donate to is the Vietnam Veterans of America. If you gather up your clean clothing and household items, they will even come to your home and pick them up for you! How convenient!

Final Words

Decluttering is a long and painstaking process, but as you now see, there are many ways to declutter your home with no waste. We at Craft by Anika wish you the best of luck with your seasonal decluttering and refresh.

INNOVATE. TRANSFORM. EXPERIENCE.

Feel free to reach out to us at your convenience if you need assistance.

Let’s work together to transform your living space into a place of serenity and order.

Contact Us

The post A Good Declutter! Spring Ahead: Solutions For Clutter Management. appeared first on CRAFT By Anika.

Traditional treatments for this disorder are medication and light therapy. But what if we tell you your home can be a powerful tool in combating SAD symptoms, too? By using the right interior decorating and home organization techniques, you can create a space that uplifts your mood—and fights those seasonal blues. 

In this blog post, we dive into the most effective of these techniques to help you get started. So, let’s dive in!

Embrace Natural Light

One of the main reasons for SAD is a lack of sunlight (especially during winter); less sunlight exposure can cause your brain to produce too much melatonin (the sleep hormone) and less serotonin (the feel-good brain chemical). This, in turn, impacts our body’s internal clock. According to Tom Nolan, the first step is switching heavy curtains with light draperies—that allow plenty of sunshine to enter. Strategically placing a mirror near the window will help reflect this light throughout the room.

Light Up Evenings

Winter blues hit the most when the sun goes down and the darkness of the night sets in. Be sure to tackle these hours by layering artificial lighting in your space. For a cozy ambiance, consider string lights and dimmable lamps that can be adjusted as needed. Opt for warm white bulbs that mimic natural light—and create a cozy ambiance, even during the dark hours.

Leverage Color Psychology

Color psychology suggests that different colors make us feel certain ways. Soft green is a famous pick in this regard; it can reduce heart rate and contribute to creative thinking. To achieve the purpose, a general guideline is: swap out cool tones for warm—and inviting—colors like sunshine yellow and tangerine orange. We love coral pink, too! These hues evoke feelings of cheerfulness and optimism (and mimic the sun’s warmth).

Create Cozy Comfort Zones

Inviting spaces that encourage relaxation can help you improve your mood—and beat the winter blues. Arrange seating areas that invite you to relax and fill up your space with cozy textures. We love plenty of throw pillows and a chunky blanket in our cozy zones. What’s your vision for the perfect cozy corner? Let us know in the comments section below!

Introduce Nature

“Biophilic design is all about human connection to nature through architecture”, says interior designer Ariana Lovato. This connection to nature is often what we’re deprived of when dealing with SAD, so be sure to factor natural elements into your interior decorating techniques. Incorporate houseplants (here are some easy-to-care varieties) and consider using natural materials, such as rattan and jute. A sculpted wooden table and forest-print wallpaper are other unique ways to introduce nature to your interior.

Declutter and Organize

Here comes our favorite part: organizing! (Really, we even provide some of the best organization services in town). Interior design pros swear by decluttering, as Susanna Salk says, “Make sure that every single thing in every single room is only what you love or only what you need”. This is especially helpful for SAD, as it allows you to take control of your environment and create a more relaxing environment for better mood and focus. Declutter your space to keep only the essentials, followed by thoroughly organizing items. You can do this by finding a home for everything. Create an organized display for items you frequently use, and tuck away the less frequently used ones in storage bins and hidden compartments. 

Utilize Aromatherapy

Interior design that pleases the eye? OK. Interiors that go beyond and appeal to the sense of smell? Perfect! Scented candles and essential oil diffusers can help create a warm ambiance in your home. Relieve SAD symptoms with the scent of lavender (which helps with relaxation and sleep) and sandalwood (for anxiety).

Final Words

Decorating and organizing your home can help combat SAD symptoms for yourself. If someone you know is struggling with the disorder, be sure to be there for them. Check on them regularly, meet up for coffee chats, and stroll together under the sun. If needed, you can also help them find the right professional support.

Looking for the best interior decorators in and around NYC? Whether you’re looking for modern coastal interior design or luxury home interior design, we’ve got your back. Get in touch with our team at Craft by Anika today (P.S. We offer virtual home styling, too!)

Phone – 347-941-1234

Email – info@craftbyanika.com

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