The best closets have more to offer than their contents. If you ask us, it's the structural decisions and smart organizational tricks that make a truly enviable dressing space. Here are 13 ideas to file away in your mental docket for your next wardrobe overhaul.

Above: Norwegian blogger Nina of Stylizimo used five bathroom towel rods to create an ingenious wall-mounted shoe rack in her closet. For an affordable rail, consider Ikea's steel Bygel Rail; $2.99.

Above: The Corner Hanging Rod from CB2 makes use of an awkward corner space; $39.95.

Above: Michelle McKenna of London's Space & Grace labels her children's chest of drawers with pictographs, so that her kids can get dressed themselves (and maybe even put away their clothes). Photograph by Emma Lee for Remodelista. See the whole house in The Power of Pastels: A London Townhouse Reimagined.

Above: London bespoke furniture specialists Barbara Genda created custom cabinetry in this attic closet, including a pull-down shelf for shoe storage.

Above: Constantly looking for your eyeglasses? Alaa Mendili installed a wall-mounted spec holder. For a similar design, see the Sunglasses Holder by High Tide Woodworks on Etsy; $31. Photograph by Michael A. Muller from Living in an Architectural Landmark, Seattle Edition.

Above: In the small but high-functioning New York City apartment of architects Rosa and Robert Garneau, a swinging towel bar from Häfele makes use of vertical space inside Rosa's closet. Photograph by Ian Allen for Dwell. In Architect Is In: A Tiny Work/Live Loft Made Large, Robert Garneau explains the rest of the apartment. 

Above: In the same house, a deep closet features a built-in shoe rack on the back of the door. Photograph by Ian Allen for Dwell.

Above: PR agency owner Silke Neaumann attaches photos of her shoes to their boxes, so she never has to search through the stacks. Photograph by Ailine Liefeld for Freunde von Freunden.

Above: Also from Rosa and Robert Garneau of Studio Garneau: a simple, streamlined closet with a mirror mounted inside each door. Photograph from The Architect Is In: A Tiny Live/Work Loft Made Large.

Above: In need of a custom-shaped clothing rod? A DIY version fashioned from black plumbing pipe does the trick in Steal This Look: A Well-Organized Closet on a Budget.

Above: Henrybuilt of Seattle designs custom closets and closet systems. Here, a laundry hamper is hidden in a double-height drawer, a setup similar to a pullout kitchen waste bin. For more ideas, see 5 Favorites: Closet Storage Systems.

Above: A nice extra: linen hanger covers (see more in DIY: Rustic Linen Hanger Covers at Arts & Science in Paris).

Above: A Barbara Genda pullout rack system slotted under an eave provides extra shoe storage.

For more on closet organization, see Architects' 10 Favorite Closet Picks and Remodeling Project: The Storage Closet Reinvented.

Looking to clear up your kitchen counters? See 15 Life-Changing Storage Ideas for the Kitchen.

This post is an update. It originally ran on October 15, 2014, as part of our Genius Storage Solutions issue.

More Stories from Remodelista

• Steal This Look: A Well-Organized Closet on a Budget
• 11 Favorites: Display-Worthy Clothes Hangers
• Steal This Look: A Discreetly Luxe Bedroom Suite in London

A friend recently asked me for help finding an ironing board presentable enough to leave out in the open. While I did my research, he plunged ahead and bought a white plastic monstrosity with a hospital-blue polyester cover. After using it once and conceding defeat, he asked me again: Are there any decent ironing boards out there?

There are. Here are 10.

Above: This Fibertech Ironing Board by Household Essentials has a recycled fiberboard, a cotton cover, and a metal lock to keep the unit secure while standing or folded for storage; $49.99 on Amazon.

Above: This Wood Ironing Board with Cotton Cover is a study in neutral; made of solid wood, it has a padded surface and a heavy cotton cover. It's adjustable to four different heights and folds flat for storage; on sale for $69.99 (down from $99.99) at World Market. 

Above: West Elm's Bamboo Ironing Board has a bamboo frame and composite fiber top, plus six optional Ironing Board Covers in stripes and plaids; $79.95 at West Elm. 

Above: This Ironing Board from Rejuvenation has a metal iron rack on the end and a small wooden rack to hold folded items. It's height-adjustable, folds flat for storage, and is made of beechwood with a cream cotton cover; $99 at Rejuvenation.

Above: The Midcentury Ironing Board from West Elm is made of solid ash and folds away for easy storage. It's currently on sale for $99.99 (marked down from $199) at West Elm. 

Above: Williams-Sonoma's European Ironing Board is made in Italy of FSC-certified beech with a slotted ironing surface made of steam-resistant pine and a galvanized metal iron rack. It's adjustable to two heights; $129.95.

Above: The untreated ash Ironing Board Au Pair is made by Side by Side, a designer/manufacturer that pairs craftspeople with apprentices who have mental and physical disabilities in its workshops in Germany; €165 (about $180) from Connox. (The remote control holder pictured here is, unfortunately, not included.) 

Above: One of two metal boards we like, the Laurastar Plus Board is made in Switzerland of black aluminum and folds flat for storage; $253.54 at Wayfair. 

Above: Manufactured in Italy, the Aris804 Floor Standing Ironing Board is beech with a stainless steel iron shelf and wood shelf for clothes. When folded flat for storage, the unit glides on wheels. Available in cherry (shown here) and natural, it's $431.20 at Homeclick. 

Above: The Amleto Ironing Board is a functional collector's piece from Italy designed in 1992 by Design Group Italia and fabricated by modern furniture manufacturer Magis. It's made of anodized aluminum, steel, and rubber, and folds (very) flat for easy hanging storage. High design with a price to match, it's $684 at Hive Modern.

Take a look at more of our Domestic Science finds, including:

• Design Sleuth: Six Sources for Built-In Ironing Boards
• Steal This Look: The Clean White Laundry Room
• 5 Favorites: Wheeled Canvas Laundry Hampers
• Object Lessons: The Sheila Maid Clothes Airer
• 12 Natural Garment Washes and Detergents
• 7 Life-Changing Reasons to Dry Laundry Outdoors

More Stories from Remodelista

• Domestic Science: 10 Natural Cleaning Solutions for the Bathroom
• Closet Clean Out: The Only 10 Pieces of Clothing You Need
• Object Lessons: The Most Elegant Stacking Chair

For a New York couple—Phil, a screenwriter, and Jill, a writer/TV personality—who made the leap from Brooklyn to LA, Karen and Guy Vidal of Design Vidal carved out a master bath by stealing space from a former laundry room. They tricked out the room with hints of home—subway tile and steel casement-style shower included.

Photography by Marcia Prentice.

Above: The new bathroom is situated on the downstairs level of the couple's 1939 house in Silver Lake Hills: "They bought the place and immediately regretted it," says Karen. "It was poorly laid out and they thought they were going to have to put on an addition." Karen and Guy were able to rethink the setup: "We took over a laundry room, a small existing bathroom, and some unfinished space under the house, which gained us the footprint for the bath."

The bathroom has custom cabinetry, a Carrara marble counter from Giallo Stone, and Daltile Subway Tile. The faucets are Zen1 from Watermark, which, notes Karen, "designs and manufactures plumbing and light fixtures in Brooklyn." The globe lights are 20th C. Factory Filament Milk Glass Cafe Sconces from Restoration Hardware.

Above: "Phil and Jill both like a modern industrial look, and that was the direction for the master bath design," says Karen. "Since the house is from the thirties, we pulled in certain vintage elements to create a space that feels fresh but also part of the whole. They both really miss Brooklyn, so the white subway tile and steel casement-style shower enclosure are nods to that."

The shower doors were custom made to the Vidals' design by American Shower Door and take their cues from the house's existing steel windows. The bathroom's new windows are by All Weather. Alongside the bath—the Toulouse design from Victoria + Albert—a gray voile curtain from Les Indiennes hangs on a ceiling track from DK Drapery Hardwares.

Above: The floor is an epoxy resin that has the look of concrete—"again pulling in a grittier vibe to the space," says Karen, who explains: "Tile on the floor would have been too busy. Actual concrete would have required at least a four-inch thick pour and would have been way to heavy. The epoxy floor was a great solution, though it wasn’t the easiest process: It requires several coats and takes time to build up to the finish. Unlike concrete, it's water resistant, but it isn’t waterproof, meaning the shower still needed waterproofing under the epoxy, but the rest of the floor was installed over plywood—and it's worked out well." 

Above: Inset shelves provide streamlined display next to the sink.

Above: For more metal-and-glass shower enclosure ideas, see 10 Glamorous Baths: Metal Factory Window Edition and Factory Windows as Shower Enclosures. 

Above: The cabinet hardware is Restoration Hardware's Aubrey Pull and Aubrey Knob in an oil-rubbed bronze finish. The mirrors are stealth cabinets—they're Vintage Recessed Medicine Cabinets from Pottery Barn.

Before

Above: A glimpse of the laundry room that became the master bath. The door shown here was replaced with a glass design that's situated next to the tub. Go to Design Vidal to see more of Karen and Guy's work.

For more ideas, browse the hundreds of Bathrooms in the Remodelista gallery, including:

• DIY: A Spare Bedroom Turned Glam Master Bath
• Steal This Look: A Low-Key Luxe Bathroom in LA
• Before & After: The Two-Week Bathroom Remodel for Less Than $5,000
• 5 Favorites: Bathroom as Garden

More Stories from Remodelista

• Stealth Luxury: Organic Plant-Dyed Towels from Japan
• Remodeling 101: Towel Warmers
• Steal This Look: A Tiny Utilitarian Bathroom

Keeping things generally picked up and uncluttered doesn't have quite the same impact in the bathroom as it does in other living spaces. Bathrooms require real elbow grease. But the feeling of bleach against skin and the lingering scent of chemical cleansers is not a requisite for porcelain and tile sparkle.

We like mixing our own cleaning solutions, but when going the store-bought route, we turn to these natural cleaners. Paired with an arsenal of bristly brushes, they do the trick and leave behind a pleasingly subtle bouquet.

Above: The Laundress's eco-friendly cleaners contain ingredients such as white vinegar (blended with rose, bergamot, and thyme essential oils) and "plant-derived grease-cutting agent (triethyl citrate)." A trio—Scented Vinegar, All-Purpose Cleaning Concentrate, and Glass Cleaner—is $36 at Food52.

Above: Made with lactic acid for removing soap and lime scale, Common Good's Bathroom Cleaner is free of a host of undesirables (dyes, bleach, phthalates); $9 per bottle.

Above: It's Aesop's blend of lemon, tangerine, and mandarin (and not the concoction's name) that earns Post-Poo Drops a spot on our list—because a truly clean bathroom extends to air quality. Made in collaboration with French fashion line A.P.C., and also known as Gouttes Anti-Odeur de Merde, the deodorizer, $29 for 3.4 fluid ounces, is so popular, it's currently sold out.

Above: A tip from our friend Lucile Demory in Paris: Thanks to its antiseptic qualities, lavender essential oil diluted in warm water works well as a cleaning solution. Mix your own or consider the Good Home Co.'s Lavender Glass and Surface Cleaner; $18. Photograph from Style Counsel: Unfussy French Girl Style with Lucile Demory. 

Above: C.O. Bigelow's Peach Nut Oil Liquid Soap is made for everything from the face and body to household cleaning and boat washing. The peach-kernel-oil-based solution should be diluted in two gallons of warm water for general cleaning; $15.

Above: Made for cleaning sinks, tubs, and shower walls, Truce's Scouring Powder combines borax with baking soda, salt, and peppermint oil. It's offered in a pour bottle for $7.49, and Scouring Powder Refill bags are $5.49.

Above: From Australia, the Planet Luxe Toilet Cleaner, with top notes of Australian eucalyptus blue gum, pine, and lavender—and free of ammonia, bleach, and chlorine—is $16 AUD ($12.23 USD).

Above: A Remodelista favorite, Murchison-Hume's grapefruit-scented Ladies Bathroom Cleaner is $9 from The Line. The Boys' Bathroom Cleaner, $7 at Mill Mercantile, is a similar formulation with a little more grit.

Above: From the ubiquitous Mrs. Meyer, a Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner formulated to clean surfaces, walls, fixtures, and tile. Available in nine varieties, including radish and geranium, the solution is $3.99 from Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day.

Above: J. R. Watkins All-Purpose Cleaner contains sugar-derived solvents and lavender and lemon peel oils; $4.49 each. For a stronger clean, J. R. Watkins offers additional bathroom cleaning products.

• 10 Ways to Use Vinegar in the Home
• 12 Natural Garment Washes and Detergents
• Eco Dish Soap Roundup
• The Only Two Ingredients You Need to Make a Refrigerator Smell Fresh
• DIY: The Secret Ingredient to Make Windows Shine Bright Like a Diamond

More Stories from Remodelista

• 10 Easy Pieces: Ironing Boards, Low to High
• Closet Clean Out: The Only 10 Pieces of Clothing You Need
• Object Lessons: The Most Elegant Stacking Chair

Have a rental bath you'd like to refresh for under a million dollars? Or a guest bath that's looking tired? Here's a roundup of eight essentials, each for under $30.

Above: We took our sourcing inspiration from this clean-lined, peaceful bath in Amsterdam. 

Above: The powder-coated steel Enudden Toilet Roll Holder is $2.99 from Ikea

Above: Ikea's Bygel Hooks, also of powder-coated steel, are $1.99 for two.

Above: The Colorblock Stripe Bath Mat, $29, comes in three colorways at West Elm.

Above: The Falcon Enamelware Tumbler in pale blue (shown) or green is $14 at Brook Farm General Store. 

Above: From Vickerey, the Bath by Bettijo White Ceramic Soap Dish comes with a slatted wood insert for keeping soap dry; $18.

Above: The Hexagon Towel Ring is $14 at Urban Outfitters.

Above: Iris Hantverk Beech Wood Toilet Brush and Stand has a pig bristle brush and an edge cleaner; $28 at Rodale's.

Above: The Bee House White Ceramic Soap Dispenser is $29.95.

See more ideas in our Bathroom Accessories posts, including:

• 10 Easy Pieces: Indie Toilet Paper Holders
• 5 Favorites: Plants for the Bath
• A Simple Trick to Turn Your Shower into a Spa
• 7 Essentials for the Bath, Landlady Edition
• 10 Tips for Transforming a Rental Bath

More Stories from Remodelista

• Trend Alert: 7 Canvas Bins for Books and More
• Table of Contents: Spring Closet Clean Out
• Current Obsessions: Rabbit Rabbit

Display or stow? Most of us have so much stuff crowding our lives that finding perfect places for the basics—from toothbrushes to tote bags to cutting boards—can be tricky. Here are 14 everyday challenges solved in our own homes.

Entry

Above: Christine's question: "What to do with all of my husband's beloved hats?" When stairwell pegs didn't work—the hats got knocked off—she and her husband, architect Bill Hanway, came up with an ingenious solution: They hung a Commercial Kitchen Drain Shelf as a train-style metal rack in their compact entry in London. See more of their solutions in Rehab Diary: Finding Storage in Unexpected Places and Storage in Unexpected Places, Home Office Edition. Photograph by Kristin Perers for Remodelista.

Above: "At what point do two adults realize they need to stop dreaming of the perfect shoe rack (and stop tripping over strewn shoes)?" asks Dalilah. When she and her boyfriend, Roman, couldn't find the wheeled wooden shelf they had in mind for their SF apartment, they built it themselves—see The Perfect DIY Shoe Rack for a Narrow Entry. (And then Dalilah went on to inject similar order to their Under-the-Sink Storage.) 

Dining Room

Above: A glimpse behind the curtain: Francesca's grand Brooklyn dining room has two pocket closets that hold "all kinds of things I don't want to look at." These include a vacuum, blender, printer (the whole family often works at the dining table), and even the not-much-used telephone. Tour Francesca's townhouse here and in depth in the Remodelista book. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

Kitchen

Above: In her rental cottage kitchen in St. Helena, California, Sarah makes up for lack of storage by putting the back of a door to use with an artful hanging system. Go to 11 Favorites: Display-Worthy Hangers for ideas. And see the whole cottage in Sarah's Refined Rental and 10 Tips for Transforming a Rental Bath. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

Above: "Recently, I spotted a leather knife rack on the side of a kitchen island that, after hours of online searching, I realized is entirely bespoke. I had to have one, so I made my own," writes Alexa. Learn how she did it in DIY: A Wall-Mounted Leather Knife Holster.

Above: "People ask if we would do it again," says Michelle of her family's Mill Valley, CA, House Remodel. "My husband says yes, if the other option is playing Russian roulette with hostile captors. I say: For this kitchen? Absolutely." To understand why, take a look at her cutting board drawer—and note the way it takes advantage of the narrow no man's land next to the dishwasher.

Above: Justine's 1807 Cape Cod cottage required a lot of shoring up and brightening—see The Soulful Side of Old Cape Cod. But she kept the egg-yolk kitchen pretty much as is, down to the previous owners' solution for the door-less pantry: just add a basic roller shade, the older the better. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

Bedroom

Above: To make up for her master bedroom's lack of a closet, Julie introduced an eBay coat rack (which she uses for bags) and an Ikea wardrobe, which doubles as a jewelry display—she hangs necklaces from pushpins on the side. Like the look of the framed prints on top? They're Neisha Crosland wallpaper samples in Ikea frames. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

Above: Julie's room also has one of Remodelista's hall-of-fame storage devices: a Shaker peg rail. Tour Julie's house in Mill Valley, California, here, and from top to bottom in the Remodelista book. And see more Shaker storage in Object Lessons. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

Above: In her bedroom, Sarah puts a favorite tote bag on display. Suspended from the ceiling molding on an S hook and a beaded string, it holds scarves. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

Above: In their just-big-enough-for-two bedroom, Christine and her husband not only fit a bed, but slotted cabinets above, drawers below, and a shelf that works as a night table. Photograph by Kristin Perers for Remodelista.

Bathroom

Above: Most people bemoan the look of cardboard tissue boxes, but few take the extra step that Alexa did: She stitched her own Painted Tissue Box Holder.

Above: A detail in Julie's master bath that she plans to take with her if she ever moves: a custom-made steel medicine cabinet detailed by her architect Jerome Buttrick with an electric toothbrush slot and an outlet. Learn where to locate outlets in the bathroom and beyond in Remodeling 101. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

Utility Closet

Above: Meredith's SF apartment comes with a hallway storage closet that she shares with a neighbor. A while back, in a fit of productivity, she reinvented her side "to fully utilize its potential." She now always knows where her T square is. Go to Remodeling Project: The Storage Closet Reinvented to see her at-the-ready string and twine collection and her favorite storage piece of all, her tool chest: "They are way underrated."

Interested in more Editors' Picks? Here are our:

• 13 Essential Kitchen Gadgets
• 10 Favorite Sources for Bargain Vintage Furniture
• 15 Go-To Resources for Vacation Rentals

More Stories from Remodelista

• The Budget Bathroom: 8 Favorite Accessories for Under $30
• Trend Alert: 7 Canvas Bins for Books and More
• Table of Contents: Spring Closet Clean Out

Heads up: Lighting the closet is unlike lighting anywhere else in the house. We turned to Remodelista guru Thomas Paterson, lighting designer and founder of London- and Mexico City–based Lux Populi, for guidance on how to handle the often confusing space. According to Paterson, closets call for flat, diffuse light, if you're going to find what you're looking for. Here, we address the essentials (stay tuned for next week's Remodeling 101: Closet Lighting Part 2, How to Install Flattering Light).

Above: The well-lit dressing room of blogger Rayan Turner of The Design Confidential.

What is tricky about lighting a closet?

"The mission for lighting a closet is different from almost anywhere else in the home," says Paterson. That's because the goal here is not about achieving atmosphere but about adequately lighting everything inside, from top to bottom. In a packed closet, clothes are hard to find. And in a dark, packed closet, they're almost impossible to locate. Paterson says that inadequately lighted closets can be especially frustrating for men because their clothes tend to look similar; it's hard to distinguish navy wool pants from black ones, for instance. Women's clothing tends to be more differentiated.

What's the goal? 

The goal is to eliminate shadows by getting a lot of diffuse light into the space. The variable factors are color (how warm or cool) and quantity (how much light).

Above: The Tweed walk-in closet system by Italian design group Poliform is illuminated by an abundance of diffuse lighting. (See more from Poliform in 10 Easy Pieces: Modular Closet Systems, High to Low.) 

What is diffuse light?

"A standard white globe pendant light gives off the embodiment of diffuse light," says Paterson. The translucent glass ball filters the light source (the lightbulb) and throws light indiscriminately. In another setting, this would be a bad thing: indiscriminate light will flatten a space and make it look lifeless. But that’s exactly what you want in a closet, because flat, diffuse light is best for seeing clothes clearly. Light diffusion is all about the fixture. 

Above L: Ikea's Regolit pendant shade is $4.99. Above R: Ikea's Väte shade is $4.99. 

Above L: Moving up on the price scale, one of Paterson's favorite solutions is the Louis Poulsen AJ Eklipta Wall Sconce, a disk of blown glass ($428 at Y Lighting). Paterson says, "It’s a stylish classic from the 1950s, and looks at home anywhere." Above R: The lights in situ; image via UK-based DM Lights. 

Above: The lighting in the TriBeCa shop of La Garçonne transitions from daylight at the front of the store to diffused artificial light at the back. See more in Sensuous Simplicity for the Thinking Woman: La Garçonne in NYC. 

What type of light do I want in my closet? 

People like to see how they’ll look both in daylight and in glamorous evening light, so "the closets we light in higher-end homes will often have both cool and warm lights and the ability to switch between them," says Paterson. For the rest of us, consider a 3,000 or 3,500 kelvin LED or compact fluorescent bulb. (The higher the kelvins, the cooler the quality of light: 4,000 to 6,000 kelvins is too cold for a closet, says Paterson.) Generally speaking, women prefer warmer light and men will find cooler light more helpful for spotting the subtleties among their darkest clothes. 

Incandescents are not the best choice for closets because they produce a warm light, which is not ideal for knowing what your clothes will look like in daylight.

Above: This closet has the diffuse, ample light (and lots of space) required to see everything clearly. Image via Vogavoe. 

How much light will I need? 

In a small closet—one in which you can touch all walls standing in the middle—you’ll need the equivalent of 150 watts or 2,000 lumens of light. (You can use multiple bulbs and fixtures to add up to this amount.) As the closet gets bigger, multiply the wattage accordingly.

Above: White Alvar Aalto shelves hold well-spaced shoes at La Garçonne. 

What color should I paint my closet?

The ideal closet has white walls, white floors, and lots of mirrors so that light bounces around the space. If you want a dark closet, paint it a dark color but be sure to add mirrors, which will maximize the light. 

Above: An elegant addition for maximum light in an open-space closet: a freestanding mirror box from the portfolio of Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory member Amee Allsop Design. 

Any suggestions for lighting shoes? 

The ample diffuse light prescribed here will light your shoes, even at the back of the closet. Just remember that a pair of black shoes in a pile of black shoes will always look black, no matter how much light you flood the space with. If you want to see your shoes, you need to space them out.

Above: Black leather bags—nicely spaced, ergo easy to see—hang against dusty pink walls in the Copenhagen boutique of fashion accessories designer Yvonne Koné. For more, see Copenhagen Cool: Yvonne Koné at Work and Home. 

Does closet lighting pose a fire hazard? 

Fluorescents are your best bet for safety, since incandescents get quite hot. But LEDs are equally likely to cause problems because their plug-in power supply can get hot. No matter what, make sure you don't cluster clothes around lights or transformers. All fixtures and plugs need room to breathe.

Must all closet lighting be so practical? 

No. Next week, see part two of our story in Remodeling 101: How to Install Flattering Closet Lighting.

Meanwhile, learn the ins and outs of home remodeling in our Remodeling 101 series:

• Remodeling 101: Polished Concrete Floors
• Remodeling 101: All You Need to Know About VOCs in Paint
• Remodeling 101: 15 Luxuries Worth Considering in Your Remodel
• Remodeling 101: Hotel-Inspired Bedroom Lighting
• Gardening 101: How to Water an Air Plant

More Stories from Remodelista

• $10 and a Day: Justine's DIY Closet Makeover, Fabric-Wrapped Hangers Included
• Remodeling 101: Butcher Block Countertops
• 11 Money-Saving Remodeling Strategies from a Hollywood House Flipper

I limewashed my bedroom two weeks ago (see DIY Project: Limewashed Walls for Modern Times) and have been enjoying the serenity of the freshly painted space. The one drawback? Every time I opened my closet door, it was an affront to my senses. Dingy and disorganized, it called out for a makeover—something quick and cost-effective.

And so last weekend, armed with a can of leftover paint and a yard of cotton muslin, I got to work. A day later, my closet is as pristine as the bedroom beyond its door. 

Photography by Justine Hand for Remodelista.

Above: The inspiration: nonslip, wabi-sabi muslin hangers made by Julie Blaine, owner of my favorite local store Pod/Shop Fog Linen in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Here's the backstory:

Years ago, Julie needed hangers for the clothing she carried in her fledgling boutique. She wanted something practical with a signature look and that didn't break the bank. Donated wire hangers from a nearby dry cleaner were filling in until a better option presented itself, but the clothes kept slipping off. Then one day Julie was inspired by some muslin bags that came with the blankets she carried. Methodically, she began ripping the shear fabric into long strips that she then wrapped around the wire hangers. 

Sometime later, during a moving sale, I bought 10 of these simple textile hangers for my own clothes. For my new closet, I wanted a complete set. And so, while the first coat of painted dried, I tried my hand at re-creating Julie's hangers. Happily, it was very easy.

Before

Above: When we moved into our our house three years ago, we only had a week before leaving for the summer. With no time to cull and organize, we just shoved things away. The result: My drab closet with mismatched hangers (some of which, you will note, barely had a grip on my clothes) was both dysfunctional and dreary.

Materials

This project is all about recycling. All you need are some white wire hangers from your dry cleaner, good shears for cutting cloth, and a yard or two of any cotton or linen muslin—an old sheet, even a worn T-shirt will do. I experimented with a torn linen pillowcase and some cotton muslin I bought at my local fabric store. Similar Natural Cotton Muslin is $4.50 a yard at Fabric.com.

Step 1 and 2: Cut your muslin into thin strips about a 1/2 inch wide and a yard long. Then tie the end of one muslin strip to the neck of your hanger. For decorative purposes, I left an inch-long tag.

Step 3: Holding your ribbon at a slight diagonal, tightly wrap the muslin around the hanger making sure that each new layer overlaps the one before. 

Step 4: When you have several inches remaining, tie off the first ribbon with a double knot and trim excess, leaving behind a small tag.

Step 5: Tie your second ribbon onto the hanger. I placed mine so that it would wrap over some of the first strip. This helps to secure both ribbons and ensures that you don't have two lumpy knots in the same place. The twist in the hook of the hanger provides a nice ridge against which to secure your final knot. When you've finished wrapping your second ribbon, simply it tie off and leave the hook exposed. 

Step 6: Voila! My muslin-wrapped hangers.

The Finished Look

Above: With my new hangers, my clothes hang at an even height—so much more functional (not to mention aesthetically pleasing).

Above: Here's my closet, all fresh and clean and ready for spring. Of course, painting your closet and rehanging your clothes also gives you the chance to organize. Feeling ambitious? Try Michelle's ultimate cull: Closet Clean Out: The Only Ten Pieces of Clothing You'll Need. 

Hang around—sorry, couldn't resist—here are some more inspirations:

• DIY: Wooden Bead Hangers at Garde
• High/Low: Instant Coat Hanger Hooks
• For crocheted hangers like Grandma used to make, see Clothes Hangers from Wood and Wool
• DIY Rustic Linen Hanger Covers
• 11 Favorites: Display-Worthy Clothes Hangers

More Stories from Remodelista

• Remodeling 101: Closet Lighting Part 1
• Remodeling 101: Butcher Block Countertops
• 11 Money-Saving Remodeling Strategies from a Hollywood House Flipper

Observed recently: closets and wardrobes with glass doors to encourage orderliness (and easy access on rushed mornings).

Above: The KBH Glass Dresser from Danish company Kobenhavns Mobelsnedkeri is handmade of dark fumed oak, brass, glass, and leather; €4,265 ($4,593) from the Shop of the New.

Above: Designed by Giuseppe Bavuso, the Ego Wardrobe System from Italian company Porro is "dedicated to the order characterized by maximum neutrality." Go to Porro for details.

Above: A closet door made from reclaimed windows in an Amsterdam house via Mechant Design.

Above: From Italian company Lema, the Armadio al Centimetro Aria is a modular wardrobe system with glass doors.

Above: A painted armoire serves as entryway closet. Photograph via It's Monday but It's OK.

Above: A vintage shop display cabinet repurposed as a glass storage wardrobe. Photograph via House to Home. 

Above: A glass armoire via photographer Petra Bindel.

Looking for more clothes storage ideas? Browse our Closets archive and take a look at:

• 10 Easy Pieces: Modular Closet Systems, High to Low
• Expert Advice: Architects' 10 Favorite Closet Picks
• 13 Clever Storage Ideas for the Closet 
• DIY Portable Closet, Planter Included

More Stories from Remodelista

• Domestic Science: 10 Natural Cleaning Solutions for the Bathroom
• 10 Easy Pieces: Ironing Boards, Low to High
• Closet Clean Out: The Only 10 Pieces of Clothing You Need

I spend a lot of time working at home, and there are mornings when I wonder if it's worth dressing for a full day or better to slouch around in tattered sweats. I opt for the latter on most occasions, but I'm always thinking: What if the UPS driver shows up? What if a friend happens to be in the neighborhood? And there is something to be said for putting yourself together, even if it's just for...yourself. This led me to the housecoat, a term first used in 1913 to describe an informal garment for women to wear about the house. This option, somewhere in between dressed and undressed, has gone missing from modern life—until recently. Meet the utility dress.

A slouchy answer to the housecoat, the utility dress is a style that's having a moment in western fashion, but its origin is in traditional Japanese house clothes and workwear. Like the rural Japanese workers in photographer Taishi Hirokawa's book Sonomama Sonomama, it's possible to wear an Issey Miyake– or Yohji Yamamoto–like garment and still get work done. The dress is often made from linen and cotton (for breathability), and is shapeless in the best way (for total comfort); here are six examples we're ready to slip on.

Above: From online fashion retailer La Garçonne's own line, La Garçonne Moderne, the Workwear Smock (available in white, black, ink, and clay) has dropped shoulders and an oversized fit and is made from 100 percent Japanese cotton; it's on sale for $346.50, marked down from $495.

Above: French brand Vestiaire de Jeanne's Uniform Pleated Long Sleeve dress has pockets at the sides and falls just under the knee—a loose fit to throw on in the morning. The dress, made from 100 percent linen, is €155 ($145.05) for the adult size. For more, see our post Effortless Dressing à la Française.

Above: Northern California designer Jess Brown's Workshirt Dress is based on "my father's old oxford shirts," she says. It's available in navy double cotton or black rumpled gingham; $290. (For a tour of Brown's house, see West Marin's Accidental Doll Maker.)

Above: Part of the appeal of NYC designer Makie's light gray Women's Back Button Dress in 80 percent cotton/20 percent silk is the fact that it's easy to put on in the morning; $240.

Above: Dosa's Draughtsman Tunic is a loose fit made of dark blue organic cotton; $404.01 from Farfetch.

Above: Made of medium-weight linen and canvas cloth, the Casey Casey Dress in indigo, made in France, is $820 at Tiina the Store.

For those who can sew and read Japanese (a narrow demographic, I know), Japanese dress sewing books are an excellent source for creating similar garments. I recommend Anytime Dresses and Travaux et Mode. What to wear under your utility dress? See The Debrief: 8 New Classics for Your Underwear Drawer.

This post is an update. It originally ran on March 26, 2014, as part of our Spring Forward issue.

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Spotted at Crate & Barrel: a new line of bathroom accessories more than a little reminiscent of a Swedish line we've admired for a while.

Annaleena Design

Above: Interior stylist Annaleena's designs are made in Verberg, Sweden, of hand-forged iron. The Clothing Rail Oblique is 2,300 SEK ($262.56).

 Above: The Annaleena Clothing Rail Round, approximately 17.7 inches in diameter, is 1,900 SEK ($216.89). 

Above: The Clothing Rail Vertical is approximately 31.5 inches in height; 2,100 SEK ($239.73). Worldwide shipping available; go to Annaleena Design to see other options.

Crate & Barrel

Above: The Jackson Single Bar Towel Rack, made of iron in India, is 30.25 inches wide; $49.95. A Jackson Double Bar Towel Rack is $59.95.

Above: The Jackson Towel Ring is $39.95.

Take a look at more of our High/Low discoveries: 

• The Black-and-White Globe Light
• 5 Marble Bath Shelves
• The Curvy Sofa
• Glamorous Belgian Planters

Closet challenged? See 10 Portable Clothing Racks.

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• The New Transparency: 7 Glass-Fronted Closets and Wardrobes
• Domestic Science: 10 Natural Cleaning Solutions for the Bathroom
• 10 Easy Pieces: Ironing Boards, Low to High

Oh, to live—and to travel—with fewer cords. As I pack my own tangle of electrical snakes for a weekend away, I'm dreaming of a more streamlined system. Punkt, a Swiss upstart brand devoted to rethinking consumer electronics, just might have the answer: It's about to come out with a multi-port charger designed by the company's own art director, British wunderkind Jasper Morrison.

Photography via Punkt.

Above: Morrison's UC 01 USB Desktop Charger is making its debut this month in Milan at two exhibits during Salone del Mobile. The device is Italian-made and aims to reduce workstation clutter.

Above: Says Morrison: "More and more devices are now powered via USB, yet most computers and laptops only offer one or two ports. Not to mention the classic hotel scenario: Even if you find the right electric plug for the USB cable, you can only charge a single device. Punkt's new USB multi-port charger provides easy-access charging and is designed for one-handed operation."

Above: The charging system is compatible with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets, and Punkt says it works with "most" USB-powered devices, cameras and laptops included.

Above: The UC O1 is weighted to stay in place and can charge up to three devices at once. Go to Punkt for more details.

Detangle your life—see our Technology and Electronics posts for more great finds, including:

• Invisible Plugs? Step 1: Recessed Outlets
• 10 Ways to Declutter Your Tech Experience
• The Power Outlet: Wood Bead Edition
• 7 Ways to Power Your Electronics in Style

And go to Gardenista for DIY: Identify Leaves and Flowers (There's an App for That) and other Garden Tech.

More Stories from Remodelista

• Editors' Picks: 14 Favorite Storage Solutions in Our Own Homes
• The Budget Bathroom: 8 Favorite Accessories for Under $30
• Trend Alert: 7 Canvas Bins for Books and More

Michelle and crew (and their little dogs, too) have headed back outdoors this week. For inspiration, they're stealing ideas everywhere, from Sting's Tuscan vineyard to Adrian Grenier's Brooklyn plot. Here are five posts not to miss.

Above: 10 A-List Garden Ideas to Steal from Hollywood Movie Stars.

Above: Gardenista 100: The Five Best Folding Canvas Deck Chairs.

Above: Domestic Dispatches: 11 Tips for a Dog-Friendly Garden.

Above: Hardscaping 101: Tips for Cleaning and Caring for Outdoor Furniture.

Above: 10 Easy Pieces: Garden Carts and Wagons.

Above: Oystercatchers' Haven: A Whitewashed Guesthouse on South Africa's West Coast.

See more at Gardenista and The Indoor-Outdoor Life.

More Stories from Remodelista

• Trending on Gardenista: Small-Space Gardening, London-Style
• Trending on Gardenista: Spring Awakening
• Trending on Gardenista: Luck of the Irish

Take a look at what we're obsessing over right now.

• Above: Next week we're exploring the indoor-outdoor life—and taking inspiration from this Slender House for a young family in Austria designed by Juri Troy Architects. 
• The cruffins and other treats at a recent Remodelista team meeting came from Mr. Holmes Bakeshop, a must visit in SF. 
• Everyone's Upstairs Neighbors, a sketch about "secret and noisy lives."

• Above: The perfect spring cleaning catchall? A 41-inch-tall Handwoven Basket from A Détacher in NYC ($375; call the shop to order).
• If you're looking to decorate an office, Post-Its might be the answer.
• Drawer knobs as wall hooks.

• Above: Coming on Earth Day (April 22): Nanoleaf Gem, a faceted LED lightbulb that looks good without a lampshade.
• Bathroom redo, pink walls and counter included. 
• The latest Ikea hack, dream dresser edition. 

• Above: Actor Jason Statham and Victoria's Secret supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley just bought fashion designer Jenni Kayne's Beverly Hills home. 
• A mother of six spent $400 to create an ultra-efficient laundry room. 

Instagram and Pinterest Picks of the Week

Above: We love to keep up with Brooklyn textile designer Rebecca Atwood (@rebecca_atwood) via Instagram.

Above: To get ready for next week's issue, we're looking at Constance Burt's Indoor/Outdoor board on Pinterest. 

We devoted this past week to our Spring Closet Clean Out, while the editors at Gardenista Got to Work in the Garden. 

More Stories from Remodelista

• Problem Solver: Jasper Morrison's New Desktop Charger
• Editors' Picks: 14 Favorite Storage Solutions in Our Own Homes
• The Budget Bathroom: 8 Favorite Accessories for Under $30

Open the windows and doors, and join us for a week of back-to-nature living. Along the way we'll be spotlighting inspired botanical designs, plant-filled interiors, and furniture that can migrate from living room to deck. We'll also be taking a look at a prefab house for two (assembly time: one day) and a dream vacation destination in Tuscany.

Above: In good weather this London kitchen doubles in size thanks to its wide-open access to the back garden. Watch for Thursday's Kitchen of the Week post. Photograph via JJ Locations.

Monday

Above: Later today, Julie tests folding canvas chairs that can live indoors and out—and shares her 5 Favorites.

Tuesday

Above: Tuesday's Hotels & Lodging find: a collection of restored villas (available for a rent) and a boutique hotel in a 900-year-old Tuscan village situated between Rome and Florence.

Wednesday

Above: This award-winning prefab—our Wednesday Architect Visit—was modeled after the Monopoly house, steep roof (and lofty interior) included. 

Thursday

Above: Our Kitchen of the Week has a paneled dining area that opens to the outdoors.

Above: Trend Alert: Enameled flatware is no longer just for camping. 

Friday

Above: In Friday's Apartment Call, we drop in on a creative couple in their nature-filled Amsterdam rental. Photograph via House of C. 

Gardenista is all about Spring Projects this week. Take a look.

More Stories from Remodelista

• Steal This Look: A Botanically Inspired Workspace
• Indoor Gardening: An Easy Spring Update
• Current Obsessions: Here Comes the Sun

One feature of traditional Japanese architecture came in handy when architecture firm Kennedy Nolan was hired to expand a traditional Edwardian house in Melbourne. Because the old wooden structure was in a historic neighborhood, it couldn't be torn down. So the architects had to create an addition that would meld with the existing building and its surroundings. Add to that a client extremely concerned about keeping costs under control.

Photography courtesy of Kennedy Nolan.

Above: The fence ties together the traditional and the modern parts of this Melbourne house.

The ingenious project, known as the Westgarth House, involved creating two distinct zones. The old structure became the private area—a sort of dormitory with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a study. The addition that Kennedy Nolan designed is the public area, with a kitchen, living room, and dining room. 

Above: The living area faces north, toward the garden.

The style of the addition is clean and rectangular. Basically, it's a long white box attached to the rear of the old house, sitting unobtrusively behind a tall white fence along the south boundary of the corner lot. The goal was to preserve as much outdoor space as possible. 

Above: The living area with its wall open to the outdoors.

Here's where the traditional Japanese architecture came in. A fundamental Japanese concept is the blurring of boundaries between inside and outside. The Westgarth House garden can be accessed by huge sliding glass doors. Once the doors are pushed back, the entire side of the new wing is open to the outdoors.

The climate in Melbourne is moderate rather than tropical, but Patrick Kennedy of Kennedy Nolan says the feature can be used up to eight months of the year. In fact, he said, "Our client had the doors open in the middle of winter, because it was a sunny day." 

Above: The architects used a monochromatic color scheme to unite disparate textures and structural features.

Kennedy says that little reconfiguring had to be done to the old house. One major change, however, involved moving the main entrance. In its original location, people would have had to enter the house in the bedroom area and walk the entire length of the building to reach the public area in the addition. 

Above: The new entryway is welcoming—and fun to play on. 

Situated between the old and new parts of the house, the design incorporates a stucco wall with a circular opening, or moongate—a classic Asian touch borrowed from the Chinese. 

Above: The clients asked for more room for family life and a design that's both beautiful and functional.

Above: Life in the kitchen revolves around the large island. 

Above: The entrance wall, as seen from inside the living room. To save energy, the new pavilion uses principles of passive solar design, including north-facing orientation and cross ventilation that takes advantage of Melbourne's prevailing winds.

Above: The addition doesn't look out of place among the Victorian and Edwardian houses in Westgarth.

For Patrick Kennedy, Westgarth succeeds on a level beyond its physical beauty: "My favorite thing about this house is the sense that it's a synthesis of many things into a single entity—a seamless, calm, and nurturing domestic environment."

For more posts on Indoor-Outdoor Living, see:

• Indoor-Outdoor Living, Napa Style 
• Steal This Look: An Anglo-Inspired Indoor/Outdoor Kitchen in Sweden
• Indoor-Outdoor Living, Brooklyn Style
• Bathing en Plein Air: 29 Outdoor Showers 

This post originally appeared on Gardenista on August 11, 2014, as part of the Down Under issue.

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• Improper Bostonians: Jeffrey and Cheryl Katz at Home on Beacon Hill
• The Uncluttered Life in London
• Astley Castle: A Ruin Reinvented (and Available for Rent)

Remodelista editor in chief Julie Carlson decided to help jump-start spring. Armed with a set of outdoor flower arrangements from The Home Depot, she transformed a corner of her living room into an affordable vernal oasis in a matter of minutes.

Above: The finished planters, tucked into a corner of Julie's Mill Valley, California, living room. 

Above: Julie spotted these mixtures of petunia, calibrachoa, and lobelia by Proven Winners at her local Home Depot. For a similar look, try the Eight-Inch Blue Hawaiian Drop N Bloom. 

Above: An arrangement in a Medium Creme Ceramic Rolled Rim Pot. Thanks to high-temperature glazing, the 14.5-inch-wide container is durable enough for use indoors or out; $19.98 at The Home Depot. 

Above: Julie planted a second arrangement in a 12-Inch Stoneware Imperial Blue Pickle Pot made of frost-resistant stoneware with a cobalt glaze; $19.98 at The Home Depot. (For a more whimsical look, consider a Ceramic White Owl Planter or Ceramic Damascus Carved-Stone Planter; $19.98 and $39.98, respectively.) 

Above: Julie's flowers are ultimately destined for outside—the blooms will last indoors for about three to six days before needing to be pinched back and put in full sun to set more buds. They'll eventually fill a planter or hanging basket, but for now, Julie is happy to have some spring color inside.

More Stories from Remodelista

• Steal This Look: A Botanically Inspired Workspace
• Table of Contents: The Indoor-Outdoor Life
• Current Obsessions: Here Comes the Sun

From the Gardenista 100, a roundup of smart-looking canvas chairs, equally at home on the deck or in an indoor setting. 

Above: The 660 Folding Chair from Adico has a metal frame and canvas upholstery connected with raw cotton cord. The base is available in black, white, red, mustard, off white, sky blue, turquoise, and taupe; £158 ($231.18) from Twenty Twenty-One.

Above: The H55 Teak Lounger, designed in 1955 by Bjorn Hulten, is available in black, navy blue, or white Sunbrella fabric, or in natural canvas; $900 from Horne.

Above: Designed by UK phenom Jasper Morrison, the Fionda Chair is £329 ($481.38) from Aram. (See another of Morrison's latest designs in our post Problem Solver: A New Desktop Charger.) 

Above: The Gallant & Jones Honomalino Deck Chair Lounger with fabric sling and pillow is $299.

Above: Fashion designer James Perse's teak Malbu Sling Chair has a linen cover; contact James Perse directly for pricing.

For more of our favorite lounge furniture, see:

• 10 Easy Pieces: Outdoor Chaise Lounges
• Object Lessons: The Classic Butterfly Chair
• Gardenista 100: The Best Rattan Lounge Chairs
• 5 Favorites: Modern Leather Sling Chairs

This post originally appeared on Gardenista in April 2015 as part of the Indoor-Outdoor Life issue.

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• Trending on Gardenista: Gardening with the Stars
• Trending on Gardenista: Small-Space Gardening, London-Style
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Dutch stylist Femke Pastijn relies on a simple palette of green, white, and natural wood colors to create an inviting workspace with botanical accents. Who wouldn't love to set up a desk in a bright and lofty greenhouse? Here's how to re-create the look in your own office.

Above: Do you have a white wall in your office? You're halfway there. Photograph via Femke Pastijn.

Above: The Deep Bowl Pendant is available in five finishes, including white (galvanized is shown here), and its stem mount comes in four lengths, from 10 to 36 inches; $155 to $175 from Barnlight Electric. Another option to consider is the classic industrial Dunlop Light, £195 ($286.12) from Trainspotters.

How low should a ceiling pendant hang? A 30-inch distance between the bottom of the fixture and a desktop is recommended. For more considerations when installing a light, see Remodeling 101: How to Choose an Overhead Light Fixture.  

Above: A Vintage Toledo Dining Chair, recreated by Restoration Hardware in steel, complements the industrial lighting; it's on sale for $259 (marked down from $329).

Above: A metal harvest basket can hold your pickings or be used as a waste basket. The Large Grey Round Basket by Fog Linen is $75 NZD ($55.86) from Father Rabbit in Auckland, New Zealand.

For more trash can options, including wire designs, see Object Lessons: The Perfect Office Wastebasket.

Above: For a humble, utilitarian desk, repurpose a workbench, potting table, or an unfinished Wooden Folding Table, available in several sizes at prices starting at £99.30 ($145.53) from UK Educational Furniture. Or build a table using Ikea's Finnvard trestles, $35 each, and Linnmon tabletop, $19.99.

For compact desks ideas, see 10 Easy Pieces: Desks for Small Spaces.

Above: Use the stainless steel Storage Caddy by Sebastian Conran to corral pens and notebooks; $45 at West Elm. Read about Sebastian's Universal Expert Line for West Elm in The Royal Conrans, Kitchen Edition, and hear his 11 Tips for Designing a Small Kitchen.

Above: Sixteenth century naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi's botanicals look as modern today as they did 500 years ago. An 8-by-10-inch print of an Italian Vegetable (L) is $10 from Love the Print via Etsy. An 11-by-14-inch Pink White Radish Botanical Print (R) is $14.99 from Old Age Vintage via Etsy.

Above: Preserved flowers and dried fronds make long-lasting arrangements. Stick a stem or two in a pencil cup to keep you company while you work. A bunch of Preserved Echinops (L) is $12, and a Dried Cotton Stem is $10, both from Terrain. (Take a look at Justine's inventive use of dried cotton in a DIY Hanging Bough.)

Above: The Paul Loebach Watering Can for Kontextür is available in six finishes starting at $67 from A+R—and it also makes a good vase.

Above: Naturalists' specimens bring the outdoors in. A Framed Moth mounted in an 8-by-11-inch frame is $28 from Paxton Gate in SF. 

In the midst of organizing your Home Office? See:

• 10 Favorites: The Niche Workspace
• The Disappearing Home Office
• Steal This Look: A Sunny Work Studio
• The Architect Is In: The Secrets of Workspace Design with Cary Bernstein
• 7 Ways to Organize and Green Your Office Simultaneously

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• Indoor Gardening: An Easy Spring Update
• Table of Contents: The Indoor-Outdoor Life
• Current Obsessions: Here Comes the Sun

Ten years ago, Michael L. Cioffi, a high-powered Cincinnati-based corporate lawyer with a passion for Renaissance history, celebrated his 50th birthday with his extended family by renting a villa in the green hills of the Val D'Orcia in Tuscany. His house had been restored and revived by Rome designer Ilaria Miani, and Cioffi was so impassioned by its ancient-meets-modern minimalism— and by the landscape itself—that he bought his own crumbling villa nearby and put Miani on the job. That was the first of a long series of projects he presented Miani and team with—because gradually Cioffi found himself acquiring much of the all-but-deserted 900-year-old village of Castiglioncello del Trinoro, just up the hill from his house.

Cioffi now presides over a boutique hotel, the Monteverdi, three surrounding rental villas in formerly boarded up 13th-to-16th-century structures, a blue-chip art gallery (and artist-in-residence program), a music festival, and a chapel (where last summer Wes Anderson screened one of his shorts for guests). Oh, and there's a spa opening this July.

Cioffi's passion project is set up to be sustainable, but he insists he's more interested in creating his own "Renaissance movement for the 21st century" than making a profit. And, he points out, the 10 or so residents who were in the village when he arrived are still there—as are 60 new employees. Take a look.

Photography via Monteverdi Tuscany.

Above: This is not a movie set, though it's no wonder that Wes Anderson made the pilgrimage. The hamlet sits atop a hilltop with magical views all around. 

Hotel Monteverdi

Above: The hotel occupies a cluster of 16th-century buildings. Designer Iliara Miani's challenge was familiar to her from years of working in the region: The Val D'Orcia is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and no exterior changes can be introduced. 

Above: On the interiors, Miani was able to transform what had been last used as a 30-room pensione into 10 spacious rooms and suites, no two alike. Shown here, the Vergilius Room has twin beds on wheels that can be pushed together or apart. The room can be combined with the adjoining one to create a family suite.

Above: Miani's custom lights are her 21st-century answer to castle torches. Travel + Leisure dubbed her look "elegant monastic."

Above: Owner Cioffi loves luxurious bathrooms and made it Miani's mandate that no two look anything alike, and that each offer sinks and showers with views. Shown here, Suite Sant'Andrea's stone sink original to the structure and clever hanging accessories caddy. The toiletries are made with ingredients from small farms by La Saponaria.

Above: The star feature of the Il Pozzo Suite is an 18th-century copper bathtub under the original beams.

Above: The Tuscan-farmhouse-inspired La Pieve Suite has a wood-burning fireplace and a king-size bed (Cioffi is tall and decided that king-size should be the norm).

Above: A modern Stone Age sink paired with travertine in the La Pieve bathroom.

Above: Suite del Bosco is intended to conjure "a walk in the forest." The sculptures are Ilaria's "nod to the village farmers who used similar structures to dry grains." All the linens in the hotel and villas are supplied by venerable Italian company C&C Milano.

Above: The honeymoon-ready Val D'Orcia Suite offers an en suite bathtub and sink for two, and heated towel bars. 

Above: With its rock walls, the hotel restaurant, Oreade, has a cozy subterranean feel (though it's on the first floor).

Above: A shady terrace extends off the in-house wine bar.

Above: A terraced garden wraps around the back of the hotel.

Above: There's also an infinity pool.

Rental Villas

Above: There are three rentals that range from two bedrooms to six, and each has its own terrace and outdoor sitting area. They start at €6,500 ($6,860) per week.

Above: The six-bedroom Villa Muri Antichi comes with a library in pale greens with original archways. 

Above: The smallest of the villas, the San Pietro, has a compact kitchen.

Above: One of the San Pietro's two bedrooms. 

Above: The three-story Villa Amiata has a fortress-like stone facade.

The Village

Above: The road to Castiglioncello del Trinoro.

Above: Most of the stone structures are now part of Monteverdi, but the restoration has avoided a Disneyfied feeling.

Above L and R: Historic doorways are another reason to come.

Above: The 12th-century chapel, formerly a near ruin, has been fully restored inside and out and now has first-rate acoustics. In addition to church services and weddings, concerts, talks, and performances regularly take place here.

Above: The cypress-lined road from the village heading toward Siena. Castiglioncello del Trinoro is located midway between Rome and Florence. It's a two-hour drive from the Rome airport. For more details and reservations, go to Monteverdi Tuscany.

Planning a trip to Italy? For our favorite hotels, restaurants, and shops, consult our City Guides. Another Tuscan art hub and hotel that we recommend is Villa Lena. On Gardenista, take a look at Sting's Tuscan Vineyard Estate.

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