Who doesn’t dream of a  gorgeously appointed closet that combines a sleek customized layout with useful built-ins? For most city dwellers, the reality—tiny, dismal spaces that often end up becoming catchalls— is much less appealing.

If the aforementioned pertains to you, know that you’re not alone. EBONY Entertainment Editor Aliya S. King readily admits that the linen closet in her New Jersey home has long doubled as her personal storage space. And that’s not all: Over time, it’s also morphed into a junk graveyard, where everything from jewelry and shoes to off-season clothing and items slated for donation can be found. The challenge was to organize and personalize this area to fit the busy work-at-home mom’s needs, giving her a practical area that she won’t have to share with her hubby, two kids and dog.

Designer Saudah Saleem of Baltimore, Md.-based Saudah Saleem Interiors says King’s struggle is a common one. “Some of the issues I’ve encountered from clients include frustration about the lack of overall space to store everyday items and questions on how to create multipurpose storage solutions,” she explains.

For King’s redo, the expert took her client’s needs, personal style and lifestyle into consideration when gauging the possibilities of the existing space. Then after a virtual home tour via Skype, Saleem created a detailed design board to preview her final ideas, which were tailored to King’s budget.

After Saleem’s long-distance consultation, she traveled to New Jersey to oversee the installation of King’s updated space and to help her sort her improved system.

Read more in the current issue of EBONY Magazine!