Meet California Closets: Transforming Spaces with Practical Magic
California Closets has been a pioneer in the custom closet industry since 1978, turning a simple college dorm room idea into a global brand. Kelsey Blackburn, a designer at California Closets, shares insights into the company's rich history, commitment to exceptional design, and the magic that happens when you create a space that truly feels like home.
“California Closets started the custom closet industry in 1978 with the humble vision of a college student who turned his idea of maximizing space in his dorm room closet into a successful small business in Southern California,” Blackburn explains. What began as a small operation has now grown into a multinational organization with showrooms across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. California Closets has become synonymous with custom-designed organizational solutions for the entire home, delivering on a promise of quality and creativity.
The California Closets Experience
Clients who work with California Closets can expect an unparalleled experience from start to finish. “We have highly qualified design consultants who guide customers through the California Closets process, from the initial inquiry through the design stage and installation, collaborating with the client at every step,” says Blackburn. These consultants use the latest technologies to bring 3-D storage designs to life, offering personalized solutions that cater to the client’s style, passions, and collections.
California Closets
One of the standout features of California Closets is that all designs and installations are performed by California Closets employees — never subcontractors. “This means we can ensure quality craftsmanship and an elevated brand experience for every customer,” Blackburn emphasizes.
At the heart of California Closets is the belief that a home should be more than just a place; it should be a source of creativity, comfort, and connection. “California Closets creates highly personalized designs that inspire a sense of belonging, allowing our customers to feel at home,” Blackburn notes. The company adds value by custom-crafting beautiful walk-in closets, entertainment centers, kitchen pantries, and more. “We make space for what belongs. It’s what we call Practical Magic™,” she adds.
A Passion for Organization and Design
For Blackburn, the impact of her work goes beyond aesthetics. “Closet designs have a direct impact on how my clients start their day,” she says. “If you go into a messy closet in the morning and can’t find an outfit, it could throw your whole day off. Now enter a closet that is organized and built specifically to your needs and belongings. You can pick out your outfit with confidence and start your day on the right foot.”
Blackburn’s adoration for organization started at a young age, often organizing her friends’ rooms during playdates. This early passion eventually led her to pursue a degree in interior design, allowing her to bring her love for creating beautiful, functional spaces to life for her clients.
California Closets
The organization industry has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with a growing focus on how an organized space can enhance daily life. “The trend of organization stems into the growing trend of simplification,” Blackburn observes. This is particularly evident in projects like kitchen pantries, where clients often seek solutions to clear cluttered countertops by making space for appliances that aren’t used daily.
“Today’s trends come down to simplification of one’s surroundings and making space for what belongs,” Blackburn says. This approach allows clients to create a home environment that reflects what they value most, providing a sense of calm and order amid the chaos of daily life.
Bringing Practical Magic to Pillsbury Castle
California Closets is also playing a significant role in the Pillsbury Castle Project, where Blackburn has partnered with Mike Rataczak Studios to create a dream closet for the homeowners, Matthew and Ryan. “It truly is a calming oasis, where Matthew and Ryan can start their day and walk out into the world looking sharp and feeling confident,” she explains.
The design process was collaborative, starting with an initial meeting at the castle to determine storage needs and aesthetic preferences. The final design features darker wood grains, a creamy leather countertop, and dark green glass door fronts that nod to the tiled fireplace in the primary bedroom. The space’s moody tones are balanced with bursts of gold accessories and warm lighting, creating an elegant, functional space that fulfills the homeowners’ vision.
Explore California Closets
For those interested in experiencing the magic of California Closets firsthand, Blackburn recommends visiting a showroom. “Our showroom is located in Southdale Mall, Suite 1885. We are open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or by appointment,” she says. The showroom offers an up-close look at the high-quality craftsmanship that goes into every storage system, with experienced staff on hand to provide inspiration and answer any questions.
For more information, you can reach California Closets at 952-844-0004 or visit their website at californiaclosets.com.