Our “Real Simple” Closet Makeover

December 9, 2009

I was reading my latest issue of Real Simple Magazine, about two months ago. I saw an article about re-organizing a front closet. It had before and after pictures from the makeover. I’ve been telling Angry Husband for awhile now, that I want to re-do our hallway coat closet. I knew that the space could be re-done and made more useful. At this point, it was a gathering place for wrapping paper, coats, our vacuum, and random junk. Isn’t everyone’s closet like this?

I knew that WE (Angry Husband, BFF Stacey, and me) could accomplish this project. I knew that it would not be very costly. It really wasn’t complicated, but add in very busy schedules, and that’s why, I’m posting the final results over a month later.

At the beginning of November, I posted my “before” photograph. This is when the project began. I started by cleaning out the closet. I took several items to the Goodwill and Salvation Army.

<span class=Before Picture of Closet

In mid-November, I posted some sneak previews of the paint in the closet. Stacey came over for the day and painted the closet. I’m totally allergic to paint, and doing anything creative like painting. The paint color is Valspar Jalapeño Jelly 6005-6A in semi-gloss, which is found at Lowes. We went through a gallon of paint, because the closet probably had never been painted since house was built, seriously. We took out the shelf and the bar in the closet before it was painted. We also took off the door to the closet to make it a little easier to paint.

<span class=Closet After Shelf and Bar Were Removed, Plus Paint Added

I got an idea in my head, as usual. I decided that the closet needed some lighting. Do I know anything about electrical work? Umm, no..that’s what Angry Husband is for. We went back and forth with all these complex ideas for electrical work in the closet. We ended up going with the simple route. He installed a recessed light in the closet ($15), and he tied (wired) it into the recessed lights in our hallway. You have to turn the hallway lighting on, to get the closet light to work. By doing this, we did not have to install light switches, etc…You like how I say, “We”!

<span class=Recessed Light in Ceiling of Closet

I then made a few trips to Ikea, Home Depot, and Lowes for supplies for this project. I added my own touches to the original project from the magazine. I did use the Expedit shelf from Ikea. I looked around for other “similar” shelves, but this shelf was perfect for our closet size. Angry Husband cut out some of the molding in the closet to place the shelf unit firmly against the wall. He also secured it to the wall with mounting brackets provided with the unit when purchased.

<span class=The Closet with Expedit Shelf in Place

I found a piece of melamine at Home Depot to use for the shelf. The shelf was held up and supported by pre-primed molding also found at Home Depot. The white metal clothing rod was purchased at Lowes. It was very long and Angry Husband had to cut it to size. The clothing rod was held into place with a flange setfound at Lowes. After everything was in place, Angry Husband painted the molding used to hold up the melamine shelf white (not pictured).

<span class=Closet After Melamine Shelf and Closet Rod Were Installed (Various Views)

<span class=Closet Showing the Expedit Shelf, The Melamine Shelf, and The Clothing Rod

I wanted to place baskets on the Expedit shelves like in the original picture. I did not like the baskets that they used. I improvised and took (3) baskets from Angry Toddler’s bedroom. We are in the process of re-organizing his room and toys. He had (3) perfect wicker Medium Sabrina Baskets from Pottery Barn Kids. I will do a post later showing what I placed in the baskets. I placed our coats back in the closet. I also placed my gym bag, Angry Toddler’s backpack, my camera bag, and various other items on the shelves. I still haven’t decided what to put on the top shelf. I think the vacuum needs to be accessible, so it also went back into the closet.

<span class=Finished Closet with All Our Stuff (Door Removed)

After the closet was pretty much finished, I had another idea…must modify, right? I wanted to add some hooks to the inside of the closet door. I’m always looking for my purse. I don’t know why I’m always looking for it. I now put my purse inside the closet, when I get home. Therefore, it also prevents Angry Toddler from digging into my purse. I got the rack (hooks) from Target.

<span class=Closet with Door Back On, and Coat Rack on Interior of Door

I hope this step-by-step process of our closet makeover helps or inspires someone. It took awhile to get it completed. I think I made a pretty good Project Manager. I’m not very handy, but I always have great ideas. Or maybe it’s just the Project ADD….
Filed Under: In The Home 78 Comments

Comments

  1. Scraps says:
    March 30, 2010 at 9:05 am

    What a great paint color–I really like that it contrasts with the surroundings and looks great with the white against it. Bravo!

    Reply
  2. zeemaid says:
    March 30, 2010 at 9:08 am

    ooh I love it. especially the bold color. Why should closets be blah?

    Definitely has given me some ideas. I so love your purse hanger idea. Only we have folding doors on our closets but still. Why not put a hook inside the closet. Great photos!

    Happy SITS day!

    Reply
  3. Rene W. says:
    March 30, 2010 at 9:12 am

    Woo Hoo! I LOVE that :) It’s right up my ally… the color of green is fantastic – great job!

    Reply
  4. Imogen says:
    March 30, 2010 at 10:57 am

    Ah, closets…

    I had to paint my bedroom one when I moved in (which was far from a pleasant experience, may I add) and also did a bit of re-organising about a year ago.

    It was quite a rewarding experience, my end result was not half as impressive as yours, though…That colour looks AMAZING!

    Great work! Looking forward to getting inspired by more, similar posts ;)

    Reply
  5. Heather says:
    March 30, 2010 at 11:03 am

    You have the BEST closet remodels! I had to show my husband the closet you did for Angry Kid – I love it! And this one is just as great! I am inspired to re-do my entry closet now too!

    Reply
  6. Young Wife says:
    March 30, 2010 at 1:07 pm

    Stopping by from SITS. I love this closet! Real Simple is one of my favorite magazines. We just moved from Dallas to South Jersey, so I’ll probably be doing some major organizing soon. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
  7. joann mannix says:
    March 30, 2010 at 1:09 pm

    Wow, what a difference! The color is so beautiful and talk about organization! Great job. Over from SITS. Congratulations on your big day. And by the way, your blog is adorable. Love the look.

    Reply
  8. SharleneT says:
    March 30, 2010 at 1:31 pm

    What a great job. It’s so very colorful. Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea…AND, happy SITS day!

    Reply
  9. Simply Me says:
    March 30, 2010 at 1:47 pm

    what a difference its made …its a great idea too .
    happy sits day !!

    Reply
  10. NightingaleDdancer says:
    March 30, 2010 at 2:16 pm

    I Love the colour! And yes, the vacume cleaner must ALWAYS be acessable…if one wants to ever have the motivation to vacume.
    Fun post, it would be such fun (in theory) to do up your own place..sigh..one day.!
    Happy SITS day.. if but belated…Cant get my Australian timing right!

    Reply
  11. Marie Cole says:
    March 31, 2010 at 6:48 am

    You did a awesome makeover on your hall closet. You have some great management skills and ideas. ;) ))

    Reply
  12. Becky@OrganizingMadeFun says:
    January 14, 2011 at 10:32 am

    Oh, it must make you smile everytime you open up that closet to see it neat and tidy, PLUS a cheery green color! I love it…I love Ikea stuff too! Great job!

    Becky B.
    http://www.organizingmadefun.blogspot.com
    Organizing Made Fun

    Reply
  13. Ceilidh says:
    April 5, 2011 at 7:34 am

    What did you use to attach the rod to the Expedit?? I found our blog months ago when I was looking for a picture of what I had in mind for my kid’s closets and found you…and now I am paranoid to attach the rod to the side! ;) (I have the 2 x 4 with a rod above and now want to put a short rod on one side too)

    Thanks…your closets look FAB!!

    Reply
    • Julie {Angry Julie} says:
      February 28, 2012 at 4:16 pm

      We used a round metal circular thing. It was in the closet organizing section at Lowe’s. It was the same piece that you use to mount regular closet poles onto the walls and drywall. He also pre-drilled the holes before finally drilling them in.

      Reply
  14. Jennifer says:
    February 22, 2012 at 11:15 pm

    What a great re-do. My closet looks to be about the same size and I have the same problems.
    Jennifer recently posted..Making Sense of the Madness that is my Child’s Room

    Reply
  15. Shaba says:
    March 13, 2012 at 5:42 pm

    I came across your blog as I was looking into lighting for my coat closet. I like your idea, however, there’s one problem…you broke electrical code with the style of lighting you chose!! It’s a fire hazard, and illegal to have an exposed light of any kind in a closet. You must use a recessed light with a cover. There’s also a lot of info in regards to how far it has to be from the wall and the trim, etc etc. Please re-evaluate the light you chose to prevent a fire by you or the next homeowner! :)

    Reply
  16. Michelle @first date etiquette says:
    August 22, 2012 at 6:36 am

    I particularly like the green shade you chose. It must be so much more of a pleasure to look into your closet now. I am in the process of optimizing my home space too- thanks, you guys make it look easy and quite simple. Great job!
    Michelle @first date etiquette recently posted..Modern Dating Etiquette for Men

    Reply
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