Closet Glow Up 101: From Drab to Sunny California (Closets)
A Wall of Shoes!
-Rhiannon
One of the first ideas I shared with my closet designer was the dream of having a wall of shoes. Ask and you shall receive:
Seeing what I had envisioned manifest into something tangible is such an exciting feeling! Here is what I learned from my closet makeover experience:
5 Tips for your closet makeover
1. Browse all of your options.
When I decided to renovate my primary closet space I decided on my budget and like a true researcher started Googling closet organization.
I settled on a few top choices and began to weigh the pros and cons of each:
- Budget friendly: There are different levels to choose from based on your budget starting with the Elfa Classic and upgraded Elfa Décor, mid-level Avera, and the top-notch, Laren.
- Brick and mortar stores: I happen to live close to a storefront and was able to visit the showroom to check out the quality of the offerings. They also have a consultation/design station in the store.
- In-home consultation and design: I liked the idea of someone coming to my house, seeing the space, measuring it, and providing design options.
- Brick and mortar stores: I also happen to live close to a California Closets showroom and was able to check out the quality of the closets.
- Self-Install: Depending on your level of handiness, this might appear as a pro or con. I liked this option, as it is a money-saver and I thankfully have family who could install the pieces.
- Design your own or receive help: They allow customers to measure and design independently or provide them and receive a design.
Spoiler alert: I chose California Closets — for me it was a nice mix of quality for the price and convenience of in-home design (I worried my own measurements would be off). But I also have two friends who chose Elfa Décor (The Container Store) and they are very satisfied with their end result!
2. Take inventory
Understand the closet organization you need for the clothes/accessories you have.
I knew I not only wanted, but needed my wall of shoes after counting the number of heels and boots I own.
I also took into consideration the types of spaces I would need: I have a lot of dresses and blazers for work, so I needed a place to house those. Did I want to fold my jeans and dress pants into shelves or hang some of them? What about skirts? Jewelry? Handbags? My incredible designer helped me sort out these kinds of dilemmas.
I couldn’t fit everything into the space I had to work with, so I needed to decide what items were most important to have in my primary closet. Everything else is in my overflow closet, my jewelry case, or my dresser.
What ultimately ended up in my primary closet:
- Heels, boots, and sandals
- Blazers
- Dress pants
- Work dresses
- Casual dresses
- Jeans
- Sweaters
- Scarves and gloves
- Athleisure apparel
- Hoodies
- Casual clothes
- Most-used handbags and clutches
- Swimwear
- Some undergarments
What’s in my overflow closet and dressers:
- Jewelry
- PJs
- Jackets
- More handbags and shoes
- Team apparel (from my ice skating days)
- Remaining undergarments
3. Implement some DIY.
The primary closet had old carpet and black & tan walls (yes, one of the colors was named “Cast Iron”). Cut to: gorgeous hardwood floors and fresh paint on the walls and ceiling.
4. Prioritize what you want and need.
It’s easy to go down the rabbit hole of add-ons once you see everything your chosen company offers. Yes, I’ll take glass doors! Yes, I’ll buy logo matching hangers! But, stop and think what’s absolutely necessary for your budget. Ultimately, I chose California Closets’ basic finish with crown molding, footers, and no doors. I’m happy I found a middle ground for the look I wanted and the price range I needed to stay within.
4. Enjoy your glow up.
Decorate. Add an ottoman. Let your cat hide in the cubby. Do whatever you want to enjoy your new, beautiful space. Remind yourself what it was, what it has become, and how it will continue to change in the future with your style and needs (my next move is getting matching hangers).
