Creating Closet Envy
Storage space is premium real estate in a house. Yet, sometimes that space can be best used for something else in our homes. When doing construction on our home, for example, we needed to find a way to create space for a family room/play room for our baby girl. We could have converted a bedroom into that space, but we really wanted space for family to be able to stay with us when they visit, so we decided to open up the laundry room and remove some storage closets instead. Truth be told, I still sometimes mourn the loss of those closets, but having a play area right off the kitchen was a much better solution and it made a huge difference to our lifestyle.
However, you don’t need a major construction project to re-design your closet and make it function better for your lifestyle. Here are four closet conversions ideas that transform your closets from basic storage into the spaces you wish you had.
CLOSET >> MUDROOM
Mudrooms are an excellent way to keep your entryway organized, functional, and pretty, whether it be at an entry point to the home or near one. If you don’t have a designated space to build one in, converting a closet may be the perfect solution!
Make sure to build all the essentials into your mudroom. You’ll want:
Hooks for coats, sweaters, and bags.
Bins for bags, shoes, and umbrellas.
Seating, whether it be built in or free standing, to comfortably put on shoes.
A small shelf or drop zone for other items, like sunglasses and keys.
Designed by Katie Lamb, @katiebethlamb
CLOSET >> HOME OFFICE
These days, more and more people are mobile workers, often working from home, coffee shops, or shared workspaces. You may not have a room in your home available to create a home office, but redesigning a closet for this space is a great option, if you have one that you can spare. At the end of the work day, all you have to do is power down that computer, close the doors, and leave the emails behind!
A few issues that you’ll want to keep in mind when designing this space:
Make sure your closet can support the electronic needs of your home office, be that a computer, printer, lighting, and anything else that may be necessary for you to work comfortably. You may need an electrician to run additional wiring to the space.
Build storage into your workspace to keep a clean desk and a clear mind that’s not distracted by clutter.
Have fun with the design. Make your office a bright spot of design, not just a functional space. It can be as simple as adding a little bit of paint, but it will completely change your mindset and your work day.
Designed by Pati Robins, @patirobins
CLOSET >> LAUNDRY ROOM
If you’re anything like me, you spend a lot of time doing laundry. Having a designated space that’s set up to make completing this task easier can make a tedious task a lot more enjoyable.
Keep in mind a few key elements for this transformation:
Your closet may not be deep enough to accommodate full size machines, but there are smaller scale stacked, stackable, or side by side models that can fit if your closet is at least 28” deep. (More compact options are available, if needed.)
You MUST make sure you have a way to vent the dryer, or get a ventless machine - they’re not as efficient, but they’ll get the job done.
If possible, build in shelving or cabinetry and hanging bars so your space can feature everything you need, from supplies to providing ample space for air drying freshly laundered items.
Designed by Jennifer, @designbydama
CLOSET >> WET BAR
If you dream of having a home bar but are not sure how to add it into your space plan a closet could provide the perfect solution. It offers ample storage, a door to tuck it away if you don’t always want it to be visible, and a lock (if you have little kids - or teenagers - to keep out).
Your home bar can be as extravagant, with mirror-backed shelving and wine coolers, or as simple as you want it to be. However, it is important to note that adding plumbing for a sink and electrical wiring for a wine cooler will bump up the costs, so figure out what works for your budget.
Designed by Michelle Williams Interiors, @michellewilliamsinteriors
No matter what you do, think big and design the closet of your dreams! For more tips, tricks, and design inspiration follow along on my Instagram @gottliebsilverstudio, linked below.