You guys, I don’t know if it’s just because it’s a new year, or what, but I’ve been so motivated to get some bigger projects done around the house that I’ve been meaning to do for ages! It started off with my chalkboard wall and now I’m moving on to another much-needed project – my master closet makeover! I got an extra boost of motivation when Wayfair.com asked me if I would like to be a part of their Conquer Your Closet Campaign and of course I said heck yes! It was just the push I needed to get my rear in gear. Check out my closet transformation below – I’m tickled pink with how it turned out and I basically could just sit and hang out in there all day. Seriously.
*I was compensated by Wayfair.com for this post with a gift card, however, all design ideas, written content, opinions and suggestions are my own!*
Let’s take a look at where I started with some ‘Before’ pictures – who doesn’t love a good ‘before’ picture? AmIright?
This is where we initially started when we moved into our house. Note the unnecessary wallpapered divider on the left, the wooden dowel that’s about to break from the weight of our clothes, and the old coffee table that we used to store our shoes. Yes, I’m super resourceful like that. Over time, we got rid of that coffee table and got a proper shoe holder from Ikea, but everything else remained basically the same. Here’s where I started the week before my husband and I tackled this project:
It was a really tight, cramped space due to their being clothes racks on either side, as well as a shoddily constructed divider that the previous owners had put in and covered with yellow striped wallpaper. Why. Oh. Why. There were lots of holes in the wall, my extra bags and purses were a mess, and all our hangers were the crappy plastic mismatched kind. Neato. And the crazy thing is is that we have to walk through the master closet to get to our master bathroom. There is no closet door of any kind and I can see it from my bed, taunting me every. single. day. Time to switch it UP!
We started by removing the warped clothes dowels and putting all our clothes on the bed which looked like this:
You literally couldn’t see our duvet. We also took this time to get rid of clothes we hadn’t worn in ages and donated them to the Goodwill! Next we worked on finding where the studs in the wall were, so we knew how long our clothes rods could be. Here’s a good stud finder.
It turns out that the closest stud to that window is right about where my husband’s hand is, which left about a good foot of space between the window and where the clothes would go. The other stud was right at the corner of the wall, which was about 3 feet exactly.
More demolition! Hubby and I unscrewed/hammered/punched the shoddy divider and got it the heck out of that closet. Good riddance yellow-wallpapered nuisance! Once we had demo-ed and remove most of the existing hardware/wallpaper/random half sections of beadboard we were left with this:
Apparently this closet was once painted sage green, according to the gap in the baseboard and they didn’t like finishing things like baseboards or anything like that… Argh. The closet was actually so much bigger once everything was out! And the lighting was so much better now that my clothes weren’t blocking the window and the divider wasn’t blocking the ceiling light.
I knew I wanted a modern/clean look, so we ran to Lowe’s and picked up some metal piping to serve as our clothes hanging apparatus. We knew we needed 3 foot pipe, and luckily Lowe’s had some pieces already that size so we didn’t have to get anything cut! Big relief. In addition to two 3 foot pipes in a 3/4″ width, we picked up some of these:
– (4) Galvanized Floor Flanges in 3/4″
– (4) Galvanized 90 degree Elbows in 3/4″
– (4) Galvanized Steel Pipe Nipples in 3/4″ width and 10″ length
The important thing to remember is to make sure all the widths match up properly – otherwise they won’t screw in together right! Also, why do those little pipes have to be called ‘nipples’?? Weird. But I digress.
All the pieces were a bit greasy when we brought them home and I didn’t want that transferring to our clothes, so I wiped down each pipe and piece with some Goo Gone, then with soapy wet paper towel, and then with a dry paper towel. Voila! Clean, shiny, non-greasy pipe. We put each bar together then screwed them into the wall. I served as the bar-holder-upper while my husband used the electric screwdriver. Man, it gave my arms a workout!
After we had screwed the top bar in, we hung a couple of my husband’s longest shirts on it to see where we should place the second bar beneath it. After more bar holding, leveling and attaching later, we were left with two beautiful modern industrial clothes bars!
They may look short here, but 3 feet each was more than enough to hold all our clothes! And remember that weird 1 foot of space between the window and the clothes bars? I added two little knobs that I had bought at Anthropologie ages ago, though I also totally love these hooks from Wayfair, as a place to hang scarves or jewelry or whatever have you!
My husband spackled the leftover holes and I did some paint touch-ups and then it was time to bring everything back into the closet and finish it off with some decor and details! Are you guys ready to see the end result?
*drumroll, please*
Ta-da! Our brand new, beautiful, gorgeous, light, functional, amazing, master closet makeover! It seriously feels so grown-up and light and airy in here. A drastic change from what it was previously! Let’s explore a little more, shall we?
We switched out all our crappy plastic hangers for beautiful wood ones. The wood hangers combined with the metal piping makes this place feel like an upscale boutique! Now it’s like shopping whenever I go to put something on 🙂 And I love that I can set my jewelry or accessories out the night before on those two little knobs. Less rushing around in the morning trying to coordinate!
This shoe cabinet has been a real life saver in keeping all of our shoes organized! Here’s a similiar one at Wayfair.com! It’s so great to have all of our shoes out of the way so we aren’t tripping over them in the morning.
You might recognize these baskets from my last Wayfair post about Holiday Entertaining – I loved them so much that I just HAD to buy them for our master closet makeover. I used three of them to hold belts, hats, and scarves. It keeps them organized and now I know where things are when I need them!
Since I now have a ton of extra space, I decide to make my own little corner oasis. Ahhh, so peaceful! Like I said, I could seriously spend all day in here. I set up my vintage gold-dipped chair and my sisal rope basket full of Better Homes & Gardens for a bit of light reading. I even added a little candle and succulent to make it a little more homey 🙂
And no space is complete without a little bit of art and decor! I added a frame with a bunch of our wedding photos, an ‘S’ from Michaels that I spray-painted gold, and some cute little art cards that came in scrapbooking set from Target, that I hung with some gold sparkly tape. It’s a fun little gallery wall that makes this master closet truly feel like a complete part of my home.
And how about a few more fun ‘after’ photos and full-length shots, just for funsies and because I’m now literally obsessed with my closet. No joke, friends.
(^View from the chair out towards the master bedroom – separate post on our room to come!) Also check out how I organized that little overhang near the ceiling. I put all of my extra purses into one big bag and all of our summer clothes are in the tote. (Yes, all of our summer clothes fit in one tiny tote because we literally have like 3 weeks of summer here)
(^The little rug is my fave!)
(^View from our bed – you can see why it’s ugliness was bothering me so much before – it was constantly staring me in the face!) I also spy my DIY crate console table and my succulent planter, which is miraculously still alive!
 And there you have it! My master closet makeover. My husband and I were surprised how quickly this project went. I don’t know why we didn’t do it sooner! I only took a couple of hours, and that included demo, going to Lowe’s and putting everything together. And now I have my big-girl master closet that is ready for years of use and enjoyment. Score!
What do you think of my master closet makeover? What’s one thing would you have in your dream closet?
Gorgeous!!! I love the pipes, and the whole space looks amazing!
Aww, thanks Amy! I think I might just live in there now 🙂
Erica! This is fab! We literally just hired a contractor to come and move walls to make our closet better …and you’ve given me some great inspiration for how to set up the new space! Congrats on a job well done!
Thanks, Erin! I’m surprised at how quickly it came together and I love how it turned out. I can’t wait to see your new closet! I just know it’s going to be amazing 🙂
Oh my goodness Erica! This makeover is AHHHHMAZING my friend! I LOVE the piping with the wooden hangers and those cute little knobs to hang your accessories! Absolutely brilliant girl!
Awwww, thanks friend! I’m seriously so in love with it too!!! So much better than the mess we had before! Now I don’t have to shield my eyes every time I walk past the closet opening 😉
Wow! Your closet it amazing! Nicely done!
Thank you Christine!! I’m really pleased with it 🙂
It looks awesome! And it makes me want to redo our closet. 🙂
Aww, thanks Wendy! It feels so good to do such a big transformation, and it didn’t even take us that long! I’d love to see your closet if you end up redoing it! 🙂
this is gorgeous! Such an improvement and I love the metal piping. Beautiful job 🙂
Thanks, Cat! It is SUCH a relief to finally have this project crossed off my list 🙂
Love those industrial clothing rods!!! The whole closet is beautiful!
Thank you so much, Nicole!! 🙂
Ahhhh Erica this turned out SO LOVELY! First off, I’m so totally jelly of your closet space. It’s HUGE. Ours is about a 1/3 of the size. Ugh. Second, I love the industrial bars to hang your clothes from. And third, I LOVE your cute little corner chair spot! It’s so cozy, bright, and relaxing. 🙂 Great job, friend!!
Awww, Amanda! You seriously just made my day 🙂 You are so sweet! I think we definitely lucked out on the closet when we bought this house – it just needed a little elbow grease to make it really shine! 🙂
oh my oh my oh my. I love this! What a fantastic closet! Amazing how not using the entire space for rails makes it less busy and more relaxing while still providing enough room for your things! I can’t wait to have a master closet!!! (/I’m going to drill holes in the ceiling to have as much light as you guys do! Gorgeous Erica!
Thanks, Karisa! I totally agree – using less space definitely makes it feel more breathable and it has a better flow. Can’t wait to see your master closet – you always blow my mind with your renovations and I know that your closet will, too! 🙂
Lovely! That sweet little rug really finishes off the space. But I’m having a hard time calling this a closet. It deserves a grander name. Dressing room. Wardrobe alcove. Niche. Nook. Much hipper than closet. Well done!
Aw, thanks so much Darla! The rug was 9.99 at Ikea, so of course I had to have it 🙂 And good point! It definitely feels more like a dressing room now that I have my little hang out corner 🙂
What a change, way to go!! A little closet organizing goes a looong way and yours looks like a totally different space. Ours needs some serious help, it’s super wonky and needs some corralling. Adding it to the list 🙂
Thanks so much, Emily! 🙂 I feel like closets sometimes get put by the wayside since they’re usually out of sight, but mine was just staring me in the face so I had to take action! haha. Can’t wait to see yours when it’s done!!
What a difference a few changes make! The galvanized piping clothes rods are awesome. Very, very nice!
Thank you so much, Peggy! And the surprising thing was that the whole project only took a couple hours. I don’t know why we didn’t do it sooner! Thanks again for your kind words 🙂
It is FANTASTIC! I am super jealous of it, including the fact that you have a skylight! All of the details are awesome, including the baskets!
Thank you so much, Bre! We definitely won the closet lottery when we bought this house. The skylight and window are my fave!
I am SO jealous of your large closet! You did an awesome job and I just love that you added a little seating area! Those baskets are fabulous too! Great job!
Thanks so much, Katie! I definitely just go and sit in the closet now and soak in all it’s awesomeness. Haha, I’m a nerd.
This looks AMAZING! And I have to admit, I’m a tad jealous of how big your closet is. 🙂 You did an awesome job. Love your bed too!
Thank you SO much, Lauren! My bedroom and closet are my favorite rooms in the house – definitely one of the big reasons we bought it!! 🙂
I love how clean and bright your master bedroom closet is Erica. What a fun project to start off the new year by getting organized!
Thank you Carrie! And I totally agree – kicking off the new year with a big project like this has really inspired me and set me on the right track, I think! Let’s hope I can keep the momentum going 🙂
Those windows are awesome, I love all of the accessories you put in there. It looks great. Thank you for linking up at Pin worthy Wednesday, this has been pinned.
Thank you Emily! The windows make me so happy 🙂 And thank you SO much for pinning! Love Pin Worthy Wednesday! 🙂
I love what you did with this space. I must have a few of those knobs for my jewelry. It is always in tangles!! I hope the space makes you smile!!
Thank you SO much, Rebecca! I got the knobs on clearance at Anthropologie so they were only a couple bucks each – they’ve been such a lifesaver with organizing jewelry and scarves! I just absolutely love my closet now – I could hang out in there all day!
That is DREAMY seriously dreamy! Can I come over and sit in your closet lol. I have been wanting to do a makeover in my 3rd bedroom which I turned into a giant closet/craft room. One day I’ll get to it haha. Thanks for linking up at totally terrific tuesday! I hope you make it back this week because I cant wait to see what you bring this week!
Jess
Aww, thanks Jess! You can totally come hang out in my closet any day lol 🙂 I totally can’t wait to see what you do with your 3rd bedroom closet – I know it’ll be awesome! And thanks for the fab link party! 🙂
I’ve been pinning master closets for days and FINALLY came upon yours. Totally DIY, and totally doable. Thank you!!! I now have something to show my husband and we can tackle this thing together without paying a fortune. I LOVE it!
Kristen, you seriously just made my day!! I’m SO glad and honored that you found my closet inspiring! Can’t wait to see what you and your husband come up with – I’ll be on the lookout for it 🙂
Very good information. Lucky me I found your website by chance (stumbleupon).
I’ve book-marked it for later!