When space is sparse and you need to utilize every available inch of your interior, a redundant closet could hold hidden potential. Forget storing coats and a vacuum cleaner; these inspiring real-life closet makeovers are here to show you how to maximize your alcoves. From a poodle dressing room to a stylish bathroom slotted under the stairs, deciding which one to replicate could be a challenge! Click or scroll for more...
We're absolutely obsessed with this baking closet by Mindi of MyLove2Create. The blogger is known for sharing inspiring DIY tutorials, to help others create amazing homes that are unique to them, so when her sister decided to turn her old pantry into a baking station, Mindi knew exactly how to help. Modifying her sister's kitchen closet, Mindi bought some lumber and a countertop from Home Depot, cut them to shape, and fixed them in place. Chalk paint and a space-saving sliding door finish the baking center beautifully.
Designed by Sarah Sherman Samuel, this stunning closet nursery is a masterpiece of space-saving design. Making the most of every inch of interior space, Sarah removed the unnecessary built-in closet doors and used the recess to create a beautiful closet nursery, complete with a crib and storage shelves that are out of baby's reach! What's even better, the stylish nursery nook was finished with removable wallpaper from Chasing Paper, which means it can be changed whenever the mood strikes.
Robert and Lauren of Bless'er House are a DIY-loving duo making their house a home, one budget-friendly renovation at a time. While we love every room in their property, the couple's playroom is perhaps the most impressive. The perfect spot for their young daughter, the room was given a thrifty makeover, after Lauren discovered an antique armoire in a junk shop in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Inspired by Narnia, Lauren painted the closet before installing a light fixture, wallpaper, and cushions to create the ultimate reading nook.
Knowing that their children will never know the joys of strolling to Blockbuster to pick out a movie, Robert and Lauren of Bless'er House also decided to turn their vacant under-stairs cupboard into an at-home DVD store – a place where the whole family could browse for a film to watch together. The space was oddly shaped, dingy, and wasn't being used to its full potential, but using a can of paint and some simple shelving, the couple managed to transform their closet in just a weekend.
While some people might see two built-in closets as something of a gift, Instagrammer Lauren saw the potential to reuse the space in a way that worked better for her family. The doors came off and bespoke shelving went in, then she gave it a coat of clean white paint to brighten it and moved a dresser and a laundry basket inside. The result? Lots of floor space freed up and a perfect storage solution for a stylish kid’s room.
Bryanne LaVigne lives in Buffalo, New York and has created a super-cool at-home bar in her old living room closet. The local watering hole can be found hiding behind a sliding barn door and comes kitted out with a coffee machine, glass storage, an ice bucket and all the accessories needed to create cocktails or cappuccinos! The transformation was relatively simple and merely required some shelving and a countertop bench, while under-counter cupboards provide space for Bryanne's favorite tipples.
Hannah Maria Clark used to get ready in her bedroom, but when her partner complained about the brightness of her mirror's light waking him up, she decided to turn her small hallway cupboard into a private make-up station. All Hannah needed to do to transform the space was paint the walls and existing shelves in a slate gray and add a few finishing touches, including a large mirror from Ikea, and savvy storage boxes and fairy lights. Total spend? Just $6.40!
Based in The Hague, The Netherlands, Holly Marder and Hedda Pier run Avenue Design Studio, helping people create inspiring interiors. For this project in Rotterdam, the pair redesigned a simple room into a contemporary, gender-neutral space with dark wooden floors. Yet the coolest thing about the room is its clever guest closet. The perfect spot for visitors to sleep, the closet also offers useful storage shelves and can be hidden away when not in use.
Cyn is enthusiastic about all things fashion and design, so since her home featured two kitchens, she decided to turn one into a glamorous walk-in closet. Nicknamed the 'clotchen' (closet kitchen), Cyn applied trim to the cupboards and painted them in various shades of pink, adding gold handles for a luxe finish. Pull-out drawer organizers mean Cyn can easily access her clothes, while shelving provides the perfect spot for displaying her favorite dresses and shoes. It's now a super-dreamy closet space!
Lauren Schmitt has designed the ultimate walk-in closet for her beloved poodles, Darla, Myla, Lottie and Willow. Lauren's poodle closet can be found in Southern California and has been kitted out with everything her dogs could need. Lauren cleared the redundant space before installing shelving units for all of her dogs' toys, leads, collars and accessories. An adorable poodle rug finishes the room perfectly, making it worthy of every dog lover's Pinterest board!
As an avid DIY-er, Lela Burris craved a space to store all of her craft items and an unused closet provided the perfect place. The cupboard started out life as a bland room in need of some TLC. Lela painted the walls, applied removable wallpaper for a splash of color, installed adjustable shelving, and purchased a craft cart on wheels for easy access in and out. A shoe organizer also provides extra storage on the back of the door. Lela also created labels using a Cricut Maker, so she can easily find exactly what she needs.
A bit of creative thinking from this Instagrammer saw an old closet near the home’s entrance get a new lease of life as a beautifully organized pantry. A dark wood door was taken off its hinges to open up the space and new smart shelving was installed, which was promptly filled with matching glass jars and wicker storage baskets. She even peeled the labels off the cans so they’d add to the look (after writing the contents on the can in Sharpie, of course!).
Ryan Atfield had a similar idea to Hannah Maria Clark, and decided he needed a private space of his own, where he could relax and watch movies in peace. With no spare room to play with, Ryan set about redesigning the void under his stairs, creating a purpose-built man cave with a home cinema at one end and a cozy bean bag zone at the other. Filled with all the essentials needed for a chilled night in, the mini man cave was also crafted on a small budget.
Fans of Harry Potter will be obsessed with this closet, since children's librarian Courtney Bonnet has recreated Harry's original bedroom at Privet Drive. From the outside, it looks like a regular under-stairs cupboard, but step inside and you'll find the ultimate Harry Potter-themed secret nook – perfect for escaping with a book, or practicing your spells! Courtney covered the walls with pages from a damaged copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and finished the space with décor inspired by the magical world.
Shelby Moffis owns a home staging and interior decorating business in Alaska, so it's no wonder that she was able to turn an ugly built-in closet into such a beautiful space. Located in the guest bedroom, where a closet wasn't needed, Shelby removed the structure, painted the walls white and cut out black plus signs from sticky vinyl, using a Cricut machine. Styled with an IKEA dresser, a flat-screen, a plant and an accent chair, the stylish TV nook cost $475 to complete.
For years, Tammy's entryway closet was a mess; a space for shoes, coats and ugly dog crates. So, along with her DIY partner Sarah, she decided it was time to makeover the space once and for all. The decorating duo cleared out the closet, installed hidden shelves in the corners, and fitted a mudroom bench, which provides plenty of space for Tammy's pampered pooches to relax in luxury! Amazingly, the mudroom's back wall was created using a Sharpie pen and a homemade stencil! Total spend? Just $110!
This under-stairs cupboard has been transformed into a compact but cool play den for two young boys – and it only cost the homeowner $65 to create! The exterior of the closet has been turned into a fake house façade, complete with brickwork wallpaper, a built-in window and a front door, while the interior offers a doll's house, books, toys and cushions, as well as blackboards for each of the children to play with. What kid wouldn't want their very own private den?
This old and cramped closet was once cluttered and unattractive, but thanks to a TaskRabbit makeover, it's now functional and fabulous, offering plenty of storage space, as well as a glamorous dressing table. The look was achieved on a small budget, thanks to a simple lick of paint, new shelving and a vanity unit. Now a space Carrie Bradshaw would be proud of, this dressing area proves how easy a closet transformation can be.
Lela Burris is the queen of organization and has carefully created a stylish yet highly functional home. Lela wanted a spot just for laundry, so she took a 40-square-foot space and turned it into a chic yet simple utility room. The closet-sized space, measuring just five feet wide, is just big enough for a washer and a dryer. Completed in a single day, the miniature laundromat features floating shelves, a fold-away drying rack and a stunning accent wall. Lela also utilizes the tops of the machines, thanks to a tabletop ironing pad.
As far as kitchen pantries are concerned, Gabrielle's is up there with the best of them! Designed to mimic a grocery store, this adorable walk-in pantry was easily crafted using simply shelving, glass storage jars, and bespoke labels from Talented Kitchen. Standing units provide extra space below, while glass doors and cute signage on the exterior make it utterly charming and unique. We think we're in love...
Emily Simpson lives in Memphis and loves nothing more than decorating and getting creative at home. For this project, Emily decided to turn her daughter's former closet into a gorgeous area where she could do her homework. Stylish and adorable, the homework station was achieved using a desk, some wallpaper, and a couple of shelves. There are plenty of sweet details here, too – including a miniature fairy door. There's also plenty of space for books, photos, pens, and crayons, making this 'cloffice' cute and highly functional.
Emily Joosten is mad about decorating and organization and her amazing at-home bar proves it. Emily turned a tiny closet, which is just two-foot wide, into a chic spot where she can store all of her favorite drinks. The living room closet previously contained coats and household items, but now the space oozes contemporary appeal. Emily installed a recessed light in the ceiling, bought tiles and a damaged butcher's block from Floor & Decor, a brass shelf and hardware from Pottery Barn, and a small white cabinet from Home Depot. Despite spending $1,000 on the project, every penny was worth it.
Super stylish designer and Instagrammer taralarsonlifestyle has created a perfect little study within her old closet space. From the neutral gingham feature wall to the stylish Scandi furniture, nothing about this miniature home office feels forced or overdone. Imagine getting to read your emails here? Guaranteed productivity!
In a bid to make laundry a simpler process for a new mum, Absolute Green Homes decided to turn an ugly upstairs closet into a practical laundry zone. Before the transformation, the homeowner's washer was located in a cold and damp basement, so moving her facilities upstairs seemed simple yet obvious! The tiny upstairs closet was given a fresh lick of paint, while a custom-made shelving unit and a new sliding door means that every inch of the cupboard is maximized.
Cara is an influencer and blogger, specializing in interiors and DIY. So it's no wonder that in her house, there isn't a boring closet in sight! Needing a place where she could focus on her work, Cara decided to turn a redundant cupboard into a chic cloffice. Both stylish and smartly crafted, the work nook was simple to create; Cara removed the cupboard doors, installed removable wallpaper from Chasing Paper and purchased a vintage desk to finish the cozy area perfectly.
Gabrielle's stylish pantry is not the only closet in her house to have received a stunning makeover. The DIY enthusiast has also transformed her hallway cupboard into a beautiful, hotel-worthy linen store. Thanks to her handyman husband, Gabrielle now has a pretty spot to store her towels, lotions and potions! Her partner removed the old metal shelves, installed stylish beadboard wall paneling and rustic wooden shelves for a country-inspired finish.
Gemma Clarke needed a space where she could get ready in the mornings, without having to hide all of her beauty essentials away afterwards. A spare walk-in closet seemed the obvious choice, so Gemma painted the interior and sourced budget-friendly accessories, such as fairy lights, a mirror, and floral bunting. She found a floating drawer shelf, a peg board and a storage trolley from IKEA, which helped complete the space. Now Gemma's favorite spot in the whole house, this glitzy powder room cost just $259 to create.
Suzanne Richard’s bedroom benefitted from two closets, so she decided to put the smallest one to better use. With a horde of books cluttering up her basement, she scoured Pinterest for ideas, stumbling upon the perfect solution – a reading nook! Suzanne removed the closet door and clothes rail, and after some small touch-ups, painted the interior and applied wallpaper to the back. She then installed a light, created a storage bench with a lid, and added some shelves. Finally, she sourced foam and fabric and paid her neighbor $20 to create her a beautiful seat. All this for just $271!
Craft-loving sisters Lynnee Jimenez and Pauline Molinari started Club Chica Circle to inspire people of all ages to get crafty. Offering inspiring craft and DIY ideas, the pair know a thing or two about having fun with your creativity. In fact, Pauline turned her under-stairs closet into a dreamy sleepover nook for her daughter. To create the beds, Pauline sewed together some old outdoor chair cushions and covered them with IKEA covers – when not in use, the mattresses fold into Z-shapes and can be stacked on top of one another. It's the perfect sleep space for tweens and teenagers!
The space underneath the stairs is often not used to its full potential, but with just a little imagination, you can create a practical and beautiful space that will not only make the most of the space, but also add value to your home. Such a transformation need not cost the world, either. We don't know about you, but with the addition of a few storage hacks, we're sold...
Robin of Lovely Lark Living is a master of creating stylish and functional spaces – and her sons' reading den proves it. Since her children didn't have a lot of clothes, Robin decided to turn their redundant closet into a practical, purpose-built den that they would use and cherish. While a small rod in the corner allows Robin to hang some of their clothes up, the rest of the closet has been transformed into a space-themed pod, complete with book storage and a cozy reading ledge.
In just three short days, Rachel Metz converted a built-in closet into a dreamy 'cloffice' (closet office) for work and play. Designed for her cousin, a social media blogger, the space is now a one-stop-shop where she can tackle projects and unwind after a long day! Costing just $200 to complete, Rachel removed the mirrored doors and shelves, painted the interior and created floating storage from plywood. Light-weight drapes also allow the space to be covered up when guests come to stay.
Designed in the early 2000s, this ugly utility closet featured brown walls and beige linoleum flooring, until owner Sarah got creative. In order to transform the tiny room on a small budget, Sarah purchased white hexagon tiles from Floor & Decor, a butcher's block countertop from Menards, as well as basic unfinished wall cabinets that she painted. To replicate some high-end black subway tiles she'd spotted in her local Starbucks, Sarah painted the wall and used a Sharpie pen to create a fake tile pattern – crafty!
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