Walk-In Closet Makeover On a Budget

Walk-in closet makeover on a budget with his and hers do-it-yourself organization systems and a floral wallpaper focal wall.

The walk-in closet in our bedroom was a huge selling factors when we bought our house back in 2012. I felt like our space was limitless. As time went on, all that space started to feel nonexistent. I forgot that our large closet was a luxury. I became convinced that it just wasn’t big enough. The mess in my closet got more and more out of control This made it feel even. It’s amazing how a disorganized space can do that! We decided that we needed a closet makeover.

Walk-In Closet Makeover on a Budget

DIY Closet Organization System – His

My husband started with building an organization system for his side of the closet. His space housed one shelf, one rod for hanging clothes and floor space for shoes. He turned it into a way better utilized closet system. In order to fit the system he wanted, he moved the main shelf up about a foot. This made room for two rods for hanging clothes. So he didn’t lose any hanging space. Down the middle he built cubbies for his shoes. He built seven cubbies, which is plenty for him. He keeps his “lawn” shoes in the garage, sneakers are downstairs for easy access. Snow boots are packed on the top shelf since he rarely needs them. The top shelf is mainly for storing out of season clothes and accessories. The system also contains two shelves for pants and a large space for a safe.

DIY Closet Organization System – Hers

Next, I started planning my side of the closet. I liked my husband’s, but I needed something larger. After all, I have more clothes, shoes and accessories. My plans included one hanging space for dresses and longer clothes, shelves for my shoes, and two additional hanging spaces. Plus, a large shelf along the top for out of season storage and bags. We recycled a simple bookshelf from WalMart to use for the shoe shelf. The bookcase is mounted to the wall with mounting hardware and 2x4s. The bookcase is in the center of the wall. We cut down the old closet rods to fit the three new hanging areas. The rods are mounted to the walls and the sides of the bookshelf.

Wallpaper Focal Wall

All of this left the back wall available for my jewelry and other accessories. I wanted to do something fun, and a little out of my usual comfort zone. At first, I thought about stenciling. But then I saw this amazing floral wallpaper from Graham & Brown and knew I had to have it. The pattern is Boheme in the Jade color scheme. It’s also available in black and white (my runner up favorite) and a more pink/coral option. Graham & Brown also carries a variety of home decor items like pillows, clocks and frames. In an effort to be totally transparent, I will tell you that my husband HATES the wallpaper. He thinks the floral pattern looks like “something from a retired grandma in Florida’s house.” Plus, he just hates wallpaper. But he knew that I liked it, so he got on board.

Creating a Cute “Dressing Area”

Since the wallpaper is so beautiful, I wanted to keep this area reserved for only beautiful things. My handbags are on display on the top shelf. All of my necklaces are hanging up where I can easily see them. I even bought some jewelry display pieces for my rings and bracelets. Putting things on display actually helped me purge a lot of bags and jewelry I never wore. I recently read Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, so I’m on a purge and organize kick. Which isn’t exactly the Marie Kondo way, but you have to start somewhere! 

The little dresser was perfect for this area. A large dresser used to live in here, but it just took up too much space. This piece is smaller and holds everything I need it to.

This new setup has made it so much easier to get dressed in the morning. All of my clothes are spread out and easily accessible, so I can see all of my options. I’ve even worn a few “nicer” clothes to run errands with the kids. And by nicer I mean not yoga pants and a Dashboard Confessional t-shirt. Plus, it just makes me happy. Funny how organization and colorful walls can do that to someone. I’d have to say this space is now a favorite of mine. It really feels amazing to embrace the more “daring” side of myself and go bolder in our home. Now that the bathroom and closet are done and looking good, our bedroom is definitely on my radar.