We are gearing up to tackle our new master closet and the excitement level is at 100. One of the last projects we did at our last house was our closet, and even though it was not much larger than our current closet, it was larger and it was organized and it was a joy to be in--so I guess you could say, we got a taste of the good life.
Our current closet is about a 6x9 with a big window (which is wonderful, but also cuts down on usable space) and two dressers to maximize storage:
When we bought this house we planned on just working with the existing closet. Although smaller than our previous one, we knew with a fresh system in place we could maximize it. Then! When we put a ceiling on the music room and created this bonus space upstairs, a few followers on Instagram mentioned--why not make it your closet?!
SO WE'RE MAKING IT OUR CLOSET! It has a wonderful large window in it, as well, that shines so much EXTRA natural light into our bedroom once we opened the wall up. This room is 12x16 at it's farthest point--a full blown ROOM, so we're excited to bring in some design elements that make it feel more dressing room-esque with all the function and storage of a closet. You can watch a little tour of it, with some preliminary ideas here.
Before we start designing, I combed through SO much closet inspiration and narrowed my inspiration down to these top nine for a variety of reasons!
1. This one (Source) stuck with me first for the tone on tone trim in the reflection of the arched mirror. The warmed tones and mirrored light. It's not a picture of a closet, it's a vignette of a vibe. It also made me start thinking about where I am going to want to do my makeup--in the bathroom or closet? Because a vintage vanity in the closet would add so much!
2. This closet (Source) has brought my jaw to the floor since I first saw it. I'm not sure if we want an island (like, is there even room?!) or just an ottoman but this one definitely makes a case for a modest sized island if it means I can have greenery IN MY CLOSET. I also love the practicality of the open system--and the warm wood tone!--but I think I would like doors on, at least, part of it.
3. Although I'm not a huge fan of cherry wood, this closet alone could covert me. (Source) The partially open, partially closed storage and the built in desk/vanity are getting a big yes from me!
4. Erin BROUGHT the inspiration when she customized her Ikea closet. (Source) My big takeaway--wallpaper the ceiling. Wallpaper the ceiling NOW. Also, you don't have to have a huge closet to make it feel like a special dressing room.
5. I don't have a lot of fancy shoes. Like, I don't have any fancy shoes. So I loved this inspiration (Source) for practical shoe storage that doesn't scream "LOOK AT ME!" I also noted the sconces around the room!
6. This photo drove home the idea of incorporating something old in the closet.(Source) A vintage piece of furniture, whether a dresser or vanity or desk or armoire, worked into a closet system feels and looks so good, right?!
7. When we painted our baseboards in our bedroom (see that here), we specifically chose a color that we could carry into the closet. The plan is for the trim and walls to all be the same grayish-blue. This inspiration photo (Source) made me start thinking about a rolling ladder to make sure we can reach the storage at the top of the 9' ceilings and, hey, what about a vintage island? *heart eyes*
8. I have actually shared this exact inspiration photo (Source) years ago. It has always stuck with me. It's the color, the mix of open and closed storage. The glass knobs that feel fresh and the decor! I dig it all.
9. When I saw this inpiration photo (Source), I saw our closet. the upholstered seat under the window. The closed storage up high. The beautiful light fixture and wallpapered backs. Maybe an island after all. Maybe white after all....
So as you can see, we have a lot of kinks to work out and decisions to make before we are ready to start but this is our first quarter project so we hope to "break ground" VERY soon. Pinch me!
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Interestingly, several of these closets are carpeted—would or did y’all consider carpet? Love the ideas and can’t wait to see how you do it!!!
We recently installed hardwood flooring in what will be the master closet — but we're dreaming up a handsome rug!
If you decide to use some open storage, do you have a plan on how to protect things from sunlight? We had a closet in a previous home with a window and discovered that the sun had damaged a large amount of our clothing. In our current house my closet has a small window but I put a blackout curtain up as soon as we moved in. I would love to enjoy the sunlight in the closet but don't want to ruin clothes again. Would love to hear if you have any ideas
This is definitely a consideration, Allison! Blackout curtains are a great idea.
So many good inspo pics! Wallpapered ceiling is a must I'd say. Also love how you have natural light in there. You won't have to wonder what your outfit will look like in daylight
YES to island! It's the epitome of luxe, I think! I can't wait to watch you DIY this one- that's my favorite content.
Love the antique dresser in the closet and definitely a fun idea for wall paper on the ceiling!
These are amazing closets! I doubt I’ll ever have one so large (my current one is a walk-through that is the smallest closet I’ve probably ever had), but there are some ideas here that I’m sure could be used in a modestly-sized one in my future!
What will you be doing with the current closet once the new one is done? I’m not sure what the layout is, but will it become part of the bathroom?
We haven't thought the bathroom all the way through yet — but that's definitely an option!
Instead of a window seat under the window, how about a built in desk /make up table under the window so you always have the perfect lighting....
What a great idea!
We just moved into a house (25 yrs old) that has a master closet similar to #s 8 & 9. I absolutely LOVE my built in dresser like #8. Now we don’t need a dresser in the bedroom. However I don’t have room for an island. That would be fabulous. I think I need a cushion for my window seat. ????
I want a closet with a chaise.
Ooo... then we can take cat naps in there!
Or......sleep in there when Chris snores!????
Have you decided on a closet system yet? Pax again? SO excited to see progress after all this amazing inspo!
We're between IKEA and California Closets. Do you have experiences with either?
So many terrific ideas. Can’t wait to see what you do. My fav inspiration photo...#9....I can SEE it in your space...window seat, island. With some tweaking it could definitely be yours! IMO..ha!
I love all the deep moody colors in the inspiration photos. BUT, are you concerned about the color reflecting on you and your clothes?
We'll have to choose a color that makes us look good ;)
I can just picture your little ladies curled up on the window seat... the perfect spot to hang out and share conversations with their momma while she’s getting ready ♥️ How fun !!
When you want to comb through inspiration sources and pictures for a new project like this, where do you begin? Would love to know your go to sources and how you go about it. I have a really hard time finding inspiration pics.
I start with Pinterest, and I also have Inspiration folders saved on Instagram.
Love all these ideas especially caring in your trim and window paint color. That will be gorgeous. May I suggest a large floor to ceiling mirror? This was done in a remodel we did and it was my most favorite thing along with a hidden ironing space. (Probably because I had never had those luxuries before????)
What a great idea!
I have a vanity in my walk-in closet and I do my makeup there—partly because we have a single small bathroom but I also like getting ready all in one spot. I would do the same even with a bigger bathroom.
We just built a house and have a large island and we love it! So great for folding laundry and putting it away, laying clothes out, packing and it provides tons of storage too! Definitely go that route!
Yes to color! yes to island! yes to ladder! yes to wallpaper! And lamps, and greenery and sconces and yummy little corners....do all the things!! This room can handle it!!! I can’t wait to seee!!!!!!!
This excitement is everything! I feel it in my soul and could not agree more.
A caution about open closet space in a room with a window. I saw fading on some clothes from the light streaming in — same as you would get on textiles or artwork near a sunny window. Beautiful inspo images! Best wishes.
Another pro for closed doors!
If you can fit it, I say 1000% go with an island. I would kill to have one in my closet! Just think how easy it will be to put away laundry now...put your full laundry basket on the island at standing height, fold on the island, and put away in the dresser beneath. Also, PACKING...put your open suitcase on the island, reach down and get clothes from the dresser underneath. No more reaching to the floor for laundry or packing and no more walking back and forth to the bedroom with your suitcase on the bed!!! An island would provide SO MUCH practicality!!
I miss the floral wall paper you used in your last master bathroom. I love your wall paper picks. I can't wait to see what you decide on!
I’m really excited for this project. All of your inspo is fantastic. Yes to an island and yes to a vintage piece. I really like that window seat too.
Loved this post! Converting a whole room to a closet felt excessive to me at first, but these inspiration pics are really swaying me! And I love that you'll be DIYing it! And I love the idea of a Beauty-and-the-Beast Ladder!
The vintage vanity with the epic mirror ... my jaw literally dropped. That space is STUNNING. I live in a tiny apartment with legit one small closet that also houses my laundry, so I just have to live vicariously through others for closets where one can actually breathe. I am seriously saving that vanity vignette for future inspiration.
I'm a big fan of Erin's Ikea hacked closet (wallpaper on ceiling) but I must say, incorporating vintage dressers is so Modern Cottage. I'm sure you'll come up with something wonderful that will speak to you and serve your needs. And provide us with some interesting posts.
Will you be DIYing this project?
PS I'm hoping for an island. It comes in so handy when you're packing for a trip.
Yes! We plan on DIYing it!
What does your current closet become? Did I miss that part?
It will be a part of our bathroom