Redesigning a space can sometimes feel overwhelming if we consider all that is involved in the process. But there is a ton potential in little things. And, by postponing a rather simple jumpstart, we very well might overlook an incredible prospect : our closet potential.

Challenging Upgrades.

From planning the space, designing the look, shopping for finishes and narrowing down a contractor, there are so many steps involved in a renovation or an upgrade that just the thought of it might actually prevent us from making it happen. And our lifestyle might never see that elementary improvement that could actually have been a game changer all along.

But changes and home customization do not have to be hard. We need to think outside the box. We should consider some simple fixes, easy changes or slight tweaks to narrow daily incommodities that make our routine a little too complicated for it really should be.

Where to start ? Well, we can always begin by exploring what has be hidden on the other side of that closet door…

Assessing Our Potential.

Closet spaces are full of opportunity. And an overly under-exploited space in our homes. Just the thought of opening the door of those too often un-lighten storage areas stresses us out. One can’t be sure if the whole content of the space will actually fall all of a sudden…

What’s pretty sure is that the very thing we are looking for will not be right there where it is supposed to be. Likely we will have to empty the whole content of the culprit before finding the missing item. Only to then have to reload everything, of course in a rush, with the optimistic historical last words : we will organize this next week, and then it will be a breeze !

But the issue usually is not that we do not take the time to organize it. Or even that we are not willing to do it. The problem is that this tiny space does not fit for our needs.

Acknowledging The Issues.

First of all, a closet should be well lit. And a motion sensor is the best choice in this case. The light should turn on as soon as the door opens, without having to flip the interrupter. And it should turn off automatically when we close it. If we can see the interior, then finding what we are looking for behind that closet door is actually halfway done. Serious.

Then, closet spaces are usually awkwardly equipped with a very high shelf on top and a rod. Not to mention that the shelf is so wide that we can hardly squeeze anything before it to store on the very top. Making this top shelf very difficult to use efficiently. And since we can’t see what lays in the back of that shelf because of its width… Well it is all really unproductive if you ask me.

The other component of mainly most closets, the rod, was originally made to hang clothes. But in our realities not all closets are meant to hang clothes. Some closets would better serve their purpose of storage by hiding other type of contents like books, or boxes, products or, who knows, even a pantry. Pantries are so cool ! And even if we do need the space to store garments, shelves can go a long way in managing tidiness and visual appeal too. Much better than the said rod accommodating hangers.

Fitting Our Needs.

By determining what we want to store in the space, we can narrow down the best way to prep it to be useful. And most of the time, the answer will be shelves. Narrow shelves on top, so we can squeeze items in front of the tablet to store it. And wider shelves at eye level to maximize storage without losing anything out of sight. Sturdy, trusty shelves that will not bend to the first load confided onto them.

Now if the content is rather unappealing or disparate, or meant to be out of sight, then keeping the door on is quite recommended. But I do love a door-less closet space where we can display some nice boxes, a couple of personal items to bring warmth into the space, and to spice up the room. Lining it with a special kind of wallpaper will bring depth to it. It will make it more like it has been planned like this all along, while adding personality. Go wild, it is only a small area and deserves all the punch we can add to it.

Another great option is to transform the closet walls into a nook. A reading nook with a custom piece of carpet, fluffy pillows. Some hooks to hang blankets, glow-in-the-dark stars sticking on the walls and ceiling. Maybe some kind of gauzy fabric hanging from the ceiling to bring a tent-like style, to give the enclosure an even further sense of coziness and warmth. A tiny shelf with a couple of books. A plug to charge our music device…

Bursting With Possibilities.

What is behind that closet door, really only depends on what you want to make of it. Closet spaces are unlimited when it comes to functionality. And they are a great way to start without engaging a huge renovation or going overboard with an out-of-hand project.

Give it a try and work through your space… one room at a time.