The Master Closet

I mentioned before that the theme for January was organization.  Specifically closet organization.  All of the closets in our house are in desperate need of help, but I decided to take it one closet at a time (so that I don't get too overwhelmed) and tackle our closet first.  I figured if mom and dad's closet is less chaotic it would be easier for us to get ready in the mornings and put our best foot forward in our attempt to tackle 2011's to-do list.

In case you don't remember, here's what it looked like before.

Scary, I know, but here's what it looks like now!

I brought in this shoe organizer (Target) to get all of the shoes off the floor.  I also picked up a few fabric bins (Target) and am using one for all of my flip-flops and sandals. 

On another Target adventure I found this ottoman and fell in love.  You saw the leopard print step stool that I was using in the before pics, but this stool in addition to it's hidiosity wasn't high enough for me.  In this small, shared closet we take full advantage of the vertical space we have, however at 5'3" I'm what you might call vertically challenged :)  For the most part the 6'2" hubs uses the top shelves and hanging rod, however I do (since I'm the laundry fairy) need to be able to reach these areas to put his clothing away.  When standing on this ottoman I can reach the very top of the closet!  The bonus is the top comes off, so now we can ditch the laundry basket (also pictured above) and use this as our hamper!  That's one stylish laundry hamper- don't you think?! 

I added a chevron stripe to one wall to add a little style to our space.

I remembered seeing this post from Camila of Effortless Style where she used electrical tape to create a striped wall.  I thought it was so clever especially if you're renting and can't paint the walls.  I had originally planned to use the electrical tape "just to see" if I would even like the look of the chevron stripe in the closet.  Then if I liked it, I was planning to re-tape with frog tape and paint it out.  Well, after I got a few stripes on the wall I decided I liked the look, and I especially liked the look of the electrical tape so I kept going.  I just used the regular sized tape you can find at the hardware store and doubled each stripe for a thicker look.  It's not perfect because when I started I was just "eyeballing-it" since this was supposed to be the "we'll-see-if-I-like-it" phase, but then plans changed and I just went with it.  It seemed silly to take all the tape down (since I had done about half the wall at that point) just to go back and measure it all out.  So, we're going with a it's-not perfect-but-it's-good-enough-for-us chevron stripe in our closet.  Anywho- it is just a closet that only we'll ever see (and the few readers that take the time to read my bloggy ramblings- Hi Mom!) after-all.  So it works - right?!

Bringing in the shoe organizer gave us a small table-top to bring in a few other things to personalize our closet.  I brought in a mirror (that I stole from the hall bath), and I turned an old black frame into a jewelry organizer.  I pulled this bowl in from a storage closet to use for bracelets, watches, etc.

I also created another spot for necklaces with a couple of canvases and cabinet knobs (that I already had on hand).

I ditched all the plastic hangers for wood (Ikea and Target).  They were an expense, but well worth it in my opinion.  They are bulkier than plastic or velvet hangers, so they are going to force us to be more selective with our clothing purchases as we don't have any extra closet real estate.  Our new plan is when you buy something new you need to purge something old.  So, if you have nothing you want to purge then you don't need anything new.  (We're hopeful anyway.)

I also used a little leftover ribbon and electrical tape to dress-up the hideousness that is white wire shelving.  

I also changed the light fixture (Lowes).

Now, to address the elephant in the room or should I say the white pig in the closet.  During the clean-out-the-closet project, I finally gave away my "skinny" jeans.  I actually had 4 pairs of jeans that I was hanging on to in the hopes that I would someday fit in them again.  These "skinny" jeans were making me feel bad about myself as well as taking up valuable space in my small, shared walk-in closet.  So, I ditched the jeans and brought in the pig.  Sounds funny - I know?!  My "feed me" pig is helping me save my spare change while I try to lose my spare change (you know what I mean- right?!).  Instead of jeans that don't fit staring me in the face screaming, "You can't wear me!", this cute little pig is motivating me to stay on track.  Hopefully when his belly is bigger , mine will be smaller; so I can buy a new pair of jeans :)  

Yet another Target purchase ( I should buy stock or something?!).  Anyhow, I'm so glad we whipped this closet into shape.  It's such a nice way to start the day.  Just being able to actually walk in to this walk-in closet is a huge plus!  At least it's one closet down, 3 to go!  Wish me luck!  I'm going to need it as the kids' closets are up next.

Let's have one last look!

So, how are you coming with your resolutions and goals so far this year?  Any great organization tips you'd like to share or great ways to stay motivated with your personal fitness goals?  Do tell!

Linking up to the CSI Challenge: Organization - Go get inspired to get organized!