Redecorating a Closet

This is the weekend that I start the overhaul of my tiny, but functional closet. I am not a person with lots of clothing or shoes.  My standard is to keep the number of items to a minimum.  To accomplish this, I have only a certain number of hangers, spaces for shoes and handbags and etc. Everything has a place, so I cannot bring something into my closet unless something else leaves. At the moment, the closet is very inefficient.  The long hanging rod is deceptive. I could fill it with clothes, but if I do, I can't get into the closet. I'm certain the closet was designed as a storage space for out-of-season clothes, as there is a larger closet in my master bathroom. So, here is what my closet currently looks like:

As you can see in tall image at the left, the closet seems deep and there is a long clothes hanger pole to the right as you enter the closet.  A shorter pole is at the rear of the closet and it sits slightly higher than the long pole.  There are shelves above the poles and the closet is entered at an angle.  Yes, I said at an angle. To top it all off, the closet is behind the entrance to the bathroom. If my closet door is open, you can't open the door to the bathroom. The measurements of the closet are as follows: Back wall is 39" the left side wall is 42" and the Right side wall is 72".  The corner in the bottom photograph is where there is an 8" wide wall. This small wall is parallel to the 39" wall at the rear of the closet and this is where I hang my flip flops. At the rear of the closet, I have a black storage unit hanging from the pole that provides me with storage for scarves, polo shirts, jewelry box, handbags and dainty things.  You can see my shoes hanging in a matching black holder which fits over the door. Light is provided by a single, bare bulb with a pull string. Now that's class! You can understand why, at the moment, I spend as little time in this space as possible.

I've been working on a new design for several weeks. After a recent clear-out of the closet, I decided that I just couldn't stand how utterly inefficient the space is and that it's time to modernize. So here are a few details about the new design.

• The shelves, poles and laundry hamper are coming out.
• The walls will be painted pink (Olympic paint in Pleasing Pink, to be exact) with white trim.
• I've purchased a new closet organizing unit from Rubbermaid in Titanium that will fit along the back (39") wall.
• It will give me stacked hanging rods, 5 shelves and tons more space.
• I'm adding a 21"x 25" silver framed mirror over a 24" white hidden bracket shelf to hold perfume and a flower vase.
• The carpet will be replaced by 12.5" sq. ft. (or so) of natural cherry laminate flooring and lighting will be provided by a newly acquired and modified (adding a pull chain) pendent chandelier.
• The new space will also have a stool for shoe changing along with other great design features.

Here is a collage of some of the elements going into the new design:

Living in a house where I'm the only girl and I need a space I can call my own. Our house is perfect for us, but the only room I'm allowed to decorate with pink is my closet.  On July 2, 2013, we will celebrate 30 years in our home. This will be the first time I've ever painted anything pink and I can't wait! As soon as the closet is finished, I'll write a follow-up blog and provide complete photographs. Thanks for checking out the blog! See you soon!!