Last weekend was our 17th wedding anniversary. I got married as an infant, I promise you! We went out to a trendy restaurant in East Nashville to celebrate (so you know we were out of place with all the young hipsters 🙂 ), and then on Sunday, I decided to celebrate by painting my closet! My husband just rolls his eyes–he knows that’s as fun for me as playing a round of golf is for him.
We are fortunate to have his-and-hers walk-in closets in our room; this is the first time we haven’t had to share a closet. It probably works out well for my husband, because even though his is a tiny bit smaller, he doesn’t have to worry about all my stuff crowding him out! When we first moved in, I was having a hard time making the closet work. Finally, I realized the fault was my own–I had too many clothes! I did a huge purge and took bagfuls to Goodwill. There were so many things that were nice but I just never got around to wearing. Why not bless someone else with it? And then there’s room for MORE! Never mind, I didn’t really mean that–well, sort of. If you promise not to hold it against me, I will let you look at the disorganized “before”:
I know, it burns, doesn’t it?! Everything worked so much better once I got rid of some things. I love all those gorgeous closets on Pinterest–the ones with accessory islands, chaise lounges, refrigerators, swimming pools, etc.–but that’s not real life for most of us. And I am perfectly content with my life, and my closet! I LOVE harlequin diamonds, and decided that I wanted to go with a pink and silver wall treatment to honor my love of all things girly and blingy (if that’s a word). I’m going to do a separate post on how to paint harlequin diamonds, if you’ve never done it before. It’s a bit tricky and time-consuming, but SO worth it in the end result.
My paint color was “Princess” from Valspar (from Lowe’s). There was a $5 rebate on paint that weekend and while I intended to buy a can of pink paint from their “Oops” section, they only had quarts and I figured I’d need a gallon since I planned to paint the ceiling, too. I used Martha Stewart’s glaze (from Home Depot) in Mercury, and while I’ll cover the process in more detail when I write the “diamonds post”, I used 1 part paint to 2 parts glaze to give a silvery sheen to the harlequin diamonds. (UPDATE: the diamond tutorial is here) The last part of the painting process was to use a silver upholstery tack to embellish the diamonds. I snagged those at Hobby Lobby. I painted the ceiling pink, too, to disguise a pop-up entrance to the attic, although I didn’t put any diamonds on the ceiling. Here’s how the diamonds looked when I was finished (they’re very subtle):
After I reinstalled the shelving (yes, I had to take it out to paint), I moved on to the fun part, installing the chandelier. As I’ve mentioned before, I despise white wire shelving. I ripped it out in my laundry room and my pantry, but since we know we’re moving in a few months, I just didn’t feel I could justify the expense of doing the same thing in my closet. So I didn’t have to stare at SO much white wire, I used a couple of black lamp/chandelier cord covers to disguise the front of the shelves. The little velcro closures made them fit like a charm. Check them out in the “after” pictures…
While I’ve had my shoes stored in plastic Sterilite bins for years, I upgraded my labeling system with chalkboard labels. I’ll write a separate post about them next since they were so easy but made such a big difference. I’ve also set a strict limit for myself–I can only have as many shoes as will fit on the top shelf. And in the shoe organizer (below). That’s it. REALLY. (UPDATE: The post on the shoe boxes and chalkboard labels is here.
I had so much extra space that I got to hang a gorgeous quatrefoil monogram in pink and gray from one of my favorite sites for free printables.
They have several different color choices, by the way. Here’s a close-up:
I also printed out their hanger tags. My daughter might get more use out of them, but they sure are fun!
I brought in my black and white mannequin to show off some jewelry.
A set of hooks that I snagged at the thrift store holds necklaces, or tote bags.
Another little shelf (also from the thrift store) holds scarves and pins.
By the way, I spray-painted the light switch plate metallic silver…I thought it would be a fun touch.
The big wicker trunk was my mom’s. It holds my purses and tote bags; I just can’t make them look good when they’re out in the open!
The hat box on the floor holds–you guessed it–hats. Go figure!
Here are a few last shots of the “After”. I hope you love it as much as I do. Oh, and keep reading at the bottom, because I’m going to let you in on a secret!
OK, in case you were wondering, not ALL of my clothes are black, white, and sequined. However, wouldn’t it be easier if they all were?! While I had fun staging the closet for the pictures, that’s not real life. Here’s what it really looks like:
I might spray paint those natural-colored baskets silver. What do you think?
See the other posts on this closet here and here.
Thanks for keeping it real with me, and thanks for stopping by!
Christy! Where in the world do you find the time to do these amazing projects? I want a post on how you schedule your day(s)! I’m completely serious! I want to know!!! A beautiful job, and so inspiring! And you are moving in a couple of months!!?? Where are you headed?
Debbie, you’re too kind! It never actually ALL gets done, though. For example, I should probably spend a lot more time dusting, cleaning, and folding laundry. But I just can’t seem to get motivated for it! We’re off to Savannah next summer.
XOXO
Christy
Yes – I agree with the post above. How do you accomplish so much? Your closet is beautiful. I am so impressed that you did that in spite of your impending move – wow! I would have just waited it out until the move 😉 I love your blog. Thank you for sharing all these beautiful, inspirational projects!
Thanks so much, Carolyn! We usually move every two years because my husband’s in the military, so if I waited until I stayed in one place to do a project, nothing would ever get done! So glad you stopped by. 🙂
I love your closet makeover! I’m in the middle of a closet makeover myself and can’t wait to be done;). Painting definitely gives it an extra somethin’.
It’s hard during the project, when all your clothes and shoes are spread all over your room, isn’t it? My biggest challenge was keeping the dog from chewing my shoes!
ooh! it looks so pretty! i think painting the baskets would look great 🙂
I had a couple of votes for that on Facebook, too, so I guess I’ll paint those suckers tomorrow!
What a gorgeous closet!! May I make one suggestion?? A few years ago I upgraded to wooden hangers and let me tell you, it changed my life….well, my OCD life. 🙂 It takes the closet to the next level, with not that large of an expense, of course I don’t have as extensive as a wardrobe as you. Costco sells huge boxes of them. If you can afford them, I would highly recommend it!
I look forward to your post on how you did the paint technique!! Thanks for sharing.
Good idea, Heidi. I’m a little OCD, too (as if you couldn’t tell!). I wonder if Sam’s has the hangers, too? We’re not Costco members…
Glad you stopped by!
OMG am I ever jealous. GORGEOUS!!!
Thanks, girl!
Your closet is wonderful. yes wonderful, feminine and organized and staged or not staged it is all girl. I love it! Thank you for sharing. Hugs and happy weekend wishes. P.S. I invite you to link this post to my Thursday Favorite Things blog hop it’s still open until midnight tonight 🙂
I linked up, Katherine–thank you! So glad you stopped by, and for your kind words.
oh my gosh! this is fabulous! and you’re going to move and leave it all behind? noooooo! haha! what a wonderful job you did – the harlequin diamonds look awesome!
I do hate to leave it, Alice, but I’m going to enjoy it while I’m here, and hopefully it will add to the resale value of our house. At least, that’s what I tell my husband every time I go out and buy more paint!
Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things hop. Your participation helps make it a success.I’m sorry I am slow to visit I am fighting a nasty head cold and my time on the computer has been limited.Wishing you a beautiful day .xo
Thanks, Katherine. I hope you’re feeling better by now!
Glam, glam, glamorous! You did a fantastic job! Stopping by from Tuesday’s Treasures.
Thanks, Pam! I’m glad you stopped by.
I love your girly closet! The pink and gray is so elegant. I am all about organization especially with some added glam! New follower to your sweet blog! Hope you will stop over for a visit~Angie
I did stop over, Angie, and liked you on FB and followed you on Pinterest. Glad you like the closet!
Love the space in your closet and the colors and paint treatment is GORGEOUS! The shelves and bar for hanging scarves is great. Now I know what to do with my leftover shelf from another room makeover! Going to paint it white tomorrow and put it in my closet. Thanks!!!
I’m glad I provided some inspiration, Patty. Usually if I hold on to stuff (for a little while, at least) I figure out a great place to use it.
Adorable and super-girly. I have the world’s tiniest closet, but I am still inspired!
I figure the tinier it is, the more it needs a gorgeous paint color and a shot of style! Have fun!
I love it! Pinning this! I especially love how you hung the scarves. I’ve been looking for a storage solution for those.
I’m glad you liked it. Having them out in the open helps me remember to wear them. 🙂
I love this and just pinned it because I am about to tackle my closet. My husband is going out of town for 2 days so it is the perfect opportunity. Love it all. Inspired me. I hope you will link up the chalkboard labels to my blog because the challenge is Chalkboard paint projects this week. You have one more day. Each week is a new challenge and new winners! Come on over!!!
http://www.thecsiproject.com
I love finding new blogs so I am excited to follow you now~
Bummer, Dee, I just missed the link challenge! My daughter has strep so we were at the doctor getting that figured out. I “liked” you on Facebook so hopefully I’ll be able to stay on top of things over at thecsiproject.com. Thanks for stopping by!
Your closet is gorgeous!
Thank you, Pamela. I’m so glad you came by to see it!
OMGORGEOUS! I’m too lazy to paint my laundry room and your closet looks like that?? ineedtogetoffmyarse!!
I was too lazy to paint my laundry room, too, but I managed to do it (and the closet) in the last year. And it feels SO GOOD now that they’re done! Thanks for stopping by, Dena!
Wow! That’s some closet! I wish I had a closet that large. You’ve made it very pretty 🙂
Thanks, Deborah! So glad you stopped by!
Your closet look terrific!! I love the pink and gray together. Thanks so much for linking up at Romance on a dime!
Thanks, Betsy. I always enjoy Take it on Tuesday!
~Christy
I think your “before” photo looks like some peoples “after” photo! LOVE the pink and silver.
After you move, check out “store fixtures” for your next closet organizing fit. I recently found out grid wall and slat wall fixtures are not that expensive, and you can set up your closet like a retail store. There are hat stand hooks, waterfall hooks, acrylic bins… that all work with the grid wall.
This is an example of what is available: jacksonstorefixtures.com
(Found out after ordering online and paying for shipping that this store is right down the road from me. Owner was sweet to call me and let me know to save me shipping charges on future orders.)
That’s a great tip, Carol. Thanks for sharing!
Now that is a dream come true space if I ever saw one! So pretty, so feminine and so organized! Love it!
Thanks, Roeshel. So glad you stopped by to take a look!
Really love your closet! I have those exact bins and am going to do the chalkboard labels ~ yay! I also have the same chandelier from IKEA, but ours hangs low since our ceilings are only 8 feet. My husband hits it with his head. From the picture, yours seemed low also. Does yours hang too low or did it just appear that way in the picture? Love the closet!!
I think your closet idea is so cute and you should definately spray paint those boxes. I spray paint almost everything and think its a great way to revamp items
I spray paint almost everything, too, Nona. Thanks for weighing in on the boxes, and I’m glad you stopped by. ~Christy