Pure Organization Project #2: Coat Closet Makeover

Hope you had a great weekend!  Ready for Project #2?  (In case you're new, we're attempting to do an organizational project almost every week of 2010.  I'll show how I did it & then I'm inviting you to come along & do the project at home & send me pics.   This way, we are sort of holding ourselves accountable to each other ;) Before I get to Project #2, I wanted to share some reader photos of Project #1 from last week.  Thanks so much to everyone who followed along at home!  I love how each person took her own unique angle on the project.   Here's my version:




Tina, in Austalia, used these beautiful Martha Stewart tags for her leftover paint:



She wrote, "I used simple twine and my precious Martha Stewart gift tags that I have been saving (lets face it they are too gorgeous to give away on a gift only to be tossed into a bin!!)"  SO pretty!!!



Berta, in Virginia, used this cute little bear container below for her paint:



Yvalie used these mini paint cans for her leftover paint.  She attached typed labels (the words are in German) to the cans along with a sample of the paint on the lids.  How cool?!!!  Love that perfectly clean metal:



And finally, Jennifer found this great idea in Parenting Magazine of using pversized pill boxes for your paint samples.  perfect!!





Thanks so much to everyone who joined & is planning on joining in!  Just knowing we're working on the projects together makes it less of a chore!!



And now onto Project #2:  Organize the Coat Closet

I'm actually embarrassed to show you the 'before' pic of our coat closet.  Yes, we've been living like this.   We threw our shoes in the bottom of the yucky closet where they got smashed & lost.  An overflowing box sat on the shelf and it housed all of our hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, etc.   Miscellaneous items like extension cords and shopping returns got thrown in the mix.  Uggggggh:




And here's our coat closet now:



We took all of this...



... And removed it so we could paint the walls in aqua paint (leftover from our basement).  The best part about this project was that it cost $0 because we just used things we already had. 


The first the step is getting everything out & starting from scratch.  For me, I enjoy projects so much more when they can be a little pretty.  Clearly the closet would be just as functional without the aqua paint, but opening the closet door & seeing this fun color just makes me happy, so it was really worth repainting.  (Thank you Dave!!)     


Next on the "pretty list" is matching hangers. They're a MUST. If you don't have them already, just head out to the store & grab some- even Home Depot sells them. I love Ikea's (cheap!) wooden hangers & have been using them for years so I can tell you they hold up well.



The closet door is an often-underutilized space for storage.  Here, I hung a canvas shoe organizer and filled it with all of our winter accessories:





If you have kids, you can put their things at the bottom to encourage them to put their things away by themselves:



We're trying really hard of getting into the habit of heading to the coat closet with all of our winter gear on instead of dropping it off in the entryway.  (Our coat closet is up the stairs & down the hall-  argggg.)  It looks like we need to put Christian's hat on the next row down:




I put our lint-rollers in here for a quick fix on the way out the door:


I switched out the overflowing box on the shelf...



...with a basket we had.  The basket is a lot bigger & (now emptier) and we'll juse it to corral miscellaneous items like shopping returns and anything too large to fit in the door organizer.  (I think empty overflow storage is a good idea if you're anything like me & just need to stash things for quick clean-up sometimes.  When they get too full, make sure to clean them out. )




Here's our mess of shoes before:  (so embarrassing! :)



And now it's so much better!  Dave made this awesome angled shoe rack out of leftover wood:



It's a shelf attached on the sides with a little lip at the bottom so the shoes don't fall down.  We put it in all the way at the front for easy access to the shoes and because there's hidden dead space in the back where I put the shoes we rarely use.  (Again, another overflow space:  it'lll get messy but I won't see it on a daily basis and when it gets cluttered, I'll reassess.)



Having the shoes down low, again, encourages little ones to help:



Christian was so proud of himself for putting away his shoes (a little crookedly! ;) on the shelf. 
"Yay!!!" he said:




This project has made us feel SO much better!!  I don't dread stuffing shoes in the closet or rummaging for Christian's hat when we're running late.  Everthing has a place and that's the key to getting it right:  just make sure everthing that will realistically be in the closet has a spot.  (1)  Then, use your door for storage (2) by getting a shoe organizer or some other type of system, make sure to use matching hangers (3), and add in some type of empty overflow space (4)- like the basket.   Finally, if you're anything like me, making it pretty (5) somehow- whether it be paint or wallpaper or color-coding your coats or a pretty box or anything else- will make you so happy when you open that door. 



Hope you enjoyed & I look forward to seeing & hearing about your projects!! (Just send me an email by Sunday if you want me to include your project in next week's post.)   Did anyone else join in last week? 

xoxo,
lauren

72 comments:

pve design said...

Great projects!

Lauren @ with two cats said...

Wow, Lauren that is amazing! I am really inspired and now I must do my own closet. Thanks so much!

http://bellasnorts.blogspot.com/ said...

Great Job!!! Looks like a Martha Stewart Closet :)

Alaina @ Live Creating Yourself said...

So many good ideas - notably painting the inside of the closet! It makes it look 1000 times better. Love the matching hangers (crucial in closet organization I think), and the use of the organizer over the door. My mittens and hats are all over the place. Now, off I go to steal some of your ideas. Thanks!

Alaina

ps your son couldn't get any cuter. How's new baby?

Leah Moss said...

Looks awesome, Lauren!

I love the unexpected aqua. I think it would make me want to put my coat in the right place just so I could look at it :)

And I second the matching hangers, it makes such a difference to not have wire hangers becoming entangled with bulky plastic headed ones/ The ikea ones are fantstic.

Lint rollers in the coat closet (and easily accessible)= brilliant. always forget where ours are, and so I usually end up going out. covered in dog hair

Mrs. Limestone said...

I soooo wish I had done that paint organizing. Now we need to do some touch ups and its a complete nightmare to find the right colors. So smart.

Mrs. Limestone said...

Forgot to add Im so with you about painting the inside of the closet. Such a little thing but makes a big difference. I think our closets are the same color (or really close)

~Grace Happens~ said...

Great job Lauren! I love the aqua. You certainly got me motivated to start on all the closets in our house. Your original closet is organized compared to ours. haha Have a happy Monday!

xo,

grace

Kendall@ Finesse Your Nest said...

Wow! Great job on your closet! I especially LOVE the organizer over the door. I'm totally going to steal that idea! I have your "before" picture, only WORSE! Thanks for the inspiration.

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

It looks so pretty, you should just keep the door open...Now I'm thinking I have another space to add to my redo list, the hall closet! Don't you love nice hangers? I have a zillion left over from my SF Boutique, love having all my clothes looking for nice hanging from the substantial wooden hangers.
Janell

Tricia said...

Great project Lauren~ thanks for the inspiration!

Katie said...

Lauren, I am so pumped! This is the exact project I am working on right now.

1. I too, definitely second the matching hanger thing. They are cheap and make me look like I have it all together.

2. On Saturday I ran to Barnes and Noble and bought the Stencils 101 Decor with reusable templates to paint a wallpaperlooking graphic design on my closet walls.

3. I love, love the shoe rack and plan to show my husband your pictures as soon as possible!

I'll definitely be participating in this one. Thanks for the motivation. If you're interested, you can see my before pics at radiancefromruins.blogspot.com!

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

Looks great! I really admire you sticking to your organizational goals even with a small child and a baby!!

Jennifer said...

looks great! I love over-door shoe racks. I use one in a hall closet that serves as a bath closet for small things like medicine, hair accessories, etc. The slots are clear so I can see where everything is instantly. Even Wes can find what he's looking for, which is a miracle :)

GrannySmithGreen said...

Love this idea! What a great place to use a big splash of color. Unexpected and lively. Love it!

Pine Tree Home said...

Great redo. I bet you feel soooo organized now and smile when you open that door. I have the same exact over the door organizer. I put it in guest closet that houses all those usb cords, camera cords, etc.

Unknown said...

Love the shoe shelves at the bottom of the closet. How were they constructed? I need to do something like this in the space from our garage entrance. Maybe a post on how it was done?

Windlost said...

Ok, Dave is a DIY God, Christian is utterly adorable (takes this from you, I think :) ) and you, my dear, are amazing! Love the makeover. I really want one of those big organizers but we have all folding doors so they won't work!

Looks great and LOVE the aqua paint! Good work sister, er cousin!

xo Terri

Elizabeth @ Southern Comfort said...

Lauren,
I've been following you for a while now, but I haven't posted a comment until today. What an AMAZING project! You have so many projects that I absolutely LOVE and give me the inspiration I NEED to get moving. I'm thinking I need to paint the inside of our pantry an accent color to match the kitchen.. with a frosted glass door..and maybe a halogen light inside to showcase the door. OH MY! Woot woot, inspiration! Thank you!

Erin {House of Turquoise} said...

I'd probably end up keeping my closet door open all day just to see that pretty blue, and because I was so proud of myself for being so neat and organized! Great project, Lauren!

Super tip about the hangers too. I really need to finally get matching ones!

Sarah said...

that looks great! I went to Ikea on Saturday, and was amazed at how cheap the wooden hangers were!

Natasha said...

Love the ideas. Can you get your husband to post a tutorial on how to install the shoe racks. We have had the IKEA hangers for years and they are great,

bluehydrangea said...

Love that you painted the inside of the closet!!! Does your husband want to come over to my house?

McLaura said...

Great job! Your closet looks amazing now, and I love how everything has its own place. I've just moved into a new place without a coat closet (sad), but I'm trying to get my entryway set up in a clean and not overly cluttered way. This is inspiration to finish it up this week!

Elisa @ What the Vita said...

so pretty yet so practical! i really, really, really wish we had a coat closet. isn't it so dumb that our house doesn't have one and it was built in 2009? weird... that's a problem that we plan to solve soon, but not sure how-- maybe add a small mudroom to the garage or hollow out the space under the stairs to make a mini closet. not sure yet...

Anonymous said...

I have been wanting to organize our coat closet for months, thanks for the inspiration! Maybe I can actually get going on this project this week. I love the idea of painting the inside too - ours is kind of dark, so a light color may help. Thanks!

-Lisa

DearMama said...

OMG, I'm embarrassed to say my closet looks about that bad - and I live in southern California where we have fewer and smaller coats. Mmm, I wonder if they have narrow over the door organizers. I'm 36 weeks pregnant and nesting. These projects are PERFECT.

Acanthus and Acorn said...

Lauren,

Another job well done. My favorite parts...Christian and the aqua paint:) I also loved seeing all the reader pictures of their paint storage. Always fun to have a peak!

Angie said...

I love how this turned out!

Melissa said...

I'm going to have to combine weeks 1 and 2-- our large walk-in pantry is the most horrible room in our house. I am too afraid of my two year old to keep samples of paint in the actual rooms, but a nice,little corner of our pantry for touch-ups would be great. I don't know if I can get it done by next week but this is definitely one I'll share with you!

jeana said...

Wow, I must of read your mind. I did this last week...so I guess i should do the paint this week!

LindsB said...

What an awesome project! I LOVE getting spaces like this organized, its such a small project (compaired to others in the house) but it makes such a difference and its such a happy place to open up to now. You are so lucky you have Dave to help you out with all your painting projects :)

simply seleta said...

BRILLIANT!!!!

Luv that blue. You're so good.

Val said...

fantastic idea!! i think i may have to try this one. :)

MaroDe said...

Lauren,
You totally inspired me to redo my closet! Mine looks likes the old yours....

shi(f)t said...

i'm obsessed with the shelves @ the bottom--genius!

Tina said...

Hi Lauren - I love your closet redo! The blue paint looks fantastic and how clever is your husband to make those sloping shelves! The whole closet makeover looks fantastic :) We don't have a coat closet (or any built in closet for that matter), just a rack and shoe basket etc...BUT I will organise those. I will go and find one of those pocket organisers too for our scarves etc...Thank you for including my picture of project #1 in your post, you are so sweet! Thanks for more wonderful inspiration, I can't wait to get started! Have a lovely day-Tx

white flower farmhouse said...

wow, you did an amazing job. I love the aqua inside. I think this was the motivation I needed to tackle my own coat closet. All the best, Lori

Jacci said...

Looks awesome! Am I the only one that wants to know the color of your paint? :)

Details please,

~Jacci in Ohio

Anonymous said...

I don't know where you get your energy! Another fab project!

Lauren said...

Thanks so much for all the sweet comments!!


Jacci- the paint is Fresh Aire Choice "Midwest Spring" (sold at Home Depot) - It's no VOC

xoxo,
lauren

Jacci said...

Thanks, Lauren :) I can't commit to doing this entire project this week, *but* I do have about 20 extra IKEA hangers upstairs in my master bedroom closet right now. I *could* switch those out and take care of the shoes and boots that are all piled up. I'd **love** to paint the inside of the closet, but I think that will have to wait.

Love what you did! And thanks again for the paint color :)

~Jacci

shella said...

Great Project! I am planning to completely change the paint & doors of my closet but for now I will just organize it & I know that will make a difference.

Robyn Thompson said...

your projects are so motivating! way to make a change and turn your visions into reality!

Cristin // Simplified Bee said...

Looks great!!! Love the hanging shoe organizer for gloves, hats etc.

xo,
cristin

Brooke @ Blueprint Bliss said...

I didn't join in last week- but think I am this week. We have a coat closet by our front door--- but it has sliding doors and I just throw things inside. Amazing how the little details make the biggest difference!

Sarah said...

Amazing project, Lauren! I recently reorganized our coat closet, and while it's better, it's not at this level - the shoe organizer is a brilliant idea! Our house is already pretty colorful, but I love how finished the painted interior looks... I might actually be able to pull a copycat closet out! Here's hoping. Thanks for the inspiration.

Playing Sublimely said...

Hey Lauren, Loved meeting you today. Oh your house, just love it. I just started a walk through of my house remodel today on my blog...i think you will find some shocking similarities if you have a minute. Great visiting here!
Amy

Anna White said...

Lauren..one word..WHOA...What a fantastic transformation...unbelievable..looks brilliant...organised..and super spacious now. Love the model you used for this photo shoot...two words...SUPER CUTE!!! :) x

Puppy day care said...

So adorable. Sad news, we don't have a coat closet, so our laundry room has to double as our coat closet.

Maria Killam said...

Well all you have to do is include some photos of your little darling and it totally makes this fabulous post with the turquoise walls and green froggy boots! You are so inspiring!! How will you come up with 52 projects for the year? You'll be like the Martha of Organization!!

I have so many shoes (no place for them) and boots, they also lay in a jumble at the bottom of the closet with the boots laying sideways. . . eeek. And my doors is a sliding closet door so that nixes the hanging shoe organizer on the door. Sigh.

Kathysue said...

Lauren, it looks great and I am sure it feels wonderful to get it so organized, I can't believe you are doing all of this after just having the new little one. I would love to join in on the fun but not sure where to email picts of my projects.Kathysue, I just started a new blog ,would love for you to visit, Goodlifeofdesign@blogspot.com

nelya said...

Oh Lauren. There's just no stopping you. I wish I had your energy, I'm presuming I did at your age, but that was ten years ago and I'm getting too old to fully recall. ;o) I have a closet situation just like your before, except I have three boys all old enough to have many pairs of shoes and multiple winter gear and so mine looks ten times worse. You've done another fantastic job and I vow to myself, in order to maintain what little sanity I have left, I WILL do this very project before 2010 is out. As you can see I'm giving myself wide latitude on the schedule, but I will get it done.

Thanks for the always inspiration!

nannykim said...

wow--I am wondering why you have so few coats. My coat closet is crammed with just my coats. I use different ones for different things and different temperatures--perhaps I am fussy?? I use some for jogging at different temperatures, some for rain in warm weather, some for rain in cold weather, some for sports, some for dressy etc. So where are all of your coats. My closet is pretty small and crammed. I need time to reflect on what I should do. I use the door for hanging more stuff--like shawls and sweaters etc.

A question on the paint thing--I once stored some of my paint in plastic containers and the paint got moldy! I am thinking plastic must not be good therefore for any long term storage. Do you know anything about this? I do like the jar idea...but I haven't done it yet.

Anonymous said...

SOOOO pretty!!!

Tracy Watier said...

Great makeover, Lauren. I already had my touch up paints in order, but I might have to join you on this project... I already had so many ideas rolling around in my head for my own crazy, cramped coat closet. Love your shoe shelf and ANYTHING that makes it easier for kids to put their own stuff away (and look how happy he is to do it!)

Cottage Dreamers said...

The shoe organizer on the door is such a good idea! With five kids, I have hats and gloves coming out my ears!

shella said...

Hi Lauren,

I was tagged this week to do a "10 things about me" post & I am supposed to tag 7 other bloggers. I dont have 7 followers so I tagged my 5 followers & am choosing 2 bloggers that I follow. So I am tagging you to do a "10 things about me" post, but no worries if you don't want to do it!

Linda in AZ * said...

* NEW, beautiful baby... NEW, pretty-colored & OH-SO-ORGANIZED CLOSET... life is GOOOOOD, huh Sweetie?

THANKS for sharing your solution to a problem in OUR home~~~ just the "push" I needed !!!

Love,
Linda in AZ *

Casa Jacaranda said...

Gosh, Lauren, I'm just overwhelmed at your spirit and drive. All this and taking care of a newborn.

I'm thinking I need follow your "project a week path".

On second thought, too late in the day to get started now. Having a glass of wine and re-reading your post!

In the morning, going to reorganize my hall closet with reckless abandon. I promise!

Carly {Honey and the Moon} said...

I love this project..mainly because it is something I really, really need to do.

And your tutorial pictures are just precious!

Anita said...

It turned out great. I am in the middle of painting the inside of some cabinets now. Isn't it amazing how long that can take? But your project reminds me it is worth it in the long run. So come on over and see my project now...and I'm having a giveawy too..

Elizabeth said...

Looks so great!! Has inspired me to revamp my own hall closet.... For Christmas a girlfriend gave me a day of her time to work on a project with me. We're going to do the hall closet. If it turns out even 1/2 as good as yours, I send in pics :)

Kathysue said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kathysue said...

Hi Lauren, I just did a post that will post tomorrow on the 14th. I put a link to this post because I think everyone should join in on your project activity. If you read my post you will see I could really benefit from jumping in and getting some of these great activities done. You are inspiring me, kathysue

Nishant said...

amazing! I am really inspired and now I must do my own closet. Thanks so much!

Work from home India

Anonymous said...

Closet looks so much better! I'm jealous...we don't even have a hall closet or any sort of real "entry" way. I long for a place to hang jackets, purses and whatnot. Looks fab!

Erikita said...

I recently organized our coat closet which is about the same size as yours. Having matching wooden hangers (hold up better to heavy coats)I hung a cloth shoe cubby from the rod and placed 6 3m brand(3 on top and 3 on bottom)large removable hooks on the door interior for guests to hang their purses. I like basket on your shelf, gives it a simple and clean look. I did notice you still have alot of space between the top of the basket and cieling. I had that same wasted space and asked hubby to install a shelf in the middle of the existing one for extra "hidden" storage. Keep up the great work!

Haven and Home said...

I don't know what I love more, the closet or Christian!

Tracy Watier said...

Hey Lauren! Better late than never... I wanted to thank you for the inspiration to tackle my coat closet. I was way too busy to finish within your time frame, but it did get done. I don't have pretty blue walls like yours, or a cute little model!, but I'm pretty happy with my results! It posted today if you're curious :)

Tracy Watier said...

Hey Lauren! Better late than never... I wanted to thank you for the inspiration to tackle my coat closet. I was way too busy to finish within your time frame, but it did get done. I don't have pretty blue walls like yours, or a cute little model!, but I'm pretty happy with my results! It posted today if you're curious :)

Anonymous said...

Where did you get the canvas shoe organizer from? I came across your blog searching for one. I love your tips!

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