Transforming Empty Space Into A Dreamy Dressing Retreat
You know the feeling – stepping into a closet that’s more like a cramped cave than a stylish sanctuary. Clothes crammed in every corner, shoes scattered underfoot, and not a single surface to perch and get ready. It’s enough to make even the most organized of us throw our hands up in exasperation.
But what if I told you that with a little creativity and the right plan, your drab, tight-squeeze of a closet could transform into the dressing room of your dreams? I’m talking about a serene, well-appointed space where getting dressed feels more like an indulgent ritual than a frenzied daily chore.
Maximizing Every Inch
The team at ABC Home in Aberdeen knows a thing or two about making the most of limited square footage. When one of our clients came to us looking to overhaul their cramped master bedroom closet, we knew we had to get innovative.
“The idea came in as we were framing the space in on stories as a bonus room and a few followers recommended making it our closet,” shared one of our designers. “At first I thought it was crazy because it was almost the size of our bedroom! But, by the end of the day, we were completely sold on the idea–WHY NOT MAKE IT OUR CLOSET?!”
And so, a plan was hatched to transform a once-forgotten nook into a truly enviable dressing retreat. By taking over an underutilized area – in this case, a two-story space that was previously slated to become a bonus room – our team was able to carve out an expansive, personalized closet without having to sacrifice precious bedroom square footage.
As Shauna Oberg of Pinterest notes, “Even the smallest of bedrooms have somewhere to pop a hanging rail and, at the very least, there’ll be some wall space where you can mount a couple of hooks.” With a little strategic thinking, you can find pockets of potential all throughout your home.
Elevating the Everyday
Of course, maximizing space is only half the battle. Once you’ve carved out that dream dressing room, it’s time to make it shine. And the team at ABC Home knows a thing or two about that, too.
“We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen,” shares one of our designers. “Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.”
For this project, that meant taking a basic IKEA PAX wardrobe system and transforming it into a high-end, custom-looking oasis. With a few strategic additions – like crown molding, drawer fronts, and gleaming hardware – the once-basic cabinets became the foundation for a truly luxurious dressing room.
As Architectural Digest notes, the key is to balance function and fashion. “Building a closet space from scratch allows you to create as many cubbies, drawers, and other compartments as your heart desires. Though these compartments make closet organization a lot simpler, it’s wise to consider how they impact the vibe—especially in a closet, why put function fully over fashion?”
Infusing Personal Style
Of course, a dressing room is nothing without the personal touches that make it feel truly custom. For this project, our clients weren’t afraid to get creative and inject their own unique style.
“I tried to group before and after photos together so you can see how the space evolved,” shares one of the homeowners. “I also put ALL of our clothes in there (although I think it would have looked better in photos to take out some of my more colorful tops, I really wanted it to be a true representation of how it looks and functions for us.”
From the moody, Farrow & Ball-inspired paint color to the whimsical curtains and statement chandelier, every element was carefully curated to reflect the homeowners’ personal aesthetic. As House Beautiful notes, “Your walk-in wardrobe should be as individual as you are. Add your stamp with fab finishing touches, boutique-chic furnishings and swoon-worthy accessories, for a dressing room that (almost) keeps up with the Kardashians!”
Prioritizing Function
Of course, a dressing room isn’t just about looks – it’s also about optimizing your routine and making getting dressed a breeze. And the team at ABC Home knows a thing or two about that, too.
“Chris and I each designed our sides of the closet,” shares the homeowner. “He went for mostly drawers and I went for optimal hanging space, including a whole space dedicated to a ‘denim bar’ so I can see the character of my jeans while they are still hung.”
As the team at Chris Loves Julia discovered, thoughtful organization is key. “I usually choose what jeans I’m going to wear before my shirt!” the homeowner confesses. “Fun fact: I usually choose what jeans I’m going to wear before my shirt!”
But it’s not just about clothes – the dressing room also features a dedicated vanity area, complete with a swivel mirror that allows the homeowner to get ready from every angle. And with ample natural light flooding in from the nearby window, it’s the perfect spot to start the day.
A Sanctuary Within
At the end of the day, a dressing room should be so much more than just a utilitarian space to store your wardrobe. It should be a sanctuary – a personal oasis where you can take a moment to pause, primp, and prepare for the day ahead.
“I’ve also already finished a few blogs posts quietly from this desk–turns out, this closet is a very peaceful, beautiful place to perch,” the homeowner shares. And with the cozy ottoman, curated artwork, and luxurious curtains, it’s easy to see why.
As Christine Hyder of Pinterest notes, “For many, the promise of the walk-in closet joy comes hand in hand with the transformation joy.” And for this homeowner, that transformation has resulted in a truly special space that elevates the everyday.
So, whether you’re working with a spacious bonus room or a tight corner of your bedroom, the team at ABC Home is here to help you create the dressing room of your dreams. With a little creativity and the right plan, that cramped closet can become a sanctuary – a place to start your day with intention, get ready with ease, and maybe even sneak in a quiet moment of respite.
Ready to transform your cluttered closet into an oasis? Contact ABC Home today and let’s get started.
