Repurposing Unused Space for Maximum Utility
When my husband Cory and I bought our fixer-upper 1940s home in Aberdeen, we were thrilled by the potential – but also a little daunted. One of the first orders of business was tackling the master bedroom closet. It was a standard issue, builder-grade affair – bland, boxy, and completely uninspiring. As we started planning our renovation, I became fixated on the idea of turning this neglected space into something truly special. After all, ABC Home had taught me that with a little creativity, any nook or cranny can be transformed into an oasis of organization and style.
Scouring the web for inspiration, I stumbled upon a treasure trove of ideas on sites like Pinterest and BuzzFeed. From cozy reading nooks to chic home offices, the possibilities were endless. But I had my heart set on something a little different – a custom, built-in closet system that would make the most of every inch, while also elevating the aesthetic to designer showroom levels.
The IKEA Hack Approach
Now, I know what you’re thinking – IKEA? Really? But hear me out. The IKEA PAX wardrobe system is actually an incredibly versatile foundation, especially when you’re willing to put in a little elbow grease. With a bit of creativity and a lot of determination, you can transform those basic white boxes into a high-end, custom-look closet that would make even the snobbiest interior designer swoon.
The key is in the details. By adding crown molding, baseboards, and a few strategic wood trim pieces, you can create the illusion of a built-in, seamless unit. And don’t even get me started on the power of a good paint job! I’ll admit, the Zinsser BIN primer I used was a real beast to work with – all fumes and runny consistency. But once I powered through, the results were simply jaw-dropping.
Bringing the Vision to Life
As I pored over the inspiration from those earlier searches, one image in particular kept catching my eye – a stunning, moody blue built-in closet that just oozed sophistication. I knew that was the look I wanted to recreate in our own space. Of course, the thought of actually building custom cabinetry was a bit daunting. Cory and I had dabbled in some DIY projects before, but nothing on this scale.
Fortunately, the IKEA PAX hack community came through in a big way. Through exhaustive research, I discovered that with a little modification, those basic white boxes could be transformed into a truly custom-looking system. The key was in the details – adding trim, painting, and carefully planning the layout to maximize storage and flow.
Recessed Lighting and Custom Touches
One of the first things we tackled was the lighting. I wanted a really seamless, high-end look, so we decided to recess puck lights into the top shelf of each unit. It was a bit of a challenge, requiring some precise routing and wiring, but the end result was stunning. Those little recessed lights really elevated the whole design, casting a warm glow and making the space feel almost like a luxury boutique.
From there, it was all about the custom touches. We added baseboards and crown molding to create that built-in aesthetic, then used wood trim to cover any unsightly gaps or seams. And of course, there was the epic saga of the drawer fronts. I knew those plain white IKEA drawers just wouldn’t cut it, so we painstakingly measured, cut, and installed custom wood fronts. It was a labor of love, for sure, but so worth it in the end.
A Moody, Sophisticated Oasis
With the major structural elements in place, it was time to bring in the finishing touches. I opted for a rich, moody blue-green paint color that would serve as the perfect backdrop for our new custom closet. Paired with the gleaming brass hardware and the subtle texture of the wallpapered back panels, the whole thing came together in a way that felt straight out of a high-end design magazine.
As I admired the final result, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. What had once been a drab, forgettable closet was now a stunning, sophisticated oasis – a true reflection of our personal style and design aesthetic. And the best part? We did it all ourselves, with a little help from IKEA and a whole lot of elbow grease.
So if you’re staring at a neglected closet, wondering how on earth you can transform it into something special, take heart. With a little creativity and a willingness to get your hands dirty, you too can turn that wasted space into a showstopping storage solution. Just remember – the devil is in the details. Focus on those custom touches, nail the lighting, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Because when it comes to maximizing your home’s potential, there’s no such thing as an “unused” closet.
