Reader Space: A Lovely Multi-Purpose Closet

We don't always have the luxury to have oodles of closets, specialized for specific needs.  There are times when those linen closets, craft closets and utility closets, all need to be combined into one closet.  That is the case for today's reader, and I just adore how she tackled it so smartly!

Reader, Chloe, has a high traffic closet in the main area of her home, and she wasn't exactly thrilled with how it was organized or functioning.

"We have a hall closet that gets A LOT of use. It's where we store towels, bed linens, diapers, cleaning supplies, craft supplies, and much much more.  Even though I worked hard to keep it organized, it was always an eyesore when left open. I wanted it to look nice but most of all I didn't want to have to constantly be reorganizing it to keep it from getting out of control.

I decided I needed containers. I would have liked baskets {because they are cute} but let me tell you, baskets are not cheap {especially when you need 14 of them like I did}. I searched stores and online for something that would work and eventually went with Snalis boxes from IKEA. Just a simple, white translucent container for $1.99 each. I am really happy with these. I realize now that wicker baskets wouldn't be best for holding cleaning supplies because unlike wicker baskets, the Snalis boxes are easily wiped clean if something spills.

I also got one larger size version of the Snalis box for $4.99 to hold diapers and wipes {I have 2 kids in diapers so of course I needed something giant!}.  I made labels for each box which may be more for aesthetics than practicality but love them!  They are just blue and white card stock for now {which has held up surprisingly well} but a laminator is on my wish list, so hopefully I can make them a little more sturdy. 

For all the linens {towels, bedding, table cloths, etc.} I chose the Antonius wire basket also from IKEA. They are a shallow, white wire basket at $2.50 a piece. So far they are working out very well.

Here is the result!

I love my hall closet so much I kind of like leaving the door open! which I am thrilled about because the closet is in a very high traffic area and is seen constantly!  I still don't quite understand why but seeing that pretty, neat closet everyday always puts a smile on my face.

With a specific box for everything, nothing is misplaced and everything is easy to find!"

 

Let's celebrate with a lovely before and after!!

I know why she finds herself smiling and staring.... Because it is AWESOME!

• Everything is nice and uniform.  This makes is extremely easy on the eyes and reduces the "cluttered" feeling.
• The updates are so incredible, she can leave the closet door open {by accident or on purpose}, and never worry.  It's lovely!
• Everything has a home!
• The closet functions for so many items.  Craft supplies, cleaning supplies and linens, oh my!  Anything multifunctional rocks my world.
• Those labels.  Practical to help her quickly find what she is looking for, lovely because she took the time to go the extra mile and make them pretty!  Doing so was the key to the overall after effect of the closet.
• She mixed and matched storage so that it made sense for her and the closet.  The baskets on the top shelf make more sense for linens that the translucent bins do.
• Using bins in a closet is actually a huge time saver.  You can quickly pull/slide out a bin to find what you are looking for, vs. digging deep into a closet.  Same goes when putting items away. 
• She knew her budget and was savvy when searching for storage.  Wicker would have looked lovely, but would also have been expensive and not all that practical.  Her final choice was soooo much more effective and budget friendly.

A special THANK YOU goes out to Chloe for sharing her closet makeover with us, you can find all of the details on her blog here.

Anyone else been tackling multifunctional closets or spaces lately?

ATTENTION!!  Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition?  Have an awesome organizing story to share?  I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life.  Please submit your story and photos here and I would heart to feature them right here, on the blog!!  Photos should be high resolution and unedited.  Please include a description of the project, including any costs, inspiration, and how it has changed your life and routine for the better!  Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice!  Only love goes on at this blog!