A Custom Closet for the Guest Room
I’m probably way too excited to share our very first finished interior space! It might seem like a small feat, but to me- it feels like a glorious renovating victory. Our guest room closet is officially complete. Initially, Emmett and I both assumed I’d take over this closet or it would turn into a dumping ground for all of our gear and outdoor clothing. Shortly after moving to Utah, we realized this closet would need to serve a different purpose. We’ve had more house guests since moving to Salt Lake than we had during five years of living in Ohio. We can’t say that we’re surprised, and we definitely love hosting family and friends, but it certainly influenced how we use the guest room. Click through to see the process of renovating a closet for a functional guest room.Â
To preface this post, the closets in our home are odd sizes and were in terrible condition when we moved in. I knew that I’d have to create a custom solution to maximize storage and functionality in this small house. In our last home, we used ClosetMaid systems and it worked out perfectly, so we opted to take the same route again… only this time, I was able to take advantage of their SpaceCreations tool to design exactly what I wanted.
The above image depicts what it looked like a few months ago, while we were refinishing the floors (prior to unpacking our moving boxes). Since then, Emmett has been working on the trim and we also ordered new interior doors- but the inside remained dysfunctional and messy.
That’s when the house guests started pouring in and I knew we needed to hurry, wrap up the guest room, and find a good solution. Since the room is fairly small, the closet played a big part in making it comfortable. In addition to storing our own odds and ends (that wouldn’t fit elsewhere), we wanted to give guests a space to tuck away their belongings.
As I mentioned in the intro, I went online and designed a custom closet using ClosetMaid’s special design tool. I considered hanging space, closed storage, open storage, and even a spot for luggage. A few weeks later, my vision shipped and Emmett began assembly. Here’s a peek into the process…
The assembly was just like any other product- it came with detailed instructions and Emmett tackled it step-by-step.
I didn’t know this upon ordering, but it was the happiest surprise to open the drawer tracks and learn that they were soft close- a very nice detail!
Speaking of details… you have the option to customize everything from color, material, and even the hardware. I opted for a traditional satin nickel drawer pull; they’re nice and heavy.
The image below shows what the closet looked like once everything was assembled and the drywall was painted. I used Sherwin Williams Extra White and it matched super well!
I also have to take a minute to share the exterior hardware because it’s so beautiful… but also because I wanted to make another point about mixing hardware finishes. You’ll notice the exterior hardware is brass but the interior is satin nickel, but they still work very well together. Don’t be afraid to play with different metals within the same room. I actually find it looks more curated.
If you have the space to allow guests a portion of a closet, here are a few things to consider:
- Tuck your own items out of sight in bins or baskets. You’d probably never guess that I am storing hats, gloves, and extra winter socks in the top two bins, would you? Things look more organized and less personal when they’re stowed away.
- Allow hanging space with extra clothes hangers.
- Leave enough empty shelf space for folded items, shoes, and travel bags.
- Consider a spot or compartment for a suitcase or carry-on.
- Keep extra blankets or throws folded in the closet in case your guests prefer heavier bedding.
- The same goes for toiletries… depending on your bathroom situation, it’s helpful to leave guests with everything they need- even towels and toiletries. It’s just more accessible!
I’ll be sharing one closet each month (through June) in a collaboration with ClosetMaid, which is super exciting because I’ve been a big fan of their products from day one. I briefly mentioned the design process with the SpaceCreation tool, but you’ll be hearing more about that in the next feature. I’m actually shooting my first video series, sharing how I designed each closet! I have to say, so far it’s been an awesome experience and it’s the little details like custom closets that are starting to make this place finally feel like home.
How do you organize your closets? I’m all about thoughtful and functional design decisions- even in the spaces people don’t see on a regular basis. I feel at ease knowing everything has a place.
*This post is brought to you in collaboration with ClosetMaid.  I am a brand ambassador and receive free product in exchange for media. All content, ideas, and words are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that allow us to create unique content while featuring products we truly use and enjoy!Â