Since we were on the topic of all things master bedrooms last week, it’s finally time to reveal MY closet. Emmett’s is behind the french doors to the left of mine and it’s still surprisingly organized, I might add. After living with my wardrobe strung out through the guest room these last few weeks, I’m feeling relieved to finally have a functioning closet (and guest room) again. Click through to see how I designed and organized my custom system with ClosetMaid SpaceCreations.
I wish the closets were built back further in our master bedroom (which we’ll be revealing soon)… instead they jut out into the space and take up quite a bit of room. You’ll notice the panel moulding and the nook to the right in the above photo- that’s pretty much where the master door swings and opens into.
That leaves us with a wall full of closets. Visually, I like the look of the double set of french doors, but it eats into precious bedroom space. We decided to live with it and embrace our closets, and I’m actually really glad we did! Not only did it save us a ton of money, but the bedroom still has a good traffic path around our king size bed.
I designed my closet exact opposite of Emmett’s. My drawers and shelving sit to the left side and I have double the hanging space on the righthand side.
Hanging space was super important to me because I have more clothes than he does. I will say- we are minimizing our closets and investing in quality pieces… you know, the less is more / quality over quantity idea. I still have some pieces to add to the “garage sale” bin.
You might be wondering where that leaves space for my shoes. I know you’re assuming I own more than 6 pairs of shoes and you’re not mistaken! My solution for shoes is a closet just outside our bedroom. It’s only about three or four feet from my main closet and sits on the other side of the bedroom door. Our last custom system will be for overflow clothing (and the majority of my shoes). We’ll keep gear and out-of-season clothing in that one- look for the final closet reveal next month!
One thing I actually really like about this closet is the shoe storage… it forces me to think about what I wear most often. I never trade shoes more than six times a season anyway, so it’s pretty perfect for easy access and less clutter is a total bonus. My house slippers stay tucked in the corner most of the time because I’m constantly slipping them on off and throughout the day. I swear by these things, especially living in a house full of hardwoods.
Another storage must for my closet was a place to keep jewelry. It used to live in our hallway… and that was not a great place for it, to say the least. It looked messy, was constantly unorganized, and I always forgot to put it on because it wasn’t close enough to my clothing or shoes.
Happily, it has been moved into my closet and is on the easiest-to-reach shelf. Since the shoot, I’ve also added my perfume to this section and I haven’t forgot to put either on since the closet makeover (I’d call that a win). No more running out the door without accessories or smelling nice. Ha!
The jewelry box was a gift from my Mom when I was a kid. Emmett refinished and lacquered it for me (it used to be cherry finish). I also added an inexpensive bracelet organizer and a charming boudoir tray– it’s SO beautiful! I really like the way this shelf displays.
I also love organizing with simple, neutral totes. I’ll toss anything from hats, wallets, bags, and swimwear into totes for hidden storage. They fit perfectly on the shelves and keep items tucked out of sight for a clean, streamlined look.
Overall, I couldn’t be more pleased with the way my closet turned out! It’s really the little things that make a house feel like home and give you the feelings of ease and comfort. You wouldn’t guess an organized closet would do that for you, but I’m here to say… it actually does. I feel calm walking into our master bedroom and so happy every time I open the french doors. I know that sounds stupid, but it’s true!
Has anyone installed one of these systems since I started sharing them? I’ve had a people couple email and comment with questions. I’m always happy to offer feedback! Emmett and I were both chatting about how we never would’ve guessed closets could be such a good investment. Here’s to organization and stress-free homes!
*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 actually use and enjoy!
Nicole
April 24, 2017 at 3:10 pmMy husband and I actually installed one (technically two, one on each opposing wall) in our master bedroom closet after you shared your guest bedroom closet. I’m a (very) new reader, and thankful for the recommendation. We had discussed and looked at different systems for a long time. So glad it’s finally done – and it does make a huge, make-me-stare-at-it-and-smile difference! Being selective about what we kept, and thoughtful about what we would put where while designing it were key. We’re mostly very happy with it, even though I was hesitant to invest so much in a closet.
Sarah
April 24, 2017 at 5:07 pmIt makes such a big difference! I love your “make-me-stare-at-it-and-smile” remark, because I seriously feel the same way. Thank you so much for reading, Nicole! xox
Meredith
April 24, 2017 at 3:55 pmLove it! I, too, live with a small closet–and no one realizes that I own so few clothes. The trick is being able to mix things up. I learned you don’t need to have a lot of clothes to dress well.
I’m eager for your MB reveal. We’re getting ready to move into a smaller home (that may need remodeling), and I’m worried about how to rock style in a small space. I look forward to all your posts, Sarah!
Sarah
April 24, 2017 at 5:04 pmSo true! I’m sort of in the stage of transitioning all of my clothing. Thank you so much, Meredith!! xo
Ardith
April 24, 2017 at 5:35 pmHello, Ms Sarah! I love your new closets and how you and Emmett put both them to such good use. Plus, the color you painted them is so soothing and unique. Sorry I’ve been absent for a while. My husband had open-heart surgery almost two weeks ago now. I am absolutely thrilled, because it went amazingly well and he is recovering well. I am so relieved, so happy, and proud of him. Best wishes to you and Emmett. Cheers, Ardith
Sarah
April 28, 2017 at 3:35 pmArdith, I’m SO sorry I missed your comment! Thank you so much. I am thrilled to hear your husband is doing amazing after his open-heart surgery. I hope he is continuing to recover well. He has a wonderful partner by his side ;) Cheers to a great weekend ahead for the both of you! xoxox
Christen Ales
April 25, 2017 at 4:08 pmAwesome! Love the less is more mentality. What is the paint color on your trim and doors? Looks great!
Sarah
April 25, 2017 at 6:23 pmMe too, Christen! The trim is Gray Screen and the walls are Snowbound… both are by Sherwin Williams. xo
Kellie Reynolds
April 26, 2017 at 8:58 pmWhere did you buy your closet doors? I love them!
Sarah
April 27, 2017 at 1:12 amBelieve it or not, they came from the Home Depot! xo
Lisa Davila
May 4, 2017 at 3:09 pmLooks great, but where do you keep your shoes?
Sarah
May 4, 2017 at 3:21 pmThey’re in another closet about 3 feet away. I keep 6-7 pairs that I wear often in this closet…
Kimberly
May 11, 2017 at 11:50 pmI love your blog and style! We’re moving into a 1960’s ranch in a few short weeks, and the master has similar duel closets. I can’t wait to do this to ours! Do you mind sharing the ceiling fan source? Our first projects will be: 1. staining all the hardwoods, and then 2. updating all the lighting. :)
Linda
May 27, 2017 at 7:44 pmI’m lucky enough to have a bigger closet, about 10 feet by 5 feet. I’d like to install a new system but have no idea how to plan it out and how you get it installed. Do you have thoughts about that for those of us whose husband is not enthusiastic about “projects”?
Sarah
May 28, 2017 at 4:09 pmLucky you, Linda! You have lots of space for organization. I truly recommend the using the SpaceCreations tool… check out this video I made about it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ8HysBVEDo . It’s super easy- you punch in your measurements and then you can visually move units in and out of the space. If you or your husband aren’t wanting to install, you could always hire it out. It’s really an easy process though! Hope this helps! xo
Heather
June 22, 2018 at 7:39 amI have a small closet too and would love to transition my clothing to the “less is more” or capsule wardrobe idea. I need a step by step :)… this process is hard! Any suggestions? Also, what hangers are you using in your closet? Can you tell me more about how you made that decision….beauty, function, or both?
Thank you!
Sarah
June 22, 2018 at 9:53 amI started by purging… things I never wear, I donated. I repeated the process every other month or so until I realized what I was most often wearing and what I wasn’t. It made it a lot easier! When I shop, I also keep that in mind. These are the hangers we use: http://bit.ly/2K8SlLB I like them for both aesthetic reasons, as well as function. Hope this helps, Heather! xox
Vicki
July 2, 2018 at 12:56 pmHi!
I actually loved this closet and bought the same doors at Home Depot! Can you tell me what casing you used?! Everything is gorgeous
Sarah
July 3, 2018 at 9:04 amYay!! They have a great look. All of our millwork came from Metrie. You can read more about it in this post: https://roomfortuesday.com/my-thoughts-on-moulding-millwork/
Samantha
August 3, 2018 at 1:32 pmWe are getting ready to redo our bedroom closet and love this. Can you tell me what exact door this is? Is it a double or single door? I’ve searched Home Depot but can’t seem to find it! Didn’t look like it wasn’t under the French door section…
Sarah
August 3, 2018 at 3:22 pmThey’re all special order doors, so you can order in a single or double (french door style). My closets are double and open like French doors. Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/2LXF7FM
Erica
November 12, 2018 at 12:54 pmHi Sarah!
I love both these and the guest room closet. I am just curious…where do you hang longer items like full length dresses, jumpsuits etc.? Thanks, love your style!
Erica
Stacy
December 6, 2018 at 12:22 pmLove it! Hey I need a tip on getting the smell out of the shoes when they are stored inside closets like this. I leave my husbands doors open while away to let air flow. Do you have a good tip?
Sarah
December 10, 2018 at 1:35 pmThanks Stacy! Unfortunately, I don’t have any amazing tips for that. We haven’t really had that issue. Maybe shoe powder or hang lavender satchels in the closet? Sorry! I wish I could be more helpful. xo
Lilli Arning
December 2, 2019 at 11:17 amSarah, I have a closet exactly the same as your before picture in the My Master Closet Reveal. Your solution is perfect for me. Where can I buy this solution? I looked on the Closet Maid website but did not see it. Please let me so that I can install it right away. Thank you very much.
Sarah
December 2, 2019 at 3:46 pmHi Lilli, you’ll have to use the ClosetMaid Space Creations tool to enter your specific dimensions and customize it to your liking. Then they send everything you need for installation. Linking it here: https://design.closetmaid.com/en-US/Design/pages/design.aspx
Sandy Nguyen
June 5, 2021 at 9:44 pmHi! I love your closet door hardware here. Do you think though it would match with the hardware you have for your bathroom at your new home since one is round and one is a thinner handle? Thank you!
Sarah
June 7, 2021 at 9:31 amThanks, Sandy! The finishes are slightly different, so I’m not sure they would work well together, but I will say- I love mixing and matching door handle and knob shapes (as long as they’re in the same finish). I hope that helps!