Feels like we just finished our primary bedroom DIY Modular Closet System project here at the Georgian, but it has been a year! We knew we wanted products from Modular Closets because they worked so well transforming an odd bedroom into a dressing room. Selecting materials is tricky because how do you even know how they will hold up and age? That’s why I’ll keep updating you about our experience…in this case with Modular Closets.
This post is sponsored by Modular Closets, and all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the companies that make this blog possible.
DIY Modular Closet System: An Update from Hello Lovely
I’ll cut to the chase. Not a single issue, stain, design flaw, or damaged anything. Also, no complaints or regrets about choosing MODULAR CLOSETS for the DIY. Our closet always feels pleasant, organized, and happy.
Things weren’t always so peachy…
Before we tackled the bedroom’s walk-in closet, my husband claimed it as his primary clothing storage, and I avoided it completely. An old Victorian dresser and mirror provided extra storage and utilized vertical space. But in terms of organization systems that he could actually maintain? Nope. Plenty of hanging storage, but closets with this set up tend to look like a big ol’ mess. That can get your day off to a less than stellar start.
Also that custom wood shoe rack…good gracious, it seemed like a good idea when we toured this home, but it was installed at a curious angle (maybe for a particular type of shoe?) and it just didn’t work for our needs.
That’s what I love about a DIY modular closet system. You can assess all of your wardrobe needs and figure out the solution. How many things in modern life in the 2020s are like that, kittycats?
By the way, the space we worked within was 6′ by 9.5′, and it began to improve once we emptied it, added a vintage chandelier, and got it ready to paint.
DIY Modular Closet System Makeover!
The objective? Design and build a custom closet to effectively store all the things! It needed to appear tidy, offer plenty of drawers and hanging space, and include custom extras (mirror, hampers, valet hooks, jewelry drawer, shoe shelves, tie rack).
Our wish list in hand, we left the designing to Modular Closets (a free service!). They came up with this Shaker style modular closet system for us to assemble and install:
The plan was just what we had in mind, and I requested cabinet doors for the closet tower on the far wall. I felt the doors’ ability to conceal clutter and offer calm was important. Additionally, they are the first thing you see when the closet door opens.
How We Prepped the Closet for the Modular System
This was the gratifying and easy part of the project. First, we changed out the lighting. Then, the dreaded shoe rack and hanging bars were removed. That meant we had to address the subfloor under the shoe rack. Boo. Next, I wanted to hide the access panel on the back wall so it wasn’t a focal point. My idea was to panel the back wall with beaded board. So nothing structurally changed, and we avoided drywall, dust, and fuss.
Felt great to finally see the space as a fresh slate! The next step was painting. Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray was what I chose for contrast with the white modular units. Here’s how it looked after we panelled the back wall and painted everything greige.
Ever Installed a DIY Modular Custom Closet?
When your Modular Closets shipment arrives with parts and accessories, it looks like this:
You find the instructions for assembly and installation online, and my husband began building each tower. Our custom design from Modular Closets features Vista shelf towers with drawers in two widths (25.5″ and 31.5″).
We discovered there is a learning curve. The assembly started off slow, then as we repeated it, the process moved along easily. It gets more and more exciting to see it take shape!
DIY or Pro for Insallation of Your Closet?
When I brought up this topic with Professional Organizer and Modular Closets Brand Ambassador, Christina Giaquanto, she mentioned comfort level. She recommends honoring where your DIY comfort level. We are intermediate DIY people, but if you are a newbie, you can always enlist friends or a pro. Their modular closet system is designed to be DIY-friendly, and they are always there to respond to your questions.
How long will the custom design take to finish? Prepping our closet took the better half of a day. Then, installing the new closet required 15 hours of DIY which was spread out (a couple of hours after work each evening).
Favorite Features of Hello Lovely’s Closet DIY
1. Customized Closet Goodies for HIS and HER
So much to love. First, I loved the design plan from Modular Closets which addressed our specific needs. The DIY and work is nothing to dread when you’re armed with confidence and realize the value the new design will add to daily life and resale.
Talk about utilizing vertical space! All of the cool, crisp, clean white makes my heart sing and adds a spacious feel. Remember the before?
Closet Design Features for HIS Side
Here’s his side on the left, and everything looks exactly the same a year later:
This sliding mirror pivots and folds inside the tower. It slides out like this:
Cool beans!
Here’s how the mirror looks when it’s out of the way:
Genius! My husband didn’t have too many requests for the design beyond a well-functioning tie rack. You can see the tie rack above and then extended below:
I knew I wanted Modular Closets’ Pullout Hamper With Removable Bags because I love them in our other dressing room. This feature is located behind the closet door. You’ll love these! The hamper slides out smoothly and is such nifty feature!
HER side of Closet Design
On the HER side of the custom closet, we have the same modules so the whole shebang feels very balanced. However, the HER side has a tower with four drawers since I prefer drawers to open shelving.
You’ll love how the drawers glide silently and smoothly with their soft close hinges.
We both opted for a closet valet which holds up to 30 pounds of clothing on hangers. Feels like a luxurious touch and instantly turns your closet into a boutique dressing room!
Remember my old mirror stenciled with a French poem for a crafty DIY shared back in 2010? The mirror traveled to various homes we owned and is now perfect in here! (Psst…it doesn’t interfere with hangers.) Such little touches add to the boutique dressing room atmosphere.
Have fun with such personal touches. For example, a simple vanity height stool can cozy up to the drawer base top in case you want to incorporate a vanity area:
You truly can make it feel like a getaway. Here’s another sweet custom feature, and a year later, I haven’t changed a thing!
The jewelry tray fits in the drawer perfectly and your treasures (however humble) feel special.
Cabinet doors on the tower conceal messy stacks of t-shirts and jeans. When you open the closet door, your eye goes to a Shaker style armoire rather than open shelves of disorder.
I enjoy the freedom to create “moments” on shelves with collected treasures. Seeing Elton John, white marble, and seagrass baskets? Feels like a personalized space that belongs to me.
2. Closet Modules Don’t Need a Bunch of Extra Hacks
If you have creative ideas, have at it. Crown molding, fluted wood edges, and ornamental flourishes? Awesome. But I actually love how I didn’t need to hack the modules or add flourishes.
The actual material closet modules are made from is top-grade and high-density wood. Can you make them appear more expensive and furniture-like? Sure. However, minimal can be just the ticket to keep a less cluttered, less fussy, less visual weighted closet. Shaker design lends itself to simplicity and feels natural without busy embellishments.
Besides, there’s so much room for having fun customizing the closet systems with personal touches.
I love the mix of natural woven baskets to break up the sea of white and corral items. If you’re a fan of fabric bins, they would be perfect too.
A year after this DIY, I have no regrets about skipping extra hacks or “finishing details” that would change the modules look somehow. It doesn’t look flimsy, so there’s no need to beef it up.
3. Investment for Everyday Ease AND Resale Value
Adding custom features and materials has a cost. Should you be on the fence about whether the cost is worth it, I hear you. Maybe you’re the type who would rather spend your dollars on the fashion and bags inside the closet. Designer bags have resale value, but they won’t improve your home’s value or set it apart on the market.
Being sensible, I appreciate how we can enjoy this closet now AND improve the home’s value.
There’s a lot of mystery in this life, but I have yet to hear someone complain they have too much storage at home.
Bear in mind, it’s not just the percentage value of the investment you’ll recoup when selling. (Home experts seem to agree closet upgrades fetch a 50% return). There’s also the value your investment adds when your home sells faster when it’s on the market.
Bonus Tips from HELLO LOVELY for a Smart DIY Closet Design
When you partner with Modular Closets or a closet designer, be sure to double-check your measurements. Fractions of inches make all the difference with closet design! Components shipped for the closet are heavy and cumbersome, and surprises will slow down install.
Take your time before you design as you assess specific needs. My particular closet design won’t suit someone else’s wardrobe, organization style, or aesthetic preferences.
Be thoughtful about particulars such as the number of hanging dresses to store as well as number of items across various categories (hats, shoes, bags, jewelry, folded clothing…).
I’m even more confident a year later recommending this system. Working with MODULAR CLOSETS for this DIY and partnering with them was a breeze. Excellent designers, customer service, and quality materials streamlined the whole creative process.
Hope this update and project helps you with your own closet makeover plans…please do see our other DIY closet which made an odd little bedroom live large!
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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