Reader Space: A Creative Kid's Closet

The first thing I will tell anyone looking to organize a closet, is to start from scratch.  Disregard any previous system that was installed and remove all items to give yourself a fresh perspective.  You may find that once you remove everything, you are better able to see the potential in what is already there, and a little purging is all you need to take back your space.  However, you may also realize that what was previously there just didn't fit your storage needs or allow your daily items to be easily accessed.  In fact, most standard closets are rarely installed with floor to ceiling systems that meet everyday storage demands, and we all know that custom built closets can add up in the money department really fast.

That is when it is time to get a little creative....

When our two youngest boys began sharing a room, I knew right away that their previous closet setup was not going to work.  Not wanting to invest a lot of money, I set out to put a system in place that made sense for two kiddos by using an IKEA Expedit to divide the space and provide vertical storage at the same time.  To this day, it is one of our favorite closet updates and has been working wonders for all of us.  Being such a believer in finding off-the-shelf products and customizing them for your specific closet needs, I knew I had to share another amazing example of just that.

Jessica of Cape 27 blog, used a standard Closetmaid cube system (which can be found at Target and Home Depot) and turned it into the most adorable custom closet for her little girls.  I asked her to stop by and share more with us today.


What is the main function of this space?

"Our two girls (ages three and two) share a bedroom, and this closet serves as a storage space for all of their clothes and holds a good portion of their toys as well! "

Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?

"Purge, purge, purge.  With the girls still young, we find ourselves constantly combing through outgrown clothes/toys.  Not a revolutionary tip, but it’s a habit that I’d love to stay on top of, even as they get older.  Sometimes, I find it’s more about eliminating all of the excess than the system itself!"

What items did you find were essential when organizing the space, and why?

"One hundred percent, the storage cubicles and fabric drawer inserts.  Our girls were fairly good at cleaning up their toys when they’d finished playing, but this system took it to the next level.  Now they know exactly where each toy calls home and the bins are lightweight enough that even our two year old easily moves them in and out of place."

What did you do to go the extra mile and "Make it Pretty"?

"When we first installed the wire basket drawers, all of the clothes peaking through the holes had my design OCD through the roof.  I used strips of cardboard and fabric already on hand to easily whip up a pretty faux front for them.  An after thought, but one of my favorite touches!"

What items did you DIY to stay on a budget?

"I’m a sucker for a good built-in, but was hesitant to spend the big bucks on a custom closet system (especially in a child’s space that could be outgrown).  Instead, we framed out a simple Closetmaid cubicle system and a few wire basket drawers from Ikea to give it the appearance of a fancy built-in."

How has this space impacted your life for the better?

"Toddlers putting away their own toys pretty much sums this one up!" 

And to make the story even more amazing, here is the before and after we all love.

The closet appears to be completely custom built because it is!  But it wasn't expensive or designed by a custom closet expert.  Jessica and her husband paired a simple off-the-shelf Closetmaid organizer built-in with two large IKEA baskets and they have themselves a winning combination!  And look at what concealing that clutter with some decorative bins and fabric did for the space.  Now, they can leave that closet door open all of the time and everything looks so fresh and organized, although the kids can really just easily toss their belongings inside.  Amazing what some pairing down will do, two little girls are really able to make the most of this most adorable closet.

I adore Jessica's style and how she applied it to organizing.  Those extra details they added to the closet allow the organizing to remain simple, yet have given them all a space worth maintaining.  I am always honored to share her awesome organizing projects (you can find her first iheart feature here), and if you are looking for more step-by-step directions on the closet installation process, you can find that on her blog right here.

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, big or small.  They can be anything from an organized drawer or cabinet to an entire room.  Please submit your story and photos to iheartreaderspace@gmail.com, 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!