Master Closet Organization {Before & After}

When we moved into our home a few years ago I fell in love with the open floor plan, the four spacious bedrooms and the high ceilings. The one thing I was not too happy about was having to downsize our master closet. To some of you, you might think it is a great walk-in closet! To others you will see what I mean by a small closet. It is all about perspective...isn't it?

Well after five years I finally feel like we have used the space in this closet wisely. We went vertical with the storage which has given us ample space for our clothes. We still don't have a place for our dresses and suits, so they stay put in the guest closet. I figured since we don't wear those items all that much, is was okay they weren't joining the rest of our clothes. We both have dressers as well for our T-shirts, shorts, workout clothes and PJs.

I would have loved to get a whole closet makeover with EasyClosets or the Elfa Closet solutions at The Container Store, but it wasn't in our budget. So instead I am going to share with you how I created an organized closet using a few easy solutions and products.

First I can't share my solutions without showing you where we were a few short months ago.

(Yes, I am hanging my head in shame at the moment) We would literally just throw our clothes on top of the shelves and run! I hated this closet and I am sure my husband was sick of me saying so. 

And now the pretty picture.....

This is a "walk-in" closet, but on the left side of the closet is a full window. This leaves two very small walls for clothes. And if you remember there was a little nook to the right where we added some vertical shelves for my shoes. Definitely one of my favorite things about this closet now!

The other major solution for this closet were the cube shelves. We really needed something to organize all of our sweaters, jeans, etc. I found these shelves at Target and they fit perfectly with even a little space on top for hats and purses. 

You can see I even added a little gold touch mimicking a campaign style with washi tape. I just had to make it a bit more exciting!

The hanging rod below my clothes was another necessity when it came to our dress pant situation. I found this closet rod at The Container Store. It is adjustable and fits perfectly in the lower corner of the closet. It really expanded our hanging space without having to add a permanent lower rod. 

See Two-Toned Ikea Dresser Hack HERE

We also made use of the space behind the door by adding some hooks for hanging my bags and an outfit inspiration board. I also added some 3M hooks on the back of the door for the Hubs baseball caps. 

I am also in love with my new wooden hangers! I found a box of 24 for $12.99 at target! They add a bit of texture to the space and bring that cohesive feel to the closet. I also used them in my coat closet makeover. Can't say enough amazing things about them. Gone are the days of plastic hangers for me!

I am so very happy with how it turned out. It might not be the biggest closet, but it now has big function! I am not scared to walk in my closet anymore!

How about you? What have you been organizing on a budget lately?

Related Projects:
DIY Home Depot Shoe Shelves
DIY Tufted Striped Ottoman
Outfit Pinspiration Board
Two-toned Ikea Hack Dresser

A Valentine's Tea

I decided to host a sweet Valentine's Tea for all of my fabulous friends over the weekend. I wanted to have time to sit, chat and pamper my friends as a way of saying "I love you." Life gets so busy and we never seem to be able to have girl time without kiddos running around or husbands interrupting our schedules. Do you ever feel like this? I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends and I am glad I was able to spend some time with these beautiful women.

There were ten of us altogether... a perfect number for a tea. Since I only had 8 place settings of my china, I had to borrow a few pieces from my mom. It worked out wonderfully and you would have never noticed that certain pieces didn't belong with my set.

It was so fun to be able to use my grandmother's china and silverware that has been passed down to me. My grandmother was a classy lady and I can only hope she was smiling down on our fun girly tea seeing all of her pieces being used. 

These pink napkins were actually part of the centerpieces at our wedding. My mother-in law monogrammed them for us. We have a totally of 22 and I have been wondering what to do with light pink monogrammed napkins over the past 9 years. They worked into the color scheme perfectly!

Ready for picture overload?? Enjoy!!

I really had a lot of fun putting the whole event together.
The Details:  I made the chicken salad sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches, strawberry basil, honey & brie crostini and heart sugar cookies. I borrowed some jelly canning jars from my mom and layered some granola, vanilla yogurt & berries to create a fruit parfait. I also went to our local bakery to pick up the macaroons. The small desserts were from Trader Joe's and my mother made her famous heart bread topped with honey butter & strawberries. For tea we had Earl of White and Earl of Grey. Both were delicious! Making all of the tissue paper flowers was the part of the preparation that took the longest.  I made a few each night while watching television. Even though they were tedious, I am so glad I took the time to make them because I think they made the most impact in the room!

I really love hosting parties and since it was such a hit, I think it is going to be an annual tradition! Anyone else want to join us next year?

Throughout your busy week, try to focus on how you can make others feel loved! Isn't that what this holiday is all about!? Have a fabulous week friends! xoxo

Pink, Red & Gold

I am getting quite excited for the weekend. I have about 10 ladies coming over for tea tomorrow and I am primping my dining room out for the event! I will post some little updates over on Instagram as I prepare today & tomorrow, if you want to follow along.

Since I am decorating for a Valentine's tea, I have Pink, Red & Gold on my mind this week. I thought a little inspiration from my favorite stores would give me motivation to finish my prepping today.

1. Valentine's Garland; 2. Gold Polka Dot Pillow; 3. Heart Catchall; 4. LOVE sign; 5. Red Flatware;
6. Fuchsia edged napkins; 7. Love Pillow; 8. Gold Heart Pillow; 9. Fuchsia Ottoman; 10. MR & MRS Mugs; 11. Rug; 12. Heart Pillow; 13. Fuchsia Pouf



Would you ever add any of these items to your home decor? I am thinking that rug and pouf would look fabulous in a tween girl's bedroom. And..well I love anything gold, so I would totally add the Love pillow and polka dot pillow to my own bedroom!

Have a wonderful weekend! Hope to share some pictures of our Valentine's Tea on Monday!