We have another delightful reader redesign to share. This makeover comes from Stacie, familiar to many as the homeowner who recently refreshed a swanky bedroom based on a custom moodboard. Her bedroom update was only the beginning — she also transformed a problem-prone linen closet in her boys’ bathroom, and the results are both practical and charming.
Stacie explains:
I was inspired by several projects I’d seen online and decided to take the doors off the linen closet in my boys’ bathroom. The old doors were big, white, made of plywood, and they never stayed shut. Worse, they kept hiding a messy interior that always seemed to be on display when they were ajar.
The removal process wasn’t exactly fun. I had to peel off contact paper that had been secured with nearly one hundred thumbtacks. Those tiny metal tacks were tedious to pry out, and it took patience and elbow grease to get the surface cleaned up.
After scraping, spackling, and a fresh coat of paint, the closet looks brand new. I love the way it turned out — it feels both cool and inviting while still remaining kid-friendly.
PS: This project motivated me to clean out the closet. I found seven sets of sheets that I never used and was able to purge them. A thorough declutter can make a small space feel much larger and more useful.
The before-and-after transformation highlights several smart choices: removing bulky doors to improve accessibility and visual openness, repairing and painting the interior for a clean finish, and using natural-toned baskets to organize supplies and soften the bright wall color. The combination of brown and cream baskets against the fresh paint creates a warm, coordinated look that still reads as playful for children’s space. Even small details, like grouping toys and linens consistently, contribute to an overall sense of order and style.
This project is an excellent example of how modest changes can deliver big impact. Door removal can be a straightforward strategy when doors are obstructive or poorly functioning. Once the doors were gone, Stacie focused on surface prep and paint — simple, cost-effective steps that significantly elevated the closet’s appearance. Adding storage baskets and organizing by category keeps essentials accessible while maintaining a tidy visual.
If you’re considering a similar update, here are a few practical tips based on this makeover:
- Assess whether doors are truly needed; removing them can improve access and make a small space feel larger.
- Prepare surfaces thoroughly after door removal — scrape, spackle, and sand any damaged areas before painting.
- Choose a durable paint finish suitable for a high-traffic, moisture-prone area like a bathroom closet.
- Use matching baskets or containers to create a cohesive look and keep smaller items contained.
- Declutter before organizing; removing unused linens and extras reduces the need for excessive storage.
Thank you, Stacie, for sharing another inspiring before-and-after project. The thoughtful combination of practical repairs, fresh paint, and simple storage solutions proves that small updates can deliver fresh, functional results. Keep those photos and stories coming — they motivate others to tackle their own projects and show how creativity and effort can transform everyday spaces.