We have another fantastic reader redesign to share. This makeover comes from Stacie, known for her stylish bedroom update inspired by a custom moodboard earlier this year. Her bedroom was just the beginning — she recently tackled a linen closet in her boys’ bathroom and the transformation is a great example of a simple, effective DIY linen closet makeover.
Inspired by our community and a few popular before-and-after projects, I decided to remove the linen closet doors in my boys’ bathroom. The original doors were plain white plywood and never stayed closed, so the clutter behind them was always on display.
The project wasn’t without hassles. I had to pry off contact paper that was secured with almost a hundred thumbtacks — a tedious and surprising detail. Once the paper and tacks were removed, there was scraping, spackling and a fresh coat of paint.
After a bit of repair work and a gallon of paint, the new open closet looked inviting, tidy and appropriate for kids. I kept things practical and friendly: natural brown and cream storage baskets, easy-to-grab towels, and even coordinated little toys for a polished but playful finish.
PS: This was the perfect excuse to purge the linen closet — I found seven sets of sheets I never used. Decluttering before reorganizing makes a huge difference.
This project highlights several practical lessons for anyone considering a linen closet renovation or simple bathroom storage update. First, removing doors can instantly modernize and simplify a space. Open shelving or open-faced storage eliminates the nuisance of sticky or misaligned doors and encourages regular maintenance and tidying. Second, small repair tasks like scraping old adhesive and spackling holes are worth the effort: a smooth painted surface dramatically improves the final look.
Storage choices are also important. Stacie’s use of neutral woven baskets creates a cohesive, calm aesthetic while hiding smaller items and keeping the shelves orderly. By combining functional storage with a bright, kid-friendly wall color, she maintained a playful atmosphere without sacrificing organization. Small touches — like keeping toy boats in coordinating colors — lend a thoughtful, finished feel to the space.
For anyone planning a similar project, consider these quick steps: remove or repair problematic doors, clear out unused linens and duplicate items, sand and spackle where necessary, apply fresh paint tailored to the room’s mood, and introduce matching baskets or bins to create zones for towels, toiletries and toys. These steps will streamline the renovation and produce a clean, practical result.
Thank you, Stacie, for sharing this inspiring before-and-after. It’s a great reminder that modest changes — a little clean-up, a coat of paint and smart storage — can have a big impact on both appearance and daily function. Keep those reader projects coming; community makeovers like this are a valuable source of ideas for anyone tackling their own DIY linen closet makeover or bathroom refresh.