A “Junk” Closet Becomes a Cozy Nook for Reading and Sipping Coffee
Never underestimate just how much a DIY project can transform a seemingly unassuming, utilitarian space in your home. That’s what Crystal Ransons (@theransonshome) learned when she and her husband, Scott, set out to add some flair to their home’s entryway closet.
“Before, this was a junk, shoe, and coat closet, but mostly a room full of ‘throw it in the closet’ stuff,” she says. “I’ve always wanted to do something with this space because it is huge for what it was. I was finally able to come up with a use for the room that would add some value to my life: a little space for me!”
Learn how Crystal turned her drab space into a cozy, personalized nook for under $1,000. (As it turns out, a little closet under the stairs can be a lot more chic outside of the Harry Potter universe.)
The closet got some luxe electrical details.
For Crystal to add her dream lighting to the space, she had to add extra outlets for her lamp and electric fireplace. She recommends planning out as much of a space as possible before starting your demo.
“Really think and plan out how you want it to be,” Crystal says. “Do you want outlets to be in the bookcase for a lamp? I taped out everything before building, and being able to visualize it really helped.”
During the demo process, she also removed the old carpeting and installed luxury vinyl plank.
The “after” squeezes in a bench and bookshelf.
The bulk of Crystal’s project involved building a custom bench and bookshelf, which Scott helped with, for the closet. It wasn’t her first time building something from scratch because she’s also built cabinets, which helped for the bookshelf portion, and a mudroom bench, which helped for this closet’s storage bench.
Like with the electrical portion, planning and measuring was key to avoiding DIY setbacks. “The most important step was figuring out how tall and deep I wanted the bench to be,” Crystal says. “I had to really pretend to sit in the empty space.”
The paint color adds an air of sophistication.
Once Crystal and her husband had built out the shelf and bench using plywood, they painted both with a dramatic gray shade, Sherwin-Williams’ Urbane Bronze. The result is a highly personalized, relaxing space — a far cry from a junk closet!
“I love the use of space. Being able to have a place to have some of my favorite things on the shelf and just a little nook to sit and read or drink my coffee in has been the best!” Crystal says. “I really love just being able to add character to a home that lacked any, and areas like this just scream for something custom to be built into them.”
Inspired? Submit your own project here.