CLOSET OFFiCE

Small living spaces need creative solutions to live comfortably.  If you find yourself lacking office space, look to your closets before doing something drastic and costly.   If you can free up space in an existing closet, then you can have an office space to call your own!  Closet offices are charmingly efficient as they take up less space than the proverbial spare bedroom converted to an office and they can be totally chic! 







Closet Office Make Over
This is a weekend project for those with the time, stamina and vision!  However, it is key to get a jump start during the week ahead by making a list of supplies for your particular project then purchase what is needed and you're ready to begin.  Let's get started, shall we?

1.  Empty the closet of its contents.  Lighten your load by sorting what comes out of the closet into three piles:

SAVE  

(If you are going to use it within 12 months, keep it.
This is the pile that will be stored somewhere else!)

RECYCLE 

(Because you care.  Give away items in good condition & bless someone else!)

TRASH  

(Just because it feels good to get rid of junk!)

2.  Prep the walls.  Fill nail holes with spackling paste.  Sand when dry.  Prime and Paint ceiling and walls.  Infuse the small space with your personality.  This takes some prep work.  Pick your colors, accessories, shelves, desk and chair ahead of time so they are ready to install on project day. What's your personality?  Are you into muted earth tones, woven textures and neutrals?  What about pastels, soft florals and stripes?  Are bright primary colors are your style?  Maybe you prefer white on white with a fun dash of color?  Whatever your personality... let it shine!

3.  Attach a curtain rod to the inside of the closet, above the door frame if you are opting for a privacy curtain.
4.  Install shelves eye level and above.
5.  Accessorize. Add bins for files, hooks for keys and what-nots, a lamp and a bulletin board.
6.  Create a desk.  Install a solid shelf from wall to wall or move in a slim table (small sofa table) if you have enough room for it.
7.  Chair.  There are so many options.  Gotta love it!  One recommendation: Keep the chair small in scale yet comfortable.  Purchase something gently used and paint it a fun color or reuse a spare chair that you already have in the house.  Clear acrylic chairs visually disappear allowing the decor to take center stage.  Woven and patterned fabric chairs add flavor and texture to a simple decor. 
8.  Hang curtains that can be tied open or pulled closed when the office closet needs to be out of sight.  Or hang closet doors, if desired.

A few photographs to ' jump start' your creativity.  Feel free to borrow ideas that work for your situation or create variations that express who you are!  Enjoy the project!

Project finished?  Whoa!  Looking good. :)