If you are lucky enough to have a walk-in closet, you know what a luxury it is to have an expansive, open space in which to store apparel. Unfortunately, few of these spaces are given the decorating attention that they deserve! This area is much more than just a closetit is a personal dressing room.
Above all, walk-in closets must be well organized. Although it seems natural that having more square footage would lead to better organization; in fact, sometimes having more space just leads to more clutter. Take your cues from professional organizersremove anything that isnt being used or adored on a regular basis. Then identify any large collections that need special storagesuch as shoes, jewelry, bags, ties, or scarves. These items may not fit well into basic shelving, and it is ideal to have them nicely displayed in containers that are designed for them.
Wall color is always one of the easiest ways to refresh a drab and under-decorated area. Generally speaking, light, muted colors are best for walk-in closets. Not only are they relaxing, but they are least likely to interfere with your perception of color or to create a feeling of chaos. A womans wardrobe is usually comprised of a multitude of colors and patterns; bright, dark, or vibrant colors can easily make the space too overwhelming. For a womans dressing room, light neutral lavender, peach, cream, or grey are good choices. A walk-in closet for a man can easily handle a dark grey, camel, neutral green or tan color; these choices are highly complementary for the colors typical in menswear. Whatever color appeals to you, be certain to test paint samples in the closet before you commit; the natural lighting by day and artificial lighting by night will make a huge impact on the exact flavor of a color. Be certain that the potential color behaves nicely under the unique conditions of the walk-in.
Adding finishing touches will push the space over the line from mere closet to dressing room. A large rectangular area rug will emphasize the open floor space and make the room feel like a living area rather than a storage area. An upholstered bench is an ideal addition, since it adds character and provides a practical spot for dressing. Finally, consider small paintings, photographs, or objects dart for the walls and shelves. These pieces will complete the transformation!
Remember, this is an opportunity to add daily luxury and comfort into your life! The time and effort spent on decorating this dressing area will be well spent. Awake each morning and step into a boutique atmosphere that beautifully displays your wardrobe and all its potential!