It’s hard to believe that over a year has passed since I transformed my spare bedroom into a walk-in closet. That project felt like such a milestone—finally giving structure and intention to a space that had been little more than storage overflow. Since then, my entire apartment has gone through a revisioning (which you might’ve seen in House Beautiful), and naturally, the closet deserved another look. Call it spring cleaning, or perhaps, a refresh for both the space and myself.
A Shift in Color, A Shift in Mood
If there’s one thing that can instantly change the energy of a room, it’s paint. When I first moved in, my priority was simply to cover the dingy, worn-out walls with a crisp white. It gave me the clean slate I needed at the time. But as I settled in and grew more confident in my style, I realized I wanted the closet to feel warmer, more personal.
Enter Benjamin Moore’s Guilford Green. This pale, almost tropical shade has just enough personality to make a statement while still staying neutral. I painted not only the walls but also the ceiling, letting the color wrap around the room like a soft cocoon. The effect was transformative—it created a fresh backdrop that made my clothes pop and gave depth to the natural textures I love, like the rattan accents scattered throughout.
The finishing touch was a Capiz Scalloped Chandelier, which gleams beautifully against the green. The light dances across the space, making the closet feel less like a utility room and more like a thoughtfully designed retreat.
Layering in Texture and Function
Color was just the beginning. To balance the pale green walls, I dressed the window with a thick white curtain. By hanging it as high as possible, I created the illusion of taller ceilings—a simple trick that makes the closet feel airy and grand.
On the floor, I unrolled a sisal rug, one of my favorite versatile pieces. It works quietly in the background as a neutral, allowing the eye to travel upward to the clothes and architectural details. Still, its texture adds warmth and makes the space feel finished without competing with everything else happening inside the closet.
My storage system is from The Container Store—the Elfa line. Looking back, I sometimes wish I had splurged on one of their more “luxe” options for aesthetic reasons. Still, I remind myself that this setup is temporary, and it’s served me well. Compared to the rolling racks and messy piles I relied on in my previous apartment, this system has been a lifesaver. And when we eventually move, I already know I can repurpose these shelves in a future nursery or storage closet, which makes the investment worth it.
Spring Cleaning, the Closet Edition
With the structural updates in place, it was time to tackle the heart of the project: editing my wardrobe. Because I already had an organized system, this wasn’t about deep cleaning—it was about curating.
The first step was saying goodbye to trend-driven pieces that no longer feel like me. Fashion moves quickly, and I’ve realized I prefer to invest in items with staying power. Next, I parted with anything I hadn’t worn in over a year or pieces that no longer aligned with my personal style. At this stage in my life, I’m leaning into a wardrobe that feels classic, comfortable, and feminine—clothes that work as staples, but can also shine as statements with the right styling.
The Power of Small Organizing Tools
For storage, I swear by premium velvet hangers. Yes, they sometimes cling to each other when closet space is tight, but the uniformity and space-saving factor outweigh the inconvenience. They create a streamlined look that instantly makes the closet feel more polished.
And then there are baskets—lots of them. I use woven baskets for swimsuits, old t-shirts (organized by color, of course), and dancewear. Plastic bins keep my boots dust-free on the highest shelf, ready to be pulled down when the season calls for them. These small details make everyday use so much smoother and ensure that even the less glamorous items feel intentionally stored.
Why It’s More Than Just Cleaning
As I stepped back from the newly refreshed closet, I realized this process is about more than creating a pretty space. It’s about evolving with myself. Just as our tastes shift and our lives change, our surroundings should adapt, too. By letting go of clothes that no longer serve me, I’m creating space for pieces that reflect who I am now—and perhaps, who I’m becoming.
Spring cleaning, in that sense, isn’t just about dusting shelves or reorganizing drawers. It’s a ritual of renewal, a way of clearing out what no longer holds value and making room for what does. And if my closet can remind me of that every morning when I’m getting dressed, then it’s more than just storage—it’s a reflection of growth.
