Reader Space: A Lively Linen Closet

As the kitchen monthly challenge is slowly coming to an end around these parts, I wanted to switch gears a bit to get you excited for next month's challenge; the loo and the linens.

And since we are going from pantries to linen closets, I have one that will knock your socks off.  Really, it's absolutely incredible!

I am sure in a glance you can see why I love it, adore it and want to marry it.  Beautiful bright bold colors used in a classy way!  So amazing.

This swoon worthy linen closet {who knew a linen closet could be titled such a thing?!}, was created by the beautiful, sweet and talented Tricia, from Simplicity in the South!

But it didn't always look that way....

So I had to ask her my oh-so-awesomepants reader space questions:

What is the main function of the space?

"Our linen closet is one of four closets in our hallway. Since I've been working on redesigning our hallway the past month, I've also been getting our hall closets reorganized, a little bit at a time."

Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?

"My goal for this year has been to simplify our home. Our linen closet was so full of things we never used, we couldn't find what we needed. Once I divided everything into piles, I was able to decide what to keep, give to Goodwill or find a new home for. For instance, the boys' sheets are now kept in their dressers so it's easier for them to make their beds. After organizing and putting everything back in the closet, it looks like we have twice as much room {or half the junk}."

What items did you find were essential when organizing the space, and why?

"I find it so much easier to keep a space organized if things are labeled and contained. The chrome shelf dividers keep everything looking neat. Cleaning supplies are kept close to where they are used most often in a pail. Baskets are wonderful for holding smaller things that would normally look cluttered on a shelf. The labeled shelves are my favorite part of the closet."

What did you do to go the extra mile and "make it pretty"?

"I knew what a difference it would make to paint the door and the shelves white after seeing the results a little paint made when I organized our other hall closet.  I painted the closet walls the same light gray-blue that is in our master bedroom, Benjamin Moore's Gray Cashmere.  I spray painted some old baskets white and used craft paint to add the red cross.  They were inspired by the Swiss Army baskets that Refresh Interiors had made.  I had planned on using them in the boy's bathroom, but for now the baskets hold pillow cases and ironing supplies.  I found the ironing board cover on Etsy.  With a house full of boys, a girl needs a little something cute and floral in her life."

What items did you DIY to stay on a budget? 

"These were all DIY projects.  I stayed on budget by using things I already had, such as the baskets and paint.  The fabric covered galvanized pail was also a DIY project."

How has it impacted your life for the better?

"I had been putting off getting our hall closet straitened out for about three years.  Now that everything has it's own little home, it's so much easier to keep it organized.  I think after all of this work, I might need to treat myself to some new sheets!"  :)

Let's let out a big happy sigh together, as we look at the jaw dropping before and after transformation:

She proves the power of paint, no doubt about that!  Doesn't even look like it is in the same home!  And what I also love is that she covered that bucket with fabric to make it bright and bold.  Such a simple update totally made the closet so much more fun.  And girl has it right when she says you need a little floral in your life.  I hear you on that sister!  And how cute are those spray painted, craft painted baskets?  Such a high end look on a budget.  And those shelf dividers are one of the best linen closet organizing tools created... She is one smart cookie indeed.

Who says organizing needs to be boring?  Or that closets should be as well?  Our homes should be filled with color, happiness and whimsy.  I promise, it makes doing chores a bit more fun as well.  Tricia's project is a great reminder that a little love, paint and creative thinking go a long way in any project you tackle.  I am feeling so inspired!  You can find all the details and many more great projects on her blog here.

 ATTENTION!!  Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition?  Have an awesome organizing story to share?  I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life.  Please submit your story and photos here and I would heart to feature them right here, on the blog!!  Photos should be high resolution and unedited.  Please include a description of the project, including any costs, inspiration, and how it has changed your life and routine for the better!  Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice!  Only love goes on at this blog!