Menu

How to Easily Transform a Closet into a Home Office

Facebooktwitterpinterestmail

I never thought I would say this, but redheadcandecorate.com headquarters is located in the closet! It’s a darn nice facility, too 😆. I am bursting at the seams because I am so excited to finally share this cute small work space idea on “How to Easily Transform a Closet into a Home Office”. If you are living in an apartment (like we are right now), or a small home without a designated office room, or area…this post is for you. Here’s the before photo of the 5′ 1/2″x3′ 1/2″ closet located across the hall from our master bedroom…

How to Easily Transform a Closet into a Home Office

The History Behind Working in the Closet

Before I show you what my new closet “office” looks like, I really need to explain the history behind working in the closet for me. When I was little, I shared a room with 2 of my siblings and they were older than me. When they were busy doing things I wasn’t old enough to do 🙄, I would play pretend, and no matter where we lived I found a spot in our bedroom closet to put “my office”. I even remember one time I used the corner of the attic. I remember loving my little office space full of paper and pens, and just pretending to be a teacher, or run an office.

So, here we are coming full circle because although I only substituted, I do hold my Elementary Education degree, and I most definitely run an office most days between my family responsibilities, and this small business. You won’t believe it, but here’s proof of the story I tell from a 2007 birthday card I came across last month when we moved. You see, my beautiful mom passed from this Earth on 9/29/22, and coming across this card from her in a bin full of hundreds, was surely a “sign” that she indeed thought the office idea was a great one ❤️.

How to Easily Transform a Closet into a Home Office

Redhead’s New Apartment Closet Office

When we looked at this apartment for the first time we were pleasantly surprised at how much storage space it had 🤭. Our temporary apartment has 7 closets (isn’t that great!?) and a large laundry room. We also rent 2 small garages down stairs for things that we may need at our final destination. So, when it came time to designate who gets what closet, and what goes where, I claimed this 5′ 1/2″x3′ 1/2″ rectangle baby across from our master bedroom immediately as something I would transform. The office idea didn’t take long to settle in because my husband needed the other bedroom for his office, and sharing it was just too tight.

So, what do you think of this little creative nook? Take a peek inside and check out the ladder shelf we installed on the left wall. This tall shelf really made the closet seem so much bigger! It’s nice to have a spot to store smaller projects, that I haven’t finished yet, and of course a few of my favorite things such as the battery candles, faux plants, and colored glass. Welcome to REDHEAD CAN DECORATE HEAD QUARTERS!

How to Easily Transform a Closet into a Home Office

*** Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links for your convenience.  Read full disclosure policy here.

Below is the view of my “office” from our living room that I just updated with new colors. Click here if you haven’t seen it yet: Living Room. You’ve probably figured out by now that we removed the door to the office 🤭. It may sound like a big deal, but in all honestly it was literally the easiest part, and oh so necessary!

How to Easily Transform a Closet into a Home Office

Removing the Door to Transform Closet into a Home Office

When we visited the model apartment we noticed all the doors were off the rooms 🤔. I’m sure they must do that to open up the space, and it really works. I mean, obviously you can’t remove all your doors to make your home bigger, but you can remove one if you want to try this closet office trick, right? All we had to do to remove the door, is unscrew the hinges and we are carefully storing it in our storage unit. After the door went bye bye, it now seemed less of closet, and more like an office nook that was easily accessible. I can store my computer, editorial calendar, photography lighting all together for quick access, and even for when we have company over (I can even close the curtains).

How to Easily Transform a Closet into a Home Office

Hanging Pendant Light Fixture, Black Sheer Curtains/Brass Rod, and Thrifted Gold Mirror to Help Transform a Closet into a Home Office

So, now that I had the door off, the shelf up, I needed not only a desk, but a few show stopper accessories, which is the part that really gets me excited. Before I get there though, I want you to know that the desk is actually very old, and was in our garage as a potting table. I saved it during the move because it was one of the first desks I ever owned as a very poor newlywed, and knew it could be useful. All I had to do to the desk was sand it, and paint it black, right here with a drop cloth (I even had the black paint from the kitchen makeover still). This next photo really shows how the room literally opened up.

How to Easily Transform a Closet into a Home Office
White Stool is from Kardiel

Finally! That gorgeous pendant light fixture took me a few hours to find on Amazon. I took a big risk, and it really worked out so much better than I had anticipated. If you look closely, the wooden pendant light fixture reflects a beautiful pattern on the ceiling and walls, and makes it look like the room is larger and has a rounded ceiling 😲. I wish I had planned this, but I just got lucky. I fell in love with the chandelier, and it’s effect instantly. Unfortunately, I realized today that they no longer carry it, but if you’re looking, here’s a similar one you might like: Wood Bead Chandelier. My husband gets all the credit for hanging the light fixture w/ me as his helper ❤️

How to Easily Transform a Closet into a Home Office

Here’s a few more photos dedicated just to that beautiful wood beaded globe pendant. If it comes back in stock I promise I will share it. It really transformed that plain blah closet into a cascading fantasy office 😊 that could double as a make-up desk. Ohhh…before I get too taken away into fantasy land, I better tell you where to find the gold curtain rod, and sheer curtains. I’m carrying the sheer black look throughout the apartment and I love the dramatic, soft touch. Click here for the brass curtain rod, and black sheer curtains.

How to Easily Transform a Closet into a Home Office
How to Easily Transform a Closet into a Home Office

Lastly, I thought I better give you the info on that pretty gold mirror that makes the closet look like a million bucks. Read all about that (very heavy) thrift store score here: Thrift Store Gold Mirror Makeover. Let’s just say it has made the rounds at our old house 😲.

How to Easily Transform a Closet into a Home Office
How to Easily Transform a Closet into a Home Office
How to Easily Transform a Closet into a Home Office

Happy Easter (early)…I’m going on break, so I will see you soon with our full apartment tour in video!

Thrift Store Brass Portable Desk

Dining Room Turned Office

Facebooktwitterpinterestmail Posted by Signature for Julie at Redheadcanedecorate.com

20 Responses

  1. Pamela Pigue says:

    Julie,
    What a beautiful addition. Stunning. Such a sweet little story about pretending as a child to have your own little office. I can relate. The treasure that you found from your Mother is worth a million. Have you thought about framing and hanging somewhere in your office or just sitting on your desk? (this would be so sweet). Thank you for sharing.

    • Julie says:

      You are so good!!! I actually have it sitting on my desk… I forgot to leave it there for the photos. I will definitely frame it-thanks for the idea!

  2. Pat says:

    Absolutely beautiful! You have such a vision and so much creative talent!

  3. Paula says:

    I love the idea of framing that letter from Mom. I just discovered this app called “Keepsake Frames.” You just upload the photo you want framed and they send you a framed piece! You can “try on” different style and color of frames too until you find one you like. Played with it last night and it’s fun! (I do love your little office, just purchased a condo and can’t wait to get in there and decorate!!) 🙂

    • Julie says:

      That’s a great idea! And we are thinking about a condo next! The idea of no yard work is very appealing!

  4. Melissa Mattioda says:

    Such a great idea! You INSPIRE me on a daily basis!

    • Julie says:

      Awww… you stopping over Mel means the world to me!!! We inspire each other… that’s what friends do! Love you girl!!

  5. Shelley says:

    Great post! The dear letter from your mother on the birthday card might be the sweetest thing I’ve ever read! And it’s so true that some of the games we play as children grow up with us! 🙂

    I love the lamp that you and your husband hung in the space, at first glance, I thought you had wallpaper, but I see how it’s the reflection through the beads, and the rounded part towards the ceiling is spectacular. I’m afraid I still would have to have a lamp on the desk for better task lighting. Not all work is done on a computer, and I think a lamp, even if it was a clip on gooseneck lamp that could be pushed out of the way would be important.
    I love how you removed the doors to the closet and added a curtain instead. That makes it seem so much more like a nook and not a closet 🙂 what a great well thought out space!

    • Julie says:

      Thank you, Shelley! There’s no outlet in the closet, or even close by, so we couldn’t put one in because it’s a rental. However a battery operated light would be great! I do all my work on the computer so the dim light works great. I actually prefer it that way. I should have mentioned that! Also I forgot to mention it looked like wallpaper! So fun! Thanks for taking the time to stop in!!

  6. WHAT A GREAT IDEA ! EVERYONE NEEDS THEIR OWN SPACE..YOUR MOMS NOTE WAS SO ADORABLE & SO SPECIAL.ENJOY YOUR NEW SPOT & I CANT WAIT TO SEE WHATS NEXT !!

  7. Sue says:

    Your office is wonderful!!
    Just a note about buying a condo. i always thought that not having ti worry about mowing or yard work woukld be great, so I thought. I did buy a condo and have regretted it ever since. The company that manages it is always thinking up ways to charge more for the fees. They don’t reply regarding issues about with outside maintenance problems. Neighbors are to close and noisy. Upstairs neighbors decided to take out their carpeting and replace with vinyl flooring. . Now we can hear every footstep. So now I would give anything to have a small yard to mow and to grow whatever plant I want. Please be careful about a condo. Good Luck on your decision!!

    • Julie says:

      Sue, I appreciate your help tremendously!!! We are looking into detached condos that have a little back yard. You definitely confirmed this for though!! I hope things go smoother for you. I am sorry that you are having these issues. Thank you for taking the time for us to be here!

  8. Laurel from PA says:

    Julie, you are always finding ways to stay creative and inspiring! The note from your mom is precious and I hope it is a balm to your aching heart.

    • Julie says:

      Thank you, Laurel! My mom sure was a gifted writer. I’m truly blessed by all of her loving words in print. They fill me up with love daily! ♥️

  9. Laurie Orlando says:

    What a great little space! And that card from your Mom – what a gift wrapped in her beautiful, well-crafted words! You should definitely frame it and put it in your special space 🙂

  10. Dorothy says:

    Love your office!! The note from your mom is a treasure in so many ways, not just the loving words but also her handwriting. I have some notes from my mom because seeing her writings bring back memories of an earlier time when people took time to express themselves, not through a quick email. Thank you for sharing.

Leave a Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The following GDPR rules must be read and accepted:
This form collects your name, email and content so that we can keep track of the comments placed on the website. For more info check our privacy policy where you will get more info on where, how and why we store your data.