DIY Entryway Closet {YIPPIE}

Have you ever come across something on a blog and thought, “I have to do that!”  Problem was, there was no way for me to do this one alone, it involved building, trim, and brackets – all things out of my league. Thank the Lord for my amazing husband, who also loved this idea and jumped right in – without being asked. Together, we worked on our own DIY Entryway Closet. My inspiration came from Shelley at The House of Smiths. You have to check out her closet makeover, it’s simply AMAZING.

 {Before DIY Entryway Closet}

*I have one disclaimer to make. I was (still am) going through chemotherapy while my sweet husband worked on this project. This is why I don’t have as many pictures of the step by-step as I should and of the pictures are well, not great. Oh well. *

This picture is obviously part way into the project, the doors are off and the shelves are out.

Our first order of business was to paint the top half and wallpaper the bottom half. My husband and son actually hung the  wallpaper -I was so impressed!

Next, hubby build me a shelf unit to go in on top.

I stained it and of course, he installed it.

My part of the project came in the details. Jeff added trim under the shelf and where the doors were….

…I worked on the nail holes, the caulk and the painting.

I used Dap Indoor/Outdoor Sealant in Brilliant White. It was super easy to work with!

TIP: Warm up a large glass of water in the microwave and put the tube in the hot water for a few minutes to soften it up, believe me it makes it easier to squeeze out. Keep the glass of water handy so you can dip a small rag (I actually used my finger) to smooth out the sealant as you fill the holes and gaps. It dries fast and you can paint over it like a charm!

After filling the gaps and nail holes, I gave all the trim 2 coats paint. I used Rust-Oleum White Enamel paint for a nice white glossy finish.

One of my favorite parts of the project is the bench. Jeff cut a simple piece of plywood to fit the space, made a frame for it and covered the front with trim. My job was to staple the fabric. It was super easy!

 As any girl knows the real fun comes in the “finishing” of the project, the little touches that make it complete. I needed 3 hooks, so of course I went to Anthro and found these simple yet, super cute ones!

Most of my decorating projects involve a trip to HomeGoods; this one was no different. I found the perfect rug for under the bench (the spot for visitors shoes).

 Since it’s time to add a little fall I hung a cute sign and added a couple of orange pillows I also found at HG.  I surprisingly found the baskets at Menards. It was actually a 13 basket set originally priced at $119 and I got it for $24.99… SCORE!

The only spot left to fill is the small spaces on the shelf. I’m just not sure that to do with those. I love the way they look, but I’m just not sure what to put there. Suggestions are welcome!

{After DIY Entryway Closet}

I have to say I’m in love! My front door opens right into our Great Room, so I’ve always felt we were missing an actual “entryway”.  This new closet gives the appearance and feeling that there is an actual entry area into our home.

I have to give a huge shout out to Shelley at The House of Smiths! Her step-by-step tutorial is amazing and is the only reason hubby and I were able to pull this off.

You can check out her 3-Part Closet Makeover Tutorial by following the link!

Love you more than a beautiful finished project thanks to my amazing man, 

Sunday