Nov 18

Nov 18 Bathroom Closet Do-Over

Rework a space from frustrating to functional.

In our one and a half story house, the master bedroom and bath are upstairs in the converted attic. Thinking back to when we moved in last summer, it was the space we left for last, giving the least attention to it in the process of moving. We had the basics: our bed, a dresser, an armchair and a rug. We put up a new shower curtain and placed the bath mat we brought from the condo. Nothing made it feel homey, just the essentials.

The differentiator in a variety of one and a half story houses you’ll see listed in the Twin Cities was the full bath upstairs. It has a small footprint, but the floating vanity, floor to ceiling tiling and windows make it feel bigger than the square footage. As an added bonus, it also has a built in closet with enough storage for two. Problem is - thinking back the the move - that closet was basically a dumping group of forgotten toiletries. For over a year, we let the expired prescriptions, random lotions and collection of sunscreens just sit there. Each time we’d reach for toilet paper, we’d fumble through the disorganization. Suffice to say, we were not making good use of the space. I’d open the closet door and be a little disappointed in how long we’d neglected it.

Enter COVID brain and the need to feel like I have control over something. For a week, I was fixated on this closet. E will tell you. It was all I could think about from measuring the closet, researching shelving and deciphering dimensions of all the bins and baskets on the internet. He’s learned that you don’t get between me and a project. I love him for always humoring me...”Sure, whatever you think.”

I landed on a three tier wire shelf that fit just beneath the built in shelf. I picked seagrass milk crate baskets to add contrast to the wire racks with a natural texture. The uniformity and order was immediate gratification. The act of purging most of what filled the closet was therapeutic. It was as if I was able to instantly shake off the stress of the misused space and the grudge I was holding against myself for letting it be a mess for so long.

Reality check - no, this closet refresh was not a cure for my anxiety. But, it was something within my control to make better. And you can’t say that for many things right now. So, I’ll let myself revel in this little win each time I open that closet door.