Inside Ryan's Closet Redesign: The Wood, Wallpaper & Hardware We Used
- Yumilka O.
- Jul 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 7
Quick Answer
We fixed Ryan's dark, cramped closet by widening the entry 16 inches, adding custom pine shelving finished in Aged Walnut stain, embedding warm 3000K LED strip lighting, and adding a tan poplin peel-and-stick wallpaper accent behind open shelving. Full source list below.
Ryan had reached his breaking point with his old closet redesign. Every morning began the same way: he’d crack open his closet door, only to be met by a dark, suffocating wall of fabric. He wasn't just reaching for a shirt; he was fighting a cramped hallway that felt more like a storage unit than a space to start his day.
The closet was deep, but it was useless a "dead zone" where clothes went to be forgotten in the shadows. He didn’t need more storage; he needed to see what he already owned. He needed room to breathe.
We knew the solution wasn’t just about organizing; it was about architectural intervention.
Widening the Aperture: "closet redesign"
The "Aperture" Fix
We didn't just reorganize; we re-engineered. By widening the closet entry by 16 inches on each side, we completely changed the room's ergonomics. Suddenly, the "tight hallway" vanished, replaced by an open, inviting threshold. Ryan could finally step inside his closet redesign, stand comfortably, and survey his wardrobe with a single glance.
With the space reclaimed, we installed custom blonde pine shelving, finished in Varathane’s Aged Walnut. This warm, grounded tone provides a sophisticated backdrop that elevates the space without stealing the spotlight from his clothes.
Just a heads up, he really doesn't want a door. His wife mentioned they might think about adding one later if they feel like it, but honestly, the old door was always open anyway, so it doesn't make much sense to put one in just to leave it open again.
Lighting the Space
The Magic of Light
The final transformation came down to the details. We embedded warm 3000K LED strips along the shelving, turning the closet from a dark box into an illuminated boutique.
The result? It’s no longer just a closet; it’s a daily ritual of choosing an outfit you’re actually excited to wear.
Finishing Touches
A tan poplin peel-and-stick wallpaper adds texture behind the open shelving, mixed chrome and satin-nickel hardware ties the rod and pulls together, and inside the drawers, clear stackable organizers and acrylic shelf dividers keep everything from folded sweaters to handbags exactly where it belongs.
Ready to Build Your Own Transformation?
Whether you have a standard reach-in or an awkward corner waiting for a purpose, you can replicate this look.
I’ve developed two distinct design approaches:
Plan A: Optimizes your existing footprint for maximum utility.
Plan B: A fluid, organic design that uses a corner-linking unit to make your room feel significantly larger.
Do You Want to Mimic Ryan's Closet?
Want the exact blueprint?
Everything you need to adapt these designs to your specific wall dimensions!
Here's the shopping list. Keep in mind this was built for Ryan's specific closet. Measure your own space first and adjust quantities and sizing to fit.
$27 — instant download
The Shopping List:
[The Finish] Varathane Aged Walnut Wood Stain – Pro tip: Always test this on a scrap piece of pine first to ensure it complements your current flooring.
[The Structure] Acrylic Closet Shelf Dividers
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Disclaimer: My 3D renders are conceptualized to help you visualize the potential of your space. Use them as your inspiration guide, but always rely on the precise measurements provided in the PDF for your build.
Do you have a tricky corner or a "dead zone" in your home? [Book a 1-Hour Strategy Session] and let’s turn your underutilized space into your favorite part of the house.
Related Projects
More Visual Studio Plus transformations: From Stark to Stunning: The Ultimate Powder Room Transformation and The Fixafire Studios Lounge Redesign.
Written by Yumilka "Yumi" Soto — Founder & Principal Designer at Visual Studio Plus, a bilingual (English/Spanish) luxury interior design studio based in Denver, Colorado. Yumi holds the 2026 Coverings CID Award and is an NKBA member specializing in hospitality and luxury residential design.
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