Turn Your Walk-In Closet Into A Personal Retreat

Have you ever seen the movie "Princess Diaries" with Anne Hathaway?  Perhaps you're one of the many women whose mouths watered when her character, Mia, opened the door to her amazing closet.  Not only was the closet chock full of beautiful outfits for every occasion, but it was designed to make you feel like you just walked into a boutique.  Crystal chandeliers, cozy ottomans and special lighting made her feel at home while cool organizational enhancements such as remote-controlled drawers allowed her to feel like she wanted to relax in that space rather than run in, grab what she needed, then rush out. 

If you're lucky enough to have a walk-in closet or even a spare room for your wardrobe, Anya Martin of Anya Martin Designs in Sudbury, suggests, "layering neutral textures as a great way to add dimension and still maintain a calming environment. Keep the color palette clean and simple with white, cream and beige. A small sheepskin rug over the base rug, and a white, Mongolian lamb or mohair pillow mixed with a linen or suede pillow, or even sconces/lighting with an unexpected textured shade, are all great ways to achieve this look."  

Adding chic and luxurious touches to your closet can be easy and affordable.  I'd like to give you some suggestions to help you create a soothing ambiance so that you can really enjoy choosing outfits for any occasion:

• Place an accent lamp on a table or small credenza, along with picture frames filled with family and friends.  You could also place a postcard from a destination that you've visited, or dream to visit someday, in a picture frame.
• Add flameless candles for a calm feeling.
• Display your jewelry in a beautiful box and place the box in your closet to make accessorizing easier.  Also, ensure that your scarves, belts and hats are all within close proximity to make getting dressed easier.
• If space allows, add a chic ottoman or chair to sit on while putting on shoes, hosiery, etc.  Seating always turns a plain space into a living room.
• Area rugs add color and comfort under your feet.  
• Wall art — this could include anything from classic to abstract, photographs or paintings.  Try art with quotes that are powerful, sentimental or even comical.
• CD player or radio with music that wakes you up and gets you going, whether classical or hip hop. Your closet, your choice!
• For a fun accent you could paint one wall with a bright, energizing color or choose a cool tone to promote relaxation.
• Full-length mirror — you'll need to see your ensemble from your head to your toes.
• Think of your accessories as pieces of art.  With a little creativity, your jewelry for instance, can become wall art displayed on a fabric board with some colorful ribbon.

"You don’t have to spend a fortune on your closet to feel pampered and special," says Helene Tatkow of Sudbury, senior design consultant for Closet Factory. "When every inch of your space has been personally designed for you, when all of your belongings have a home, you start and end your day feeling calm and refreshed.  That’s luxury!"

I hope this inspires you to feel like you're entering a cozy boutique every time you open your closet door.