Can you imagine opening a closet door and finding a mini-spa right in your own home and it didn’t cost you a thing?  The linen closet is the perfect place to set up your mini-spa essentials. This is one of my favorite spaces because it houses the raw materials to make my home feel like a cozy bed and breakfast inn.  We are going to achieve that look today.  Contrary to most of the linen closets, I have seen, today you can have a relaxing, embellished linen closet to enhance your comfort as well as your home. Most linen closets are packed full of sheets, towels, wash cloths, cleaning supplies, toiletries and blankets. You can still house these items in this space but arranging them to add charm and warmth is easy and in most cases, free.    You will need to assemble this checklist prior to beginning (Do this first so that you don’t have to stop during our project as this leads to distractions and frustrations).  The upgrade items are listed if you have time and would like to upgrade this space during this process.   Here’s that checklist:

Check list:

Water or healthy beverage

Music (optional) to keep you motivated

Notepad or smartphone with notes app

Baskets, crystal bowls, small decorative boxes and other decorative items

Upgrade Materials:

Tissue Paper

Ribbon

Paint

Brushes

Shelf liner

Let’s refresh our mission:  Use it or lose it and transform your life.

First, you need to decide what this space will be used for or what is called “dedicated.” Many linen closets are used for towels, sheets, and toiletries such as soaps and shampoos.  Decide what you will want in your space but I am going to guide you through this as if you will be using this space for a combination of items.

• Begin to clear out the space to achieve a blank palette.
• Clean the space. Dust the shelves if needed, wipe or vacuum the floor. Wipe down those baseboards! (All the accumulated dust on these makes any room look dirty and therefore, zaps your energy).
• WATER BREAK!! Once you have cleared and cleaned the space, remember to drink your healthy beverage!
• This is a good time to evaluate this space for any upgrades such as paint, or shelf liner.  Your linen closet should be a peaceful and organized space.  This is your opportunity to make your home feel like a cozy bed and breakfast inn.   Some suggestions for upgrading the look and functionality of this space are:

1. Painting a coordinating color or the same color as your bathroom.
2. Lining the shelving with shelf paper or wall paper.
3. Lining the edges of the shelving with ribbon or lace.
4. Utilizing baskets and decorative storage devices to help keep items together

After you have cleared, cleaned and painted (if desired), we will begin to return things to the space.  However, before you begin putting items back in the closet, conduct an assessment. Examine sheets and towels for wear.  If they need to be replaced, write them in a NEED TO BUY list on your notepad or put into your smart phone as a reminder.  This will be your “focused shopping” list. You may like to have a couple of sets of sheets so that they can be rotated to reduce wear and make it easier to change sheets.  Instead of waiting while they wash and dry, you can remake the bed right away.  I know that cotton sheets get softer with use but there is a point there they become threadbare and it is time to replace them.  Old sheets can be used as drop cloths for painting or cut up for rags.  Towels can be donated to animal shelters for use with homeless or injured animals. So don’t feel bad about replacing them if you can afford it.  If you need to wait, keep this on the list until you are ready to purchase new items.

Neatly fold the sheets that you are going to keep.  Put a fabric softener dryer sheet in between for that fresh-from-the-dryer fragrance when you put them on the bed. Sheets that you are not going to used right away can be wrapped in pretty tissue paper or tied with a pretty ribbon, (just like you would a package).  Make sure that the pillowcases are included so that they don’t become separated.  You can even put a sprig of lavender or a small cluster of silk flowers to add just the right touch.  Make sure that you tie the ribbon so that it can be untied so that they can be used again.  If you have multiple size mattresses in your home, store the sheets on the shelf by the size.  You can color code the size by the color ribbon or tissue paper that you use.

Towels can be stacked on the shelves neatly. These can be folded neatly or rolled into logs for storage.  Assess your towels for wear and needed replacement.  If you need to purchase new towels, write this on your focused shopping list.   Purchase towels that are high quality and coordinate with your bathroom décor.  This will give a unified look to your room and help to achieve that spa-like look.

One tip that you’ll notice in health and beauty spas is to combine elements for balance. Too much of any one item creates an overwhelming sensation.  Try to alternate items on a shelf to break up the look and calm you when you open the door.  Perhaps, putting a stack of towels along with a basket of toiletries on one shelf will help to make the space look more like a spa than a closet. A pretty crystal vase with a petite artificial flower arrangement creates balance.  Balance makes us feel peaceful.  Another concept to incorporate is to include four particular materials when you are decorating. These materials are glass, metal, stone and wood. When combined in a space, they create a balance of elements which inspires peacefulness and tranquility.  Just a thought for you to experiment with.

Bars of soap can be displayed in a pretty soap dish, plate or other item that you have stored in another cabinet in your home. Just take the soap out of the package and arrange them in your choice of container.  The scent from the soap will freshen the linens in the closet as well as look attractive.  Also, this is a great way to use an item that is sitting in a cabinet such as a crystal dish or even those heirloom items that you can’t bear to part with but you are tired of cleaning around. For example, a plain crystal bowl can set off that ordinary soap very nicely.  Even everyday soaps look beautiful in gorgeous containers.

Shampoos, deodorants, toothpaste and brushes can go into storage devices that you already have such as baskets, wooden boxes, or crystal trays.  These will help to keep them organized and display them in an attractive fashion.

Be creative.  Your home is an expression of who you are and how you feel. Why not make it a relaxing space that makes you feel like you are always on vacation?

If you need to replace any linen closet items, try discount and closeout stores for sales and bargains.  Another note: If you don’t already have them, think about mattress and pillow protectors.  These will save you money in the future by protecting your larger bedding investments.  If you need to purchase them, write them down on your focused shopping list.

Water Break!

 

Once you have all the items in the closet, step back and take a look at the space.  Does it make you feel relaxed and energetic?  If too much stuff is placed in the closet, you will feel stressed and overwhelmed.  Keep working to achieve that great spa-like look and then take a picture.  Evaluate and adjust if necessary.  Congratulations!

 

What to do with those items that you choose not to store here? The following are some suggestions.

Sheet sets that are not used or do not match the current décor of your bedroom can be used as guest linens.  Start by washing, drying and folding them. Tie them together with a ribbon and store them in an extra pillow protector or a wicker basket.  Tuck a dryer sheet in between so that the next time that you have guests, the sheets will smell fresh.  If you have clean sheets on the guest bed already, keep these extras in a drawer so that you will have an extra set to remake the bed after your guests leave.

If you don’t have a guest room another idea is to keep sheets with an inflatable mattress of the same size.  This will make it easier to get ready for guests in a hurry.  I like to keep a set of sheets with pillows and comforter in a large plastic bin for guests.  I keep these with the inflatable mattress along with other items to make my guests more comfortable.  I then have all that I need for when those short notice visits occur.

Don’t forget your beauty routine for today and drink your water throughout the remainder of the day!

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