Today’s post isn’t exactly Pinterest-worthy, but if your heart races at the mere mention of The Container Store, then you’ll find these pics pretty darn exciting! Last week I shared the Before shots, and different plan designs of our Office/Craft Closet, and most of you chimed in that Option #2 was the better choice.
And we agreed! We decided if we were going to install the Elfa system, we might as well maximize the space to it’s fullest, and utilize the entire closet. I was giddy with excitement when we scheduled the installer, but when they finished, I almost hyperventilated!
The cool thing about The Container Store’s (free) design services, is you can tweak the plans until you get it just right. And with every change, it keeps a running total of your project’s cost, both with and without installation, so you can decide if the extra shelf or drawer, or the fancy countertop, is worth it to you.
The day before the scheduled installation, they delivered all the materials to the house, and I cleared out the closet completely.
I decided to keep the components simple, and add extra gadgets to help organize all the little things that accompany a craft and office space. And even though the design plans come with customized installation instructions, having one of their professionals install it was the best decision I made! Dude was in-and-out in under three hours! It would take me that long just to carry it upstairs!
First he demoed the existing closet parts…
Filled and spackled the wall…
And painted the whole thing for a fresh, clean canvas. They’ll use your paint (any color), or their own bright white. I bounced around the idea of patterned papers, or a bright color as a base, but in the end, decided white would be the cleanest. Especially since I still have no idea what direction I’m going with the design of the actual room. I can, however, guarantee you it won’t include that wallpaper border!
Sidenote: Can you believe Mr. SP actually said, ‘The wallpaper really isn’t that bad. You could work with it.’ #whoareyou #havewemet Rest assured, the wallpaper is coming down. Someday.
And as if having Troy (the master installer!) make the wall all clean and pretty wasn’t enough, I literally turned my head, and the base of the Elfa system was in place! Like, in 10 minutes!
Once I calmed down, and stopped talking in an octave only dolphins could hear, Troy walked me through how everything operated, and how to move things around if I wanted. And then #deepbreaths he cleaned up all the mess!!! Ya’ll know that’s huge!
Math is not my strong suit, but I’d say we doubled our storage tenfold! 😉 Either way, I’m going to be able to store a lot of crap supplies in that single closet!
I can’t get over how sturdy the drawers are, and how easily they slide.
And I think I’m most excited about this utility board!
I don’t have a complete Before & After for you yet, but I’d say we’re progressing in the right direction!
Next comes the fun part….finding a place for everything on all the drawers and shelves! And who am I kidding, making it look pretty! I’ve been scoping out efficient, yet stylish, storage and found some great options.
Sidenote: The Container Store Rugby Stripe Bin is one of my all-time favorite bins…I use them all over the house for throw blankets, toys, stuffed animals, board games, etc. Word is they are phasing them out…sooooo, you might want to take stock if you love them, too!
And as if creating this closet with The Container Store weren’t dream enough, my darling friend, the Master Shifu herself, is coming to visit next week! I think you can guess what we’ll be doing!! Stay tuned, lovebugs!
Are you taking advantage of the big Elfa sale? Have you used their installers before (also included in the sale!), or done it yourself?
OH MY! I'm screaming at dolphin decibels for you!!!!!!!!! #whoareyou #havewemet THAT'S FUNNY.
#wedknow 😉 I think I've heard you speak in that octave a time or two!!
It looks wonderful! Organizing my craft space is on my to do list and you have motivated me to get it done!!
I'm the same way when I see other people organizing…it's like a kick in the pants to tackle my own spaces!! xo
Ahhhh my dream closet!! Let me get this straight… A man comes in, paints, installs AND cleans up leaving you with a dream craft closet? #pleasehurryandripdownthewallpaper
YES! And he's single, so someone should def scoop him up! 😉 And Amen, sister…I've started picking at the wallpaper. Unfortunately, it's not coming down without a fight!
How can I get in touch with them ?
It looks amazing!!! I love how it turned out. Container Store if one of my favorite places to hang. Our master closet is the smallest in our house. I would like to know who designed it and give them a stern lecture. I cannot get the link to the number three blue bin to come up
Haha, a stern talking to! I've got a few places that make me want to thump the builder on the head! 😉 The link works for me…so sorry about that though! It's from Ikea. xo
I've installed…a million? well, more than 10 Elfa/Closetmaid closets, and it's so incredibly easy. My favorite thing is how easy it is to re-arrange when the purpose of the space changes, OR if you move across the country and want to take some of it with you.
I need to hit the Container Store before the sale is over for some door storage, but between the blizzard and now a water main break right outside my house (and my car being trapped) I'm not going anywhere for a while.
I'm so jealous you have that many Elfa-organized spaces!!! It's addicting…I'm already giving every other closet the side-eye! Enjoy your snow-imposed down time. 😉 xo
That makes my heart go pitter patter!! I love to organize! I used to have my own business until the economy dived. no one was spending that kind of money anymore! I ended up going back to work full time as a hospice nurse. I have contemplated starting it up again ( it's been several years) and we are in a new state now…but I haven't taken the leap. I do love that there is a Container Store here! We didn't have one in WI! Had to drive to IL or order online. No Elfa install available though.
If you love it…go for it!! At least small projects on the side to see where it goes. I'd hire you!!
Hi Melissa – as an employee at The Container Store, I just wanted to clarify (I may have misread your post), but anywhere we have a store, we have installers! 🙂
PS – Cassie, our internal TCS newsletter linked to your blog and I'm in love!!! 😀 Thanks for sharing your organizing venture – your space looks amazing!
Shameless plug – the elfa Sale has been extended through this Saturday, Feb 27th!
Wow, I'm jealous! One disadvantage to living in the boonies is: there are no stores that will come install things like this! It looks so great!
Maybe…but I bet it's so gorgeous and quiet where you are! xo
Wow! That is impressive. Love, love the Container Store. Will need a wonderful system like that when we downsize and move into our Sun City home this year.
Looks fantastic Cassie! I love their products, and they are so easy to work with.
OMG!! Now I'm talking in a sound only dolphins could hear! This is amazing and for sure pinterest worthy. I am just a tad jealous…heading over to The Container Store to see what they can do for my closet!
Looks beautiful! I stopped into the Container Store this weekend with the intent to buy one $4 item but brought my hubby with me and left with two Elfa door systems… and I'm in LOVE! I have one on my pantry door for spices and some other stuff and I can't believe how sturdy it is and makes the door feel. Plus it looks so good! And also I was totally googling other Elfa posts you've done in the past for inspiration while we shopped. Can't wait to see more closet progress!
Genius idea to use them on the doors for toys!! #thosedarnnerfguns
Ooops…wrong spot! #blonde I love that you were googling HSP in the store…I totally do that with my friend Jen at I Heart Organizing! Then you try to show sales people a tiny pic on your phone and they look at you like you're crazy? Yep, I do that. 😉
I've never commented on here but just had to join in the organizational excitement! We don't have a Container Store here, but that didn't stop me from taking advantage of the Elfa sale! I ordered 2 of the door systems- one for my 6 y/o son's closet door to help contain his Nerf guns and swords #momentofgenius, and one for my 10 y/o daughter's closet door to help organize American Girl doll accessories #stillaworkinprogress. I think the next time I reorganize the inside of a closet, we will be using Elfa!
And then #deepbreaths he cleaned up all the mess!!! Bahaha! I literally LOL'd at this part. Not cleaning up the dust from drill holes goes hand in hand with thinking the wallpaper could stay! I love my hubby, but…MEN. Closet is looking AMAZING!
Hahahaha….I love that you used 'Men' as an adjective! #truth
The Container Store is my HAPPY PLACE! I love love love their stores and make special trips to Dallas to get my fix. That is bea.uuuuu.tiful!
Hell, I had to grab a paper bag; I can only imagine the giddy toddler in you screeching to come out. What a transformation! "Container Store is like crack for you" said my friend once to me. I wasn't offended…
Of course not…it's a high-compliment around these parts! 😉 xo
The medium harvest baskets are at Costco right now, 2 for $20.
This is an organizer's dream closet!! I am so stinking excited!
I couldn't resist your door rack and had to get last week. It had been in my cart for a few months and I finally pulled the trigger. I got it for my teen daughter and got the board with a bunch of hooks and baskets for her jewelry. I also had the Rigby baskets in my cart for months and after reading your post I tried to order them online. Not available! I called the store so I could get my hands on them and finally ordered some!
Yes, please!
It's already swoon worthy, once Jen gets ahold of it, it will be nothing short of amazing!
Holy Cow. Sooooooooo dreamy. A spot for everything! Yes, yes, yes!!!
Looks amazing! We just got a Container Store here and I've yet to make the trek but I know once I get there I'll be obsessed!
I took advantage of the sale! We have an irregularly shaped linen closet that we also use to store medication and extra toiletries. I added the door mounted rack with baskets to store all the bottles and things and now my shelves can actually be used for linens. Imagine that!
Hi, I’m not sure if you’re still checking these, but I’m just doing my cupboard and love the idea of wrap storage. What is the “band” the you have around these? Is it an elfa product too? 🙂 it’s gorgeous by the way – totally in love! Mine is only a small space 🙁
Hi Vanessa! I’m not exactly sure which part you’re referring to…but you can see the finished space, and links to all the products, in this post: https://hisugarplum.com/organized-craft-closet/
I hope it answers your question!