A Few Walk-In Closet Details
I think we’re all just going to have to resign ourselves to the fact that my walk-in closet will never be finished. It’s the never-ending project. It just keeps going and going and going. I’ll still be working on little details at this time next year, and then the following year, until the day I breathe my final breath. This is it for me. There won’t be a workshop. There won’t be a new kitchen with a walk-through pantry. There won’t be a new dining room. There won’t be a new addition. Heck, there may never be a new bedroom. Matt and I will just sleep in the breakfast room from here on out, into our old age, while I continue working on my walk-in closet.
That’s how it’s starting to feel. I’m so tired of working on this room. I get so incredibly antsy at this phase of every project, when most of the big things are finished and the room, at a glance, looks like it’s almost finished. And yet, the list of those finishing details seems to grow rather than get shorter with each passing day.
I had high hopes that I’d be able to show y’all a finished closet island today, but it was not meant to be. I’ve mentioned a number of times before that my brain simply doesn’t think in numbers. If people start throwing numbers and math at me, my brain seizes up. Numbers and math and fractions and formulas are my nemeses. So I won’t go into detail, but I will just say that installing the drawers in the island yesterday was just about one of the most frustrating things I’ve ever done. I just couldn’t get the math and the spacing between the drawers right to save my life. And because I wasted so much time on what should have been a relatively simple process, I didn’t have enough time to finish making the drawer fronts and doors. *Sigh* I’ll give it another go today.
Anyway, on to a few other details. First, I’ve decided that the window shade on the window is going to be enough. For the last couple of days, I’ve had it just like this on the window…
It’s open enough to let some sunlight in while covering enough of the window for privacy. So I don’t think I’ll need anything else on the window. I’m just going to stick with the window shade and forgo the idea of privacy film on the window and see how that works out.
Also, I’ve decided that I don’t want to use the sconces I already have over the washer and dryer. If you’ll remember, I was going to use these sconces from the breakfast room…
But I don’t think I’ll have enough room for those sconces. You can see in the picture above how much space they take up, and since I’m hanging my artwork above two very tall cabinet in the walk-in closet, and then the sconces need to go above the pictures, I think it’ll be a very tight fit.
And right now, the artwork is sitting on the countertop and leaning. Once they’re hung on the wall about three or four inches above the cabinets, there will be even less space.
And yes, I really do want sconces even though I already have so much lighting in the room, and I want them for two reasons. First, I just love the way that sconces or picture lights accent artwork. And since these are covered with the sparkly goodness of a thick layer of cut glass glitter, I want them to be bathed in light so that they sparkle.
But also, I very often go through my day without turning on overhead lights. The other day, I was in the kitchen cooking lunch for Matt and my mom walked in. She looked around and said, “Do you not have electricity?” I hadn’t realized that I had no lights on in the kitchen. That’s very normal for me. But I do like soft accent lighting to be on in the evening once the sun goes down. Every single night, once it gets dark, I turn on the sconces in the kitchen, and that’s all the light I generally use in there no matter what I’m doing.
The same goes with the hallway bathroom. When I remodeled the bathroom, I added tape lighting inside the open shelves…
And those lights have been on ever since. They provide a nice, soft glow of light at night, and about 99.9% of the time, I never turn on the overhead light.
So all of that to say that I like soft accent lighting, so it’s very possible that I’ll put some very low LED bulbs in those sconces and just keep them on all the time. I’ll probably do the same thing with the sconces over in the wallpapered cabinet section of the closet.
With all of that said, I’ve been trying to find plug-in wall sconces that I like. They can’t be very tall, so no tall gooseneck sconces or anything like that. And I don’t want anything really fancy or eye-catching. I just want a simple design that can provide some soft, glowing light at night. And I’d really like to them to be gold and white. I’ve found a few that may work.
I like everything about these except for that white wall plate. I wish that part was gold instead of white. I think the white makes it look cheap, but I could always paint them. These are from Amazon (affiliate link). These are $59.99 for a pair. I really do like the overall shape, but that white backplate is just awful.
This one is also from Amazon (affiliate link). I like it better, but of course, it costs more than the one above. This is $89.99 for one sconce.
And then there’s this one, also from Amazon (affiliate link). This one is $62.99 for one sconce.
As much as I love the price of the first one, I don’t think I want to purchase something that I have to paint right out of the box. So I’ll probably go with one of the other two, and I really like both of them.
But now, back to the island. I need to get this thing wrapped up by the end of the day. The good news is that the math is behind me, for the most part. From here on out, it’s just some simple measuring and cutting, and I’m generally pretty good at that. Not always, but generally.
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
What about a bar light instead of a sconce that takes up so much room?
Yes! I was thinking the same thing! Maybe something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/LYTARA-Rechargeable-Paintings-Portraits-Dartboards/dp/B0CB7XHW6Q?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=A1WYEZHRNNYY76&gQT=1&th=1
That one is cordless and rechargeable, but there are a lot of wired ones as well. They also seem to be much cheaper and they won’t call a lot of attention to themselves like the white ones might.
I like that one.😁 I agree with you.
Yes, I’m thinking the same thing. A traditional picture light. You can get a plug in that’s not too expensive and paint it white if you do t like the brass.
Yes! You’re literally lighting, and art lights were made for this! Plenty of reasonable options.
Lighting *art*, that is!
My thoughts exactly! Simple to install, inexpensive, and would bring attention to the art. And would illuminate the artwork beautifully!
I was thinking the same thing. Love the look of the shade on the windows!
What about picture lights? Some are corded – or not. Some are rechargeable, and height wouldn’t be a problem. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=lytara+dimmable+cordless+picture+light+with+controller&crid=3HD4WSHREITMQ&sprefix=Lytara%2Caps%2C246&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-pd-dpltr-ranker_4_6
Don’t forget the issue of how the sconces turn on and off. Even if you choose to leave them on all the time the placement of the off/on mechanism is still important for a plug in. Getting a step stool out each time would be irritating to me.
Wow what a start to today’s blog. I don’t remember you ever being so discouraged. Was glad for you to go on to other subjects. Just want to encourage you to you. You are so very close.
Kristi, obviously you do the math just fine, or you wouldn’t be able to build anything. Perhaps your mental calculator was on low battery that day. I was married to a mathematician for 27 years, and he couldn’t figure out how to build anything to save his life.
The blind looks great. As attractive as all the other lighting in your home is…history shows you’ll find something.
So far I have barely used ChatGPT or Gemini but have been amazed with what they could do. Could they, or other AI programs, help with your mental math glitches? Might be worth some research and experimenting, especially before you get to new kitchen cabinets!
It’s been a while since you did a fun art project – maybe it’s time to work on your chandelier – or something else that will be fun!
I’ve been curious how you organized and stored all your supplies in your art studio — perhaps that could be an easier post to do when you don’t have something else. >>?
How about the first ones with the base painted dark blue to blend into the wallpaper?
Other than finishing the drawers and painting the island, what absolutely has to be done before you move your clothes into the closet? I feel that moving your purses, shoes and hanging clothes will help you feel so much better! You are such an inspiration to us!
Dear Kristi, “Home” wasn’t built in a day, I know it’s cliche, but it is true. Sounds like with all that you are having to juggle right now, and there is a lot, step back, sit outside, if the weather allows, and just drink it all in. Watch a great movie with Matt, take a nap, whatever floats your boat. This is not a sprint, but the marathon we call life. Breathe in, breathe out, repeat as necessary. As always, you’ve got this girl.
Cheers to you, Matt, and Mom!
Even those of us who are pretty good with numbers can have a total mess up. Our brains just decide to stop working for a while. A night’s sleep usually acts as a re-set.
For what it is worth, I like the 3rd lamp with the gooseneck look, especially since it looks like you can angle the shade. It just feels more graceful to me than the round ones.
I like the third light, but the second light is very pretty.
Maybe take a couple days off from the closet. Go ahead and move your clothes, shoes, bags, everything. The light over the pictures can wait. Get the sunroom ready to tear down. You have wanted to tear that down ever since I started following you. You had just gotten the landscape map when I started so that has been a while. To get to be destructive will make you jazzed up again. Then you can go back to the closet or to the bedroom. I personally think you have a mental block about finishing the bedroom. I’ve thought that for a while. Weird I know, but I get like that. I just find every excuse to not even start something much less finish it. I tell myself I’ll do it next week or I’ll do it tomorrow or I just don’t feel like it today. You will get to the next project. Maybe do the workshop then go back to the bedroom. You will figure it out!
Window shade looks great. I like the bar light idea like in a museum. Classy.
Love your webpage & instagram. Can you tell me where you got your bamboo shades? I need to buy several but I find them very expensive. Thank you
Kristi I’m sure you are tired! You’ve made great progress you’ve made in a short time. Like you said, this is the biggest build you’ve done so far. This is also physically taxing with all the building and cutting involved. It seems neverending to you because you’re actually doing the work. We’re just sitting here reading about it! Besides this project, you care for Matt, have regular daily responsibilities of life, the blog and have being dealing with another difficult situation. I say all that to hopefully encourage you. It will be done soon and beautiful! I’m not going to say dig in and keep going though. Maybe, just maybe, instead of working harder this weekend, maybe you just need a little break to catch your breath. Take a long weekend to rest, sit in the A/C, make a big icy glass of tea or whatever, grab your favorite snack, snuggle in with your hubby, watch a movie, spend some time with the LORD, read, take a nap. Be kind to yourself, sister in Christ. I think you are awesome and so does the LORD! When we weary, HIS is the best kind of rest 🙏🏻😊
Angie I don’t know about Kristi but you have just helped me tremendously today. Thank you so much!!
God bless
Linda
GOD bless you Linda! We just all have to hold each other up!! 🙏🏻 I’ll be praying for you ☺️
Im like you about lights. Would prefer dim light no matter what I’m doing. So I’m surprised you like those bright/ blue lights in the recessed lights, those make me shudder🥴
in agreement with the others about an art light.
What about of the wireless rechargeable sconces you can get now. I have a couple and they’re great, easy to put up and hardly need recharging
It sounds like you are tired, burnt out, overwhelmed, and need a Big break. Walk away from it all until…whenever. We will wait for you. If you must blog, then review and post those of the past.
Take the time off and just spend time with Matt. Play with the animals, read, watch TV, put your hands in some dirt, don’t think of a landscape plan, and plant veggies in a small area. Pray, get with your church group, and visit your mom and brother.
Praying for you and Matt, I pray you can rest your mind and body.
Why not simple gold bar lights made to go above artwork?
Ha, I have no problem painting a light fixture right out of the box! I do it often and love that I can get exactly what I want out of a discount fixture by a few minutes of my time and an $8 can of spray paint.
Bless you, Kristi. Don’t discount the stress you’ve been under lately. That certainly saps your energy and blurs your focus. You’ve got this! The finish line is sooooo close. I’d suggest a fun break. Something that makes you relax and laugh. I’m betting that would reset your engine & you will finish strong.
Precious Kristi: do what you need to do to refresh, whether it is relaxing or invigorating. Do what brings you joy and peace and comfort. That will give you fresh energy.
I am sending you light, and love, and healing (to you and to Matt). Blessings,
MKH
Angie I don’t know about Kristi but you have just helped me tremendously today. Thank you so much!!
God bless
Linda
Do you use a lazer level to install drawers? My husband just started using one for that, and he’s sold! SO MUCH smoother action…!
I never have, but maybe I should start! My problem was getting them spaced correctly, keeping in mind how the (yet to be built at the time) drawer fronts would look with that spacing. I just couldn’t get that spacing right on the first try to save my life! 😀