Our Master Bedroom Remodel: Part III <the closet>

The final installment of our master bedroom remodel is here. In case you missed it, read part I and part II. As you can imagine, these posts are huge labors of love hence the delay in rolling them out quickly. The last chapter of this book is entirely focused on my closet. You see, my husband had the brilliant idea that because I have so much “stuff” that I should utilize an under utilized sitting room in our bedroom. Let me be clear that I never asked for it and my husband is also a genius. Also code for: he really wanted to kick me out of the closet! So this space that had two hand-me-down loveseats and a ton of PR packages piled up began to take shape in our heads…and exactly one year later, it became a thing.

This closet of mine became the “thing” I never knew I needed. No more shoes on the floor, piles of gifted or clean clothes not to mention I could actually see what I own. The hangers weren’t smashed together any longer which made getting dressed a whole lot more fun. It’s amazing what you don’t wear when you can’t see it! Most of all, this closet gave me a little personal space to just relax and get ready; enjoy the process if you will. Now, I love to get ready and it’s comfortable. It’s my little tree house. Even getting ready for a day of lounging feels glamorous.

You can view a ton more photos below but one of the closing pieces I wanted to share about this process is essentially…how to manage it and what to expect with vendors. While I am no expert, we’ve renovated nearly every room in our house so I’d like to say I’ve been to the rodeo before. See below for more eye candy and my top 10 tips for living in construction!

How to stay sane and live in construction:

1. Obtain a minimum of three bids and be 100% candid about your budget. Furthermore, hold vendors to your budget.

2. Ask for referrals. Seen a friend’s house that you admire? Ask her for her vendor list; especially if it mimics your style.

3. Build a Pinterest board of inspiration. We have so many tools at our finger tips. There is no excuse not to bring your vision to life and it cuts down on the guessing game once your collaboration begins.

4. Ask for a timeline of deliverables. It’s realistic and living amidst dust and debris make it necessary for your sanity and to celebrate the mini milestones.

5. Shit is going to happen. Expect it. Things break in transit or delivery. If you have a great team, they will come back to you with a plan B stat and that is just what happened with us. #covidproblems

6. Whatever your vendor quotes you for completion, add four weeks. Yes, for real.

7. Remove all window treatments and furniture you are keeping and store in a cool, dry place. Do not expect your vendors to know what you value and are keeping. This is a construction zone and you are remodeling something you arguably do not like.

8. If you can, designate a bathroom for vendors only. Just trust me.

9. Check in and communicate regularly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and demand answers. Living in construction is hard…and then add kids to that. This is never an inexpensive endeavor so practice patience but ask the tough questions.

10. Practice kindness with your daily team. They are working hard. Smile, offer water, make small talk…this industry took a hit in 2020 and they want to get the project done just as much as you do!

Questions? Hit me! This is such a process but I can truthfully tell you that the biggest projects are often the most rewarding. Our room is magnificent, albeit expensive, and we are soaking up all the relaxing moments during what has become one of the craziest years of our lives. Was the timing a coincidence? Perhaps!

Special thanks to all the vendors listed below.

Photography: Hallie Duesenberg

Interior Design Firm: Devon Grace interiors

Closets: ClosetWorks

Construction and Project Management: Bart’s Remodel