My New Shoe Wardrobe

It's been a long and winding road to finding the right home for my shoes...

(My closet)

 It all began several years ago when we upgraded our master bathroom and closets.

(My husband's closet)

We have 2 standard size closets, although mine is a bit larger, that originally had bi-fold doors. They were always stuffed and messy and we could never view the closet as a whole.

(husband's closet)

 We got rid of the doors, raised the height of the closets and papered the entire room in raffia wallpaper including the closets. We added marble flooring throughout.  

(husband's closet)

We installed low voltage lighting throughout the space including inside the closets. We replaced the doors with large nickel rods from William Sonoma Home and custom made curtains.  Now, whenever I pull them open I feel like I'm shopping in a boutique when I'm getting dressed.  

(My closet)
 

I found the perfect entertainment center at Home Goods that I re-purposed into my closet system.  I removed the doors, tucked it up and under the header and added a pair of closet rods to each side of the unit to double the hanging space. I found  individual storage boxes at the Container Store to hold all my sweaters, etc.

 The middle section has glass shelves where I display my handbags and jewelry.

It has been the perfect closet in every way except of course when it comes to SHOES!

My husband's closet on the other hand was easy.

We found his closet system at IKEA in a finish that matched mine. We added a pair of rods to both sides and Voila... a closet that has met his needs, including his shoes, perfectly!

 You are probably wondering what I've done with my shoes...  well, that has not been so successful.

 At first it was OK because we had remodeled our garage and added built in closets, one specifically for my shoes. 


 

This actually worked out fine for a while... and then one day while out treasure hunting I came across this cool vintage blue metal locker and lugged it home. It landed smack in front of my garage shoe closet and has been there ever since.

  Don't get me wrong, it has served a purpose and ended up solving a different problem, though creating a new one. (Does this happen to you?)

(Mine)

 It has served beautifully to corral everyday shoes, coats, hats, sporting goods etc. and kept our carpet relatively unsoiled.
 

(My husband's)

 (Our son's sporting equipment)

 

But... I've been wearing the same couple pairs of shoes over and over and haven't seen or worn the rest of them except for the occasional trip out to the garage when my poor husband has to move the locker out so I can squeeze in behind it and grab a different pair, usually for a special occasion.

 

  To tell you the truth, I've forgotten how many beautiful shoes I have. Out of sight, out of mind.  Well, that's all changed now, because I found a beautiful new solution!

It's not my idea though... and I wish I could remember where I saw it, but someone had taken an antique glass cabinet/bookcase and used it to showcase their collection of shoes and it looked amazing!  

Well, last week, I found a similar piece.

Although it was a little beat up, the price was right at $50 and the dimensions are perfect for the space I'm planning to put it.

 

Originally I had planned on lacquering it black but once I got it home and cleaned it up I love how the natural wood warms up the room!

 

As you can see there is a dirty white back that needs to be either painted or papered. 

I'm definitely going to paper it.  I'm considering a fun and dramatic vintage wallpaper and have looked on ebay and found several that I like. 

 

I'm also considering, on the advice of a friend, papering it with some of the left over raffia wallpaper that is currently on my walls.

  I'm leaning towards the raffia as I think the shoes will be interesting enough on their own.  

I even found a vintage mirror from an old shoe store for $10 at The Alameda Pointe last weekend which I tucked into the corner for a little extra sparkle!

 
 So, what do you all think of my new shoe wardrobe? 

Would you ever consider storing your shoes in a bookcase like this?



One last thing I just had to share.

Look what I scored in a thrift store today...

My first pair of Chanel Shoes!


I told you what you focus on expands :)

And check out the latest treasure at
IL TUO TESORO.