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by Christa McMillen
3 months ago in Design Dilemma
Creative Solutions for Built-in Linen Closet
My new house was built in the mid-70's and, as such, has a ton of character. Unfortunately, not all of it is perfect and this linen closet is one of the serious issues that has just got me stumped.

Problems:
Outdated cabinet style/hardware
Doors do not latch properly and are always hanging open
One door swings into one of the hallway light fixtures if you open it too far

Of course there are obvious solutions to all of these issues, but I'd like a solution that is more elegant and less obvious. I want to take the opportunity to turn this into a wow factor in this boring and purely functional hallway.

So, what do you think?
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lefty47 HI -- That was made more like 50's style construction . I would just take it all out and have something new built in todays style with flush self closing doors with no hinges showing and make the doors with touch latches so there are no need of handles or knobs. No casing trim and then have it all painted the same color as the walls. You will need a cabinet maker for this .
3 months ago ·
Terri Symington, ASID Consider replacing the cabinet front with barn door style hardware and door.
3 months ago ·
Christa McMillen Thanks for the input. I think I really want to make a visual statement here, though, since the hallway is so boring as - is. Perhaps the closet isn't the best way of doing this, but I feel like it a good opportunity to do something really cool.
3 months ago ·
Terri Symington, ASID The door style can change the character depending on the look you want...
3 months ago ·
Christa McMillen Terri, thanks for that idea! I have definitely though of that and may not a barn door as inspiration, but unfortunately there is not enough clearance on either side of the close to install barn door hardware to allow the door to slide to one side or the other.
3 months ago ·
Christa McMillen Oopsie. Typing o my phone here. I have *thought* of that and *may use* a barn door as inspiration...
3 months ago ·
JWinteriors I would change the light fixture to a recessed can..add a second one in this hall if needed. Paint the cabinetry creamy white, add a crown moulding and either add detail trim to the doors or switch them out to raised paneled doors. Add crystal hardware. You have a beautiful, eye catching built in that everyone will love.
3 months ago ·
Gail Elwyn I LOVE the barn door suggestion by Terri. Before I saw her comment I thought the same thing. Just have to make sure the wall has enough to support them.
3 months ago ·
ASVInteriors I had a similar problem and a good solution was to repaint the cabinet frames and doors on the inside and then wallpaper the doors and change the hardware (to improve the locking system and the aesthetics)
3 months ago · ·
handymam ASVInteriors, that is a fantastic solution! Beautiful!
3 months ago · ·
Christa McMillen OH, I love the wallpaper idea! Thanks ASVInteriors! Do I wallpaper the whole hallway,though, or just the doors?
3 months ago · ·
ASVInteriors I just wallpapered the doors (less complicated) and painted the rest.
Glad you like it!
In my case, I added mirrors the other side as our hallway is so narrow - this is a trick often used to open up a narrow space...!
3 months ago · ·
Christa McMillen i love the effect of the mirrors, but i don't think i could apply it to my hallway since the doorway to our guest bedroom is directly across from this built-in. :( Thanks so much, though. I really think we're on to something here :D
3 months ago ·
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