I’m still smiling over how much you guys have been loving my mom’s new condo. Truly. The response to the last post has been overwhelming in the best possible way. Every little corner I’ve shared has received such thoughtful, encouraging feedback, and it’s been so fun for us to showcase a home that isn’t our own.
Stepping outside of our personal design style and working on someone else’s space—especially someone we love—has been such a refreshing experience. And my mom? She is absolutely thrilled. She’s read every comment, soaked in every compliment, and now fully understands why we love sharing home projects online.
At first, she was a little hesitant about putting her bedroom on the internet. And honestly, that’s fair. It is a strange thing to think about strangers seeing the place where you sleep every night. But she quickly got over that fear once she saw how kind and supportive this community truly is.
So today, I’m excited to show you the other side of her bedroom—the side that completely transformed the space and took it from “pretty” to wow.
A Quick Recap of My Mom’s Condo
If you’re just joining us, here’s what we’ve shared so far from her condo makeover:
- A symmetrical gallery wall in her bedroom hallway that instantly elevated the space and added visual balance
- A simple yet functional entryway with a slim console table—perfect for keys, mail, and everyday essentials
- And of course, the star of the show: her light, blush-toned bedroom, which quickly became the most-loved space you’ve seen so far
Her bedroom features soft, calming finishes that feel both elegant and approachable:
Wall Color: Benjamin Moore “Gray Owl”
Paired with blush textiles, woven shades, warm metals, and classic black accents, the room feels serene, feminine, and timeless.
But as beautiful as that side of the room was… the other side needed some serious attention.
The Blank Wall That Started It All
When we first photographed my mom’s bedroom, one side looked completely finished—bright, styled, and polished. The other side? Not so much.
After selling an old jewelry cabinet and chair on Craigslist, we were left staring at a large, empty wall with endless potential… and no real plan yet.
It didn’t match the rest of the room.
It didn’t add function.
And it definitely didn’t feel finished.
That’s when my mom knew exactly what she wanted.
Choosing Master Bedroom Built-Ins
From the beginning, my mom envisioned a full wall of built-in cabinetry. Not open shelves like we used in the living room, but true cabinets—deep drawers, tall wardrobes, and tons of concealed storage.
Her goals were simple but smart:
- Drawers for clothing and jewelry
- Large cabinets for random items (yes, even wrapping paper!)
- A designated spot in the center to mount a TV
- And a design that felt custom, intentional, and high-end
In a smaller bedroom, storage is everything. This wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about creating a solution that made daily life easier.
Finding the Right Company for Custom Built-Ins
At first, we did what most people would do: we started calling contractors.
And honestly? It was frustrating.
So many people came out to look at the space. Measurements were taken. Ideas were discussed. But no one fully committed to the project. Months went by, and my mom was still waking up every morning to the same blank wall.
That’s when Bridget had a genius idea.
Why not hire a custom closet company?
It sounds obvious now, but we hadn’t even considered it. Within days, my mom had consultations and quotes from both California Closets and Closet Works.
Pricing Out the Built-Ins
We expected custom cabinetry to be an investment, but the numbers were still eye-opening.
- California Closets: approximately $6,800
- Closet Works: approximately $5,000
While neither option was cheap, Closet Works came in closer to what we expected for a wall of this size. The price was also comparable to what Bridget and I have paid for large built-in projects in our own homes.
Once the design was finalized and approved, everything moved quickly. In less than a month, my mom’s custom bedroom built-ins were installed.
And wow… just wait.
The Finished Master Bedroom Built-Ins
I mean—can you even?!
This wall completely transformed the bedroom. It added character, function, and that custom, high-end feel that makes a home feel thoughtfully designed.
The cabinetry spans the entire wall, stopping just shy of the ceiling to avoid complications with the ornate trim. Even without going all the way up, the result feels substantial and luxurious.
Cabinet Style & Color
My mom chose shaker-style cabinets in a warm greige shade called “Morning Dew.” And I’m so glad we didn’t go with white.
This color is soft, sophisticated, and works beautifully with the blush tones already in the room.
Storage That Actually Makes Life Easier
Let’s talk about the storage—because it’s incredible.
- Jewelry drawers designed specifically to keep everything organized and visible
- Multiple drawers for clothing
- Extra-deep cabinets perfect for linens, seasonal items, or household overflow
When I took these photos, my mom was still deciding how to organize everything (which is honestly the best way to do it—slowly and intentionally).
Choosing Matte Black Hardware
Instead of using standard hardware options, we opted to provide our own. My mom handed them over on install day, and the team attached them right then and there.
The matte black drawer pulls from Rejuvenation are the perfect finishing touch. They add contrast, weight, and just enough modern edge against the warm cabinet color.
Styling the Built-Ins
To keep the wall from feeling too heavy, we added a few thoughtful details:
- Wicker baskets from HomeGoods in the upper open shelving for texture
- A mounted TV in the center opening
- Minimal décor on top of the drawers—just a plant, a gold box, and a framed photo
She still plans to add a cord cover for the TV, but I couldn’t wait to share this transformation with you.
Was It Worth It?
Absolutely.
Yes, custom built-ins are an investment. But they add storage, function, visual impact, and home value—all at once. This wall is now the focal point of the bedroom, and it makes the entire condo feel more polished and intentional.
Even better? We now know that custom closet companies are an incredible option for built-ins, not just closets. If you’ve been wanting something similar in your own home, this is a great place to start.
The Before & After
The transformation speaks for itself.
What was once a blank, underwhelming wall is now a stunning, functional feature that elevates the entire room. It’s high-end. It’s practical. And it’s completely tailored to my mom’s needs.
Pretty amazing, right?
More Built-In Inspiration
If you’re curious about other built-in projects:
- I built navy blue DIY built-ins in our home office to save money
- In our daughter’s room, we added a sage green window seat with bookshelves
There are so many ways to incorporate built-ins—whether you go custom or DIY—and they truly can change how a space functions and feels.
Thanks again for all the love you’ve shown my mom’s condo. More spaces coming soon!
