I think the only thing that would make me go back in the closet is a good stiff drink. Enter Real Simple.
Here's what it looked like before the makeover.
And here it is now! (Click twice to enlarge.)
Of course, there's lots of great vintage barware from our Etsy store, including this super chic brass and teak tray, together with ten glass swizzle sticks that would make any drink feel fancy! The Greek Key low-balls on the shelf were a gift from our good friend Steve McKenzie from Larson-Juhl. Remember how he helped me think inside the box with all those beautiful, vintage baby finds from the flea market? Finally, a huge thank you to Kendell Cronstrom and PJ Mehaffey for including me in the issue and of course to Nikolas Koenig for the great photography. Now, onto more important matters: Cocktail, anyone?
LOVE this and actually, this is one of the reasons I bought the magazine!! Such fun, keep it up!!
Posted by: PerfectlyPutTogether | September 29, 2009 at 10:01 PM
holy shamoly. now THAT is a bar. a gorgeous fully stocked amazing bar. when can a girl move in?? ;)
Posted by: cassandra @ coco+kelley | September 29, 2009 at 03:53 PM
Great, great, great. I love everything about this. I wouldn't change a thing.
Posted by: thomas | September 02, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Oh my goodness...I was seriously contemplating picking up this magazine the other day when I was at Barnes & Noble, but didn't...Now I know why I was scrutinizing...might have to go back to cop it now! Fabulous as ever! :-)
Posted by: Diva Style | August 31, 2009 at 10:15 PM
I think your Designs are great and I can't wait to see whats next from Eddie Ross. You're an inspiration.
Posted by: Brendan O'Connor | August 26, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Eddie & Jaithan,
You've inspired me! I've transformed one of my own closets into a bar. The closet was actually in my dining room sitting empty - I'm kicking myself that I didn't think of it before! Here is the link : http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2009/08/home-closet-makeover-into-bar.html
Posted by: Jenny Steffens | August 25, 2009 at 03:13 PM
i loved the article then i realized it was yours and loved it even more! genius!!
Posted by: maria | August 24, 2009 at 03:03 PM
That is the most innovative makeover I have seen EVER!
I get so inspired by your great ideas!!
Looking forward to your next project!
Posted by: Mona from Toronto!! | August 24, 2009 at 08:32 AM
Mt. Gay and tonic for Mr. K and Teddy. Chards on the rocks for me, please. :)
Posted by: Jacks | August 23, 2009 at 03:55 PM
Great job! I saw that article and was so excited. Quite inspirational...
Posted by: Sarah | August 23, 2009 at 08:49 AM
eddie! it looks wonderful. once again you can make anything look spectacular....i would hate for you to open my closets!! no telling what might fall on you....toys, shoes, magazines...unfortunately not a cocktail :)
Posted by: Pink Wallpaper | August 20, 2009 at 01:23 PM
fantastic transformation...and I'm still dreamin' about what you did for your butler's pantry remake.
Posted by: Denise West | August 19, 2009 at 09:44 AM
I'm sorry, uh, did I read that right? Vermouth in the spray bottle???
B R I L L I A N T!!!!!
Love the closet! All the best to you and J!
Posted by: Lisa | August 19, 2009 at 02:57 AM
Loved the article! Job well done, as always. Many hugs!!!
Posted by: The Broke Socialite | August 18, 2009 at 06:54 PM
Wow! What an Amazing transformation! I'm so glad you shared these pictures - this gets me to thinking about a few closets of my own. ;)
Posted by: Lindsey | August 18, 2009 at 06:06 PM
OMG! The closet is absolutely beautiful and so are the candles!
Posted by: Leslie C | August 18, 2009 at 06:03 PM
For years, I've dreamed of transforming my entry closet into a decorative music room. The closet is about the same size as the one you did as a bar. We'd store the records and CD's as well as the musical equipment in the space to confine everything to one area of the house - of course, speakers would be in most rooms, controlled by remote. I thought of using furniture, but now see that built ins would make better use of space. Also, I loved the mirror for a dressier look and for light reflection. Now I have something to show my husband who has trouble visualizing my ideas. Thanks. BTW, the closet is unused because we live in Atlanta where no one wears a coat!
Posted by: Joyce Bentley | August 18, 2009 at 03:11 PM
Great looking makeover. Especially with such a small space. Love your style!
Posted by: lindsey wood | August 18, 2009 at 02:09 PM
hahahhahhaah LOVE IT!!!! i want one now!!! congratulations!!! such a perfect little space!!
Posted by: Lauren Liess | August 18, 2009 at 07:41 AM
wow, so many fantastic ideas in such a small space! (and in my favorite magazine no doubt! I cant wait for what's next.
Posted by: Theodore leaf | August 17, 2009 at 07:19 PM
Nobody can turn a closet like you!!!! I'm wondering if a hall closet in a narrow front hall could be transformed...into something????????? Stunning, Eddie!
Posted by: Virginia from Texas | August 17, 2009 at 07:18 PM
Eddie, great transformation and what a great use of space. You are just being published all over the place. Congrats on all of your accomplishments. I knew you were a young man that would go far. It is fun taking the journey with you and Jaithan. hugs Kathysue
Posted by: Kathysue | August 17, 2009 at 07:15 PM
Eddie:
You inspire me.
Posted by: Christina | August 17, 2009 at 07:13 PM
A Maz ing...love the idea. I have an old Ikea china hutch looking for a new job. Great inspiration for a repurpose.
Posted by: Darci | August 17, 2009 at 06:52 PM
What an inspiring make-over! We must all rethink that dark closet again!
By the way, the pictures you took from the plane ride were amazing. Stunningly beautiful! They were the perfect example of looking at things from a different perspective, right?
Posted by: Granny Smith Green | August 17, 2009 at 05:35 PM
eddie, i saw this as i was reading my copy real simple this weekend. you're awesome! :)
Posted by: Jana | August 17, 2009 at 05:07 PM
Wow - I just clicked onto your blog a couple of days ago - and have spent every spare moment reading the older posts (still have not made it to the end yet!) I love your decorating style - your blue butler's pantry is gorgeous!
I have recently started collecting vintage ware too - but although I like acquiring and cleaning up - I have no idea how to tablescape or accesorise as beautifully as you do!
Here is a link to my collection of pink pyrex:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ellafly/3794401664/
If you have the time - please let me know - how would you use them in a table setting.
Thanks so much!
Posted by: Ella | August 17, 2009 at 04:25 PM
You know, Eddie, I just read that article and didn't even realize it was yours, but even so thought...
"Gee, that looks like something Eddie Ross would do."
I think it's the gold ;) You seem to really like gold!
Posted by: Amphritrite | August 17, 2009 at 01:49 PM
Eddie - first of all, it is 9:25 here in Pasadena, and all I can think about is a Vodka Soda with 2 limes. OH, and a swizzle stick. please. :)
Second of all, I'm now going to scower my tiny pre-war cottage for a closet that I can convert into a bar.....since I'm at a loss right now, we'll have to make do with what we've got.
Even though I'm without a dedicated bar, I can guarantee the vodka is chilling as we speak. You're welcome anytime, I do hate drinking alone.....
HUGS - Tracy.
Posted by: tracy | August 17, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Now, if I only had an extra closet. That closet rocks. I want one.
Posted by: Shelby Lynn | August 17, 2009 at 11:44 AM
Eddie-I have seen the magic before but this number is a conversation stopper! (And, there were not even any candles :))I really wish I could hold my liquor as this is a stunner.
Posted by: Pam | August 17, 2009 at 11:43 AM
You really need to place a warning on your blog for those who read your blog while drinking their morning tea.
The first line made me laugh out loud. :)
Posted by: Laura Ingalls Gunn | August 17, 2009 at 10:46 AM
That issue of Real Simple has been sitting around for about two weeks and I haven't read it yet, now that I know you're in it, I'm going to read it first thing tonight!
Posted by: Danielle | August 17, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Congrats on the new feature. The transformation was great. I would have never have expected that from that original closet.
Posted by: Newburgh Restoration | August 17, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Good Lord Eddie! Is there anything you can't make beautiful!?!? :) I love it.
Posted by: Bri | August 17, 2009 at 10:20 AM
I would love to have that as my "wrapping" closet....or a craft closet...but then again, I will settle for a beverage...looks great.
pve
Posted by: pve | August 17, 2009 at 10:19 AM
AMAZING-you "closet" looks fabulous.
*giggling at your blog title.
Posted by: french cloud | August 17, 2009 at 10:03 AM
What a lovely idea! It's so chic it makes me want a drink and it's not even double digits on a Monday! What an amazing use of space! I love it!
Posted by: carlee | August 17, 2009 at 10:00 AM
I would love to be a mouse in your pocket! To think y'all were doing up some decorations and I will just have to wait and see drives me a bit crazy! If I had a closet like that I think I would never want to come out...hehe. I would stock mine with lemonade and good ole' Coke! Have a great one guys and if you wanna give a sneek peek of your halloween decor Im all eyes...Im nice like that!
Posted by: Susie Harris | August 17, 2009 at 09:45 AM
Only you could go back in the closet with such style! another amazing makeover!!
Posted by: blue hydrangea | August 17, 2009 at 09:09 AM
No doubt at all -- you are a GENIUS!! Yes -- that whole makeover was brillant -- simply inspired! And I adore the mirror panels -- and the well-labeled items too! ((the mist bottle for the vermouth was wonderful!)) Well done indeed!
Jan at Rosemary Cottage
Posted by: Jan | August 17, 2009 at 09:08 AM
Now that you have a house in the country it must be so nice to have an extra closet to spare. I'd kill for an extra closet to be able to do this with- what a great idea!
Posted by: LindsB | August 17, 2009 at 08:53 AM
A wonderful transformation and perfect use for the space, without breaking the bank. Lovely! I use the IKEA storage boxes also and recently embellished one to store vintage millinery supplies.
http://eabdesigns.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/07/vintage-millinery-storage-box.html
Looking forward to your next house project!
Posted by: julie - eab designs | August 17, 2009 at 08:52 AM
I am so impressed! You are so amazingly clever and talented. Using those push lights, putting in mirrors, labeling everything like that. I love it! What a great use for your closet! Me, of course -- about now, I'm dying for a linen closet. lol! (We don't have one in this house.)
Posted by: Margaret | August 17, 2009 at 08:36 AM
I'm glad to see that you are back. This blog rocks, as always :)!
Posted by: Johanna | August 17, 2009 at 08:34 AM
OMG. Flippin' genius.
I'm sitting in my living room staring at ten inch deep closet that I have hated since the day we moved in but have never known quite what to do with. I know now.
Posted by: The Countess of Nassau County | August 17, 2009 at 07:47 AM
REAAALLY! Oh my - so fabulous and festive. If I stared at that closet for a day I would never have landed on that conclusion.
Thank you as well for coming to see me yesterday, it was a tough day for the blog and nice to know it still has friends out there- as busy as you are now, I really appreciate that you still find the time to swing by...
Be well, Eddie.
Catherine
Posted by: The Blushing Hostess | August 17, 2009 at 07:37 AM
Brilliant Eddie...not an easy task! Happy cocktails...xv
Posted by: Vicki Archer | August 17, 2009 at 05:55 AM
Sweet Jesus...I need a drink! That bar is amazing!! Clearly your imagination knows no bounds.
P.S.: Was the piece holding the upside down wine glasses specially made?
Posted by: Olivia | August 17, 2009 at 04:10 AM
Wow, I'm impressed! How is it even possible? It's beyond me that you could get something so fabulous out of something so...not??
Posted by: Dagny @ Beautiful Living | August 17, 2009 at 03:46 AM
Darlin' - you rock.
Posted by: Mrs. Blandings | August 17, 2009 at 01:41 AM
Eddie, the makeover is fabulous! Such wonderful inspiration for me as we are attempting to fix attractive and functional storage in our kitchen. I must pick up this issue of Real Simple so that I can read all the fun details!
Have a wonderful week!
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer | August 17, 2009 at 01:22 AM
I so look forward to each blog. The closet is amazing. What a transformation! Keep up the good work.
Ann
Posted by: ABCOroville | August 17, 2009 at 12:09 AM