How I Transformed My Linen Closet Doors Into A Stunning Feature (In Just One Day)

Our linen closet in our hallway had these large, plain doors. And every time I walked past them, I thought, “Hmm… these could be better.”

They took up so much real estate in the hallway – they deserved to be a feature! But I also didn’t want to spend a ton of time or money on them.

So I decided to makeover my EXISTING doors. No building brand new doors. No figuring out hinges. Just a simple upgrade!

So I made a plan and got to work!

STEP 1: MEASURE & GATHER YOUR MATERIALS

For this project, I needed 1/4″ lattice trim and shiplap panels for the door makeover. I also wanted to trim out the door using 1x4s and 1x6s for a simpler look. So I went to the store and grabbed everything I needed…

And I made sure I had the proper tools on hand too!

Here are the tools I used for this project…

STEP 2: TRIM OUT THE DOOR

Before tackling the door, I decided to remove my old door trim and replace it! I started by scoring the caulk and using my Trim Puller to pry it off.

Then I used 1×4 primed pine boards for the sides and a 1×6 primed pine board across the top with a 1″ overhang on each side. I used my finish nailer with 1.5″ nails to install!

STEP 3: ADD LATTICE TRIM TO THE DOORS

Before I removed the doors to work on them, I took note of where my hinges were. My doors opened outward which made it easier.

So I cut down some 1/4″ lattice moulding and nailed it into my door to frame it out, taking the hinges into account and leaving enough space around them so my doors could still easily open.

This frame makes sure you can’t see any rough edges from the shiplap panels that will go in the center!

Once the frame was on, I removed my doors so I could lay them flat to work on them, but this isn’t totally necessary!

STEP 4: SHIPLAP THE DOORS

I grabbed some shiplap panels from Home Depot and cut them down to fit inside my lattice moulding frame. I simply nailed them to the door and caulked where two panels met on the door.

I then spackled around all the edges for more of a seamless look. I always clean up my spackle with a baby wipe.

Once that was dry, I painted my doors Gatherings by Magnolia in a matte finish using a soft brush and foam rollers.

STEP 5: HANG THE DOORS

Once the doors were dry, I put them back on their hinges and added new dummy handles to complete the look!

The back of the doors are still the same as before because no one will see them but me, but you could totally repeat the design on the back too if you want!

Overall, this project was very beginner friendly and easy to execute!

Think you’ll try out this project? Let me know in the comments!