photographs and text by Jenny Komenda
domino contributing editor—and
resident DIY expert—Jenny Komenda
shows us 6 steps for transforming IKEA’s
modular pax wardrobe closet into a custom
wardrobe and vanity.
resident DIY expert—Jenny Komenda
shows us 6 steps for transforming IKEA’s
modular pax wardrobe closet into a custom
wardrobe and vanity.
We recently moved across the country, trading our cozy
Brooklyn home for a house in the desert, with nearly
triple the square footage. When we first arrived in
Arizona, I told myself that all my storage woes were
behind me—and then we unpacked our clothes and
shoes. Despite the fact that we have ample closets now,
we were still having trouble making everything fit. Piles
were accumulating. Clothes and shoes were buried and
lost to memory.
Then one day a few weeks ago, I decided enough was
enough, and I did what any self-respecting DIYer does—
I went to IKEA.
The funny thing is, when we moved into this new house, I
vowed never to buy a major piece of furniture from IKEA
again. But there I was, purchasing three “Pax” wardrobes
for our bedroom. These units are pretty irresistible as far
as customizable closet systems go. With all the drawers,
shelves, and components I needed, I knew the custom
route was going to be too expensive (my carpenter
estimated it would be at least $5,000, whereas each of the
Pax wardrobes rang in at about $300).
Brooklyn home for a house in the desert, with nearly
triple the square footage. When we first arrived in
Arizona, I told myself that all my storage woes were
behind me—and then we unpacked our clothes and
shoes. Despite the fact that we have ample closets now,
we were still having trouble making everything fit. Piles
were accumulating. Clothes and shoes were buried and
lost to memory.
Then one day a few weeks ago, I decided enough was
enough, and I did what any self-respecting DIYer does—
I went to IKEA.
The funny thing is, when we moved into this new house, I
vowed never to buy a major piece of furniture from IKEA
again. But there I was, purchasing three “Pax” wardrobes
for our bedroom. These units are pretty irresistible as far
as customizable closet systems go. With all the drawers,
shelves, and components I needed, I knew the custom
route was going to be too expensive (my carpenter
estimated it would be at least $5,000, whereas each of the
Pax wardrobes rang in at about $300).

before
after