Before and after: This conventional IKEA PAX is now a chic walk-in closet

When it comes to ingenious IKEA hacks, it is hard to rival the PAX. This iconic closet system is a staple of stylish transformations – but we may have found one of our favorites to date. 

Enter Megan Righelato (opens in new tab), the Essex-based designer behind the flatpack hack that will excite fashion and interiors alike. Armed with her PAX units, Megan created an ultra-chic walk-in closet that will inevitably fuel your interior envy. 

However, fear not – because Megan has given a glimpse into the design process so that you can recreate her monochromatic walk-in closet idea. Here, she reveals everything you need to know. 

IKEA PAX – before the makeover 

Prior to the renovation, Megan's bedroom exhibited a neutral color scheme – complete with a beige carpet and dated white walls. However, this minimal scheme was a perfect, untouched canvas to showcase Megan's chic white bedroom idea. 

'We purchased the PAX (opens in new tab) wardrobe units from IKEA,' Megan begins. 

But, how did she transform her units from bland to bespoke? 'We decided to add beading to the drawer units to match the more traditional style of our bedroom, such as the paneling,' she adds. 

'The coving was a nightmare to get our heads around, but with the help of YouTube, we ended up mastering [the technique],' she continues. 

'I realized that it's important to not be afraid to make mistakes and that it always gets worse before it gets better. We got to a point where it felt like it was never-ending, but we are so pleased with the result.'

IKEA PAX – after the makeover 

To set her PAX aside, Megan painted the unit in Crown's Satin White (opens in new tab) which overrode IKEA's traditional white color. She then added cup-shaped handles to the wardrobes to give them a sense of regency. 

Plus, for an unrivaled boutique aesthetic, she designed space for a stool and a large mirror – a dressing room essential. 

Finally, Megan dressed the space further with a vinyl herringbone effect floor which replaced the carpet in the closet space. The diagonal lines also gave the space a contemporary twist that wouldn't look out of place in the Sex and the City reboot. 

'We wanted to go for a calming vibe so kept the tones neutral. However, we used black accents to add more modern touches throughout the room, such as the black sockets and the statement chandelier. We also added paneling to the walls to create a traditional look,' Megan says.

This is the dressing room idea our A/W '21 wardrobe deserves. If you need us, we'll be at IKEA. 

Images via MattressNextDay (opens in new tab).