Closets are like bowls of porridge — it’s hard to get one that’s just right. Whether it’s optimizing space, increasing functionality, or improving the overall look, upgrading a closet can be a time-consuming and costly investment. It may even feel more limiting when you’re dealing with small spaces that can’t accommodate a walk-in closet. After the rise in popularity of bi-fold doors in the 1970s, a lot of homes turned to this design element because of its space saving qualities. However, if you’ve recently been considering the bi-fold closet door disadvantages or just simply want to transform your room, it’s worth considering replacing your closet doors and adding a built-in wardrobe instead.

Built-in shelves and cabinetry have become more and more popular in recent years—due in most part to their versatile, functional and streamlined aesthetic—and no area of the home has been more impacted by built-in solutions than closets. Since we always seem to be on a quest for ways to create more closet storage, everyone from interior designers to social media influencers have been providing ideas for everything from budget-friendly, DIY alternatives to luxury design inspiration. Carissa Elizabeth, a DIY designer, shared how she embraced the trend and transformed her entire bedroom in the process in an Instagram post. If you take a few notes from her and incorporate a built-in wardrobe yourself, you can also have a gorgeous and functional new closet that will not only be more organized, but will also rival the look of most walk-ins!

To begin, you’ll want to find a dresser that can be used for the built-in bottom and fits snugly into your closet. However, keep in mind if you have trouble finding the perfect fit, you’ll be able to fill in gaps around the dresser with wooden trim — a step you should do anyway to ensure a truly built-in look. Also remember that the dresser will be on display in your room and not hidden behind a door, so find something that matches your aesthetic. You can look for something unique at your favorite antique shops or consider trying one of these DIY IKEA MALM makeovers that take the dresser from basic to beautiful.

Once you’ve chosen your dresser, you’ll need to remove the bi-fold doors and attach your dresser to the inside wall of your closet. Consider also building a base to raise the dresser off the floor and further solidify the built-in look. Then, add trim to the edges around the top section and get wood cut to size to be added as doors. Once you have the foundation set, you can customize your new built in with fun knobs and trim or moulding to make it truly custom. Depending on how design-heavy you want your room to look, you can try one of these stylish alternatives on your basic doors to further spruce up the final look.