Flashy Multipurpose Workstation

From the sloppy, mustard-colored paint job on its walls, doors and trim to its wasted space and inefficient reach-in closet, Hollis Smith's guest bedroom was in need of a major makeover.

In its previous state, the small reach-in closet was overflowing with sports coats, travel gear and books. The cherished objects he wanted to display were shoved into boxes on the floor.

To make the back of the closet workstation recede, the homeowner installed black wallpaper with a graphic, lacquered pattern. "The black wallpaper really turned the back of the closet into a focal point," Smith says. "My favorite thing about it is how the lacquered surface reflects the light. It's very theatrical. Like me."

Shelves built from 4x8 sheets of medium density fiberboard (MDF) and strips of 1x2 MDF trim house Smith's collection of pop culture memorabilia, including a Bionic Woman lunchbox and Six Million Dollar Man coffee mug. Smith had a carpenter friend build and install them in a few hours. "They're super sturdy and can be used for just about anything," Smith says.