When you open the door to your closet, what do you find? Is your dressing area a vibrant sanctuary of possibility and favorite possessions? Or is it a war zone strewn about with the casualties of outdated outfits? 

A vibrant, lively closet is a space that you enjoy stepping into. It is a place that is at once aesthetically pleasing, personalized and practical. To transform your closet from an uninspiring storage room to a space full of life, try these steps. I'll give you a heads up: they won't necessarily be easy, but the effort you put into revitalizing your closet will return manifold happiness.

Step One: Purge
We've all been there. You're late for work and you find yourself staring into your closet thinking, "I have nothing to wear!" For many of us, the knee-jerk impulse to this age-old problem is to buy more stuff. Actually, the best way to fill your closet with things you love is to first empty it of things you don't love. By removing old (or new) clothing and accessories that you just can't bring yourself to wear, you'll give your tried-and-true pieces space to breathe. Donate items that are in good condition to a local shelter or thrift store where they might bring joy to someone else.

You might be wondering, "What about the old jeans that I wear for painting or my favorite college sweatshirt that's full of holes but brings back so many fond memories?" This is where you have to remember that a closet that is full of life for you may not necessarily be the kind of picture-perfect closet you see in the magazines. A less-than-lovely sweatshirt that's steeped in sentimental value should stay in your closet if it brings you joy. Likewise, practical items you don't love but need, like gardening clothes, can be stowed away in a pretty storage trunk or drawer for when you need them.

Step Two: Organize
Now that you've purged your closet of the clutter, let's move on to the things that remain. If you love certain articles of clothing, show them off! The first step is to make sure your closet has adequate light. Depending on your skill and budget, you may wish to add recessed lighting or simply choose a brighter wattage bulb. If your closet lacks a light source, consider adding a lamp. 

Next, take inventory of your hangers. It's best to get a fresh set of matching hangers so all your clothing can hang neatly. As you hang up your shirts, blouses and sweaters, consider organizing them by color. Use the rainbow as your guide to create a smooth chromatic flow from warm to cool colors. This technique not only looks attractive, it also makes it easier to find a particular item at a glance.

Step Three: Personalize
If step one had you clear cutting any superfluous or unlovely items from your closet, your final step is to carefully curate the castaways. While minimalism is great for giving your closet breathing room, you might want to add your own personality back into the space. In fact, because closets are personal spaces that only you will see, they are a great place to pin up favorite selfies, a snippet of pretty ribbon from a gift or a love note from your better half. Adding in a few personal decorations can help liven up a space and make it your own.

Well, there you have it! If you're tired of what you see in your wardrobe, give these three steps a try and bring your closet to life.