Anyway, I got an idea in my head two weeks ago about making my home more "user friendly" and more functional. I even went to the library and checked out design books on things like, "Making the Most of the Space You Have," but I have to admit most of the books were outdated or just not that practical. I mean, who really has time to cut a hole under your staircase to make an extra closet....not me!
So I just started looking around my house to find spaces that were underutilized or mis-appropriated (that is an impressive word isn't it?). Here is what I found.
1. Everything Needs an Identity
So I just started looking around my house to find spaces that were underutilized or mis-appropriated (that is an impressive word isn't it?). Here is what I found.
1. Everything Needs an Identity
What is this? It looks like a purse holder, a display table for gold fish, random holder of pictures and anything else I didn't know what to do with. It is definitely a desk with an identity crisis!
So, I put a little blood sweat and tears and got down to the dirty task of organizing.
And Voila! A desk with a clear identity and purpose. I even added glass jars (found at a garage sale for 5 cents) to put Sydney's markers in. This way she can use the desk as an art table. Now it serves a dual purpose, a desk for mommy and an arts n crafts table for Syd!2. Re-Purpose: the art of finding unconventional ways to use traditional storage options.
See these cute containers that I purchased from Target? You are thinking that each one holds an ingredient used in baking...like flour or sugar, right? Aghh, but that is just what I want you to think, really the canisters have a much more important job.
They actually hold our monthly receipts and dog treats, both of which we need access to daily. I keep the baking goods in the pantry in air tight containers and I keep what we use every day out on the counters....disguised as "kitchen" storage.
3. Just a bit of Encouragement - Sometimes areas just need to be given a little sprucing up to help fulfill their purpose.
I went to Lowes all by myself (I would usually send Chip) and I found a pantry organizer to put on the door of my pantry. It has totally changed my life!
It opened up so much space and now I can get to the smaller stuff more easily. Woo, Hoo...who knew that being neat and orderly could be so much fun!
We really should have an "idea" swap and share with each other some of our favorite organization tips. Does anyone have any ideas?
I think your space looks awesome! Great job. I love the canister Idea!
ReplyDeleteI consider myself an anal organizer. Some of my favorite tools to use in any area are color coding, a label maker and decorative wicker baskets (mind you, not all together). We use some long wicker baskets under our tv as holders for the slew of children's movies we have. And I use color coding and my label maker for just about everything else. Also handy in a closet, hang a shoe bag over the back (to the inside of the closet) door, then you can store things like ribbon, tape, scissors, tissue wrap, etc. in it to save on shelf space for everyday things you use a lot.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite space-saving accomplishment is adding shelves in my laundry room. The "room" is more like a big closet, but with really tall walls. My dad hung two extra rows of shelves for me and now I have sooooo much storage in an otherwise unusable space. Now I just have to get some storage bins and fire up my best friend - my label maker!
ReplyDeleteLast year I hung a long board of hooks in my out of sight laundry room. We hang all of our purses, stinky gym bags, backpacks, baby bags and keys there. No more searching in a hurry and it keeps the mess of everyday living off my new countertops. I am clearly still patting myself on the back for my marvelous idea...God, forgive me for my pride. Amen.
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