I would love to call my pal Ashley {from 7th House on the Left}, my long lost sister. I love her style, her sweet personality, her photography, her organizing methods and how she always makes everything look so beautiful. And I always get excited to see what she has in store next!
Today, we get to take a peek at her charming foyer and all of her "secret" organizing solutions. Here she is now!
A few weeks ago, we finally got around to decorating our tiny foyer area. With it being the first thing guests see when they come over, our overall goal was to show a bit of our personality and make a good "first impression". On top of that, we also wanted to take it to another level by adding a few functional storage solutions, but we didn't want the area to scream, "Hey, were storing stuff in here!"
It may not be rocket science, and it may not work for everyone, but my method to achieve this was make it look good first, then add the function. We don't usually put form before function, but the main purpose of this project was to create a welcoming space for guests.
In the basket, we have extra throw blankets for movie nights. On the table, there's an ever-cycling stack of magazines. In the bottom linen storage box are video game controllers and accessories. Finally, we keep playing cards and small party games in the top box.
Here is a bit of a closer look...
I guess you can say I'm a bit of a magazine hoarder. We have a ton of home-related magazine subscriptions and sometimes it's hard to get around to reading them all. When a new magazine comes in, we just add it to the stack. One of my favorite things to do in the morning is grab a new magazine off the stack as I walk through the foyer to my office. It's fun to flip through a good magazine as I eat my morning Greek yogurt. It's a great way to start the day with a dose of inspiration. Once the stack starts getting too tall, I weed out the old issues.
Around here, movie nights aren't complete without a cozy blanket. I had been eying this chalkboard label basket from Target for months. I've always said it would be a great toy box for a living room or play room, but since we don't have a need for a toy box around here, we decided to use it to store a pillow and a few throw blankets for movie nights. In the meantime, I'm keeping my eye out for some fun, vintage quilts to warm things up even more.
We're a kid-free household, but that doesn't mean we don't act like kids once in awhile. Greg and I enjoy playing a game or two of Mario Kart Wii every now and then. Even though Greg totally wouldn't admit it, we've also been known to play a game or two - okay, or three - of Disney Just Dance. Hey, it's good exercise. The Wii goodie box is just a few steps from the living room, so it's close enough to be convenient when it's time to pull it out. I also included a little container of extra batteries for the remotes.
In the small storage box, we have decks of cards, our score-keeping notebook, and a few other small party games. This is a great place to keep these smaller games because they aren't rolling around the shelves in the foyer coat closet where we keep board games.
Overall, we're really happy with how our foyer looks, and even happier that we could make it functional. We don't suggest putting form before function very often, but this just goes to show that any area in your home {even the ones that are "just for looks"} can be organized and functional.
Happy organizing, everyone!
"I'm Ashley from 7th House on the Left - a blog where my husband, Greg, and I talk about renovating, decorating and living in our first house here in Hanover, Virginia. I’ve been an interior design enthusiast and a long-time fan of all things organizing. Yep, I was the kid with the perfectly arranged Disney stuffed animals, alphabetized coloring books and the categorized and color-coded sticker book. When I'm not busy writing or doing projects around the house, I love classic TV shows (particularly I Love Lucy) and curling up with Greg, Bentley (our 9-pound Pomeranian), a blanket and a good black and white classic movie – I’m a complete sucker for Audrey Hepburn, Doris Day, Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant films. I'm thrilled and honored to be a part of the IHeart Organizing team and excited to get to work!"
Today, we get to take a peek at her charming foyer and all of her "secret" organizing solutions. Here she is now!
A few weeks ago, we finally got around to decorating our tiny foyer area. With it being the first thing guests see when they come over, our overall goal was to show a bit of our personality and make a good "first impression". On top of that, we also wanted to take it to another level by adding a few functional storage solutions, but we didn't want the area to scream, "Hey, were storing stuff in here!"
It may not be rocket science, and it may not work for everyone, but my method to achieve this was make it look good first, then add the function. We don't usually put form before function, but the main purpose of this project was to create a welcoming space for guests.
In the basket, we have extra throw blankets for movie nights. On the table, there's an ever-cycling stack of magazines. In the bottom linen storage box are video game controllers and accessories. Finally, we keep playing cards and small party games in the top box.
Here is a bit of a closer look...
I guess you can say I'm a bit of a magazine hoarder. We have a ton of home-related magazine subscriptions and sometimes it's hard to get around to reading them all. When a new magazine comes in, we just add it to the stack. One of my favorite things to do in the morning is grab a new magazine off the stack as I walk through the foyer to my office. It's fun to flip through a good magazine as I eat my morning Greek yogurt. It's a great way to start the day with a dose of inspiration. Once the stack starts getting too tall, I weed out the old issues.
Around here, movie nights aren't complete without a cozy blanket. I had been eying this chalkboard label basket from Target for months. I've always said it would be a great toy box for a living room or play room, but since we don't have a need for a toy box around here, we decided to use it to store a pillow and a few throw blankets for movie nights. In the meantime, I'm keeping my eye out for some fun, vintage quilts to warm things up even more.
We're a kid-free household, but that doesn't mean we don't act like kids once in awhile. Greg and I enjoy playing a game or two of Mario Kart Wii every now and then. Even though Greg totally wouldn't admit it, we've also been known to play a game or two - okay, or three - of Disney Just Dance. Hey, it's good exercise. The Wii goodie box is just a few steps from the living room, so it's close enough to be convenient when it's time to pull it out. I also included a little container of extra batteries for the remotes.
In the small storage box, we have decks of cards, our score-keeping notebook, and a few other small party games. This is a great place to keep these smaller games because they aren't rolling around the shelves in the foyer coat closet where we keep board games.
Overall, we're really happy with how our foyer looks, and even happier that we could make it functional. We don't suggest putting form before function very often, but this just goes to show that any area in your home {even the ones that are "just for looks"} can be organized and functional.
Happy organizing, everyone!
"I'm Ashley from 7th House on the Left - a blog where my husband, Greg, and I talk about renovating, decorating and living in our first house here in Hanover, Virginia. I’ve been an interior design enthusiast and a long-time fan of all things organizing. Yep, I was the kid with the perfectly arranged Disney stuffed animals, alphabetized coloring books and the categorized and color-coded sticker book. When I'm not busy writing or doing projects around the house, I love classic TV shows (particularly I Love Lucy) and curling up with Greg, Bentley (our 9-pound Pomeranian), a blanket and a good black and white classic movie – I’m a complete sucker for Audrey Hepburn, Doris Day, Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant films. I'm thrilled and honored to be a part of the IHeart Organizing team and excited to get to work!"
June has already come and gone and I can't even begin to imagine how that happened, but it is already that time to reflect on the month and say THANK YOU to those that have kept the blog lights on for the other twenty plus posts this month.
My sponsors keep this blog alive and I am forever grateful that they support my daily posts, projects, blog expenses and time. Today I am giving them my gratitude and thanks and reflecting on what keeps this blog a tickin' and a tockin'.
They are each amazing for endless reasons and many are offering up special promos and discounts to you lovely friends as well, so enjoy!
All current Wishy Washi Tape promotions can be found on their website here.
Save 10% on all orders ALL the time with code IHEART10!
Right now Michelle is offering half off 6 months subscriptions! To receive this great deal check out her site here!
My appreciation spreads wide from my sponsors to you sweet readers! Thank you for bringing me joy each and every day!
Pssssst! More to come shortly! Contributor Ashley is stopping in next!
My sponsors keep this blog alive and I am forever grateful that they support my daily posts, projects, blog expenses and time. Today I am giving them my gratitude and thanks and reflecting on what keeps this blog a tickin' and a tockin'.
They are each amazing for endless reasons and many are offering up special promos and discounts to you lovely friends as well, so enjoy!
- Kiwi Crate offers fun and engaging arts, crafts, and science projects for kids
- Designed by parents, approved by child experts, and, most importantly, tested by kids!
- Receive a crate filled with projects and activities every month
{Website} {Twitter} {Pinterest} {Facebook} {Instagram}
IHeart Organizing readers can receive 25% off of your first month with code HEART25. Expires 7/1/13, not valid on sibling add-on; new subscription only.
- Alejandra released her brand new video series that shows you 3 e-a-s-yyyy things to do tonight, that when applied, will leave you feeling more organized tomorrow when you wake up. How's that for starting the day off right?! You can sign up to watch the free videos here.
- Yes, we are busy but we can still have fun and we can still express our individuality. That is why See Jane Work was born.
- See Jane Work appreciates your business, so much so that they have created Jane's Rewards; a way for you to earn points doing what you love... shopping at seejanework.com.
- The new See Jane Work line is now available at Office Depot.
- Wishy Washi Tape is your one stop shop for all things washi tape.
- They carry all of the top Japanese lines but also carry some super budget friendly options as well.
- They don't just stop with washi tape though. They also carry multiple sizes of baker's twine, rubber stamps, floral paper straws and cute little stationery items.
- Packing List Tips: Find out how to use Stylebook's packing feature to fit 20 outfits in a single carry-on!
- Stylebook allows you to import images of your own clothes so you can style outfits on the go.
- Wear a cute outfit every day by planning what to wear in advance with the calendar feature.
- Let Jackie take the guesswork out of decorating. Jackie launched Teal & Lime Interiors to offer personalized decorating to translate your home vision into reality.
- Services range from ask the decorator to custom mood boards. Jackie can help solve any decorating challenge.
- Check out over 100 client mood boards in the Teal & Lime Portfolio.
IHeart Organizing readers can receive $75 off of a custom mood board service with code IHEART75. Expires 7/3/13.
- Enjoy free premEAR concierge service!
- Mousetales Travel does all the work, you have all the fun!
- If Disney announces a promotion for your dates after you've booked your vacation with Mouse Tales Travel, they will apply the promotion to your reservation without you doing anything!
- You can't make more time, but you can get a lot more done when you plan it wisely.
- Helena is excited to review your daily life activities and streamline your calendar for maximum use of your most precious asset: your time.
- Spend 1 hour with Helena on a Skype or phone session (your preference!) to get your time organized. A great investment for the busy mom, professional and work-from-home mama!
Head here for an exclusive offer for IHeart Organizing readers, to get your kitchen and pantry completely organized!
- It's incredibly frustrating and disheartening when the results of your organizing efforts unravel before your eyes, so if you're ready to end the perpetual cycle of getting organized, getting disorganized... over and over again, check out simplify 101's brand new online class!
- In simplify 101's online class, The Secrets of Staying Organized, your clutter and stress will be replaced by simple habits, new mindsets and finished projects that keep you in your organizing comfort zone for much, much longer.
- Gain confidence, relief, and peace of mind in this video-based online class with professional organizer Aby Garvey beginning Thursday, July 11th, 2013.
Simplify101 makes getting organized simple, fast and {best of all} fun, so you can cut clutter and reduce stress - giving you more time for what matters most to you! IHeart Organizing readers can get 15% off their current workshops by entering code DECLARE during checkout through July 7th, 2013. This coupon may also be applied to all of their self-paced instant downloads, e-books and guides, which are already on sale!
- SugarSNAP designs smart, stylish solutions to help parents get and stay organized. They were formed by mom's of twins, so they know from personal experience the endless stuff that goes along with being a parent can be overwhelming, so they set out to create a truly innovative way to organize your diaper bag!
- Hey sugar, sugarSNAP is thrilled to announce their popular Wyatt colorway will soon be back in stock!
- Due to popular demand, they're relaunching the gorgeous black and white combo that goes with any diaper bag or work tote.
- Check their site later this summer to see the Wyatt and their NEW set, the Lily, a beautiful pink with olive accents!
- Fridge Coasters are super absorbent "liners" {made of wood pulp board} that come in different sizes to fit all high traffic areas of your refrigerator = no more scrubbing!
- Place under produce in the crisper bins to keep your veggies fresh longer, or under milk and salad dressing in the door bins to absorb drips.
- Made 100% in the USA of 30% {or more} post-consumer product. Please recycle when finished!
- It's time to get stylish and sassy with Sassy Aprons!
- Whether being used for gardening, in the kitchen, at the salon or at a restaurant, you will be sure to find one that fits your personality and needs.
- Sassy Aprons are original designs, handmade, unique, created to flatter the body and the ties are long and adjustable to fit almost any figure. A win win for all!
- Uppercase Living allows you to express your unique style with adorable, customizable vinyl decals.
- Choose from tons of expressions or create your own!
- Apply just about anywhere and remove with no damage.
- The Spring Cleaning mini-boot camp, offered at $14.95, will automatically send you daily task emails, delivered right into your inbox for 30-days that follow the plan to get your home sparkling {$45 value}.
- Full access member support as you follow through on your spring cleaning with your private Buttoned Up Spring Clean Facebook Group {$67 value}
- Bonus: Free Printable 30-day plan that you can print out the tasks and follow along with - or better yet, cross them off - in the analog world {$10 value}
- Did you know that will the help of Michelle over at 5 Dinners in 1 Hour, you can have a week's worth of meals prepared for your family, within only ONE hour!?
- All the menu plans offered have family friendly meals that feed 4-6 people and no, they are not all casseroles and they are fresh, not frozen.
- Each week you are able to download a detailed meal plan and correlating grocery list, saving you time and money each week! Not to mention, less stress over that dreaded "What's for dinner?" question.
My appreciation spreads wide from my sponsors to you sweet readers! Thank you for bringing me joy each and every day!
Pssssst! More to come shortly! Contributor Ashley is stopping in next!
You all know I rave just as hard over the smaller organizing projects as the huge ones. Sometimes, I feature entire spaces, sometimes it comes down to a simple project. They all make differences in our lives, and they are all important!
So today, let's chat about the simple things. The type of project that you can do yourself and make a happily ever after impact. My superpal, Jessica from Four Generations One Roof, had a little magazine issue that needed a quick fix solution before it drove her bonkers.
What I love about Jessica is that she isn't afraid to pick up a power tool and make things happen. And that is what she did when she realized that magazines were constantly floating around their loo. Yes my friends, we are chatting about storage in the bathroom, because let's face it, we need it there just as much as anywhere else in the home.
Here is Jessica to chat a bit more about her crazy awesome and simple DIY magazine rack.
What is the main function of your space?
"This is my husband's bathroom and the purpose of the DIY magazine rack was to keep his nasty magazines off the floor. Ewwww factor. I hate magazines in the bathroom but we have them and I am stuck with them so I decided to make a pretty wall mounted rack to keep them neat and off the floor."
Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?
"I mounted the rack to the wall near the toilet so it is VERY simple to place them in the rack. The man has no excuses now! ha!"
What items were essential when working on this project?
"I used pine wood cut to size and coordinating bathroom paint. I also made two levels so the rack can hold up to 8 magazines."
What did you do to go the extra mile and "Make it Pretty"?
"I used the same paint colors as the wall and baseboard to make it look built-in and custom."
What items did you DIY to stay on a budget?
"Everything was DIY. We used scrap wood so it was free!"
How has this project impacted your life for the better?
"No more nasty car magazines on the floor or countertop! Less anxiety and the door stays open now!"
Who knew a simple little project could look so gorgeous and amazing when all was said and done? I love the simplicity, the fact that it was FREE and that she created it to blend in with the rest of her beautiful bathroom. Those walls are so freaking amazing!
Speaking of her beautiful bathroom, here are a few more shots of the marvelous space! That tile had me at hello!
Gorgeous eh?
Everything Jessica touches turns into beautiful shiny gold! To check out the full step by step DIY process to create your own magazine rack, check out her blog here. And make sure to take off your shoes and stay awhile, she has done many amazing things over there. You may remember her first Reader Space feature here. Lovity love love!
Thanks to Jessica for sharing a super fantastic simple solution for a common household problem!
ATTENTION!! Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition? Have an awesome organizing story to share? I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life. Please submit your story and photos here and I would heart to feature them right here, on the blog!! Photos should be high resolution and unedited. Please include a description of the project, including any costs, inspiration, and how it has changed your life and routine for the better! Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice! Only love goes on at this blog!
So today, let's chat about the simple things. The type of project that you can do yourself and make a happily ever after impact. My superpal, Jessica from Four Generations One Roof, had a little magazine issue that needed a quick fix solution before it drove her bonkers.
What I love about Jessica is that she isn't afraid to pick up a power tool and make things happen. And that is what she did when she realized that magazines were constantly floating around their loo. Yes my friends, we are chatting about storage in the bathroom, because let's face it, we need it there just as much as anywhere else in the home.
Here is Jessica to chat a bit more about her crazy awesome and simple DIY magazine rack.
What is the main function of your space?
"This is my husband's bathroom and the purpose of the DIY magazine rack was to keep his nasty magazines off the floor. Ewwww factor. I hate magazines in the bathroom but we have them and I am stuck with them so I decided to make a pretty wall mounted rack to keep them neat and off the floor."
Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?
"I mounted the rack to the wall near the toilet so it is VERY simple to place them in the rack. The man has no excuses now! ha!"
What items were essential when working on this project?
"I used pine wood cut to size and coordinating bathroom paint. I also made two levels so the rack can hold up to 8 magazines."
What did you do to go the extra mile and "Make it Pretty"?
"I used the same paint colors as the wall and baseboard to make it look built-in and custom."
What items did you DIY to stay on a budget?
"Everything was DIY. We used scrap wood so it was free!"
How has this project impacted your life for the better?
"No more nasty car magazines on the floor or countertop! Less anxiety and the door stays open now!"
Who knew a simple little project could look so gorgeous and amazing when all was said and done? I love the simplicity, the fact that it was FREE and that she created it to blend in with the rest of her beautiful bathroom. Those walls are so freaking amazing!
Speaking of her beautiful bathroom, here are a few more shots of the marvelous space! That tile had me at hello!
Gorgeous eh?
Everything Jessica touches turns into beautiful shiny gold! To check out the full step by step DIY process to create your own magazine rack, check out her blog here. And make sure to take off your shoes and stay awhile, she has done many amazing things over there. You may remember her first Reader Space feature here. Lovity love love!
Thanks to Jessica for sharing a super fantastic simple solution for a common household problem!
ATTENTION!! Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition? Have an awesome organizing story to share? I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life. Please submit your story and photos here and I would heart to feature them right here, on the blog!! Photos should be high resolution and unedited. Please include a description of the project, including any costs, inspiration, and how it has changed your life and routine for the better! Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice! Only love goes on at this blog!
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