One way to make the most of your home is to throw the "this is how it was built/designed" attitude out the window. Just become a home was built a specific way, does not mean it has to stay that way. There is not a nook or cranny in our home that is safe from me and my organizing antics. The same is true for today's reader as well.
Christy blogs over at Harvard Homemaker and her home was once like many others... It was built with a standard coat closet which was tucked below their stairs. And that closet was not functioning for her growing family. Instead of living with the closet that their home was initially designed with, they tore it out and started over. As much as I am sure they wish it was a "poof! done!" type of project, it sure was a magical ending. Here she is now to share more details about her coat closet turned mudroom transformation.
What is the main function of this space?
"Five years ago, we widened the hallway leading to our garage and added some built-ins to create a mudroom, but we only installed five cubbies - one for each member of our family. Well, fast-forward a few years, and along came daughter #4! My sweet husband knew he was the one who was probably going to lose his precious cubbie, so he had the idea to open up our closet under the stairs to find room for a "Man Cubbie" for him (yes, that's what he called it). That cluttered closet has now become a fun and functional extension of our mudroom!
Along with his cubbie, we were also able to carve out a large drawer or cabinet for each family member to keep hats and mittens organized, and we have handy spots to store boots, jackets, and off-season items, too."
Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?
"By turning the back wall into a large chalkboard (my favorite part of the space!), I was able to write our names next to our drawers to help keep each person's gear organized (with four girls, it's very easy to mix things up!).
I also labeled all the large bins that I was able to reuse from the old closet so we could remember what was stored up on the top shelf as well as return things to the correct spots down low. And perhaps most importantly, we moved the bulky (and often wet and muddy) sports bags out into the garage. We added a handy wall of hooks just outside the door to our mudroom, and that freed up so much space inside, allowing everything to stay more organized."
What items did you find were essential when organizing the space, and why?
"Really, the entire space is filled with essential features! I absolutely love the adjustable shelving for our boots. I can move things around so everything always fits just right.
The shelves are also really deep, so hand-me-down boots that don't yet fit the next sister can be tucked in the back behind the ones that are currently being worn.
The drawers/cabinets from floor-to-ceiling make the most of all the vertical space we had available to us, and my husband keeps his daily items (keys, wallet, shoes, etc.) organized in his cubbie. He can even charge his phone and his iPad right there, out of the way and off the kitchen counter!"
What did you do to go the extra mile and "Make it Pretty"?
"To have some fun in this back corner of our home, we decided to create a large chalk wall. I filled it with lots of color, whimsical artwork, and inspirational quotes. We believe that happiness, truly, is a choice, and we hope we're instilling this positive attitude in each of our children... and since we walk past this cheery wall constantly as we head out the door, I love how it reminds all of us to treat each day as the gift that it is!"
What items did you DIY to stay on a budget?
"We had to hire a contractor to pull this off for us, but I did do all the artwork and writing on the chalk wall myself. The paint and chalk markers were the only cost when creating that huge chalkboard - and I think that makes the space really special for very little money!"
How has this space impacted your life for the better?
"Making better use of this small space in our home has had a huge impact on our lives! The six of us can get out the door more easily because everything is now organized and easy to access. We're no longer bumping into the closet doors that used to crash into the door to our garage, and my husband is a happy camper because he has a beloved cubbie once again! Life simply feels less stressful in so many ways, and with the fun wall of quotes to send us on our way each day, how can we not love this space that was once a cluttered closet?! This tiny corner is now one of my favorite spots in the house!"
To see the dramatic difference the mini mudroom has made from what they were initially given; here is a before and after for you:
Clearly Christy was doing what she could to make the most of her previous closet with various organizers and hooks; she really did a great job with what she had at the time. But look at how much she gained by reevaluating the space as a whole! Easier access to their belongings, beautiful built-ins, adjustable shelving, a charging station, deep drawers for concealing clutter, floor to ceiling storage.... There are endless positives to this closet story! And that chalk board wall is one of the happiest walls I have seen. What a great way to greet you in the morning before heading off to school and work, and to say hello when you return home.
Christy shared the entire process and even more details over on her blog here. Definitely worth checking out!
How have you been tweaking areas of your home to make them more functional? Any big changes that you have made to a basic builder area, that now has you saying, "wow" on a daily basis?
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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, big or small. They can be anything from an organized drawer or cabinet to an entire room. Please submit your story and photos to iheartreaderspace@gmail.com, 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!
Christy blogs over at Harvard Homemaker and her home was once like many others... It was built with a standard coat closet which was tucked below their stairs. And that closet was not functioning for her growing family. Instead of living with the closet that their home was initially designed with, they tore it out and started over. As much as I am sure they wish it was a "poof! done!" type of project, it sure was a magical ending. Here she is now to share more details about her coat closet turned mudroom transformation.
What is the main function of this space?
"Five years ago, we widened the hallway leading to our garage and added some built-ins to create a mudroom, but we only installed five cubbies - one for each member of our family. Well, fast-forward a few years, and along came daughter #4! My sweet husband knew he was the one who was probably going to lose his precious cubbie, so he had the idea to open up our closet under the stairs to find room for a "Man Cubbie" for him (yes, that's what he called it). That cluttered closet has now become a fun and functional extension of our mudroom!
Along with his cubbie, we were also able to carve out a large drawer or cabinet for each family member to keep hats and mittens organized, and we have handy spots to store boots, jackets, and off-season items, too."
Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?
"By turning the back wall into a large chalkboard (my favorite part of the space!), I was able to write our names next to our drawers to help keep each person's gear organized (with four girls, it's very easy to mix things up!).
I also labeled all the large bins that I was able to reuse from the old closet so we could remember what was stored up on the top shelf as well as return things to the correct spots down low. And perhaps most importantly, we moved the bulky (and often wet and muddy) sports bags out into the garage. We added a handy wall of hooks just outside the door to our mudroom, and that freed up so much space inside, allowing everything to stay more organized."
What items did you find were essential when organizing the space, and why?
"Really, the entire space is filled with essential features! I absolutely love the adjustable shelving for our boots. I can move things around so everything always fits just right.
The shelves are also really deep, so hand-me-down boots that don't yet fit the next sister can be tucked in the back behind the ones that are currently being worn.
The drawers/cabinets from floor-to-ceiling make the most of all the vertical space we had available to us, and my husband keeps his daily items (keys, wallet, shoes, etc.) organized in his cubbie. He can even charge his phone and his iPad right there, out of the way and off the kitchen counter!"
What did you do to go the extra mile and "Make it Pretty"?
"To have some fun in this back corner of our home, we decided to create a large chalk wall. I filled it with lots of color, whimsical artwork, and inspirational quotes. We believe that happiness, truly, is a choice, and we hope we're instilling this positive attitude in each of our children... and since we walk past this cheery wall constantly as we head out the door, I love how it reminds all of us to treat each day as the gift that it is!"
What items did you DIY to stay on a budget?
"We had to hire a contractor to pull this off for us, but I did do all the artwork and writing on the chalk wall myself. The paint and chalk markers were the only cost when creating that huge chalkboard - and I think that makes the space really special for very little money!"
How has this space impacted your life for the better?
"Making better use of this small space in our home has had a huge impact on our lives! The six of us can get out the door more easily because everything is now organized and easy to access. We're no longer bumping into the closet doors that used to crash into the door to our garage, and my husband is a happy camper because he has a beloved cubbie once again! Life simply feels less stressful in so many ways, and with the fun wall of quotes to send us on our way each day, how can we not love this space that was once a cluttered closet?! This tiny corner is now one of my favorite spots in the house!"
To see the dramatic difference the mini mudroom has made from what they were initially given; here is a before and after for you:
Clearly Christy was doing what she could to make the most of her previous closet with various organizers and hooks; she really did a great job with what she had at the time. But look at how much she gained by reevaluating the space as a whole! Easier access to their belongings, beautiful built-ins, adjustable shelving, a charging station, deep drawers for concealing clutter, floor to ceiling storage.... There are endless positives to this closet story! And that chalk board wall is one of the happiest walls I have seen. What a great way to greet you in the morning before heading off to school and work, and to say hello when you return home.
Christy shared the entire process and even more details over on her blog here. Definitely worth checking out!
How have you been tweaking areas of your home to make them more functional? Any big changes that you have made to a basic builder area, that now has you saying, "wow" on a daily basis?
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, big or small. They can be anything from an organized drawer or cabinet to an entire room. Please submit your story and photos to iheartreaderspace@gmail.com, 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!
This week's giveaway holds a special place in my heart. Fellow blog friend and organizing/cleaning enthusiast, Clean Mama, just released the most fantastic book!
I always feel like the proudest mom on the block when a fellow blogger has a book published. It is so much fun to see their daily ideas and passions come together in the form of print. I really couldn't be more excited for Becky and the release of The Organically Clean Home!
And really the timing of her book release couldn't be better! I have been in full spring cleaning mode for the past few months and you all know that I love the idea of making my own cleaners for the benefit of my family, our home and our pocketbook. Becky's book just arrived at my doorstep and I am ready to dive in for even more green recipes to use around our abode.
Forget about chemical cleaners and pricey "green" products, all you need are a few simple kitchen staples to make your whole house sparkle! The Organically Clean Home features 150 easy-to-make recipes for cleaning products filled with all-natural ingredients you can trust {and actually pronounce!}. From dishwasher detergent to antibacterial wipes, Becky Rapinchuk guides you through the steps needed to make these everyday necessities, without spending a fortune.
Today I am honored to be giving away a copy of Becky's new book to two lucky iHeartOrganizing Cleaning readers!
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a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck to you all! Happy cleaning and...
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And really the timing of her book release couldn't be better! I have been in full spring cleaning mode for the past few months and you all know that I love the idea of making my own cleaners for the benefit of my family, our home and our pocketbook. Becky's book just arrived at my doorstep and I am ready to dive in for even more green recipes to use around our abode.
Forget about chemical cleaners and pricey "green" products, all you need are a few simple kitchen staples to make your whole house sparkle! The Organically Clean Home features 150 easy-to-make recipes for cleaning products filled with all-natural ingredients you can trust {and actually pronounce!}. From dishwasher detergent to antibacterial wipes, Becky Rapinchuk guides you through the steps needed to make these everyday necessities, without spending a fortune.
Today I am honored to be giving away a copy of Becky's new book to two lucky iHeart
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck to you all! Happy cleaning and...
IHeart Organizing official giveaway entry rules can always be found here.
This month I am challenging you to whip up some high/low storage, however, I couldn't resist a little high/low home decor DIY project as well. Although not storage related, I have been in the market for a lamp update in our living room.
After we went with neutral walls, we have by slowly bringing the color back into the room in new ways. I started by saying bye bye to the cream curtain panels and replaced them with navy stunners. The next item on the list with the bone colored lamp which was also paired with an ivory lamp shade. Blah plus blah equals blah.
Knowing that our current lamp was from Pottery Barn years ago, and still a classic lamp in mint condition, I couldn't bring myself to painting it. I wanted to bring in something that would add some visual interest to our credenza, yet not cost a fortune. I have been crushing on these beautiful geometric options that I have seen pop up in retail stores recently, but ranging in price from $100-$450, they just were not an option. So, we made our own!
The shape of the lamp was basic, so we used some scrap MDF to create the base. We measured the lamp that was on the credenza previously, and tried to come close in size. Each rectangle was 6" wide by 14 1/2" tall. The center square for the top of the lamp was 5 1/2" wide and tall.
We assembled the pieces by pairing wood glue with our brad nailer.
Once the base of the lamp was assembled, we puttied any gaps and nail holes, and sanded everything smooth.
The base of the inspiration lamp boasted a chunky piece of acrylic. We made a few mistakes during this process and the first was purchasing the acrylic prior to cutting our lamp. We initially figured our lamp would be 7" wide, so we went to our local Ace Hardware and had them cut acrylic at 8" wide. We had them cut the thickest acrylic they offered, and because they didn't have anything as thick as the inspiration lamp, we had them cut three pieces for us to stack for a total of $8. We super glued the acrylic pieces together {in the center of the acrylic which would be hidden by the lamp base}, and added some rubber feet to the bottom.
After the acrylic pieces were glued, we realized that the lamp was going to be too big at 7" wide, and reduced it to 6". This left a slightly larger lip of acrylic at the bottom than what I was going for, but in the end it still looked so pretty. However, I recommend putting together your lamp base prior to having your acrylic cut to be sure you are getting exactly the right dimensions.
The next step was to prime and paint the base of the lamp white. Sorry, photos are lacking, but it was as basic of a paint job as it gets.
Once the white paint was dried, I started taping.
I am not going to lie. This process took me over two hours of patience and dedication. It was tedious and time consuming, but with every new line I was more and more jazzed about how it was looking.
I used 5/8" thick tape. Mistake number two was that the painters tape was not "edge locking". Thinking that I was taping on a flat surface made me believe I would be OK and I used inexpensive off-brand painters tape that I already had on hand. There was some bleeding under the tape which ultimately led to an hour of manual touch ups.
As far as how I was able to achieve the pattern, I started by finding the center of the front of the lamp. I placed a piece of tape which was a perfect diamond of 5/8" x 5/8". I then used a few scrap strips of tape to create an even spacer around the diamond and worked my way out. Once the front was done to match the inspiration, I used that as a guide to work around each side. A sharp utility knife paired with a straight edge is useful in slicing the tape edges.
After the entire base was taped off, I rolled on two layers of green paint. I waited about an hour in-between coats and pulled the tape after the second coat was almost dry. The color is Martha Stewart's Cornichon.
To be sure the tape didn't pull the base layer of white, I lightly scored the tape with the utility knife prior to pulling. It also helps to use a flat paint for the base coat, as glossy on glossy can cause added tape pulling and coverage issues.
Once the lamp had dried for a bit, Bryan installed an inexpensive lamp kit found at Home Depot. Drilling a small hole in the top and another in the back at the base, the kit was quickly installed making this lamp fully functional! Oh happy day!
I paired the new lamp with a shade I had in our storage room. It is a smidge small so I will be keeping my eyes peeled for something a little bigger, but for now, it is getting the job done and we are in love!
We are excited to be welcoming green back into the living room mix!
The geometric pattern was just what I was longing for. It adds color and interest to the area. I almost cheated and just went with basic stripes, but now I am oh-so-proud that I stuck with the tedious taping process!
And there she is complete with a balloon photo bomb. A color happy ending to this high/low story.
Have you been embracing the high/low challenge this month? How about any fun lighting DIY projects?
.png)
After we went with neutral walls, we have by slowly bringing the color back into the room in new ways. I started by saying bye bye to the cream curtain panels and replaced them with navy stunners. The next item on the list with the bone colored lamp which was also paired with an ivory lamp shade. Blah plus blah equals blah.
Knowing that our current lamp was from Pottery Barn years ago, and still a classic lamp in mint condition, I couldn't bring myself to painting it. I wanted to bring in something that would add some visual interest to our credenza, yet not cost a fortune. I have been crushing on these beautiful geometric options that I have seen pop up in retail stores recently, but ranging in price from $100-$450, they just were not an option. So, we made our own!
The shape of the lamp was basic, so we used some scrap MDF to create the base. We measured the lamp that was on the credenza previously, and tried to come close in size. Each rectangle was 6" wide by 14 1/2" tall. The center square for the top of the lamp was 5 1/2" wide and tall.
We assembled the pieces by pairing wood glue with our brad nailer.
Once the base of the lamp was assembled, we puttied any gaps and nail holes, and sanded everything smooth.
The base of the inspiration lamp boasted a chunky piece of acrylic. We made a few mistakes during this process and the first was purchasing the acrylic prior to cutting our lamp. We initially figured our lamp would be 7" wide, so we went to our local Ace Hardware and had them cut acrylic at 8" wide. We had them cut the thickest acrylic they offered, and because they didn't have anything as thick as the inspiration lamp, we had them cut three pieces for us to stack for a total of $8. We super glued the acrylic pieces together {in the center of the acrylic which would be hidden by the lamp base}, and added some rubber feet to the bottom.
After the acrylic pieces were glued, we realized that the lamp was going to be too big at 7" wide, and reduced it to 6". This left a slightly larger lip of acrylic at the bottom than what I was going for, but in the end it still looked so pretty. However, I recommend putting together your lamp base prior to having your acrylic cut to be sure you are getting exactly the right dimensions.
The next step was to prime and paint the base of the lamp white. Sorry, photos are lacking, but it was as basic of a paint job as it gets.
Once the white paint was dried, I started taping.
I am not going to lie. This process took me over two hours of patience and dedication. It was tedious and time consuming, but with every new line I was more and more jazzed about how it was looking.
I used 5/8" thick tape. Mistake number two was that the painters tape was not "edge locking". Thinking that I was taping on a flat surface made me believe I would be OK and I used inexpensive off-brand painters tape that I already had on hand. There was some bleeding under the tape which ultimately led to an hour of manual touch ups.
As far as how I was able to achieve the pattern, I started by finding the center of the front of the lamp. I placed a piece of tape which was a perfect diamond of 5/8" x 5/8". I then used a few scrap strips of tape to create an even spacer around the diamond and worked my way out. Once the front was done to match the inspiration, I used that as a guide to work around each side. A sharp utility knife paired with a straight edge is useful in slicing the tape edges.
After the entire base was taped off, I rolled on two layers of green paint. I waited about an hour in-between coats and pulled the tape after the second coat was almost dry. The color is Martha Stewart's Cornichon.
To be sure the tape didn't pull the base layer of white, I lightly scored the tape with the utility knife prior to pulling. It also helps to use a flat paint for the base coat, as glossy on glossy can cause added tape pulling and coverage issues.
Once the lamp had dried for a bit, Bryan installed an inexpensive lamp kit found at Home Depot. Drilling a small hole in the top and another in the back at the base, the kit was quickly installed making this lamp fully functional! Oh happy day!
I paired the new lamp with a shade I had in our storage room. It is a smidge small so I will be keeping my eyes peeled for something a little bigger, but for now, it is getting the job done and we are in love!
We are excited to be welcoming green back into the living room mix!
The geometric pattern was just what I was longing for. It adds color and interest to the area. I almost cheated and just went with basic stripes, but now I am oh-so-proud that I stuck with the tedious taping process!
And there she is complete with a balloon photo bomb. A color happy ending to this high/low story.
Have you been embracing the high/low challenge this month? How about any fun lighting DIY projects?
Hellooooo and happy day! Ready for another great giveaway? This week it is being sponsored by OfficeMax.
OfficeMax wants to help give your workspace an updated look with its new collection of DiVOGA office accessories. This limited-edition collection features a natural color scheme with just the right pop of texture. The matte finish gives a soothing feel to each piece, from notebooks to phone and tablet cases and tote bags! And because cork is a natural element, each piece is distinctively unique.
Today's giveaway includes the following {retailing for $100}:
One Two lucky readers will be receiving quite the statement making set of office accessories! That's right, OfficeMax decided to throw in a second set!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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OfficeMax wants to help give your workspace an updated look with its new collection of DiVOGA office accessories. This limited-edition collection features a natural color scheme with just the right pop of texture. The matte finish gives a soothing feel to each piece, from notebooks to phone and tablet cases and tote bags! And because cork is a natural element, each piece is distinctively unique.
Today's giveaway includes the following {retailing for $100}:
- Tote Bag
- Magazine File
- Journal
- Tablet Case
- Pencil Cube
- Cellphone Case
- Compartment Tray
- Padfolio
- Document Wallet
IHeart Organizing official giveaway entry rules can always be found here.
I heart Reader Spaces. You all are the best at bringing in a variety of ideas and styles and keeping things interesting around here.
Let's chat playrooms for a moment. What I love most about playrooms is that there really is no limit to colors and patterns and you have the freedom to become a kid again while designing the space. They are fun and forgiving and meant to spark imagination. They really are the best spaces to design. Aside from making it a fun place to be, how do you mix in adequate storage and functionality? And most importantly, how do you keep it easy to maintain, especially when you want the littles to participate in the pick-up process?
I am honored to welcome Ashley, who blogs at Rustic Living. She designed the most darling playroom and I am delighted to share it with you today. I invited her here to share some more details about her new playful space.
What is the main function of this space?
"To be a space where our 10 month old, our nephews and nieces, and neighbor kids can have fun together, be creative together, and learn together. It's a space that can be easily transitioned as the kids get older too. A sitting area for the adults is nearby, so it's fun to watch the kids enjoy themselves while we can chat over a cup of coffee!"
Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?
"Big storage bins with a wide opening are perfect for holding random items and make clean up a breeze. It's easy and fun for the kids to help put items back in the storage bins when play time is over. I love the black and white striped bins with rounded eyelet handles I got from Hobby Lobby, easy to carry around the room and they're very sturdy! "
What items did you find were essential when organizing the space, and why?
"Definitely colorful labeled storage boxes! Between Legos, play-doh, cards, game pieces, coloring tools, there are so many little pieces in a kids playroom that need a home. I find that kids love seeing what's inside of them too. I really liked the geometric and polka dot patterns from Michael's craft store, and you can often find them on sale!"
What did you do to go the extra mile and "Make it Pretty"?
"My husband and I made the display wall for the children's books from molding we got at Home Depot for super cheap. I was originally going to paint the molding but felt the natural wood looked great with the colorful books. The quirky United States map is the perfect bold statement on a wall and the geometric bean bags were a fun, stylish addition to the space... every kid loves a beanbag!"
What items did you DIY to stay on a budget?
"I was having a hard time finding a kids table that fit well in the space, so I re purposed a thrift store coffee table that we've had for a few years. Instead of putting the table flush against the wall I brought it straight out to make more room for seating. Included in the seating is a small red rocking chair that belonged to my husband when he was a child. I incorporated adorable wood toys into the space that were also my husbands', so not only are they sentimental, but they add a vintage feel to the playroom as well."
How has this space impacted your life for the better?
"I think the only thing better than having an organized playroom is having a space that when kids come over they practically sprint to the room because they have developed happy memories there and can't wait to have more fun. To see their faces light up and hear them say, 'look, this box has Legos!' or 'check out all these board games!' makes my heart so happy. We look forward to seeing the room evolve as they get older and to spending lots of family time together in the space."
So great right? Here are a few of the key reasons why I personally heart it like crazy:
I love Ashley's style and playroom to the moon and back. However, what she stated couldn't be more true. Having an organized space is great; having a space that they love to be in creating memories is priceless. Ashley, I think you accomplished what you set out to do! A warm iHeart thank you goes out to Ashley for stopping by and sharing her playful place with us, and as always, you can find even more details on her blog here.
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, big or small. They can be anything from an organized drawer or cabinet to an entire room. Please submit your story and photos to iheartreaderspace@gmail.com, 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!
Let's chat playrooms for a moment. What I love most about playrooms is that there really is no limit to colors and patterns and you have the freedom to become a kid again while designing the space. They are fun and forgiving and meant to spark imagination. They really are the best spaces to design. Aside from making it a fun place to be, how do you mix in adequate storage and functionality? And most importantly, how do you keep it easy to maintain, especially when you want the littles to participate in the pick-up process?
I am honored to welcome Ashley, who blogs at Rustic Living. She designed the most darling playroom and I am delighted to share it with you today. I invited her here to share some more details about her new playful space.
What is the main function of this space?
"To be a space where our 10 month old, our nephews and nieces, and neighbor kids can have fun together, be creative together, and learn together. It's a space that can be easily transitioned as the kids get older too. A sitting area for the adults is nearby, so it's fun to watch the kids enjoy themselves while we can chat over a cup of coffee!"
Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?
"Big storage bins with a wide opening are perfect for holding random items and make clean up a breeze. It's easy and fun for the kids to help put items back in the storage bins when play time is over. I love the black and white striped bins with rounded eyelet handles I got from Hobby Lobby, easy to carry around the room and they're very sturdy! "
What items did you find were essential when organizing the space, and why?
"Definitely colorful labeled storage boxes! Between Legos, play-doh, cards, game pieces, coloring tools, there are so many little pieces in a kids playroom that need a home. I find that kids love seeing what's inside of them too. I really liked the geometric and polka dot patterns from Michael's craft store, and you can often find them on sale!"
What did you do to go the extra mile and "Make it Pretty"?
"My husband and I made the display wall for the children's books from molding we got at Home Depot for super cheap. I was originally going to paint the molding but felt the natural wood looked great with the colorful books. The quirky United States map is the perfect bold statement on a wall and the geometric bean bags were a fun, stylish addition to the space... every kid loves a beanbag!"
What items did you DIY to stay on a budget?
"I was having a hard time finding a kids table that fit well in the space, so I re purposed a thrift store coffee table that we've had for a few years. Instead of putting the table flush against the wall I brought it straight out to make more room for seating. Included in the seating is a small red rocking chair that belonged to my husband when he was a child. I incorporated adorable wood toys into the space that were also my husbands', so not only are they sentimental, but they add a vintage feel to the playroom as well."
How has this space impacted your life for the better?
"I think the only thing better than having an organized playroom is having a space that when kids come over they practically sprint to the room because they have developed happy memories there and can't wait to have more fun. To see their faces light up and hear them say, 'look, this box has Legos!' or 'check out all these board games!' makes my heart so happy. We look forward to seeing the room evolve as they get older and to spending lots of family time together in the space."
So great right? Here are a few of the key reasons why I personally heart it like crazy:
- It is cozy! Key component to a playroom is creating a space that the kiddos feel comfortable in. Ashley perfected it, those bean bags add the perfect welcoming touch!
- She combined open and concealed storage. Open storage is great for encouraging kids to feel free to pull out toys and play. It allows them to see their options, and also assists with easy pick-up. If there are smaller items or things that should only be played with during certain play sessions {small pieces, art supplies, play-doh, etc...}, concealing those items in boxes will be an "out of sight, out of mind" for the kids.
- There are endless personal touches throughout this space. Repurposed storage and furniture, toys from their childhood and even the old schoolhouse chair. Everything works so well together to keep the space kid friendly and warm.
- They DIY'd the floating shelves to display books. I love that it fills the walls with "art", while also encouraging reading.
- She added a table for crafts, building and game play! Another playroom essential. A coffee table really is an idea solution!
- How darling is the chalkboard? Seriously.
- Having bins that are easy to tote around and collect the random toys is pretty brilliant. Anything that makes cleaning up a playroom easy peasy, is a win!
- Can I get one more round of applause for those poufs?
I love Ashley's style and playroom to the moon and back. However, what she stated couldn't be more true. Having an organized space is great; having a space that they love to be in creating memories is priceless. Ashley, I think you accomplished what you set out to do! A warm iHeart thank you goes out to Ashley for stopping by and sharing her playful place with us, and as always, you can find even more details on her blog here.
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, big or small. They can be anything from an organized drawer or cabinet to an entire room. Please submit your story and photos to iheartreaderspace@gmail.com, 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!
Have you gotten started on your High/Low organizing project yet? In case you missed the kick-off to this super exciting challenge, you can snag the details here.
That is right my IHeart pals! I am challenging you to find some high end inspiration and recreate it on a budget. The link party starts next Thursday, so you still have plenty of time to join in the fun!
I thought I would share some inexpensive storage candy from around blogland, to inspire you to participate in this challenge. Honestly, if it wasn't so late as I sit here compiling these ideas, I am pretty sure I would have a paint brush and hammer in my hands at this very moment. Tomorrow morning can't come soon enough!
Jane was inspired by a Pottery Barn tablet holder retailing for $34.50. Take a close look at her incredible version and you will see that it was created by combining a cutting board, Scrabble letter tray and child's building block. And it cost her less than $2! That deserves a few more of these !!!!
My organizing lovin' gal pal, Samantha, also found inspiration from Pottery Barn. She transformed some shallow baskets into rolling under-bed storage with the addition of a simple frame and casters.
It really should be no surprise that Pottery Barn is a prime target for the High/Low challenge. They create beautiful pieces for the home, yet their prices are not always considered pocketbook friendly. If you can recreate an entire piece of furniture, like Whitney's bookcase above, you are looking at hundreds saved!
Or how about a built from scratch PB inspired bathroom vanity? My jaw is still on the floor!
What other loved retailers come to mind? How about Ballard Designs, Serena & Lily and Restoration Hardware...
Erin sewed and painted a new liner for a once retired laundry hamper! Now it looks industri-awesome!
I am guessing we all have lusted over the Ballard wall pockets at one time or another, and so did Nike. So she recreated them on a dime and you will never guess what they are made out of.... cardboard and fabric! Must see it to believe it!
A blogger I will always consider to be the queen of creating high end looks on a budget, is Centsational Girl. One of my all time favorite projects is her DIY drying rack, saving her over $64 from the inspiration piece.
Shelves maximize vertical space and add storage galore, but those with extra details come with an extra high price tag. My friend, Ashley, fell for some Restoration Hardware shelves and set out to recreate them for less. And that she did! Va va voom!
Could you imagine forking over $118 for a rolling storage crate? Jackie couldn't either, so she created her own, times four! She was able to customize the crates to fit her space and add a touch of teal for less than the cost of just one of the high end versions.
Raise your hand if you love a good IKEA hack. Me me me! IKEA products come at reasonable prices, yet also have a tendency to reflect that big box store feeling. But as you know, a little paint and creativity goes a long way.
Emily transformed an IKEA SVALBO sideboard into dramatically dipped entryway piece.
I have been lusting after a great campaign piece, however, I just haven't found the right one. After seeing Louisa's IKEA dresser turned campaign amazingness, I am inspired to think further outside of the box.
I have seen a lot of amazing IKEA hacks, but some of my favorite have been done by the style maven, Jen, of Made By Girl. She has an ability to make IKEA pieces look like a billion bucks.
As much as I would love to own a Dorothy Draper piece, I know that a good DIY is as close as I will ever get. I am pretty sure IKEA has never looked better.
I consider color happy storage an office necessity, however, those pretty boxes, baskets and magazine files can quickly add up! I love how Diane paired inexpensive IKEA boxes with decorative papers to achieve a playful effect on a penny budget.
Lucy's Anthropologie inspired coil pots are the most fabulous desk accessory around. In fact, she has me wanting to recreate them in areas all over our home. Maybe even in a super sized version! So smitten!
Patience and innovation can get you really far in the process of DIY'ing storage for your home. Mat board turned trendy geometric pencil cup? The brilliant Sarah of Sarah Dorsey Designs strikes again!
Decorative boxes work in every room of the home for endless purposes. Head to any home decor store and you will find shelves lined with them, ranging in prices of twenty dollars to even hundreds! Cassie is always recreating chic, high end inspired storage on a shoe string budget; it is so hard for me to select any personal favorite.
How gorgeous is the gold and acrylic jewelry box above? Easily $40 right? More? It may blow your mind, but the innovative Erin DIY'd that beautiful box out of clear box photo frames! I am pretty obsessed!
Let's chat baskets! HomeGoods has become my go-to source for budget baskets, however, the oversized versions still ring in at high dollar amounts. But if you get creative with a little twine, you can make yourself ten baskets, get organized and still have enough leftover for your favorite drink at Starbucks!
Another guessing game. Any idea what those charming little canvas buckets are made from? 3.....2.....1. JEANS! I will never look at my clothing the same.
Taking time to learn how to handle a power tool or two can get you a looong way in the storage department. Toy storage galore anyone? Kid tested, parent approved!
There is no limit to what can be accomplished this month! Whether you cover a box with your favorite paper or build a new closet system, there are endless possibilities for you endlessly inspiring and creative folks. Next week just may be my most favorite link party yet! See you there!
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That is right my IHeart pals! I am challenging you to find some high end inspiration and recreate it on a budget. The link party starts next Thursday, so you still have plenty of time to join in the fun!
I thought I would share some inexpensive storage candy from around blogland, to inspire you to participate in this challenge. Honestly, if it wasn't so late as I sit here compiling these ideas, I am pretty sure I would have a paint brush and hammer in my hands at this very moment. Tomorrow morning can't come soon enough!
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Or how about a built from scratch PB inspired bathroom vanity? My jaw is still on the floor!
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What other loved retailers come to mind? How about Ballard Designs, Serena & Lily and Restoration Hardware...
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Raise your hand if you love a good IKEA hack. Me me me! IKEA products come at reasonable prices, yet also have a tendency to reflect that big box store feeling. But as you know, a little paint and creativity goes a long way.
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There is no limit to what can be accomplished this month! Whether you cover a box with your favorite paper or build a new closet system, there are endless possibilities for you endlessly inspiring and creative folks. Next week just may be my most favorite link party yet! See you there!
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