Showing posts with label Reader Space. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reader Space. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Reader Space: A Gracefully Organized Closet
Tomorrow we ring in a New Year and I couldn't be more excited for all that lies ahead in 2015! Later this week I will share some tips for sticking with the resolution to get organized, but today we are sending off 2014 with our final Reader Space feature of the year!
The spaces you organize, create and share always inspire me to get something done in my own home. Whether it be update a box with decorative paper or clean out an entire drawer, we are always encouraging and motivating one another. That is what makes this place so magical to me. So thank you to all of you who submit spaces and share your stories; I really can't wait to see what y'all do next year!
I have always said that by putting a little effort and love into your organizing, you will most likely feel inspired to maintain those systems. It will also add excitement to your day-to-day routine when you come across those organized moments. For example, imagine waking up and heading toward your closet in the morning. It is one of the very first places you will see, and your experience can impact your mood going into the day. Spending time sifting through piles or feeling frustrated that you can't find your favorite blouse, may instantly put you into a panic mode or leave you feeling disgruntled. But walking into a space that you have set up to feel like a boutique, a closet that allows you to see at a glance everything you own and a space that is simple to maintain each day, will surely bring a grin to your face.
That is what Maria set out to do. She blogs over at Graceful Order and is always looking for ways to gracefully take control of her home. She created a personal closet haven to welcome her and prepare her for each day. She wanted something simple yet special, and she did a beautiful job achieving that.
So I asked...
What is the main function of your space?
"My walk-in closet also functions as my dressing room. I need everything easily accessible so that I can dress up and accessorize quickly in the mornings."
Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?
"The best thing I did was color-coordinate my clothing. It took a while the first time I did it, but it saves me so much time to know where a certain blouse is, and it even makes putting away laundry faster. Any tip that speeds up laundry duty is a winner in my book! Also, I try not to crowd my closet with items that I no longer wear. If garments are jammed in the closet because they have no room to breathe, they will be more likely to fall of the hanger and putting away clean laundry will be more of a chore."
What items did you find were essential while organizing this space, and why?
"I purchased boxes and containers to store items that were not for regular use. I also wanted to maximize all the vertical space and I purchased bins from Target, which were perfect for the top shelf. I labeled every bin using a big enough font to know the contents at a glance, especially the ones in the very top. I also purchased kid-sized felt hangers for my pants and that small change gave me more leg room (hehe) to walk around my narrow closet."
What did you do to go the extra mile and "make it pretty"?
"I tried make the space pretty in ways that were also practical. I added a tie organizer to an empty wall to display my chunky necklaces. I also added a tiny plant to bring in some color and "life" to the space. The rug that I added is plush and comfy and the gold stool was not only a practical spot to sit while putting on my shoes, but also a finishing touch to the space."
How has this space impacted your life for the better?
"I lived in my home for almost 10 years before fixing up my closet so I appreciate this set up so much more! I love being welcomed by this bright and colorful little closet every morning. Also, my morning are so much smoother! The closet stays organized because the systems in there work for me, except of course when I get dressed up for a special event and I try on like 18 outfits before deciding on one (usually the first one that I tried on)."
I learn so much from these features. Child size hangers to save on space? Smarty pants! (wink wink)
Another great organized closet to go down in the books! This closet offers a great use of vertical space, labels in easy-to-read large lettering, less frequently used items stored up top, a cozy spot to sit, a delightful jewelry display, shoe storage galore, color coded clothing system and clothing that she actually enjoys wearing. So much to love and learn from, I give Maria a standing ovation.
You can read many more details about this gorgeous and graceful closet, over on Maria's blog here.
Now, time for me to go try on 18 outfits myself as we have some celebrating to do tonight! Happy New Year everyone!
Read more »
The spaces you organize, create and share always inspire me to get something done in my own home. Whether it be update a box with decorative paper or clean out an entire drawer, we are always encouraging and motivating one another. That is what makes this place so magical to me. So thank you to all of you who submit spaces and share your stories; I really can't wait to see what y'all do next year!
I have always said that by putting a little effort and love into your organizing, you will most likely feel inspired to maintain those systems. It will also add excitement to your day-to-day routine when you come across those organized moments. For example, imagine waking up and heading toward your closet in the morning. It is one of the very first places you will see, and your experience can impact your mood going into the day. Spending time sifting through piles or feeling frustrated that you can't find your favorite blouse, may instantly put you into a panic mode or leave you feeling disgruntled. But walking into a space that you have set up to feel like a boutique, a closet that allows you to see at a glance everything you own and a space that is simple to maintain each day, will surely bring a grin to your face.
That is what Maria set out to do. She blogs over at Graceful Order and is always looking for ways to gracefully take control of her home. She created a personal closet haven to welcome her and prepare her for each day. She wanted something simple yet special, and she did a beautiful job achieving that.
So I asked...
What is the main function of your space?
"My walk-in closet also functions as my dressing room. I need everything easily accessible so that I can dress up and accessorize quickly in the mornings."
Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?
"The best thing I did was color-coordinate my clothing. It took a while the first time I did it, but it saves me so much time to know where a certain blouse is, and it even makes putting away laundry faster. Any tip that speeds up laundry duty is a winner in my book! Also, I try not to crowd my closet with items that I no longer wear. If garments are jammed in the closet because they have no room to breathe, they will be more likely to fall of the hanger and putting away clean laundry will be more of a chore."
What items did you find were essential while organizing this space, and why?
"I purchased boxes and containers to store items that were not for regular use. I also wanted to maximize all the vertical space and I purchased bins from Target, which were perfect for the top shelf. I labeled every bin using a big enough font to know the contents at a glance, especially the ones in the very top. I also purchased kid-sized felt hangers for my pants and that small change gave me more leg room (hehe) to walk around my narrow closet."
What did you do to go the extra mile and "make it pretty"?
"I tried make the space pretty in ways that were also practical. I added a tie organizer to an empty wall to display my chunky necklaces. I also added a tiny plant to bring in some color and "life" to the space. The rug that I added is plush and comfy and the gold stool was not only a practical spot to sit while putting on my shoes, but also a finishing touch to the space."
How has this space impacted your life for the better?
"I lived in my home for almost 10 years before fixing up my closet so I appreciate this set up so much more! I love being welcomed by this bright and colorful little closet every morning. Also, my morning are so much smoother! The closet stays organized because the systems in there work for me, except of course when I get dressed up for a special event and I try on like 18 outfits before deciding on one (usually the first one that I tried on)."
I learn so much from these features. Child size hangers to save on space? Smarty pants! (wink wink)
Another great organized closet to go down in the books! This closet offers a great use of vertical space, labels in easy-to-read large lettering, less frequently used items stored up top, a cozy spot to sit, a delightful jewelry display, shoe storage galore, color coded clothing system and clothing that she actually enjoys wearing. So much to love and learn from, I give Maria a standing ovation.
You can read many more details about this gorgeous and graceful closet, over on Maria's blog here.
Now, time for me to go try on 18 outfits myself as we have some celebrating to do tonight! Happy New Year everyone!
* All images courtesy of Graceful Order
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!
Reader Space: A Working Wow Factor!
I am a crazy closet obsessed person. Something about seeing organized closets makes my heart race like Secretariat. And then there are those closets that are out of the ordinary awesome. The ones that turn into an extension of the home. A room in itself if you will. Those closets really do something good for the soul.
I have been checking in on Deme's blog, House For Five, for awhile now {I even featured her once before here}. And the moment I saw this sweet little closet of hers, I just knew I had to share it! So, I did what I do each week, and asked her some must know questions about her recent closet makeover.
What is the main function of the space?
"We've been slowly changing this 4th bedroom from a guest room into a his/hers shared office space...one that can still accommodate overnight visitors. Upping the functionality of the closet played a huge role in being able to effectively store all our craft and office supplies without them overflowing into the room. Or onto our guests!"
Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?
"Before we could work on keeping it organized we had to actually get it organized. What lurked behind the closet doors was years of accumulated junk with some really important non-junk buried in the mix. And I could think of a thousand other things I would rather do than go through it all. But I somehow found my big girl pants, pulled everything out {including the doors - does it bother anyone else when you can only see half the closet at a time and never really see the middle} and did a cut-throat purge. We purged, tossed, donated, and consolidated. Getting rid of the clutter and anything I didn't need or have a specific plan for left me with a much more manageable amount of stuff to organize.
This isn't a huge space, so now that it's finally whipped into shape, it forces me to really be selective about what I bring in and not keep too much excess. The size also forced us to make the most of every inch of space. It's important for everything to have a home or it will just end up in a random pile or shoved between things. In order to do this we had to go vertical with our wall space {wire rack for printer paper storage}, take advantage of the rod {hanging fabric storage}. and use some unconventional real estate {under-the-shelf wrapping paper storage}. I keep my sewing machine on the floor below the fabrics in a basket I inherited from my Grandmother. My cutting mat {a large, floppy item} slides perfectly out of sight behind the bookcase.
And of course, the biggest key is trying to make sure we put whatever we take out right back into its designated spot as soon as we're done."
What items did you find were essential in organizing the space, and why?
"The biggest hero to our storage woe's was this 9-cubby bookcase that used to house our kids' toy bins. It was something we already had, but the right baskets, bins and buckets allowed us to really maximize its functionality.
The largest pile begging for organization was by far my fabrics. I wanted to store them in a way that I could easily see what I had {without having to dig through a pile}, categorize them by color or genre, and get to them with ease. I spotted these 5-rung pant hangers while walking through the laundry aisle and knew they were my answer. The side release makes it super easy to access them without pulling them all down."
What did you do to go the extra mile and "Make it Pretty"?
"I went for the bling! What's better than a little gold and polka dots? Since the rest of the room had to appeal to my manly other half, the closet was the perfect place for me to have some girly fun. This is my creative space and I wanted to be inspired when I opened the doors to all the tools that help me do it. I went with an easy painted gold dot wall treatment, and loved the tone it set for all the other elements we would bring into the space. The zigzag baskets, white pails and white strapping cube bins are all from Land of Nod. Their black and white palette play off of my desk curtains {made from a black and white Nate Berkus duvet}, and the gold, teal, pink and navy elements are also found throughout the rest of the office."
What items did you DIY to stay on a budget?
"Almost all of the labels were either an easy DIY or I used something I already had on hand. I used some natural stationary paper and clothespins to label the zig zag baskets. The found labels were gift tags that I flipped over, traced with a pink Sharpie and labeled with Washi tape. The chalkboard labels were extras from a previous project, and were perfect for the white buckets.
The sneaky wrapping paper storage was another simple DIY using just a few pieces of twine. And the closet "doors" that hide it all away were a no-sew DIY project made from a white tablecloth {courtesy of Target clearance rack} and trimmed with some playful teal pom pom fringe. Shopping my house for items that could corral small supplies helped us finish the job without spending extra cash."
How has it impacted your life for the better?
"Not only has this closet taken our room from mammoth clutter zone to organized workspace, it really does make me smile. I love opening those sweet curtains, seeing all of my supplies and knowing exactly where to find them. It's amazing how much time it has saved me looking for an anniversary card or birthday card... and how much money it's saved me from just buying a new one because I couldn't find the pile of cards to begin with. I used to be completely stressed out by this room, which doesn't make for a great place to work... or help to keep those creative juices flowin'. Now I'm able to be so much more productive and am much more likely to whip out my sewing machine or a craft project knowing everything is easily accessible and has a home. And I no longer transfer the piles of randomness to our bedroom as my way of "cleaning up" before guests arrive. Good for everyone."
Are you loving this sweet little WOW factor closet as much as I am!? So many great little space saving tips to snag!
A huge thank you to Deme for letting us virtually crash her closet! Anyone else have a crazy obsession for cute closets?
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!
Read more »
I have been checking in on Deme's blog, House For Five, for awhile now {I even featured her once before here}. And the moment I saw this sweet little closet of hers, I just knew I had to share it! So, I did what I do each week, and asked her some must know questions about her recent closet makeover.
What is the main function of the space?
"We've been slowly changing this 4th bedroom from a guest room into a his/hers shared office space...one that can still accommodate overnight visitors. Upping the functionality of the closet played a huge role in being able to effectively store all our craft and office supplies without them overflowing into the room. Or onto our guests!"
Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?
"Before we could work on keeping it organized we had to actually get it organized. What lurked behind the closet doors was years of accumulated junk with some really important non-junk buried in the mix. And I could think of a thousand other things I would rather do than go through it all. But I somehow found my big girl pants, pulled everything out {including the doors - does it bother anyone else when you can only see half the closet at a time and never really see the middle} and did a cut-throat purge. We purged, tossed, donated, and consolidated. Getting rid of the clutter and anything I didn't need or have a specific plan for left me with a much more manageable amount of stuff to organize.
This isn't a huge space, so now that it's finally whipped into shape, it forces me to really be selective about what I bring in and not keep too much excess. The size also forced us to make the most of every inch of space. It's important for everything to have a home or it will just end up in a random pile or shoved between things. In order to do this we had to go vertical with our wall space {wire rack for printer paper storage}, take advantage of the rod {hanging fabric storage}. and use some unconventional real estate {under-the-shelf wrapping paper storage}. I keep my sewing machine on the floor below the fabrics in a basket I inherited from my Grandmother. My cutting mat {a large, floppy item} slides perfectly out of sight behind the bookcase.
And of course, the biggest key is trying to make sure we put whatever we take out right back into its designated spot as soon as we're done."
What items did you find were essential in organizing the space, and why?
"The biggest hero to our storage woe's was this 9-cubby bookcase that used to house our kids' toy bins. It was something we already had, but the right baskets, bins and buckets allowed us to really maximize its functionality.
The largest pile begging for organization was by far my fabrics. I wanted to store them in a way that I could easily see what I had {without having to dig through a pile}, categorize them by color or genre, and get to them with ease. I spotted these 5-rung pant hangers while walking through the laundry aisle and knew they were my answer. The side release makes it super easy to access them without pulling them all down."
What did you do to go the extra mile and "Make it Pretty"?
"I went for the bling! What's better than a little gold and polka dots? Since the rest of the room had to appeal to my manly other half, the closet was the perfect place for me to have some girly fun. This is my creative space and I wanted to be inspired when I opened the doors to all the tools that help me do it. I went with an easy painted gold dot wall treatment, and loved the tone it set for all the other elements we would bring into the space. The zigzag baskets, white pails and white strapping cube bins are all from Land of Nod. Their black and white palette play off of my desk curtains {made from a black and white Nate Berkus duvet}, and the gold, teal, pink and navy elements are also found throughout the rest of the office."
What items did you DIY to stay on a budget?
"Almost all of the labels were either an easy DIY or I used something I already had on hand. I used some natural stationary paper and clothespins to label the zig zag baskets. The found labels were gift tags that I flipped over, traced with a pink Sharpie and labeled with Washi tape. The chalkboard labels were extras from a previous project, and were perfect for the white buckets.
The sneaky wrapping paper storage was another simple DIY using just a few pieces of twine. And the closet "doors" that hide it all away were a no-sew DIY project made from a white tablecloth {courtesy of Target clearance rack} and trimmed with some playful teal pom pom fringe. Shopping my house for items that could corral small supplies helped us finish the job without spending extra cash."
How has it impacted your life for the better?
"Not only has this closet taken our room from mammoth clutter zone to organized workspace, it really does make me smile. I love opening those sweet curtains, seeing all of my supplies and knowing exactly where to find them. It's amazing how much time it has saved me looking for an anniversary card or birthday card... and how much money it's saved me from just buying a new one because I couldn't find the pile of cards to begin with. I used to be completely stressed out by this room, which doesn't make for a great place to work... or help to keep those creative juices flowin'. Now I'm able to be so much more productive and am much more likely to whip out my sewing machine or a craft project knowing everything is easily accessible and has a home. And I no longer transfer the piles of randomness to our bedroom as my way of "cleaning up" before guests arrive. Good for everyone."
Are you loving this sweet little WOW factor closet as much as I am!? So many great little space saving tips to snag!
- I adore that she repurposed the cubbies with new storage containers for her craft supplies. It's always fun when you can reuse items on hand!
- Those labels are just too darling! Love the different styles and they are simple yet smart!
- Those wire baskets on the wall! Seriously smitten. Loving the use of vertical space and the touch of classic they add to the closet.
- Helloooo! {in my best Clueless voice} She painted gold polka dots! So fun and fabulous!
- That fabric hanging solution is genius. So easy to access yet nice and compact! She totally found a new use to an everyday object!
- The pom poms add such a sweetness to the space. And wahoo for using a clearance tablecloth as curtains! Such a resourceful idea!
- It is neat to see her solution for tucking away and storing her wrapping paper. It's protected, simple to snag and up and off of the floor.
A huge thank you to Deme for letting us virtually crash her closet! Anyone else have a crazy obsession for cute closets?
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!
Monday, November 30, 2015
Reader Space: A Smashing Sewing Space
This week I am mixing up the schedule a bit and bringing to you the Reader Space a bit early. With good reason of course (more on that soon), and also because everything about today's space is simply fabulous.
I am still getting acquainted with my sewing machine, but I have quickly realized that just like many craft-like hobbies, there are a lot of special tools and accessories that can be used to make some really amazing projects. Pair all those accessories with machine parts, fabrics and threads and suddenly a dreamy work room is in order.
Maggie has gone ahead and created such a beautiful sewing space, and I am head over heals smitten with her style. Not only does the room boast darling touches throughout, it offers sweet and simple solutions paired with a room setup to sew anything your heart could dream up. Maggie uses this space to also share her stories on her blog, Maggie Overby Studios. In fact, I read on Maggie's site that, "Big messes mean lots of magic" and I couldn't have loved that statement more! I asked Maggie to join us today and talk to us more about this amazing part of her home; the spot where all of her magic is made.
What is the main function of the space?
"This room serves all kind of purposes but it is primarily a sewing and craft room, as a blogger I also use the sunny corner of this room by the chair for photography."
Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?
"Having a place for everything and putting things back in their place. When I’m in the midst of a big project I admit the room looks like something has exploded but when it’s time to get things back in order having a place for everything to be tucked away is key.
I would also recommend keeping like items together and since color is so essential in sewing and crafting I often organize by color as well."
What items did you find were essential when organizing this space and why?
"Containers, containers, containers! Sewing and crafting involves lots of small objects that need to be kept under control.
I am not a container snob, any container from any part of the house that can keep things under control is welcome in the sewing room.
One of my favorites are some little boxes I bought in antique store after the filming of 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' (filmed in New Orleans.) I don’t think the boxes are even seen in the movie, I watched for them, but they were part of the button factory set. Each has a Button’s Buttons label and a vintage button glued to it. I add a note to each label of what’s inside and use them to store things like labels and ric rac. I love that these have a story behind them but are still useful."
What did you do to go the extra mile and "make it pretty"?
"I always make my own curtains and pillows so when I found the amazing red Ikea chair at the thrift store for $25, I knew exactly the fabric I could pull from my stash to make it all work together. I also made a new Ironing board cover that would coordinate with the curtain fabric.
I like that I have a little corner of the room where I can sit and relax or have someone visit while I’m working."
What items did you DIY to stay on a budget?
"Aside from the sewing projects I mentioned above, I also I take photos for my blog and Instagram daily so to make my life easier I made my own photo back."
How this space impacted your life for the better?
"When I first started sewing I actually sewed in a closet, since them I have worked my way up to a corner of the living room, then I took over the dining room, and now I finally have a room of my own. Having this space means I am free to create any time I’d like without worry of my work being disturbed. The room is not big but having it well organized means more time and space to create."
There are so many great elements in this entire room. First, furniture placement is really smart. She has a tall cabinet to hold a large variety of supplies, big and small. She has a standing work table in the center of the room where she can really spread out, yet still can store an abundance of fabrics below. And along the sloped wall, she was able to place two more workspaces for sewing paired even more storage within the drawers below. This type of setup is truly a dream for any sewing enthusiast, but this same layout and concept would be ideal in just about any craft room situation.
I also love that Maggie's storage solutions are not at all fussy, just resourcefulness at its best. Baskets on their sides to hold stacks of fabric, decorative jars for accessory storage, clip boards for fabric swatches and spice tins for additional small materials. Her tip to shop the home is spot on! Not only does the storage she selected function well, it doubles as a beautiful way to display her sewing materials. Storage that doubles as decor? #winning And can we talk about how my heart oozed while she told the story of the little antique boxes?
Maggie, you did everything right when you set up your sewing room, thank you so much for sharing it with us today.
You can read more about Maggie's smashing space on her blog here and here.
Read more »
I am still getting acquainted with my sewing machine, but I have quickly realized that just like many craft-like hobbies, there are a lot of special tools and accessories that can be used to make some really amazing projects. Pair all those accessories with machine parts, fabrics and threads and suddenly a dreamy work room is in order.
Maggie has gone ahead and created such a beautiful sewing space, and I am head over heals smitten with her style. Not only does the room boast darling touches throughout, it offers sweet and simple solutions paired with a room setup to sew anything your heart could dream up. Maggie uses this space to also share her stories on her blog, Maggie Overby Studios. In fact, I read on Maggie's site that, "Big messes mean lots of magic" and I couldn't have loved that statement more! I asked Maggie to join us today and talk to us more about this amazing part of her home; the spot where all of her magic is made.
What is the main function of the space?
"This room serves all kind of purposes but it is primarily a sewing and craft room, as a blogger I also use the sunny corner of this room by the chair for photography."
Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?
"Having a place for everything and putting things back in their place. When I’m in the midst of a big project I admit the room looks like something has exploded but when it’s time to get things back in order having a place for everything to be tucked away is key.
I would also recommend keeping like items together and since color is so essential in sewing and crafting I often organize by color as well."
What items did you find were essential when organizing this space and why?
"Containers, containers, containers! Sewing and crafting involves lots of small objects that need to be kept under control.
I am not a container snob, any container from any part of the house that can keep things under control is welcome in the sewing room.
One of my favorites are some little boxes I bought in antique store after the filming of 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' (filmed in New Orleans.) I don’t think the boxes are even seen in the movie, I watched for them, but they were part of the button factory set. Each has a Button’s Buttons label and a vintage button glued to it. I add a note to each label of what’s inside and use them to store things like labels and ric rac. I love that these have a story behind them but are still useful."
What did you do to go the extra mile and "make it pretty"?
"I always make my own curtains and pillows so when I found the amazing red Ikea chair at the thrift store for $25, I knew exactly the fabric I could pull from my stash to make it all work together. I also made a new Ironing board cover that would coordinate with the curtain fabric.
I like that I have a little corner of the room where I can sit and relax or have someone visit while I’m working."
What items did you DIY to stay on a budget?
"Aside from the sewing projects I mentioned above, I also I take photos for my blog and Instagram daily so to make my life easier I made my own photo back."
How this space impacted your life for the better?
"When I first started sewing I actually sewed in a closet, since them I have worked my way up to a corner of the living room, then I took over the dining room, and now I finally have a room of my own. Having this space means I am free to create any time I’d like without worry of my work being disturbed. The room is not big but having it well organized means more time and space to create."
There are so many great elements in this entire room. First, furniture placement is really smart. She has a tall cabinet to hold a large variety of supplies, big and small. She has a standing work table in the center of the room where she can really spread out, yet still can store an abundance of fabrics below. And along the sloped wall, she was able to place two more workspaces for sewing paired even more storage within the drawers below. This type of setup is truly a dream for any sewing enthusiast, but this same layout and concept would be ideal in just about any craft room situation.
I also love that Maggie's storage solutions are not at all fussy, just resourcefulness at its best. Baskets on their sides to hold stacks of fabric, decorative jars for accessory storage, clip boards for fabric swatches and spice tins for additional small materials. Her tip to shop the home is spot on! Not only does the storage she selected function well, it doubles as a beautiful way to display her sewing materials. Storage that doubles as decor? #winning And can we talk about how my heart oozed while she told the story of the little antique boxes?
Maggie, you did everything right when you set up your sewing room, thank you so much for sharing it with us today.
You can read more about Maggie's smashing space on her blog here and here.
* All images courtesy of Maggie Overby Studios
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 and how it has changed your life or 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!
Reader Space: A Magical Mudroom
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!
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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!
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