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Rustic Charm in the Basement

Hello all! I’m back on a rare Wednesday post to share a little spot in our basement that I spruced up this week. I am honored to work with Better Homes and Gardens every other month and share a few of their products! This month the theme is “rustic charm” and although I LOVE and have rustic touches throughout my house, I knew this one would work in our basement best. We definitely have more of a rustic/industrial look going on down there and I dig it. We had a specific spot that was crying out for some attention so I focused on that. This area is right when you come down our stairs and used to just be a spot for the kiddo’s small drum set: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zNu5LYgcO7X4yvIM_t2_DW1p8dUJg02nhscmXXlff1f_b0hdeEmsI95luEdG40oK9Hpj-K9nw0SFjvgAyk28Pfdp4ja3DBerjSGa_LRhXYRm44SLYTvABrptbydcZAdSttb6C28sQgU/s1600-h/IMG_8571%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="blue gray walls basement" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uha4wpqGoPDHRQpOMvp_Qt7HlsUnH6dSyXzwoiv7KZ2olv7E5un9qu5NKkfnvDkY9xDSn6EF2pDl060_FM7qq79U5BnT7pYB49q45gDf4o9i7X94ebFdb_TPcs2T4op6unn-pCZzwIc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="blue gray walls basement" width="500" /></a> My vision for this area has always been to add a table for games, Legos, whatever, and then to build a built in bench around it. That little angled wall and this skinny little area just seem to call out for it. I haven’t gotten to the bench just yet, but this spot looks so much better already now! I started with the light – did you know you can change a recessed light into a hanging light? There are two different adaptors to do so but I used the simpler one that usually holds a glass fixture. I actually got mine from over our kitchen sink (we have new lights over the island so I was planning to take that one down when those went in anyway) so didn’t have to spend anything on that. You can find them at any hardware store. (I shared how I installed it in the kitchen <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/01/diy-ballard-designs-pendant-light.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) I wanted to do a lamp shade fixture but they need to be the kind of shade that fits down around the light bulb, not one that work with a harp. Does that make sense? It’s so the adapter can fit through. I found <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-14-Taupe-Taper-Drum-Shade/17018198" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this drum shade</a> to use: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyw0HZqWNroPz-L_NVpBvf7QjyNuKfZOG9m4QbjWYHyuRE-4G0uf3NqeeiKOj_h5Ra22mWxtvBxvsNIHfCI3xszt9xewfDAQizXrCO9e9DhKeJR2nFrUwuO2Z_5OCaWmVf1r3JS8JQnLY/s1600-h/IMG_1433%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="drum shade walmart" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKwOZ6Qa2IzyBcpGCU48LvRuHl05ne_VLF7u_2e3_l1rWOF6eWICBQYW6xSO6BzUBMc6wGQAD_964Zplf-SoxDhYFS5HKujT9EFUPho2r1hbMcqHJpzxSMmrppbtbA-aZQWSx-NF2VGA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="drum shade walmart" width="500" /></a> I actually quite loved the color and fabric, but I had a different fabric in mind. It’s been years since I’ve shared how to cover a shade so I thought I would show you again. :) You’ll need about a yard of fabric for a lamp shade this size. I laid it down and then rolled it and marked (anyone else singing pat-a-cake right now?) about an inch to two inches on the top and bottom as I roll: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlo6Va9nfD26l8wxIcd_QnjPAQHHwL3I4tQ_IH2y49dm0YR2TB4d8EW5yABG6DnIz9JA72eAm_VjWt3euYcIWHtOw6L9WElv7JWfFYVjK5yzh5s2QqSuv2jlLw0k2ziG29jy2rRiYq2c/s1600-h/IMG_1436%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="covering lamp shade with fabric" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9e4WpFknbYl_fA8eyqKtiWVoxhO7sMdpgVi9Sii5dkGiJ6fiKTlJYYnY6KMdjVVl8Vdo2nt7c6x341yj0Uim17XmkAt_tGTT9p_h2YblgcDAlaou7QdBbBGFhCrIN8ak63EYujhqvNCY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="covering lamp shade with fabric" width="500" /></a> You can see that I used chalk because it comes off easily and won’t be seen through the fabric. Be sure you give yourself plenty of space when you mark it though – so many times over the years I’ve cut it too close and when I lay it down again to glue it doesn’t roll quite the same way. So give yourself extra. :) I usually start on the seam of the lamp shade and then use hot glue to start attaching it as I roll: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXtUsnCjScNUmgtV1uE3v2HpbzoTxyZ8gZbAKHufk0NHu-_Mmu9mSAN4M0Hbuv35F6eOqG3N3jHCGm14Q_SII9vZxCIk2UXkFnyhh-T1vXUqpOt1uEC_9bmb1CwZmuvdPY_asyjp_TuM/s1600-h/IMG_1438%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cover a lamp shade with fabric" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEI5vi5swW3s8e4Bpt8v3-OWsrj7gCX7k0cd9UUrx9_KOT4DKpzocDRGYCjolm2imfGMe6x_NWbmCnVqE0lyYXYPHYWRwobh_rfERle6GkoMzWCtL0dpYAerbk19LpMWWJ-RMmUahGPw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="cover a lamp shade with fabric" width="500" /></a> This time I just used little dabs of the glue around the outside of the shade as I rolled. After I got glue on both the top and the bottom I trimmed down the fabric a little bit more: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdZq0UvEvcsth_hAj5_O_d6ccZAjd99XgeCOOxm83bNFhUylcWfQlSaGHH1cAqodMc2NgdC3RiTNnb1xO-fAbdPnmfpkBaGQgG-CY7moOTEMxoXczZseMBpaJBIWVf0zMgC4l5zMcp8o/s1600-h/IMG_1440%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY hanging lamp shade pendant" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjEjvdLs_wFE1DJBEN1YnGyzEunq2RS-8Pcdl6wD6T6g0oYpdCmn-49ir07nKfQTxstxwEvygBqM5jFxwwfopu51FibBQ0bWUQIFHMQjGxJZhTSYe-5XazWfJr9oJXMIAjK42MF3Eixk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DIY hanging lamp shade pendant" width="290" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SIoWREvoHaKN1GAoEabJd9pJ2WZomx11GOcNgvbjW0AzgnLsSW1Afm95Bzwh5Eu7LdFz5AwD4WFCVisWvCkNY3GhC4is3SdnEVCiw7pOfhLAgycGYtjsY73E3FVw7xGMjCrH2eqzA9Y/s1600-h/IMG_1441%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to cover lamp shade with fabric" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxpEdjPo9LXQisZ-MwS3Fy5KkqvuIfgSgo7lZ97ZWgKvh7_BxGFu4Gsz-QnhE9Ay8uVI4Wiw_-xxJlumZxlagAJs0tauH5AmOoTd-QrSYZATT9YnnRxti9Un74X-HonX3Pm2NBaRvGnY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="how to cover lamp shade with fabric" width="290" /></a> Again, don’t cut too close. I cut that section a little too short and it was hard to get it around the edge. When you’ve got it cut, put a thin bead of hot glue around the inside of the edge of the shade and wrap that fabric over. I fold over the end to give it a more finished seam before I glue that down: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjWqeJVQq_fIkyCP3JlYScsxzb6uS9zC9rCxjKZTz65a6zPCfX9tpomkN5bW6IOZs01WEa4AoJxmorVro9-mNf_vIEzw-q1ep-zApiMA97ZlyDKrPMrokFF3ylGeO0Epmoheo7M7r9QQ/s1600-h/IMG_1442%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="covering a lamp shade with fabric" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzU415YmRYAlkAFx0oECDpH69EZ6v244uBm8CgSZzsSFDzMUQrwLQAClEewSDMVHWl_yToZ9IiDebloEVsAAPClr7NNFF4yYPG1uiWcPspkBc0BUEVobLI7lsGnOCMqekVx72DsSkkFE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="covering a lamp shade with fabric" width="500" /></a> If your cuts aren’t perfect (mine rarely are), you’ll probably want to add a line of ribbon around at least the bottom to cover up the edges of the fabric on the inside of the shade. Not necessary but it does clean it up a bit. :) Because the light bulb would stick out the bottom if I attached the lamp shade to the adapter the right side up, I had to turn the shade upside down: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrtMg_Im3WtKiW8h56E1493jIOvoT_bRptaSm-iqziI_YfwJXsS8PdD-dQopCsxjlOhnv_Po4OhFefuP75V2yiKJiXrGN_RW1q1MpNu2v4k6i1bGZCA2XxoDhm5vPG0WIOtaKZdVS_Mk/s1600-h/IMG_1452%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="recessed light to hanging light" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1JdFIGRSc_XwGoX0M3krbO78o3cfR8IOMRKtTCJEh5UISMceEyuWo3HqBLHqD1qcXiWx60P2TTITOyzNKA6hsepavz0djdTJ_ysI-HNiQPqqNRr4IdOoRChhnisFJmgQZDVhTPXOOY8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="recessed light to hanging light" width="290" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5ftpgm5kKaE0B16tEZgW0onynfVkL10UWYZnAE4958PpHNoikJ_Sj5Z7lrE7vbopI4y3YMmXkPTxVQvJW0EMVJHJSxoNDkAwOs0aBZ4zxsTvfBpauXxKNgI4BgYcueOGB21LP92RkVU/s1600-h/IMG_1474%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="recessed light adapter" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPv1qIby-NF_DgR0UYlz82tHd0DF5LK9OFra4qVBBpDRV3B-tNbTayIxUdhc-n4D-kqyzdlnjXjtqXnaZ_c_u72J7fYoo0KMuEA1nT_pe_XOIED0oPsC2f4VEBPaGqMpWfVyXKBd6qJE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="recessed light adapter" width="290" /></a> That’s why I recommend using as much of a drum shaped shade as you can find. I actually love this inverted look here but if it was more of a classic shade it would look off. I LOVE how it turned out! Then I got to work on some storage for this spot. I have been wanting this <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Galvanized-Round-Bin-Silver/24534332?action=product_interest&action_type=title&placement_id=irs_middle&strategy=SMT&visitor_id=DSWzDAyNu-tOIQEYZL8jIk&category=&client_guid=8db10349-39ee-4040-8848-471157bb3de7&customer_id_enc=&config_id=2&parent_item_id=24534331&parent_anchor_item_id&guid=30212792-06a8-498b-afad-b01a170d7493&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&beacon_version=1.0.0&findingMethod=p13n" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">olive bucket</a> FOREVER and found the perfect use for it down here!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WfuWgYZBYcbtKeMZR4qMOT-3zslqCIJI6wMIUPUTxc0_4__8AJaRHslmaWsN3tMcAnlle6jfbczNSMWKvMIaqhSJNt9qSHwp_2OnbRSC7826IdrptLHyqUHAR_YrxymhpY62t6d8_Ik/s1600-h/IMG_1466%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="olive bucket walmart" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpz2-9eNjByA5jD1BWFeRkd5tgVfVcEibaGglaOp3ThGPzbPtl3YfEea6lypE_vplDZhQSzFbDzLV-__alrAOTapM6EstzaXiZrFXgBWj5Cxniv9pkfTuFo297ZTzFOaalYwu3656ec8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="olive bucket walmart" width="500" /></a> I mean, I know so many of us have kid stuff everywhere, but it’s OK to want to make it look a little nicer, right? The bucket was way bigger than I thought it would be too, it holds everything perfectly. When we got our new kitchen table last year I couldn’t bear to part with the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/04/ikea-table-turned-farmhouse-table.html" target="_blank">farmhouse table</a> I (half way) made a few years back. I love the look of it so we brought it down to this space and it’s PERFECT in this little corner. Because this is basically the Lego table (our son loves having all this space to spread out) there are usually a few sets in mid-completion laying around, as well as 489 tiny itty bitty Lego pieces everywhere. The cats get to them and then they end up all over the place. I found a simple solution in these really <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Medium-Wire-Basket-with-Chalkboard-Black/24534322" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cool bins</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHRSq6A_RGQqtn0P-x4lU7XfG8u7A2CV4utIrDFviYR7jxmPsH2wwFvt4hGqG2ISzm7LGnNH-4WTa0SvX5Xq2jnCoDsBYip7P8GKCuXBgpAEdrBW5Wo9HJVAjUY5Zl8ahiMQTi8FakbU/s1600-h/IMG_1463%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="metal baskets with liners walmart" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIF4G3GIGliCYCx5cvVpzPnT3jbB9XhV9P01Qn7JpuIOsuAaYgiBuT-Ue9AMyvVwpQ21nAFaNOdnRoyoqxKC4aJCutEt1mI3_dnLivv035ModM3qsIKMZYeDFui0nTdoHHki_sVDaklo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="metal baskets with liners walmart" width="500" /></a> I love the rustic look but love that they are fabric lined even better. No worries about little pieces getting stuck inside and I can take them off and wash them if needed. Whoot! Since we don’t have chairs on that side of the table just yet I slid them under there. One holds little pieces and one holds sets he has yet to open. (He just had a birthday and Christmas in December so he has a few right now.) I LOVE that I can just swipe everything right off the table into the bins. Easy. I found this <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Quatrefoil-Wall-Mirror/21806611" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">quatrefoil mirror</a> as well (only $15!!) and added it to the wall behind the table <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bA7sO-gzfaAKrp0UyG0F4P86Sf77i_LGR-t0BW-C3XJeoV-KlT3DtYMf4aO8lWaPNG94sUx_UEt092MEa31zO1Hulc7nRFFFCGn1QTCupD1hR9VTJQpAsgP8zPcL8gQXIzkp_E0VTeY/s1600-h/IMG_1470%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="basement craft table" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MdE33C6RdQ0NQ5jGk2FymCB_Vg2W245ooPdf2E2mv6Enh5Iog59PQKcpHskeJJkWneyyS_uVzVWQd7E_t2vU-KKrXczZN65W0KMkiyxzAv4E6j5nnoYY-bbtB1s-DtCvEVfgEaNASAs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="basement craft table" width="500" /></a>I moved the guitars (I use that word guitar loosely here) to either side to add a little something to each side of the mirror. I was SO pleased with how it all came together! You can see that I still have some things to do down here – that little access door needs to be painted and the pillar needs to be finished up as well. But these little changes made this corner feels so much more purposeful and it’s so much more functional!: <img alt="IKEA table norden table hack" border="0" height="683" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7-1qzEKVHsOE_rAF2JpYwD5pOQYtxxOaxfGoePzXCw3EkLkri_J_Rq25TmehHNibXw3GDC4WL9VSOlQ8WvC4N0zfEVxtWY3H0en9N7MdtcofNU7QDXgexIjdtuzQcB3ge_pICEGwox8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IKEA table norden table hack" width="500" /> The light hangs in the middle of the table from the front, but from the side it’s not perfect. It doesn’t bother me though – I just love the look of the hanging light: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ287MRr-7LyGLE9q4tMvHCRUtjrDUtSgtJO678rCSgZtKPO1hwKNqNo4a22Z0vUD5rRbDqLa5NqEyiWcgSsu-P32jwtQWOTcYoEAH-TN4bVv8IpT_X6ow673UuHBE2kvYPj9YTtVfPSw/s1600-h/IMG_1471%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY drum shade pendant" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtas4dB2CrrDj4W6aTsipwGl9IfU5Pqu4Cu8YdRhSoPWd6vkCCcwWMqtN7ktX9ejZkkSLUWxUcjP1LeOcnVBCu37uLSyUMNGm86QCdv7WzBxj3zmi7Zn7tC1othcvwCymKE2plEIO_SU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY drum shade pendant" width="500" /></a> Here’s a look at it before and now with the table: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSuXCkKBB0cwoUk8tHhNFnAg6XVbe6Sj2cMSkKVUWnS_r2IgaK5fECMcbu0aJGryib6t7xvCgZ7jyrs3F4kZ5WZNNem2vkooO9HjDcYeuQYFJILLQ6BAYUUZpF75eaV099OMhsgPNkao/s1600-h/IMG_8571%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuLOg9e408mz_6J5BsxxNracFwzNy4AFkB7rboWUXNCQ62Va8XCi_C99rjIj5B1C2L90lV0tMCNxC_M1UW6zOtdsvq82LIAWF5UZ2EHzDeGf5TPNDtLhEIHCfKrLtl1O6vCsoUJr66y4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" width="290" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSBPuet932p31m_Vwc_muw0GFccXChmdr5wqI7-4mu-ocQOOZyrHWiwj-BgX0Jlad_Mq3CG0lBsJo8f5hYqmQTFsx6i-rYzAjUnKy9dfKPr5rhYy9FAxt1Mr1i6BXfiYmTSXuHkFOHYs/s1600-h/IMG_1449%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="drum shade light fixture" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrQWmM_A5tdeVnKo_n08W97oSAUjfI_CjChoYAP4gGY_InAJRUQeytwZUNlAIf_6czY003bSc-ntIsN3YpYfw4Ud0bvHSe3BQDT_Zg6lf_bab4O9XIpRYnLWC0u5dZKgZcYAvVtJMt80/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="drum shade light fixture" width="290" /></a>  It all came together and adds a little more charm for sure! :) Have you tried one of those adaptor kits before? The possibilities are really endless with them! And that olive bucket…I just love it. I may be stealing it in the summer for big hydrangea bouquets…wouldn’t that be gorgeous? <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tH1csvXgwJE/VNtvT8sdNXI/AAAAAAAAu00/RLRAHZY2bM0/s1600-h/Network-Badge-300x298%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Network-Badge-300x298" border="0" height="298" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EQhnocoD868/VNtvUuFiyVI/AAAAAAAAu08/1aGkMKNvgGs/Network-Badge-300x298_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Network-Badge-300x298" width="300" /></a> I received compensation from BHG at Walmart for my time and participation in the BHG Live Better Network. All experiences and opinions are my own. Follow BHG on <a href="https://twitter.com/bhglivebetter" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BHGLiveBetter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/bhglivebetter_" target="_blank">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/bhglivebetter/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. Affiliate link included for your convenience.

Rustic Charm in the Basement

Hello all! I’m back on a rare Wednesday post to share a little spot in our basement that I spruced up this week. I am honored to work with...

7:03 AM

No Spend Month Review

Hello there and welcome to what will be a crazy busy weekend for us! It’s going to be packed but will be a fun one for sure. As many of you know, last month was a no spend month for me. I usually do this one month out of the year and I think I’ll make every January that month from now on. It was just what I needed after the hustle and bustle and SPENDING during the holidays. During these months I don’t spend on anything DIY or decor and it usually spills over to other things like clothes and other extra stuff too. I do still go out to eat though. :) My to do list is still very long but did get a lot done! My first big project of the year (I actually think I got it done at the end of last year) was cleaning out the disaster that was <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/my-tiniest-organized-room.html" target="_blank">our storage room</a>: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mQAiWZRjAOQ/VNTxxKvg-WI/AAAAAAAAupI/HObVhu1BIMs/s1600-h/IMG_1207%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="storage room organization" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YH7KEwWZvN0/VNTxzmvyjrI/AAAAAAAAupQ/WaBtpUb61wE/IMG_1207_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="storage room organization" width="500" /></a> I don’t think you can appreciate the after unless you go see the before. ;) It is so nice to have it organized again and to have some empty space on the shelves! Next up I shared the plan for our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-kitchen-redo-plan.html" target="_blank">long-awaited kitchen redo</a>: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fQ5y64iKpk4/VNTx1NfKlBI/AAAAAAAAupY/86HAgBNlPa0/s1600-h/IMG_1221%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chalkboard in kitchen" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ba2Nx2-5Z7g/VNTx2_UCucI/AAAAAAAAupg/W2VNsENFbUw/IMG_1221_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="chalkboard in kitchen" width="500" /></a> Don’t you love the beautiful island? It’s looked like that since our family room renovation in the summer of last year. :) I’m SO excited about the potential for this space people!! I’ve already made great progress in the past week (I am in beast mode after that no spend month) and you can see our pretty new window seat <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-dream-realized.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Most of the projects I completed during the month were those I had laying around or on the list forever. I finally completed our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/finished-basement-kitchenette.html" target="_blank">little basement kitchenette</a> by hanging the shelves that I’ve had since last summer: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yfxDoV_ibUY/VNTx3sjQ25I/AAAAAAAAupo/rrO1L6NqM5s/s1600-h/IMG_1238%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="basement kitchenette" border="0" height="670" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XHqD6NJtJ14/VNTx4jM1uZI/AAAAAAAAupw/9htbbEQMB40/IMG_1238_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="basement kitchenette" width="500" /></a>I didn’t want to do upper cabinets – I knew it would feel too heavy, so the small shelves are perfect. We don’t have a ton of things to store in that area anyway. I tell you what – you get a LOT done around the house when you’re not spending money. I decluttered like crazy and shared some of my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/my-best-clutter-busters.html" target="_blank">favorite clutter busters</a> in this post: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_yp9-KQYNPY/VNTx65JMxnI/AAAAAAAAup4/j68Kd9HTlKQ/s1600-h/IMG_9945%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="organizer for little tools" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EVeNQf-ylT4/VNTx7-ZaBpI/AAAAAAAAuqA/7ZBRPwtKmv0/IMG_9945_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="organizer for little tools" width="500" /></a> It seems like I use that little organizer nearly every day – it is awesome! I got started on the first project in the kitchen by adding <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/first-kitchen-project.html" target="_blank">new door trim</a> and starting the board and batten around the pantry as well: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JUkns5_Sokk/VNTx80VjryI/AAAAAAAAuqI/qgqPd74KjkQ/s1600-h/IMG_1262%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="glass door on pantry" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4iZ7qrAJeTQ/VNTx9o9fzLI/AAAAAAAAuqQ/4Q-MDTd0ozU/IMG_1262_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="glass door on pantry" width="500" /></a> It wasn’t completed when I shared it (no baseboards) but I’m always shocked at the power of white paint and a little bit of trim! It made such a difference and really brightened up that spot. It’s almost done now – just have to finish painting the boards I put up this week. As I was decrapifying the house I realized there are <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/five-things-we-have-too-many-of.html" target="_blank">five things we keep around</a> that we had WAY too many of. So many of you agreed but some of you are magical people that don’t have enough cups! ;) <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2LZFDqA1BTg/VNTx-d1gLgI/AAAAAAAAuqY/ZZgUpqqV4PI/s1600-h/IMG_1265%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="decluttering tips" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9l1ZJfmrqJk/VNTx_T-BknI/AAAAAAAAuqg/upKQVU-juuQ/IMG_1265_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="decluttering tips" width="500" /></a> A lot of what I accomplished over the month were little projects that had been bugging me for months. I got a ton done in our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/little-bathroom-updates.html" target="_blank">master bathroom</a>: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3F2_qNZtedk/VNTyALp5hEI/AAAAAAAAuqo/x747nvPPg1c/s1600-h/IMG_1300%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="hanging glass votive holders" border="0" height="760" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-45BQ0yg-vo0/VNTyA8DFCvI/AAAAAAAAuqw/XcBw9kUmcxA/IMG_1300_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="hanging glass votive holders" width="467" /></a> And I actually feel like I accomplish a lot more when I get the smaller stuff knocked out. I shared <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-mundane.html" target="_blank">more of the little stuff</a> like hanging art I’ve had leaning against the wall for a year: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eGHJyJBmB0c/VNTyBgxAm3I/AAAAAAAAuq4/4FYSjqWaYw4/s1600-h/IMG_1367%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY shelf behind washer and dryer" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_49ZIEP561Q/VNTyC2a1Z0I/AAAAAAAAurA/vFzbqjdlSmo/IMG_1367_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY shelf behind washer and dryer" width="500" /></a>One of the simplest projects I got done was an easy (and free for me) frame I put on the art my son and I made: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-avIP8YgbQbI/VNTyDmzqbjI/AAAAAAAAurI/rppByPphudM/s1600-h/IMG_1325%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY frame around canvas" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SNOD-Sn69d4/VNTyEAfXmXI/AAAAAAAAurQ/6gmob4QPpDQ/IMG_1325_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY frame around canvas" width="489" /></a> It was just a canvas and I knew it needed a little something to set it off and the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/making-diy-art-pop.html" target="_blank">black frame</a> is perfect! Have you ever tried a spending freeze like this? I found last month to be incredibly relaxing really. We stayed home a LOT more – running out to run errands actually became a chore because we were home so much and loved it. I used less gas and my car (and house!) stayed a lot cleaner. I may do this more than once a year! ;)

No Spend Month Review

Hello there and welcome to what will be a crazy busy weekend for us! It’s going to be packed but will be a fun one for sure. As many of yo...

8:55 AM

The Mundane

Well my friends, the no spend month is ending soon. I can’t say I’ll be sad to see it go but it sure does help me refocus when I do this. When I’m not spending on house stuff I can concentrate on bettering what we already have. I’ve decluttered a TON and whenever I felt the urge to go out and walk through a store I just found a new spot to sort through. I’ve gotten a ton done this month but there’s so much more on my list! When I’m focused on the larger projects I find the smaller ones tedious. But when I’m working on a to do list and not bringing anything new into the house the mundane little things are oddly rewarding. I’ve put off painting the inside of the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/09/built-ins-for-electronics.html">built in cabinets</a> in the family room for months – I finally sat down and just did it: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrONBkHXNd0ymVucPbqii5wBV7Dz6JGLQmE-q8tNLY-zuAHlfffUUvykupb6aLnb-GPr-0LGEpAPqzEUnJNnJxGigWl4avtCZUwUI90I0RXdn98-NXdwum-3lqL1hfoT-B3Umzeo00P1c/s1600-h/IMG_1347%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="built ins by fireplace" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KbgjlZTTA7I2Ccon8vkuhWaT37I14-Ffu4VgX85lT0jeLMgSZCCnMbRBWW_PCb9ReQRnkjEZrPuJ01pp-zkcWybbzNweMV4SdkySMW7KQmpXGj4z9nTwJdcZxiH8G9_-qFKckgc4Mio/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="built ins by fireplace" width="500" /></a> Even though you can’t see much with the doors closed you can tell it’s darker and more uniform in there which I like. For this girl who never even paints the inside of the cabinet doors, this is huge!! ;) Speaking of painting…a lot of it is happening in the kitchen. I’m still working on the second coat on all the window trim in the bay window: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMqvB66qHteiNsxggzcvFhOG2edrWEG6lK-RO-w0ipDCem3TMGH7TafYZNFO00HoGLg9OQu-45PYXwi0XZSBAvKzGLrS8M3DZo9nN5vESlDKGlBqwEZCTwbLT8_qleFFXGlYa9hZHkhE/s1600-h/IMG_1354%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="bay window" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACDNCWGyo5quUEC090pOAw8yiHCpoR8O1Dl81AY15Y3QuiyTSlUWXDb2kqZCfA5u58ykwaShD_NkohqjWs2kEn3naYZ3ZxmemgIIsKAmoPmVjGee4STSd2947dfm65nb7X_Z2HLC_xIY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="bay window" width="500" /></a> I won’t finish the white on the walls till the window seat is done, which will be sooner than I planned!! Whoot! Next time you see this spot the seat should be there. :) We went through all of the toy bins in the basement and I finished up a few little things down there. We have an AWESOME ottoman with storage that holds our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/my-best-clutter-busters.html">DVD books</a> and other stuff: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TsUnUdx8Ja2mjp6GxfbB6Bl52LTmCEFUs89q1RQXEejQTU8Iz5RuLragprzNKs9IhtvwzMLVAaeOBoUZ7TiIi-21j_3IlEK7yNuJUeXth7NDvQhYHZjaFosZiSm5dWCZDiE1l_bDKIQ/s1600-h/IMG_1357%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="ottoman with storage" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiLsSevX-0BRM6jTROaKZ2nelP4fHNQ7dPb0xrYCRgKRlKM8e1s2jZ9Vn-j5v3ZBoRyHd_E5ZVtMOIDyy_Y8mOVpilHPQtVy2OsRuRrZKncSEpbeOF4A2Yr-WV1dO1cmibA9ocaztuF4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="ottoman with storage" width="500" /></a> Problem is the kiddo pushes it around all the time and we never know which way it opens. We have to move around it and pull till we get the right side. This is struggle people. My solution took five minutes – I found some old belts while going through stuff and since I don’t wear them anymore I used one to make little handles: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjo_LU6lGhAqIvWS1zRwTIKwzAi78dj6lQCqjP522QsUMcV46A7miQpC-It3LLBM1Gvc6NuNCif3NaP2zzN8RrnrL7-t0wvjsC8hMoBMyDG8h8uu-LtWA4M-3qSPDbjCAYuoxE3Xh9SIQ/s1600-h/IMG_1360%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="old belt as handles" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxEnTCXjOshgUP5-zNkDVZ5A1mqUn3MYAU2X7YqEkzgNPJW2onAW9ygoPDAPDrchlx4xNq7QykEqqdYHRIr3QYqLo0oP55G1TWdYbcvS0-Zg5lAHzk-Nlh0JVecV7bCx8Aw05r-qPoLA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="old belt as handles" width="500" /></a> I just screwed them into the ottoman framing and now we know exactly where to open and it’s easier to pull up:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcG1XB2SuCmzrjFxraBELek6gj72cIBl1UmbL33d1_hfrqs_b_jDaidC34qqZHewmAql0dmAeBo4r4t0bLhGKZkDNcthvudex17TVNYFB06T2XuctOlFTulelaI7ExC6Gsv9wUUHh434/s1600-h/IMG_1363%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="using old belts" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbttlRPL6Bz8ZRUZg183_UZOJHEONWdL_x6ot1KmSr64wNaNVxktQ9jXwDYpUrHzRSQpPzSyegaxWAcB2HfP3Due0ZY9h56v0WHgxygiS0sKhgLA_pvYUOGDWvlR4mRgFfxBNP7g-963o/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="using old belts" width="469" /></a> I was laughing because as I was doing this I knew I had used another belt in a similar way years ago -- but for the life of me could not figure out where I did it. I placed my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/10/diy-wood-tray-overcoming-tool-fears.html">little DIY tray</a> back on the ottoman and realized it was on that tray. Ha! I’m smart. When something needs to be hung I tend to leave it leaning for months – it’s one of those little things that I put off. I finally hung a cute sign in the laundry room: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVo_5GGZKgoiKGiqzOGJw_lS_KrCJMRASFLUt4B166DUjbQd-ACAQqfp1b3XHEtKHU7FDfT5hWAiO4G6WkqOkMYcpc5-TG51ISa-Y8koiDu6zQiEKm7jxuzpxOLldv0yzUuTr1hgOxHoA/s1600-h/IMG_1367%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="laundry room storage" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsduIRPp2GhUUIMw2uTK2ynSsXIM238jvsB-M8r2ixr6zbIBrEX6n77vQGZwepc07YC09PagMo44KWoxVjlwgMxEJF5LnhLGE8eULXKZi7-y96zFenErh5lELX7x5LFoYYp1U6IodrwKU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="laundry room storage" width="500" /></a> Love it! I will be installing shelves between the cabinets but until then I went ahead and hung it. Knowing me that could be another year from now. ;) We’ve had a big mirror leaning in our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/04/master-closet-reveal.html">newly organized closet</a> for at least six months – and it took me all of five minutes to get it hung: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXz3wDp0faO7l0PQC7LUWcSOyMaDbwitrwtW7CKC3lFHnbbZTMQJh6yUshugif_ALn5LZnnic5s3a0LKRp6w-VCp66weXwwER47syOKWW6fMNsOYpl7FZZ_dogxqHIo2oWouako6_-84w/s1600-h/IMG_1372%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY closet storage" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEomKkyZx1fQentipjrCIcRmlYuUIULXsE7RgBl3j4SvXG_KkczUVsaW7TPsd-Rrtal3M-my3AMN9wMnYJJBIUAVGtSOpdFZzLfqYKdRboz0DKVFIaKxALPjczXqi-v4acm3pcP2LULk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY closet storage" width="500" /></a> On a whim back in late December (I’ve technically been on this no spend gig since mid-December) I decided to hang a bunch of the random photos we’ve had laying around: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLVBw46Oa3PLUUqseHNvwaEp8U5zfM1ZeU51_FIQqiYs621o4iIvQFNLrCVMU98m1lpSbSKCTJFYYukvs6N-MdlWPI3bUZEseKmUK3Mp6kE9okRpjva2FFGmV5H2_nSHzXfkRfk4u83E/s1600-h/IMG_1370%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gallery wall board and batten" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6k5Nf3r4EaSmWB4UEaZqd6leGOlToBAW3BlYWVAW0b7uIt41x1SJiFIz1NuT9bG1mDviOZVZWqY1k2anaTvyOTxa_EdTpjI8QXzyY35_3iNL_5-CQFkOyBXN3fl0xVv81UoR0F8YCNQw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="gallery wall board and batten" width="500" /></a> This wall in our loft is HUGE. I have to get a taller ladder to keep going, but it’s not empty for the first time in years! And finally, as I mentioned I did a lot of purging, but not a lot of organizing just yet. I did switch the contents of a couple dressers around and things make much more sense now. I put all of our linens in the dresser in the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/11/dining-room-turned-library-finally.html">dining room turned library</a> – and I have a couple of empty drawers now too!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRCN1SFjqaZuMcp7SY4N80fOqoCFs0m7H_oX2x3q-sg0EzusJPImfYQ2g-yDDnAn-urpxuTWbzzkbzacOrba88bXYJFiCYaPAk2y8xYbqdGJOVrPid3ErfXsnwhvJY0qCTlZt0m-3rDI/s1600-h/IMG_1369%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="linen storage" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcX167W2zN2YHoFoM8PdlrMvvujGPRJ3RdzHdzDXAG-o4LMs-Tt9Z7TqALQtOuV3w7SUyp7Pz6UGLoqY9XC-sjvpnjmtlnHDCQ6vssIQV1-oaqGfoflGYgMl8oCg1jULZlmATQ9mqLzg0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="linen storage" width="500" /></a> I’d still like to get some shallow baskets to organize things a little more – baskets may be my first purchase. :) These no spend months remind me that sometimes it’s the smaller projects that make me feel the most accomplished. It also reminds me that I’m pretty darn lucky to get to do the “mundane” in a house we love – I’m grateful for it. :)

The Mundane

Well my friends, the no spend month is ending soon. I can’t say I’ll be sad to see it go but it sure does help me refocus when I do this. Wh...

8:15 AM

Little bathroom updates

Hey there and happy Friday! Today I’m sharing a few smaller projects I’ve finished up lately. I almost didn’t share them because they aren’t anything earth shattering and the photos are even that great cause the SUN WON’T COME OUT but then I realized it’s not always the big projects that make you feel happy about your home. Actually, it’s usually quite the opposite – I feel accomplished and happy when I get little things knocked off the list. All of these are in our master bathroom, which isn’t anything fancy. It’s big and has really tall ceilings though, which we love. Someday it will get a full makeover but it’s never been up there on my list. I always laugh because I have spent most of the 11 years in our home working on spaces that don’t bring as much value as far as resale. Our two main bathrooms have barely been touched and I haven’t done a whole lot in our kitchen over the years (but <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-kitchen-redo-plan.html">that is changing</a> this year!). But anyway, I’ve had quite a few little projects on my to do list in our master bath for a while now and I got most of them knocked off. I had one extra shelf and two sets of brackets that I didn’t use over the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/finished-basement-kitchenette.html">basement kitchenette</a> so I thought about where we could use the extra bit of storage: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa3f8soLFXvFy-4ZI3DtCpnyAvYWDjJ9MAhYrqCRsu2h-x7SS_fM8t5AqJ7UoN2qojsoc7fjz84o_6BS_uB4Wc7jhA7fbZOqsLrAMHFXOszHughVAogxeuNhLOpOZZXZsC3RdYO39OVY/s1600-h/IMG_1286%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IKEA shelves with bracket" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUg2SbUcBWWe30IcjWNJ1LCRAeQaVg54DVVlpcnvrgafvflkeRFXQLjzb0qsaETDeYQYffyQoJPZfxEhGngrvEa6vcrvYwxUytcmGV3Inxne2mlxiyLPpXMFMKxKKAoIlC8DVlykEwJ4/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IKEA shelves with bracket" width="500" /></a> The placement isn’t my favorite, I’ll be honest – but with our sinks right there it was the only option without bonking our heads each time. AND the crazy-A cat can’t get up there. At least he hasn’t tried yet. I had those pretty glass containers on the vanity and because we keep Q-tips in one and he is OBSESSED with them, he would knock it off every. single. day. So…it’s not perfect but it’s functional and I’m just happy I can keep my Q-tips nearby. It’s the little things my friends. I shared these on Instagram the other day because they are SO dang pretty. I ordered these simple glass votive holders from CB2 months ago and they finally arrived earlier this month. They were only <a href="http://www.cb2.com/wall-mounted-candle-holder/f4164">$2 each</a> – and I thought they’d be pretty spread out on a wall. I couldn’t decide where I wanted them to stay permanently so I just put them up in the master for now: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9rygd7gwwoQNztDQfLUCKrHzlU9VupNpQJszEvqlv7Xgk5Ym4RWw7JphaIdEDIhMupR9WpRta6gLArmjCWPUskl99oKMgXeHHaccxUClMfir1YRQEiBueOYCTqAIJZLizO-Qaw5e1Y4/s1600-h/IMG_1290%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="small glass hanging votive holders" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6n4OjeSsj1G01MXVmYIElgjl_s6Mtb0EDG854vwJHxMIbH8EYGPCfwWIuOnBGegJTQNxReMuNmx9Z55bFpB8rF_16lD0vqdoFtYttXTGjkyzw4eGIbdDJy0njQs7lH0JkkjXbV3U59BQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="small glass hanging votive holders" width="500" /></a> They really are beautiful! I don’t know if they’ll stay here forever but I love them! I have an old vintage wood bowl that was just sitting in the storage room. I brought it out and filled it with my random bath bombs and Epsom salts: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzioiyZSruTvXxiU3YWOOUofnIS3NfM4-hpUZoILFTw7ESHsdtAuiH2ZYihhSki9pKlO3wQm9QNvuMctpCx6dDsP-vX0Ch_Iq5IipQXZ2LUrhO6doHTJaN13NA-SLzDFxA4EMkaMBs6M/s1600-h/IMG_1293%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="vintage wood bowl" border="0" height="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71H4lF_DtQOYcyhPmgPfZVHwA8uTh2tzzYSzNOyjBR67xqqdTSjKOvY4lzUl7enxQi0fXdPPb47C3fTQqv3j8wgOXNechQLXhxMyslAnrOyCBnFqAslJUbWMFz9TFveegNA4vLuXlEJc/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="vintage wood bowl" width="500" /></a> I used to keep all of it in big glass containers but I just wanted a simpler look. It’s much easier to access it all now too. :) If you’ve been around for a loooooong time you may remember my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/04/ugly.html">DIY shower curtain</a>. Well about two years ago the tension rod fell and broke -- rehanging it has been on the long list since. I actually purchased the new tension rod a year or so ago and it’s been sitting in the closet. As always, I am SUPER on top of things!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72UKykaOc1PbDiX4BkSZXp1__g-qK7lzHemVFOzO5lC9zVF4XIQR2TlgvUIKKUudD29MOhVNYM3zAOTvinfKz-Saro5utz7WHtt8DhgOk6t90gn5uoJakOMNn8n59pV2Ils5mVBbTZx0/s1600-h/IMG_1300%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="easy shower curtain" border="0" height="795" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAi-zTf8_Up5bABTBt0bF6qaj9u_JhD-cENYCNiIyLTFHbIHMHa9Gp_t3RanYWYMqECyPfgER3JWH_UA1PtmjpxgPOHNNSVyJxkjj0ABnLkP0JXD7gCnWhyphenhyphenQJX_25YT5pOYDbzRAracg/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="easy shower curtain" width="446" /></a> It’s literally a few yards of terry cloth from the fabric store hung up on a tension rod with curtain clips. Simplest shower curtain EVER. It’s hard to find a curtain long enough (if you want it to hit the floor) so this is a great solution. And it hides our really ugly shower so that’s a big bonus. :) The project that took the longest was the linen closet – it actually stays fairly organized but it needs some “fluffing” once a year: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP10FCbmtBvRc7zBFxQmJfN6hRECQOvoEb9a4nxEGv-qs8uEZ23m38-e7Y5GkKbOetYfmo3kPggfaBS6BJBTuDAgx-Xr_IgoWhsfWHgQFYeBH64-CRKXZ6_lBItA2ASVr4IkZmD36x7v0/s1600-h/IMG_1304%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="organized linen closet" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2qVRzprqcXejeQKEneUz07w5KQCh_8lnKrJ8LFkUN2ApxiOccEIEeGleLAtGH2l5JLVMatw5yodEGbLffNO0Ib5Drjg4WwsSSHW9KUNiJuWW2zjzdL6M7484uylYYNCrFRE8vbDKXqw/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="organized linen closet" width="500" /></a> With time things get tossed in the wrong bins and stuffed in places. I don’t know WHO would ever do that, but it happens. I sat on the floor for about an hour and went through everything and resorted – and <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/five-things-we-have-too-many-of.html">got rid of another set of towels</a>. :) I have to mention my favorite part of the closet. The organization part is pretty cool but these little stick up lights are the bomb: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BsnFtRYOFeeRErC73sfFQboAxKAj4vcSDS3yEDI0YGzcbp7p88Zr8aiW4J8XLdlJg4XUmQNNVE5Neblc1UymE37QLm6nE0XhUepVyHSgTjp2jVHzOivNYvymWXpoi-7MWK_uDEHxpBI/s1600-h/stick-up-light-closet%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="stick up light in closet" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7WaqE17SU6BcSMgDonAbChVX6A33g2QP0Y1MGMZxJTzs9c11daK3EK4Gy15odp623QzmTiRZ_zUqLjel8lKopv3VmAbaDZ8YM_s4bn0hfvPlZTiSwOsiCn75V2TbK7OjYrdgWVXrRfQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="stick up light in closet" width="500" /></a> That’s an old pic, things look a bit different now. I am pretty sure you can get these at Target now – I can’t remember where I got mine. Amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008QUIYHM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008QUIYHM&linkCode=as2&tag=thrdecchi07-20&linkId=BLWZM7TTHSP56MES">has them</a> too, $10 for two. One of the things I wish I would have done when we built our house is add lights in the closets – it seriously is one of those things that drives me bonkers because I can’t see anything inside. I have a few of these and they work great. Like I said – little projects that I’ve had on my list for quite some time. And all either make the room function much better or make it look a little better. It feels so good to cross things off the list, yes? Have a wonderful weekend everybody!!   Affiliate link included for your convenience.

Little bathroom updates

Hey there and happy Friday! Today I’m sharing a few smaller projects I’ve finished up lately. I almost didn’t share them because they aren’t...

7:53 AM

Five things we have too many of

Yeah, yeah, I can hear my elementary English teacher yelling now -- don’t end a sentence in a preposition. But I have limited space here people! Last week we talked about <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/my-best-clutter-busters.html">clutter busters</a> – some of the ways I corral things that tend to mess up the place. This week I’m talking about five of the things I think we have way too many of – and when I say we I mean me and maybe you. The older I get the less I can stand extra stuff in our house and the easier it is for me to let go of things. It’s still a struggle, don’t get me wrong. But I have less patience for crap we don’t use. As I continue to move my way around our house this new year, I have noticed a few things we tend to hoard and I finally took a good hard look at whether or not we need so many of them. I have a feeling many of you have multiples upon multiples of the same. First up, the sheets. You’ll see I have many “soft” things on this list. I’m not sure why that is. :) So up till a few years ago we had easily four to five sets of sheets for our bed. I’m not sure why I always felt the need to have so many. When we take one set off to wash…we put another on. Not three. Yeah, I could see having a few different sets if you like to change up the look of your room. And yes, there’s always the need for an extra set for those times in the middle of the night when someone is sick. But we do have a washer and dryer – in a matter of a couple hours we’ve got a clean set again. I’ve already purged our sheets down to three sets -- winter flannel, a more decorative one and our favorite, super soft set. That’s all we need! I did go through it all again and get rid of about eight extra pillow cases – not sure why we had so many? All of our sheets fit into one bin: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbB2kmR6uOpujBM7YVmONqpWYOOhPZrUqjNDT0zFf8FELc4A01XItNybvA3puXqM5G_IeYF__A3n6od-H9MZPV6A2pmcPar6g3CsTVmFilJsZMzQ1XGGLO8XN3UnJOjInqypP44L3qvJc/s1600-h/IMG_1283%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="organizing sheet sets" border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfBww-O4hwjoasFnh4cLux1SAT7K_4tK7tZoIblFrokuhR5pU1SZuZwarURiPKdMqD1gcuoT5bGJTZ-dyUMUF2KtXazRA46jwfBb4INXGIDGLnMxyfP5kWx2VzonOg_eP9e0aDDHNMw8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="organizing sheet sets" width="479" /></a> We have one extra set for the guest bed and the Bub has three sets as well. Honestly we don’t even need the three but considering I’ve whittled down this much already I’m pretty proud. ;) Here’s another biggie around our house – the cups. Let’s throw mugs in there too, right? What the heck is it about glasses and plastic cups and mugs? They multiply in our house. It doesn’t happen with plates or even bowls – just things we drink out of. It’s because so often a cup turns into a souvenir for us. All those plastic cups that I think I need to remind me of a great trip. I do not need the cup to remember seeing Wicked on Broadway. :) Or that cactus glass you got for “free” with the margarita and then you went back and got another one so you could have a set? Yeah. Been there. I pulled every glass and mug out of the cabinet and then purged. This is what we’re left with: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIkK5RxzhbDJLT6A3-lJzvBdUuWzCQtWrHJBJ6biCKpzprr6MTC-yZJ5JzMV1tGGF12xiK4WeOV58kBBwag3TFaX99oYmt3GJrJNnzwF_vp5NaUE2fbr6nnqxcOcpnG4-Z56RRFQJeTk/s1600-h/IMG_1265%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="organizing kitchen cabinets" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxPJwtQqKm4CsIE6i5Q3aYtSWXUEBw5BtUP9h2uIh64gk5MsBGq0GWBUob36Ta3uHRCQB8sneH0nMQLvyQUiKLR7FS4i3fmW_rTU4txTW_67b8Hu3Qc4u_sFSeNrDwPnADwGXpa1L2PI/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="organizing kitchen cabinets" width="500" /></a> I think that’ll be plenty for the three people in this house. :) And ten mugs for two people who don’t even drink coffee? Yeah, we’re good. Those mugs though – they’re always so cute right? Especially ones with an initial – those really get me. Next up – blankets. I have a thing with magazines and mugs and blankets. Actually, throw blankets, for real. I swear to you, I think in the back of my head I’m always preparing for the next blizzard. I picture us huddled in the bed together, shivering, with my extra 25 blankets piled on top of us, keeping us alive. Thank GOD for my blankets!! I mean, seriously. It’s not entirely reasonable but the just-in-case part of my mind makes me keep all the blankets. But I got rid of a few, because we don’t have storage space for 25 of them. If you do I’m tempted to tell you to just keep your blankets to KEEP YOUR FAMILY ALIVE. I cleared out some and now we have some extra space on my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/08/using-all-of-closet-space.html">DIY closet shelves</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0Py8vn-2hPlnOT_qDgsgDoJov6weqzYNqubtRJiDlXcD_xjeL7yVCvzEjghNlNL5GUojyO_dyv2Bq0MBSSKo0YgoVEG3Y_ffi8ORqtuWFZyqtS2QcUabqiw72rxhYvzmQQfwbngjMbg/s1600-h/IMG_1272%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="using extra space in closet" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPc-yTeZcwC3v180BBrFeOlB8nA2aTHPXWvc8j1Qyh3bf8zVmdJUi-zzMWw7rlMLkcLsVOKMlae1qt_C0oepoYAwx8TbpIHlVfCQO2YTsL4SQrLb68l-uxmClq1tFIVpwy58kCGtlx2w/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="using extra space in closet" width="500" /></a> You know…for extras. ;) Am I alone on the blanket thing? My fourth thing <strike>you</strike> I have too many of – gloves and hats and scarves. You’re probably tired of seeing <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/09/my-monica-closet.html">this closet</a> lately but it’s how we organize it all: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhtpWMLVE5bK5_VRWHBIivmldheG_Xi-CAbkrKRgWSW-VPqP_VPx66bh0PMDZ6XqteMmsinRtGZLFdKF-MSZeyvYDhOcF_xHeeiGvihzQP1gKC0SYwwPtQ4k32g7ISreObgO2KiYkPlA/s1600-h/IMG_9859%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="organized coat closet" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LM40T0Hxq9_dlRJx8fPDh3KHOGqrW0M-enZaz51e3T3zdr_Pixh7yURzTuwMKkZS61ph4CU1SJ_qwRVn-gUhzwB_i8a19w5hFF5Oo0arJrZCNFDwJbJySaljFpwf4MJ2WwyJMMZ3Zxw/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="organized coat closet" width="500" /></a> For the kids, yes, numerous hats and pairs of gloves are worth it. But for us, how many do we really need? At one point I had like ten pairs of gloves and I wore two of them, EVER. Now I keep one heavy duty pair for working outside, one pretty/cute pair and one extra set just to have. My husband has the same. I do give myself a pass on scarves cause I’m a girl. :) By the way, many of you have asked about the tie backs screwed into the door – we have hollow core doors and they hold up just fine. I’ve had them up for years and they hold the weight of bags and backpacks every day, but our son doesn’t bring home any heavy school books just yet. (I don’t use anchors to hang them but that would help!) My final one is another softie – the towels. So here’s the thing – all my adult life I’ve had many, many sets of towels. But I read something awhile back that really stuck with me and I’ve purged even more since. We don’t wash our towels every few days and I’ve always felt kind of bad about that – but when you think about how often we wash our sheets, the ones we sleep on at the end of the day, sometimes at our dirtiest, and compare that to how often we’re “supposed” to wash our towels, that we use at our cleanest every day…it doesn’t jive. I know, towels need to be washed and they can get yucky smelling from not drying out well but if you hang them there’s no reason why you can’t use them a bit longer. And if you’re only using one set at a time…why so many sets? You know what I’m saying? We’re down to four sets of towels for us, four towels in the Bub’s bathroom and two towels in the basement bathroom: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8rhgj-PouTrBZmJKnQzA6hNE6PnJtETNBhU0Xwp9ICgQAeLJyzMN-TfrtyQjx2pT5SugTRSpUO0nTHXv11oQiL5d5MNpo6EZDmQRlLQnjbrQwOOfop4P2Coj4RoquURRwOqqUTZWvtM/s1600-h/IMG_1280%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="organizing linen closet" border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQRckEaaO1QqeqOKoQoSMNzFla8Lo7pbjuMZXQVPvIOW_ek6-QS1ire0pwYSFXCzMZ0cLegof5JvvyLZyaljOBMEn3G0hQLFaMbJxZGkk_ZlLy7wTTlx67z3eb5NlGSFKaFUNqHqodw4/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="organizing linen closet" width="500" /></a> Honestly, four sets is more than enough for my husband and me. I can still let a few sets sit in the laundry for weeks (not that I would ever do that…) and still have a clean pair of towels to use. Seriously, what is it about the soft stuff? And of course those are the things that take up the most space! I went through all five of these for a quick purge this week and it took me about 30 minutes. I piled up a bunch of cups and mugs: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGA7sQwPKb34gJW3674oF1KLRxyIFS1-n6-DezfYwLJATpUU7bb4mvpCv2IZHZ-GfPrAUqjLp-5EUvHtPdOT_3gyGRE8_Rfl5_sWEpN0I7jrcpdrEY5C0BBvKvK-hRHRfzHJJ3-aiBaoo/s1600-h/IMG_1269%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="too many cups" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIeuVM6-MP6kKI1Yn0XIAtlBjoSNNjw8ozpsF23coRCX6Qg32ZFmPIHOb4OKt334k2HIiJ9IY116ZrIC3Lmt1gvUtITNpHzZZSqXkgJSjvsabulXNN5jokh5rSfqqw9H3JTvRjuoH-XA/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="too many cups" width="500" /></a> And a whole pile of blankets and pillow cases and towels and scarves: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYDd6ga7N98d_Pcr7Ytqf4cmPAxpYDuQ-rGdMTJB9EfDeJePdS7A5ByR3YkYcyuX8ePIcYCV7mGZ6eKzI_vdtwMmIzFnIKtDAi0fo9QSoN_Kesgu1_bxnCZzoVFlFGYi6KDqVjLTC-lY/s1600-h/IMG_1284%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="decluttering tips" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5glQEkh6ShP9wJU00S9F4-_0FcvW4qXPN12r3NEluj00DQq5TL2YCPqflKOVC8_25vr6ji9GVhCZiG1aviyZ5Au9YIKBs-m85c3FtJqJvl6PTDrIpHC-amf6_zW2mIcZNAVBTw8tWaaY/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="decluttering tips" width="500" /></a> And the house feels lighter, yet again! By the way, if anyone is interested in that airplane sheet set, send me an email. I got a few sets years ago for <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/05/show-us-your-kids-rooms.html">the Bub’s room</a> knowing they may discontinue them. (They are a full sized set.) These have been taken, thanks! :) Are there any other items you would add to this list? Do you have too many of these as well? Do you keep extras of all the soft things like me?

Five things we have too many of

Yeah, yeah, I can hear my elementary English teacher yelling now -- don’t end a sentence in a preposition. But I have limited space here peo...

8:56 AM

My best clutter busters

Hello my friends! I’m back today with some really simple and quick tips that I use around the house to coral the clutter a bit. We talked about clutter <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-matter-of-clutter.html">last week</a> and I found the comments really interesting! It may have sounded like my house was a clutter disaster after reading it and it’s really not, I swear. ;) But I struggle with it on a daily basis like so many of you do. I have a few tricks I’ve implemented over the years that have really helped and I thought I would share a few of them with you today! I like to utilize things in an unusual way AND I hate wasted space so this one a good mix of the two. I started this project by painting magnetic paint on the insides of a couple of our cabinets doors, but that was a fail. I can’t get that paint to hold anything but supersonic magnets, even with like six coats. So plan B was to adhere some metal sheeting (make sure it’s magnetic!) to the cabinets instead: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTkzAczMZqbHjXTU_O2BY5GVQyslmKHHQOcuvWY1sjY4iWPaC-sbkkWBWSWdsE29QWdBtQIXxvae4v-Mo45FknS6kDlVaG9SIOfelHVc2Nnf80cYHoOOdYWabJ956Ib3szPuL78sszOc/s1600-h/IMG_1240%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="back of cabinet doors for papers" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF79P3bvfYiUrUSxkoCXTMUKC32i-CePJSN2SIQGlEm1YZucb0o6Rp1DMoy8278I9Pj0-5HWtOG2cb3-yfB5OOuDv5vJr3QGxbUYPLt4_DkPE-uMw3XeEGN_0uVuWvGX-Fw6zg4Gt6S64/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="back of cabinet doors for papers" width="290" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaU_JdoKEZF3Ej66pGjNNJ-CrYMCu13s64P1iJpTUiA0_m2dVsJ_g4HnBt1EkTnEaV_7TgIYhDjzz4MQncy-ZL-DTVvUFR4d97qLHmneqSjKNK5AB0Eh7CkIeW51f29KfuoylRiAY-WA/s1600-h/IMG_1242%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="using back of cabinet doors for storage" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJ6JJCWAneINwguCUe9A0AXJQSblTnSs81f42JHlQuFToM8A-GyvbbNSzh-Biu51lpxT6K5aOpppUaSaxNoSh110h2yYLBLM5cV9jZsDfaZ8CXPE9-OJ59dCK9Y3r4SCNcDD0LhUnnUY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="using back of cabinet doors for storage" width="290" /></a> Obviously we keep the take out and delivery menus there (CHUYS!!) but you could use it for a grocery list, receipts, whatever. I’ve seen really clever ideas of using the inside of your cabinet doors for hanging measuring spoons and cups as well. We can’t do that because the middle panels on our cabinets are too thin to screw into, but I love the idea! You can see more of how I did this and the materials I used <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/11/hidden-memo-board.html">here</a>. It’s a great way to get some of your smaller items out of the way and out of sight. This next idea is one we’ve used for YEARS and I LOVE IT. I think I shared it with you a looong time ago but it’s worth mentioning again. Instead of keeping DVDs and CDs (all old, we haven’t bought a CD in years now) in their cases we now do this: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfrnJSS6juhFWaJxtHhhF35fn__WQ-gVjRCS4t_DPp1WzGStK18mvieeF169m4_L27D9HYC3_svl4H-RTo8T8xYgpSYfAR67FWkCdiU5e3Td4R-TjvSt7gjHZpGSWq4OETPUCEYJ9Hs0/s1600-h/IMG_1249%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="get rid of dvd cases" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTTF5Iv5lmmH6asXpfRK4G9S3lf5Uxukx0KRm7fuXpiJwH3oBc70eFBAEAq1JYeybhVt3vK-wrVyhO3K-6IRLgU7wAL9L-EjQ6CofT5e-N00XPR26_xXThEnbKoVxj417mYKL3oc9YHY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="get rid of dvd cases" width="500" /></a> BOOM. Seriously…I cannot express how much space these save! We have the smaller versions that hold about 130 disks: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_BFhksbDvYrF-JQNHK_v9Xp_Is3uNgPGDfYQDg_zh9efkTRZLwi2amRYxOm-rVyVHh774vuTCIMkviqN_BbJxqCT1gvbzAOkFcRuDSkyFkxpxx0cL1WbSoKGWRgezjV40Qp09LbTZl8/s1600-h/IMG_1254%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="simple dvd storage" border="0" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnIcww6sOQE93wzUiH-IDC8BLon69m67CcGFmTuo0jh4boB5eBQYE98JD-r9EQhg5JTVEGf_ZvFGUiMunopJkbcR1FuzaZz2X3rQ3HAX39L4C50iqynARTYpiyDuQYNFvHfcogwLMLK0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="simple dvd storage" width="500" /></a> We have one for CDs and software, one for Halloween and holiday movies, one for our movies and one for the kiddo’s movies. We actually need to get another one because as I’ve gone through things lately I’ve realized we have a ton of movies. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005G00THI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005G00THI&linkCode=as2&tag=thrdecchi07-20&linkId=MCA75BCNF2VB4GEK">This</a> is a bigger version of ours (it holds way more) and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JJSQ1M/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000JJSQ1M&linkCode=as2&tag=thrdecchi07-20&linkId=QFN3MFO73HBKDOH2">this one</a> is just a bit more than what we spent on ours but holds even more (more than 200 instead of our 130). When we buy a DVD now it immediately comes out of the case and into a sleeve. I can’t even imagine how much space these would take up still in their cases! By the way, you can’t typically recycle the DVD cases at regular recycling locations. There are some that will take them so do a search in your area. Also, I know photographers can usually use them so you could ask around. (Or is everything digital now? Could be.) This little storage container is another one of my favorites – I was giddy when I was filling this thing up: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCjptDHMX7y3KgOa5ZUAeq0Y_c7fn9k7RIrPQgYKVtju-ZvuxUbHY48BrvVXN70yeiZCwz0uaxWLI8jYZeHmqb5084iSw9dOS-vAirtVU_4NH2Cr0fhph0RsAn_5HjhfgWiXntae4ogk/s1600-h/IMG_9945%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="small tool organizer" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSGrRBp5MEcReW4MaTLyIpYxCaL2PNnxYMGX8kCr-x8-stlP-lPNRMlf_g2Y-RpsJqv-slIH3RBYZtmWuB8jWU-eDiHDGTcr-13SVr2NYparmnDprSnNMplXIsGYJ1g7k5qepDuPrgjU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="small tool organizer" width="500" /></a> When I first shared this many of you mentioned alphabetizing it and I’ve since done that. After you said that it was giving me hives. I got this sorter at Lowe’s and it’s meant to hang up on a peg board or something. Honestly though, after having filled it up I’m not sure it would hang well. Mine is so heavy I’m pretty sure the plastic would break. BUT it’s still the bomb – those drawers look tiny but they are deep. I can fit so much in there. It’s awesome to have a spot for all of the little doodads that I need day to day. OK…so the paper issue is HUGE, right? I have to say – I have tried so many “tricks” over the years to get it under control. I tried <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/03/paper-organized.html">binders</a>, drawers, boxes…and they would work for a few weeks or even months and then it would get out of control again. But I’ve found the solution. And it’s earth shattering, so hold on to your seats. I’m about to blow. your. mind… A basket: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUlxMqTwU_2EOMEyKC3HWqoKkxWKZ6dv4ymuy21lgqENQ8QmvJVMeh5XKs5zON4zqy0jXzGVN548Z2Cgq9sb4iPEtHPN7UVy0l_XfDXlZZe3r7qwY2jVdViV0PqP-SuRj8xLaOI52-gY/s1600-h/IMG_1243%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="dealing with paper clutter" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4fsZ9DIGuxGUjp9bDAecB-yHAzaiXg35Z2UgfmtNa8BL4w8sTx2Y0L76OrA4VIaSw1BcBSCXSZqbWG1aQRVpi3XJ2Tk-TzYmbZBerR1Ge_HtW2IleWn33JH9nfgJv6D4CbIn-ab4luc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="dealing with paper clutter" width="500" /></a> One basket. That’s it people. That’s. it. We keep our recycling bins in the garage, so I do my best to sort through ads and junk mail as I come in the door with it all – but sometimes I don’t and I just dump it all in the basket. When it gets full I go sort through and file the important stuff and recycle the rest. Yes, I could just do this when I walk in the door…but I don’t. I have learned this about myself and have embraced it. :) It is a wondrous thing, the big, deep basket. Seriously, when I had a spot for five different things it was too much and I stopped doing it. One spot? My brain can keep up with that. I’ve also started using those white boxes from the Container Store for the Bub’s school projects. I have one for each grade -- I put the ones I love in there and then when it gets full <strike>a month into the school year</strike> half way through the year I sort through that too. I’m trying to be better about that stuff – as some of you mentioned on that post last week, who am I keeping these for? Will he really want these as an adult? Will his wife frame them and hang them on the wall? I’m guessing no. So I am trying to be more deliberate with what I keep. But you know, try the basket thing. It’s revolutionary I know. ;) And finally, a biggie this time of year in our house – the gloves, hats and scarves. They used to land ever.y.where. Again…first of all, let’s address how many we have. How many sets of gloves does an adult really need to have? I’ve cut us down to about three pairs of gloves each. I get a few more scarves cause I’m a girl and I like my scarves. My solution for what we really use is a shoe organizer at the top of our coat closet: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNTwd4IITGw6y8ufaZPBxxNEp7czgKM_-fhtid5omf9XRJPjN78Sbztw3dK0jfc3o28phpH7SxHZ6yoIvUHFqwSTQjhgiHXMsKhuIKwq4l-9hHDzy2ViiK4q2iiM9DzuQMrF7wSsaf0Q/s1600-h/IMG_2767%25255B3%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="winter gear storage" border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_pga0CsoHy8VfGUpOFXlMKoLt4qp1ePFkXCi2oaotjTCRUOynD76uSNy_YhoyCkf6JVzW9TOsfrlXoCmGpM_v0ctmAJ3KLUD9kP3UTGV6GOP_wcjGeawK39da22Fu8mRdCAADJXNptg/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="winter gear storage" width="500" /></a> I labeled the bottom of each line of cubbies for each of us and just that little detail helps tremendously. Otherwise I’d be stuffing gloves in random slots and we’d never find what we want. Another tip for the coat closet – use the back of the door: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfZoYda8A62LqWR5jT6f8BzaHI_-GELvjpKkhA6kuPJ6BSkPYfiYCp7b3mlpH5HOgT2aEgZAds0_q-Al1VHXGm2zO0X3nXno2MgUk-fOA28oOhn8Me0iwBxRhBFPsK8VCPJsUL2qxm8w/s1600-h/IMG_9859%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="using back of coat closet door" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYQ1VZJf5Wuwj5oErUkxuophIcq3BXquFl0eCfm9jbOFex0m1TbqxSP8b59-DmTK1XiYT6iuzWJhaZ10M_7YBjZPaovv4B2WrYpj6iScqqJHcdElD2awxKhtMtY4GuT6iOPjPxEAnKLQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="using back of coat closet door" width="500" /></a> I use drapery tie backs for hanging scarves and bags because they are deep and hold a ton! Most of them I’ve had around for years but I’ve even started buying them specifically for organizing instead of drapes. ;) I like using simple ones <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009ZJ1FS8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B009ZJ1FS8&linkCode=as2&tag=thrdecchi07-20&linkId=ZZV3LMJPXPAAITWX">like these</a> that have a good open “hook.” So there you go – five of my biggest clutter busters that WORK. At least in this house. I’ve used each of these for quite some time now and they help to declutter the stuff that used to clutter up our house. Any simple tips you use and love?   Affiliate links used for your convenience.

My best clutter busters

Hello my friends! I’m back today with some really simple and quick tips that I use around the house to coral the clutter a bit. We talked ab...

8:05 AM

Final Kitchen Island Plans