A Coat Closet Makeover... Again...

There is nothing normal when it comes to our coat closet.  The location is odd and it tends to change roles and evolve as our family grows, yet it has never been easy to keep visually appealing or clutter free.  So, I thought I would take one more stab at it this past weekend.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbeSkrIbjsCeKjwiBO7EETqjqYkpcQmTDirPA40W4K5MZEIHm1lu99epgb0x_V9SauJ9E1SIU_DVZs78YLH-34509DTLzXnfbjzhaxxlXFa-lrCeYGqbbgglNn-AzflRIewSg3pDnppTw/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbeSkrIbjsCeKjwiBO7EETqjqYkpcQmTDirPA40W4K5MZEIHm1lu99epgb0x_V9SauJ9E1SIU_DVZs78YLH-34509DTLzXnfbjzhaxxlXFa-lrCeYGqbbgglNn-AzflRIewSg3pDnppTw/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_14.jpg" /></a></div><br />You may have spotted the coat closet in a few of the past <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/search/label/IHeart%20Kitchen%20Reno" target="_blank">IHeart Kitchen Reno</a> posts.  It is located directly above our staircase, meaning we basically have half of a closet to work with.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QrjyzoIc9TgeiDaBd5VQE9FX2EsVVm_U8C1z5Xkz6Td3mAzXc4Zo5I1wt3ptnl9NEE-eqKErLcHEzsPStZt2T3jqlW3dBKrfk7hpUGFdrD5HzDkaWPI0xbIRHw9ppK-EtOf-9DM9xRf2/s1600/CoatClosetLocation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QrjyzoIc9TgeiDaBd5VQE9FX2EsVVm_U8C1z5Xkz6Td3mAzXc4Zo5I1wt3ptnl9NEE-eqKErLcHEzsPStZt2T3jqlW3dBKrfk7hpUGFdrD5HzDkaWPI0xbIRHw9ppK-EtOf-9DM9xRf2/s1600/CoatClosetLocation.png" /></a></div><br />Because we use <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/08/back-to-school-our-organized-entry.html" target="_blank">a credenza style piece to hold our boy's backpacks and boots</a>, and <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2011/09/happy-and-organized-entry.html" target="_blank">a slim shoe cabinet for our family footwear</a>, the coat closet is exactly that; a place to store coats.  We also use it to hold some additional outerwear items, extra cleaning rags, water bottles, sunscreen, etc...  <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-little-coat-closet-refresh.html" target="_blank">The last time we worked on it</a>, we used a lot of materials we already had on hand to do a free update.  For a no cost makeover, I thought I did a pretty good job!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-3p-lq4_YEUU2Y9Ayij7YWHn5szZTBIPMc_9ovoRRmz75VPZy8No5Atz8ooTzojgI8wyJDXMYR0gFKUj-ALWawrZm2yNI_mSzrRzoOvbQk9wD2WVJ3_rC9cNSbdTKv9IaURAdVtfEWU/s1600/Organized_Coat_Closet_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-3p-lq4_YEUU2Y9Ayij7YWHn5szZTBIPMc_9ovoRRmz75VPZy8No5Atz8ooTzojgI8wyJDXMYR0gFKUj-ALWawrZm2yNI_mSzrRzoOvbQk9wD2WVJ3_rC9cNSbdTKv9IaURAdVtfEWU/s1600/Organized_Coat_Closet_10.jpg" /></a></div><br />But then we used it and seasons changed and what I didn't do well at was putting away my spring jackets when I pulled out my winter options.  And then we removed the door to pull trim and flooring for the kitchen renovation.  Funny what no door paired with a construction zone will do.  Suddenly the closet was holding more clothing than jackets, our winter jackets were instead being hung on the backs of folding chairs or tossed in our bedrooms.  And other random things that didn't have a home were being stuffed in the open alcove.  Below is a quick shot I took with my cell phone before heading out to look for new organizing options.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEips-qe1CdMavSgjNw1j40yNtuB35hsAUZ3kTouRgevQDxZpjp5SY85mV43bTcMuEy-0MqsNa-AgfTZrMfOrmCAO4O7NyBOc_abvI_0Tap9hDLSp8u2T19Q6ueK7RDFcc6tMuY19KsvPDw-/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEips-qe1CdMavSgjNw1j40yNtuB35hsAUZ3kTouRgevQDxZpjp5SY85mV43bTcMuEy-0MqsNa-AgfTZrMfOrmCAO4O7NyBOc_abvI_0Tap9hDLSp8u2T19Q6ueK7RDFcc6tMuY19KsvPDw-/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_Before.jpg" /></a></div><br />The baskets on the left side were clutter catchers and the shelf was beginning to bow from the lack of center support.  With the kitchen makeover, we also wanted to update this closet, hopefully once and for all.  That includes new storage and ultimately ditching the bi-fold door (those things drive me crazy anyway).<br /><br />Here was the initial plan for the closet:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2iSjgrFFqKI_dV0G5pZQYtnIqeVOp4_wK0TsfvmvvlyzZaEF37UYgS2R5x3HiE1EmJo8EPF39QULnBmUsiA8wFeAOq71C4jTooK4KBaowOqH2vc1-0cSid-gWgZJznmw-57xvb0Q77mX/s1600/CoatClosetDiagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2iSjgrFFqKI_dV0G5pZQYtnIqeVOp4_wK0TsfvmvvlyzZaEF37UYgS2R5x3HiE1EmJo8EPF39QULnBmUsiA8wFeAOq71C4jTooK4KBaowOqH2vc1-0cSid-gWgZJznmw-57xvb0Q77mX/s1600/CoatClosetDiagram.jpg" /></a></div><br />I love drawers because they make it easy to organize and conceal everyday clutter.  I also figured they would work much better than the flexible shoe pockets which were always overly stuffed with items.  We set off to IKEA to look for drawer options which would of course include soft close hinges.  We found an IKEA Family sale on the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10246308/#/30246722" target="_blank">KOMPLEMENT system</a> (designed to fit their PAX wardrobes).  For $17 each, we picked up six drawers, which included pre-finished white drawers and all of the drawer hardware.<br /><br />IKEA also sells frames that support the drawers, however, we needed something that would custom fit our closet, so their option was completely over priced given our needs.  We headed to Home Depot and purchased two plain <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-Melamine-White-Shelf-Board-Common-3-4-in-x-15-3-4-in-x-8-ft-Actual-0-75-in-x-15-75-in-x-97-in-1605490/202088775" target="_blank">8' x 16" white melamine boards</a>.<br /><br />Once we returned home, we ripped everything out of the closet, patched things up and I painted the closet with two coats of Sherwin William's Deep Sea Dive.  Don't you love cozy Saturday nights at home? <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRnmVXxfWPfSVUANUnFCg5bzNObaPpM9dPfHqmvlldN-FGqln_rFV_aVMr38IXKmWsTdtPrQMOQA_e0uqc68UKey20d99p9dwN-POGAm-V4upYLXUVCkW751iOpM_WWkTmd47sQdc15Ga/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRnmVXxfWPfSVUANUnFCg5bzNObaPpM9dPfHqmvlldN-FGqln_rFV_aVMr38IXKmWsTdtPrQMOQA_e0uqc68UKey20d99p9dwN-POGAm-V4upYLXUVCkW751iOpM_WWkTmd47sQdc15Ga/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_2.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>(cell phone night shot - all I had to work with)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />The following evening, once the two coats of paint were dry, it came time to cut the melamine boards down to size and to fit the new IKEA drawers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCYo0T9hu8LzoCwuMjJGc4hdXLeFf8MJGPDvPmOhZL9mNw3DYmQQMQbVxBhT8-QQwl7XZ28R5GyD76pn55uQgwCnAM0hboCvJLOJVa-ZFToRozUx30b4jYDoDZYdMTF00T7L48YXHUY99/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCYo0T9hu8LzoCwuMjJGc4hdXLeFf8MJGPDvPmOhZL9mNw3DYmQQMQbVxBhT8-QQwl7XZ28R5GyD76pn55uQgwCnAM0hboCvJLOJVa-ZFToRozUx30b4jYDoDZYdMTF00T7L48YXHUY99/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_4.jpg" /></a></div><br />We wanted the frames for the drawers to be about the same depth, so we cut down the melamine to 14" deep.  We always recommend using painter's tape when cutting any finished material.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOd607OYAlkDSCpR44satzCZcEFMr45TTZTINLR3GwGuWYR6jfh22rIlYgNJhRDkJrpQDlITZC6Ke9glWy0GunAQPxbOwiPcde537RcDGYiGEKJf3QVgYNYvegG55BmACAqZqvli2oHzW/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOd607OYAlkDSCpR44satzCZcEFMr45TTZTINLR3GwGuWYR6jfh22rIlYgNJhRDkJrpQDlITZC6Ke9glWy0GunAQPxbOwiPcde537RcDGYiGEKJf3QVgYNYvegG55BmACAqZqvli2oHzW/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_5.jpg" /></a></div><br />We had a total of 6 drawers to work with (one for each family member and another for our furry pups) and each drawer is 6 1/4" tall (6 3/4" with attached gliding brackets).  To allow a small bit of space between for opening, we spaced each drawer 7" apart.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDfppI0HmB1Y22k5ka9pZ1vrwn1xtqBwu2_Cu6N9gM1o0Ei0PThHErgeTl29fu9GtGqGyGFgVcUxEzSDk_sfhLgblxgdxlOONbUgB4kTBGLjfOZkB4cpalrlHQnNjeWawsrTpPSfr7Jxe/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDfppI0HmB1Y22k5ka9pZ1vrwn1xtqBwu2_Cu6N9gM1o0Ei0PThHErgeTl29fu9GtGqGyGFgVcUxEzSDk_sfhLgblxgdxlOONbUgB4kTBGLjfOZkB4cpalrlHQnNjeWawsrTpPSfr7Jxe/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />The bottom of each rail was installed in 7" intervals, measuring and pre-drilling before attaching each rail with the provided drawer hardware. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguN8E4VqKE1YI7_Y2VnfjLGpwPaQMgmp4_U7bUVjZIQnwZ6l4CU-ruIE99aaSXFCbf0Gxsgy6_zQyYJpdvScTyTG9910_VpXZqPVL6TkfABxuVB196itky4JxZmfQVqXdSl8huYOw8Wka7/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguN8E4VqKE1YI7_Y2VnfjLGpwPaQMgmp4_U7bUVjZIQnwZ6l4CU-ruIE99aaSXFCbf0Gxsgy6_zQyYJpdvScTyTG9910_VpXZqPVL6TkfABxuVB196itky4JxZmfQVqXdSl8huYOw8Wka7/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_3.jpg" /></a></div><br />The holes were also measure to ensure the face of each drawer would remain flush with the edges of the frame boards.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWouhdugVThZgYuBzQAa6qjSSUBeT5x2sP-2YEup6BadNmdOOmqEtrT5i8pNtcUEnDGE3MK7UOzk7BEPrmAp3kK1wqAg23l4kgzORZD27jczo5WW0UoTN0RQR18ZrOZc7huaRqaCw8meOt/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWouhdugVThZgYuBzQAa6qjSSUBeT5x2sP-2YEup6BadNmdOOmqEtrT5i8pNtcUEnDGE3MK7UOzk7BEPrmAp3kK1wqAg23l4kgzORZD27jczo5WW0UoTN0RQR18ZrOZc7huaRqaCw8meOt/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_7.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once the rails were attached, we placed the boards inside of the closet to determine installation placement.  We both decided that keeping the unit centered seemed to really chop up the hanging area, and keeping it aligned right flush with the wall made for better use of the space.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasXKXir1uXGDAy_5KTTgxRFTBJmgb4ccFMBAi-ja-YTmp7Uv_VKmixjs8rpt7U75BRkf4ll0TMqfbegxDShabejqQXvlAN8pa1U47pfMdVdvslEX43iqIx2IYfN0hcW4qP4t9JK-Ypnc9/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasXKXir1uXGDAy_5KTTgxRFTBJmgb4ccFMBAi-ja-YTmp7Uv_VKmixjs8rpt7U75BRkf4ll0TMqfbegxDShabejqQXvlAN8pa1U47pfMdVdvslEX43iqIx2IYfN0hcW4qP4t9JK-Ypnc9/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_8.jpg" /></a></div><br />To be sure everything was nice and secure, we screwed the side board of the drawers into wall studs.  We then added the drawers and affixed the top shelf by screwing down into the center of the vertical boards.  Oh!  And we installed a bit of our new kitchen flooring (sneak peek alert!) as well as some new white trim.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHDI6mPIXS1B-WksSuP2tes7zD_bhKINHE9tNnCVFaU3oGA6LL-FEnSeMKu_r1nZ2Fve41hG-9UcUUOkGknAGH0a4o2nXw9YSKXAGvFEZm-qAur2skZLgemvSyiSLoBYf6umormuShh__/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHDI6mPIXS1B-WksSuP2tes7zD_bhKINHE9tNnCVFaU3oGA6LL-FEnSeMKu_r1nZ2Fve41hG-9UcUUOkGknAGH0a4o2nXw9YSKXAGvFEZm-qAur2skZLgemvSyiSLoBYf6umormuShh__/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_10.jpg" /></a></div><br />No more sagging top shelf!  And I loved the drama of the deep sea blue paired with the pretty white trim and new closet system!  In fact, I have been itching to bring in a bit of deep hued drama to play with all of the white and light happening in the rest of the space.<br /><br />Although I didn't want to compltely split the closet with the drawer unit, I was a little nervous about accessibly of the drawers being installed so far to the right of the closet.  However, when pulled out as far as the rails allow, everything really worked out beautifully.  Once the new closet door is installed, because we are not doing bi-folds again, we still should have no issue getting at the contents of the drawers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8ER5kAwDZL9XqxPLItOmNfw3YETg5cb_AG6zFzsemm5ENrAQEfnfV92q5Feoko47lRpQiqKrd0I9o1bY6_QoSHQsv8H2cHUa_nrvtWJyLOMSErvYGtVyApMW2ymMJrEzYJisym_mOpKs/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8ER5kAwDZL9XqxPLItOmNfw3YETg5cb_AG6zFzsemm5ENrAQEfnfV92q5Feoko47lRpQiqKrd0I9o1bY6_QoSHQsv8H2cHUa_nrvtWJyLOMSErvYGtVyApMW2ymMJrEzYJisym_mOpKs/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_9.jpg" /></a></div><br />Next step was to add back the hangers and label each drawer.  I also swapped out the baskets with our pretty white laced options (truly one of my most favorite basket purchases ever).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9BXgzycfs1rfRVGVCHstqHR60ey9x6o0_xQi77Vkj2WT9V1hxzCBbyUymW7nX3wU3L6VT4y34e3XOGVrbXZ_rius-hrr7sJcoxvcmVo64_9VScc6210uhFDn0LexRd3KVJCKITb5aKaZ/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9BXgzycfs1rfRVGVCHstqHR60ey9x6o0_xQi77Vkj2WT9V1hxzCBbyUymW7nX3wU3L6VT4y34e3XOGVrbXZ_rius-hrr7sJcoxvcmVo64_9VScc6210uhFDn0LexRd3KVJCKITb5aKaZ/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_11.jpg" /></a></div><br />This time, I decided to only add the same number of hangers as jackets we want to store within the closet; one hanger for each family member.  We have never used the closet for hanging guest jackets as they are typically hung on hooks near our front door or in a spare closet in our guest bedroom for larger gatherings.  This truly is all the hanging space we <i>should</i> need.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABfkgK5aBT3NdmLHRYThvMtXsqSqVYsw_6QuQpSYp0jh9Tt5CU83bq3DxRug5xvCixbtNcyycZnxaSciW7rppTFR-zxV8uyDmphMoJmksHqohrgI_vYIrsmRtqE8Ygqb7NUWWh6NQZV5Q/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABfkgK5aBT3NdmLHRYThvMtXsqSqVYsw_6QuQpSYp0jh9Tt5CU83bq3DxRug5xvCixbtNcyycZnxaSciW7rppTFR-zxV8uyDmphMoJmksHqohrgI_vYIrsmRtqE8Ygqb7NUWWh6NQZV5Q/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_15.jpg" /></a></div><br />The label holders are the adhesive Martha Stewart bookplates from Staples.  I am on my last bunch of previously stashed purchases and the tears are flowing because they have since been discontinued.  Staples and Martha, if you are listening, "For the love of all things pretty and organized, please bring back the bookplates!!"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3njKORB8NgRJ1ITHIPaoIzhWJNJxmEzF3_fIw07jiG_4AWd3PlyOHxc2PT5Ts23tslcxmaTdtuKgJJJWzldCfRfZGGUDpaP-urb29ZUUeJ6C-aEc8WCXzh9AunfZBg6FDyddw0THajpa/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3njKORB8NgRJ1ITHIPaoIzhWJNJxmEzF3_fIw07jiG_4AWd3PlyOHxc2PT5Ts23tslcxmaTdtuKgJJJWzldCfRfZGGUDpaP-urb29ZUUeJ6C-aEc8WCXzh9AunfZBg6FDyddw0THajpa/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_13.jpg" /></a></div><br />The drawers are labeled by family member in order of our height to make sure everything is as easy to get at as possible.  Pets on the top and our youngest son's items at the bottom.  And just like the kitchen cabinets and drawers, these are soft closing, making them even more of a win in the name of the storage game.<br /><br />Delightful before and after?  Why of course!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCELkBl8y7vjjtfQStS92w-l3wxPGEQO-dEXPy6gd20dZdq08oZRVRVZz8ge4FXFZyqXVYRtNljdhDsuQYnbU-viNxcCL1-7ESv7wq3vFDVuLYux672YggM48XKkYK1p2togSsUgY9VNj-/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_BeforeAfter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCELkBl8y7vjjtfQStS92w-l3wxPGEQO-dEXPy6gd20dZdq08oZRVRVZz8ge4FXFZyqXVYRtNljdhDsuQYnbU-viNxcCL1-7ESv7wq3vFDVuLYux672YggM48XKkYK1p2togSsUgY9VNj-/s1600/Coat_Closet_Makeover_Organization_BeforeAfter.png" /></a></div><br />This is about the 26th makeover the closet has received, so if this doesn't work out, I may have to go into hiding...  And I still have to organize the drawers, but I have a pretty little plan up my sleeves for those, so stay tuned! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

A Coat Closet Makeover... Again...

There is nothing normal when it comes to our coat closet.  The location is odd and it tends to change roles and evolve as our family grows, ...

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UHeart Organizing: The "Gift" of Beautiful Storage

Raise your hand if you find joy in wrapping up a darling little package and bringing extra joy to someones day.  Whether it is for a birthday, a holiday, or "just because", the act of gift giving never gets old.  It doesn't take much to make a package special, but a few key items tend to go along way.  Ever since organizing my own gift wrapping station, I have found I am much more prepared to gift at a moment's notice.  I love having a few special giftable items on hand at all times, as well as a stock of blank cards, versatile papers, scissors, tape and decorative embellishments.<br /><br />Courtney, my wonderful friend from <a href="http://www.athoughtfulplaceblog.com/" target="_blank">A Thoughtful Place Blog</a>, combined her love for wrapping up a pretty package with her organizational talents to give her wrapping hot spot a little update.  I love how a few small changes completely refreshed her beautiful space.  Take it away Courtney!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pPVzIfd1JQojmAdApA82Czpf160Yj2hZf5ev4jx4gK25rIEqAUfGiKYUbYVsCha89CGCX2HHSe2VqWg4heVc_KyiFA8zV4ngrQQ1rW0NxF3fHOdFJyUbWZuR6wQGm9kOrE70sjARo_Ag/s1600/wrappingstationroomUHeartHeader.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pPVzIfd1JQojmAdApA82Czpf160Yj2hZf5ev4jx4gK25rIEqAUfGiKYUbYVsCha89CGCX2HHSe2VqWg4heVc_KyiFA8zV4ngrQQ1rW0NxF3fHOdFJyUbWZuR6wQGm9kOrE70sjARo_Ag/s1600/wrappingstationroomUHeartHeader.png" /></a></div><br />Hi, all! I’m so excited to be hanging out here today. I feel like it’s been too long. I have been soaking in all of the kitchen inspiration from Jen and hinting to my husband that we should panel the ceiling. Not sure he is picking up on my hints. But today I am talking about gift wrapping. My very first job {when I was just 11} was helping to wrap gifts during the holiday season at a quaint little book cottage. Sad to say the book cottage no longer exists, but my love for wrapping does. We have an upstairs laundry room and I have always stored gift wrapping supplies in it. But like with so many spaces, over time it began to fail me and it was high time I did something about it. I kept it very simple and love how convenient it’s been. Hoping you can take away some easy ideas to incorporate into your own space.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirV-8qRYjMwXQC5Lc_Fu6NgS3RvCmlXq3r9q3le5X66983TomhcZ3i4ZbPHPS8aOmiMJzksFUt-UBOvaGZbLvEhn9FjKfvYL5sTk9BQUtyGd5rkbW6Xfzgifn06VQYfI_ghLcN7QOnEW9I/s1600/warppinglaundryroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirV-8qRYjMwXQC5Lc_Fu6NgS3RvCmlXq3r9q3le5X66983TomhcZ3i4ZbPHPS8aOmiMJzksFUt-UBOvaGZbLvEhn9FjKfvYL5sTk9BQUtyGd5rkbW6Xfzgifn06VQYfI_ghLcN7QOnEW9I/s1600/warppinglaundryroom.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here is the finished outcome. It’s not a major overhaul, bit it is like I have stepped into a whole new room. Don’t you love when little changes have such a huge impact. To fully appreciate how I organized this room, we need to take a step back to the before.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSvBP-8j-VoShXQn71vVtturTbYwmNv8ESlQZoIZjdeOF1OysdgaY2zMkHi55j9YeByaMzjRFolCKNTSs-E_M5Yxjr5bdT0nq9dBscuAejtatqdxvyOMuQMo-VH-1ECgmnnrD7HrYEfow/s1600/wrappingissues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSvBP-8j-VoShXQn71vVtturTbYwmNv8ESlQZoIZjdeOF1OysdgaY2zMkHi55j9YeByaMzjRFolCKNTSs-E_M5Yxjr5bdT0nq9dBscuAejtatqdxvyOMuQMo-VH-1ECgmnnrD7HrYEfow/s1600/wrappingissues.jpg" /></a></div><br />First and foremost, over the years, this cabinet had become a catch all and was years of unused ribbon. I even spy a music box from when I was little. Can anyone tell my why it’s in my wrapping cabinet? So random!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKh0TnOT4Qb6wfaq77maYF7qRsQB46M-3ss1plIcgKp5u2c7KW4N2PgsONs_uClIIF7LsH03eOntlQouuBkk82hM0KMeTqylUidaYRL7B_pxTxO1p07hrxcMwXnbaL6r1uXX4xiw5pOCAk/s1600/wrappingcabinetinside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKh0TnOT4Qb6wfaq77maYF7qRsQB46M-3ss1plIcgKp5u2c7KW4N2PgsONs_uClIIF7LsH03eOntlQouuBkk82hM0KMeTqylUidaYRL7B_pxTxO1p07hrxcMwXnbaL6r1uXX4xiw5pOCAk/s1600/wrappingcabinetinside.jpg" /></a></div><br />So here is a better breakdown of why this space was no longer working for me. You can see from above I couldn’t even open the dryer door all the way because of the way the cabinet was situated. I shake my head at why I lived with it like that for so long! Scary. By the way, the white cabinet was a target purchase made over 12 years ago when we first got married. Our home had no bathroom storage and I had it in our first master bath to store towels. It’s an expensive piece, but when mom is the only one opening and closing it, it holds up very nicely! To start this overhaul, I took absolutely everything out and purged. Boy did I purge. If I didn’t love it . . . it was gone.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReuhf4FzyOBFI7Y4nRYNXTheO9sAw79x8NN2n7vYxhmNHLAgloK1fFJywhWl0vDOFmCRiL7Sz7BxNPSDi_wdKWbtQlTIwEh_Aw_F_rVPIGL-OzVDYKkLAkFe3esoij8WIt9CdXkgeyAvy/s1600/wrappingwall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReuhf4FzyOBFI7Y4nRYNXTheO9sAw79x8NN2n7vYxhmNHLAgloK1fFJywhWl0vDOFmCRiL7Sz7BxNPSDi_wdKWbtQlTIwEh_Aw_F_rVPIGL-OzVDYKkLAkFe3esoij8WIt9CdXkgeyAvy/s1600/wrappingwall.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKc-CW0o185_2RWELh7arvAE6wUcfmp-stw1ZsX4wTirH-UtTkNsF2Mk9qcmKISNPqDp88TK1_8e1Zeewjxn_iT4f2cUNa80S8uN4TNQ6BDL-eruSlLI8ul3Fa9SBy_7R6SM-bTtadO-4L/s1600/wrappingcabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKc-CW0o185_2RWELh7arvAE6wUcfmp-stw1ZsX4wTirH-UtTkNsF2Mk9qcmKISNPqDp88TK1_8e1Zeewjxn_iT4f2cUNa80S8uN4TNQ6BDL-eruSlLI8ul3Fa9SBy_7R6SM-bTtadO-4L/s1600/wrappingcabinet.jpg" /></a></div><br />By simply rethinking things, I was left with so much more space in this room. I turned the cabinet {long overdue} and now I can open my dryer door. Yes, I am laughing at how silly it seems, too. But more importantly, I was able to get rid of the basket that was overflowing on the floor. I moved the wrapping paper to a plastic bin in the cabinet after removing the shelves.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsU4qoonriRfH3z5opoMurgAMq5lcNXapLcIaLxZ5RSwH64juOEGpEiHDWqh9XuSZn053unHvLFKZYQYT6VZ8U9QyhDSVWMIXPjuN1l0hQsJX_J9a_FK1GpQLzg1T9SERVUeyR7-XUqEI/s1600/warppingtotebags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsU4qoonriRfH3z5opoMurgAMq5lcNXapLcIaLxZ5RSwH64juOEGpEiHDWqh9XuSZn053unHvLFKZYQYT6VZ8U9QyhDSVWMIXPjuN1l0hQsJX_J9a_FK1GpQLzg1T9SERVUeyR7-XUqEI/s1600/warppingtotebags.jpg" /></a></div><br />Because I purged so many things I hadn’t touched in years, I was able to relocate the ribbons to one drawer and extra tote bags to the other.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1x4G_FQq8WqfY59WnJvmiQrSmDjs7HWp5PgqZzpw1uDEglxCvnRfYhq79LIM35UWI6Git3YKQkWijpseHfiXr-x22m9QT8nASucKLwAyTTfY0H_VO-ZVuvwKABZLC_tNVt7s7SffJYFI/s1600/wrappingbins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1x4G_FQq8WqfY59WnJvmiQrSmDjs7HWp5PgqZzpw1uDEglxCvnRfYhq79LIM35UWI6Git3YKQkWijpseHfiXr-x22m9QT8nASucKLwAyTTfY0H_VO-ZVuvwKABZLC_tNVt7s7SffJYFI/s1600/wrappingbins.jpg" /></a></div><br />I think I purchased this Ikea rod and plastic bin system over five years ago and never used it. It was hiding in this room, too! So I hung this baby up and things are so much more organized. I love that I can grab gift tags, scissors, and tape so easily.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6U8HLTcFxVsEKRFJavK42yS1L7VA77Tngpg3GqtsFH4ZBWDYB1VLcDRFAlkkYkb5pqEEwMrufcIqSor7hEQkamVT3M8vgWC0Neue7VL_X8kMOx3r1mcmWPaU_eevH_olEAgtMpRK-eM6S/s1600/warppingscissors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6U8HLTcFxVsEKRFJavK42yS1L7VA77Tngpg3GqtsFH4ZBWDYB1VLcDRFAlkkYkb5pqEEwMrufcIqSor7hEQkamVT3M8vgWC0Neue7VL_X8kMOx3r1mcmWPaU_eevH_olEAgtMpRK-eM6S/s1600/warppingscissors.jpg" /></a></div><br />And a little shopping hint. When you pop into your local Michael's next time, look at the bins that hold $1 ribbon. Such cute finds. I love to use patterned ribbon on my brown craft paper.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LJLqTETkpM3VJPXurQwBiSn4Bplp8r9gU4RZ_ocxNMB1IfPdaFlbhyphenhyphen7VGrlN92YMAV4sT2LH3dhx1tk7AX-jEBnY2mXMFqYfAZKwJXJxdnPUkW2zvcRf_sxj3XbgPplK9WAQjntvB_Oa/s1600/wrappinggifttags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LJLqTETkpM3VJPXurQwBiSn4Bplp8r9gU4RZ_ocxNMB1IfPdaFlbhyphenhyphen7VGrlN92YMAV4sT2LH3dhx1tk7AX-jEBnY2mXMFqYfAZKwJXJxdnPUkW2zvcRf_sxj3XbgPplK9WAQjntvB_Oa/s1600/wrappinggifttags.jpg" /></a></div><br />Keeping tags and pens handy is such a treat. I just wrapped up my dear friend’s birthday gift and it was actually a pleasure to walk in and grab what I needed and have a place to put it back.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwmCCGxtgf5r_AFs5jcoBwyrnc-XXMbwVKNLeehQeXXsbaEjTp_us8sWP3mcFdNf_B6Bl_Xwjnedd0hWpPpEUKdBb4NY2r8TyzOjVaUL_y1jG_XzfLMrvsdYL2Z1ct4tR-f3ZEIStI9EH/s1600/wrappingtotebags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwmCCGxtgf5r_AFs5jcoBwyrnc-XXMbwVKNLeehQeXXsbaEjTp_us8sWP3mcFdNf_B6Bl_Xwjnedd0hWpPpEUKdBb4NY2r8TyzOjVaUL_y1jG_XzfLMrvsdYL2Z1ct4tR-f3ZEIStI9EH/s1600/wrappingtotebags.jpg" /></a></div><br />I added two removable hooks to the wall so I could hang the totes I used the most. I also love that I can easily spot if I am getting low. I choose to pick these up on sale when I see them, too.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnTULfZUFgMms1sYSWbmCOfkBT1pd2Uv4QEz6c_wd4hCktO_DSl80qGEG6WgVNILpnhU-T76S_7g6ocOTDk9d-XspzeMqL6Wa6rYwM3cU2eFs7bE3g57K93kVghTAWqqCr6F-0JZxJCws/s1600/wrappingstationroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnTULfZUFgMms1sYSWbmCOfkBT1pd2Uv4QEz6c_wd4hCktO_DSl80qGEG6WgVNILpnhU-T76S_7g6ocOTDk9d-XspzeMqL6Wa6rYwM3cU2eFs7bE3g57K93kVghTAWqqCr6F-0JZxJCws/s1600/wrappingstationroom.jpg" /></a></div><br />The flowers on top of the cabinet are actually part of my wrapping supplies, too. You can see <a href="http://www.athoughtfulplaceblog.com/2015/03/sweet-gift-giving-win-trip-to-paris.html" target="_blank">here</a> how I use them for wrapping.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHl5w2EFQOc6ryAym5WPU79as-MfbrnuH-KUy0-UXWoCdwjwn-Ea0r0GMAbFdEGdOHc0ml_CAh2bhGFJVttafJRSOwnoT3ZtzrTp0yiwSio8xl_E6Qg8BdpUy-P-HrT8UYLbJuu0cMh9Q/s1600/wrappingstation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHl5w2EFQOc6ryAym5WPU79as-MfbrnuH-KUy0-UXWoCdwjwn-Ea0r0GMAbFdEGdOHc0ml_CAh2bhGFJVttafJRSOwnoT3ZtzrTp0yiwSio8xl_E6Qg8BdpUy-P-HrT8UYLbJuu0cMh9Q/s1600/wrappingstation.jpg" /></a></div><br />I honestly want to just hang out in here. Isn’t it funny how powerful a little rearranging can be. It’s a breath of fresh air to get rid of all the items I didn’t need and truly start over. What about you? Are you a big fan of wrapping? Do you have a designated spot for all of your goodies?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">_______________</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="pinit-wrapper" style="cursor: pointer; left: 38.5px; opacity: 1; position: absolute; top: 7864.7px; visibility: visible; z-index: 9999;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2014/07/uheart-organizing-simple-desk-solutions.html&media=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_lJR5RrkgvFQxoJzzHpLpWkEqywQRBAJqzcT2oaSpUsb8eO-ErpJoMkIi52oASteTTMRdN5kxuzxqfO5_9JFkO8irHlUADYXVmEamXxSjdCc_w8dJJ0N5pVrw1iFjg0Kgyw15YtbMMI/s1600/courthead1.png&description=26UHeart%20Organizing:%20Simple%20Desk%20Solutions%20for%20Children" style="display: block; outline: none;" target="_blank"><img class="pinimg" src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad14/iheartorganizing/Blog%20Images/PinIt75px_zps9d0b45d7.png" style="-moz-box-shadow: none; -o-box-shadow: none; -webkit-box-shadow: none; background: transparent; border: 0; box-shadow: none; margin: 0; padding: 0;" title="Pin on Pinterest" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jIXcO0jWYp2UziMsHHD3V8LcZSDhYxnUl734U_-qc3Y2zUO3DkODrl1jyhGRRfA1s5vqdteCuiJYqYzHgWgZkdrwbRIP13QXtp1ep7ckmmRlLvMBFo_kD4Y0yAE7Vr6PDRdaDqThM0Pp/s1600/courthead1+150.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jIXcO0jWYp2UziMsHHD3V8LcZSDhYxnUl734U_-qc3Y2zUO3DkODrl1jyhGRRfA1s5vqdteCuiJYqYzHgWgZkdrwbRIP13QXtp1ep7ckmmRlLvMBFo_kD4Y0yAE7Vr6PDRdaDqThM0Pp/s1600/courthead1+150.png" /></a><i>"Do you believe in love at first sight? I sure do because when I first stumbled upon I Heart Organizing I immediately fell in love with Jen's mad organizational skills. I think we all long for a calm, organized, well styled life. I am the author of <a href="http://www.athoughtfulplaceblog.com/" target="_blank">A Thoughtful Place blog</a> where I dish on all things related to decorating, organizing, entertaining, and of course DIY-ing! To be quite honest, working on making my house a home is my happy place. It fulfills my need to be creative and I love sharing ideas {both big and small} with my readers. Along with my blog, I am a contributing writer to <a href="http://www.houseoffifty.com/" target="_blank">House of Fifty</a> and have recently started my own decorating firm, <a href="http://www.caseygracedesign.com/home.html" target="_blank">Casey Grace Design, LLC</a>, with my talented sister. I call Orange County, California home where I live with amazing husband and two children. At the end of a busy day, I love to enjoy an ice cold beer on the front porch with my hubby while we watch our children ride their bikes or run around. Life is sweet and I am thrilled to be a part of the IHeart Organizing Team."</i>

UHeart Organizing: The "Gift" of Beautiful Storage

Raise your hand if you find joy in wrapping up a darling little package and bringing extra joy to someones day.  Whether it is for a birthda...

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Reader Space: A Prudent Pantry

The first time I spotted today's reade<span style="font-family: inherit;">r space, I instantly yell<span style="font-family: inherit;">ed out</span></span>, "YUMMY!"  And not because of the food that was pictured...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-c_mkaxyiEJFLC_Mo6gGARAZBTRxxeuxtikmN6SzTEDhB4r64VMfiPhhtuA5Bruo9i3WpdfqnqzBysupeKOVDNddqNczdOhKZ8vdZU0oPVTKLNu9ZLRnwu45XHglBxuxb2MgdbELw2Z7/s1600/A+Prudent+Life+Pantry-Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-c_mkaxyiEJFLC_Mo6gGARAZBTRxxeuxtikmN6SzTEDhB4r64VMfiPhhtuA5Bruo9i3WpdfqnqzBysupeKOVDNddqNczdOhKZ8vdZU0oPVTKLNu9ZLRnwu45XHglBxuxb2MgdbELw2Z7/s1600/A+Prudent+Life+Pantry-Header.png" /></a></div><br /><br />First, I will completely admit that I have a bit of pantry envy going on right now.  A walk in pantry would be a DREAM.  My in-laws have a large pantry with counter and appliance storage and it is straight up heavenly.<br /><br />But beyond the excitement that I have over all of the space that Melissa has to play with, I really appreciated how <a href="http://www.aprudentlife.com/2014/organized-pantry-reveal/" target="_blank">she really took her pantry space to the next level</a>.  To me, there are two phases in organizing.  Phase one is the practical phase.  Clearing out the space, purging, sorting, assessing... Phase two is the fun phase!  Painting, projecting, labeling, putting your personal twist on things.  This is a phase that sometimes is overlooked, but to me, it is a key part of the organizing process.  It is the part that will ensure you LOVE the outcome.  And it will also be that motivating factor to maintaining all of that hard work from phase one!<br /><br />Melissa has a gift for making any organizational project beautiful.  She shares her stories over on her blog, <a href="http://www.aprudentlife.com/" target="_blank">A Prudent Life</a>, and I always find myself hanging out there for awkward amounts of time when I visit.  What can I say?  I am a fan!  And <a href="http://www.aprudentlife.com/2014/organized-pantry-reveal/" target="_blank">her pantry</a> had great bones to start with, but she wanted to organize it and give it a makeover.  She opted to focus on her pantry while participating in a past One Room Challenge, and the result is simply stunning.  She is here today to share more details, and I have a feeling you will find a love for pantries that you never knew you had... <br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #a20067;"><b>What is the main function of the space?</b></span><br /><br /><i>"Going ALL the way back three years, the first function of the space was to sell us this house! We weren’t planning on building right away, but when we stumbled upon this floor plan with this pantry, I knew we HAD to make it happen! A few weeks later, our old house was sold and we were building.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnr9BdRHT21bv_2PSiu93VjkD19mwyH6bVTFofhjtW_bGKJ_TOQEAw-m-Km5dfmdfsySeltMv9a3Go7x2QqVAvINis_myyz3pGDiwkbdgIW0RUkwvSzbSh-SEcACziH4bUOkI2Xi_xj5Nd/s1600/A+Prudent+Life+Pantry-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnr9BdRHT21bv_2PSiu93VjkD19mwyH6bVTFofhjtW_bGKJ_TOQEAw-m-Km5dfmdfsySeltMv9a3Go7x2QqVAvINis_myyz3pGDiwkbdgIW0RUkwvSzbSh-SEcACziH4bUOkI2Xi_xj5Nd/s1600/A+Prudent+Life+Pantry-18.jpg" /></a></div><i> </i><i> </i><br /><i>Then over time, the pantry lust wore off and we took it for granted, which means it turned into a clutter zone. The primary function of the space is now pretty storage for food and entertaining items."</i><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #dd3c6e;"><b>Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArIgmsWkehHYgY6h_IGszXGkaApbgupQL-1FnkKlykfHwNVdkIL4K8dxIKjqpTbIqKXRPSqDvtzSArpOJbreVMTwYbtvwTGWUj2q5dhed4Cf7KuSl7GTlvRruRPhIrOpK3J6jye75X5Mu/s1600/A+Prudent+Life+Pantry-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArIgmsWkehHYgY6h_IGszXGkaApbgupQL-1FnkKlykfHwNVdkIL4K8dxIKjqpTbIqKXRPSqDvtzSArpOJbreVMTwYbtvwTGWUj2q5dhed4Cf7KuSl7GTlvRruRPhIrOpK3J6jye75X5Mu/s1600/A+Prudent+Life+Pantry-14.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i>"Yes! The number one thing for me always comes down to labeling. When items have clearly defined homes, they tend to find their way home more often. Number two is making the space look great. When a room is beautiful and a reflection of me, I want to keep it that way. Functionally, two spaces could be exactly the same, but if one is pretty and one isn’t, my natural tendency is to keep the pretty space tidier. I’m sure that isn’t true for everyone, but you’ve got to go with what works for you!"</i><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #2fa4ad;"><b>What items did you find were essential when organizing this space and why?</b></span><br /><br /><i>"The right containers made a huge difference for me. For 15 years, I haven’t wanted to “waste money” on matching containers for things like sugar. It always seemed like it was going to be SO expensive to buy enough of them. As much as I’m obsessed with some of the decorative touches in our pantry, hands down the best money I spent was on the Flip-Tite containers. Because they are flat-sided and stackable, they don’t waste any space. Plus, they are more simple to open and close than any plasticware I’ve ever seen. Since I LOVED them so much after buying a few, I kept going back for more. Making the grocery list is easier when you can quickly see if you need tortilla chips without digging the bag out of a basket. I use those containers daily and they were well worth the investment!</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNPIleMmhxjVA9_4EnZCpZhbJWWKx-zT1fu7rWrh1KMncbhP__D_mfAxzY-Ca2VhezCUoTJS-7F8bjdhTvHH6sqYW-6sakMfW60WuKPbq_J4NFx0_4BLkAYw3ckIlb_xu4FsAtZfqiEc1/s1600/A+Prudent+Life+Pantry-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNPIleMmhxjVA9_4EnZCpZhbJWWKx-zT1fu7rWrh1KMncbhP__D_mfAxzY-Ca2VhezCUoTJS-7F8bjdhTvHH6sqYW-6sakMfW60WuKPbq_J4NFx0_4BLkAYw3ckIlb_xu4FsAtZfqiEc1/s1600/A+Prudent+Life+Pantry-15.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i>All that gushing aside, the 'right container' for your project doesn’t have to be a splurge. The white and gold bins that look like metal are actually plastic bins from the Dollar Tree that I spray painted to match the color scheme of the room. The gold 'coffee' and 'recipe' containers were the steal of the century at IKEA. The larger one was dented so the whole set was on clearance for $2! A coat of spray paint and a couple labels later and they are perfect. No one but me (and all of you!) will ever know the back of my extra K-Cup storage is dented."</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkx6a1-ih897oy-Co81VwSyoOsebwfgLEtYu39NlJ-jH4PAlwBsG6JapIw9G9Pgk7zZs4dGfB7sgLwHyPuhNAJv_bppWUq_MgQHSk3_FGL4c6thi0SD2T6tMWb31xZWCOk77treET3nnwf/s1600/A+Prudent+Life+Pantry-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkx6a1-ih897oy-Co81VwSyoOsebwfgLEtYu39NlJ-jH4PAlwBsG6JapIw9G9Pgk7zZs4dGfB7sgLwHyPuhNAJv_bppWUq_MgQHSk3_FGL4c6thi0SD2T6tMWb31xZWCOk77treET3nnwf/s1600/A+Prudent+Life+Pantry-19.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="color: #00967d;"><b>What did you do to go the extra mile and "make it pretty"?</b></span><br /><br /><i>"Oh my, I may have gotten a little out of control with this part!!! I touched pretty much every surface with the goal of making it prettier! My very first decision in the space was to add white penny tiles as a feature wall. It was the highest cost part of the space, but I think it adds great character to our newer construction home. We always try to save on most projects so we can splurge on things that make a big difference like this.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jSxpiRVNlW4xsSJiUvkLSPbCd6Hh2bbHZofcJuZSdY5E54jMIadlub67LrWcOd8XK3DaAK-YppTWXx_yiV_UvCBn_jPbu2TffaZSz2culE4kyC-OAI9hvYZT15QNpJ1j1XQ-k_1yvhKB/s1600/A+Prudent+Life+Pantry-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jSxpiRVNlW4xsSJiUvkLSPbCd6Hh2bbHZofcJuZSdY5E54jMIadlub67LrWcOd8XK3DaAK-YppTWXx_yiV_UvCBn_jPbu2TffaZSz2culE4kyC-OAI9hvYZT15QNpJ1j1XQ-k_1yvhKB/s1600/A+Prudent+Life+Pantry-16.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i>We also added crown molding, cabinet hardware, new lighting and of course, the big chalkboard wall!"</i><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #98dbd3;"><b>What items did you DIY to stay on a budget?</b></span><br /><br /><i>"There was SO much DIY going on to stay in budget! The biggest DIY task was the installation of the tile wall. I did it all by myself, which was an amazing feeling. We saved a TON over having a professional come install it. It did take some time, but I just pulled up Gilmore Girls on Netflix and let them distract me from how sore my arms were by the end!</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2Iuv6_61CiarCvDfYy5Qr_F2oij46CW6P7OkfFyoEgq6lNN-yFMmVAb0DE34STUFCUaA_F101BDUWnI_XRGTuDi35P6dFf202Dyh2p4D651xO4tg4JN3LnLNoVJ0eQEqICnLqLwrZbmE/s1600/A+Prudent+Life+Pantry-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2Iuv6_61CiarCvDfYy5Qr_F2oij46CW6P7OkfFyoEgq6lNN-yFMmVAb0DE34STUFCUaA_F101BDUWnI_XRGTuDi35P6dFf202Dyh2p4D651xO4tg4JN3LnLNoVJ0eQEqICnLqLwrZbmE/s1600/A+Prudent+Life+Pantry-20.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i>I also realized how much savings you could get by purchasing items in silver and gold-ifying them yourself. The light fixture and cabinet hardware were purchased new and then immediately painted. For the hardware, I wrote a separate post about how <a href="http://www.aprudentlife.com/2014/gold-cabinet-hardware/" target="_blank">I saved 84%</a>."</i><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #004c6c;"><b>How has this new space impacted your life for the better?</b></span><br /><br /><i>"Let me count the ways! Seriously! On the surface, it’s easier to find what we are looking for, and the space is fun to look at. We’re also wasting less food and money because everything is organized. We know what we have and aren’t buying duplicates.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUHp1EobDNeQW1NjVgokf9DkVH0TduM0zQcWJaiymkqyH9u3VyTSIxVCjeQ52Avaa7Wy4C8kgHbjkq-TWpdwVNbAWVzHWz1VmWfEqJ9lAyzbTIISkW0KKtpXLqCcvAbNCVasrU5lDMYuL/s1600/A+Prudent+Life+Pantry-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUHp1EobDNeQW1NjVgokf9DkVH0TduM0zQcWJaiymkqyH9u3VyTSIxVCjeQ52Avaa7Wy4C8kgHbjkq-TWpdwVNbAWVzHWz1VmWfEqJ9lAyzbTIISkW0KKtpXLqCcvAbNCVasrU5lDMYuL/s1600/A+Prudent+Life+Pantry-13.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i>But more important than that, it is indescribably awesome to have a space in the house that feels like a true representation of me. I’m sure all of you can relate that decorating a home is a long process. We’re always tweaking things, or rearranging, but I’ve never had a chance to plan out a room and make decisions based 100% on my designs. Bless my husband, I know he thought my ideas were wacky a few times along the way, but he gave me free reign within the budget and didn’t even freak out when I painted the handles of our refrigerator gold. In the end, all my crazy ideas came together into something fabulous. So as silly as it sounds, my pantry makeover gave me a huge confidence boost!" </i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8RgDBjsfxGc17Smah8VjPVkJsV1AT0a5nR4r_9RLnLWamj65TldLgk_G88P-jJxwZcLfRaCHO-is-_PuPeivg8qIDEz9eFg9EjbB0_UPt1Wg4lJzfFMvZTemnsP0Vz0ufgtdOge1qNIy/s1600/A+Prudent+Life+Pantry-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8RgDBjsfxGc17Smah8VjPVkJsV1AT0a5nR4r_9RLnLWamj65TldLgk_G88P-jJxwZcLfRaCHO-is-_PuPeivg8qIDEz9eFg9EjbB0_UPt1Wg4lJzfFMvZTemnsP0Vz0ufgtdOge1qNIy/s1600/A+Prudent+Life+Pantry-12.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And there you have it friends!  Another feel good organizational makeover is in the books!  That tile is beyond incredible.  But the heart that Melissa put into this pantry is what really captivated me.  She really paid attention to important details, touching everything and creating a cohesive feeling within all of the organizational and decorative elements.  She did a great job pairing splurges with saves, dollar store storage and penny tiles work beautifully together.  And we can't ignore the chalkboard wall!  The dramatic black paired with the beautiful golds and whites really creates a great balance in the space.  Clear containers help with quick inventory and prevent food waste, while the open shelves keep everything easy to access.  Especially because it is all so nicely labeled.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CymMFkeqWW4CF-w3jpKeYQsEEzSfaM_O393rTSBfqpO7jZt_W-SCrm3e40Toe9uJDjJjJOH1WitzGK1Z6gB2kfWHmjZVjfGqth_QU_y-ec4z2fEqsEnSxiazOfL2_5t7pgHDCAgqfkpn/s1600/GarageBeforeAfter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CymMFkeqWW4CF-w3jpKeYQsEEzSfaM_O393rTSBfqpO7jZt_W-SCrm3e40Toe9uJDjJjJOH1WitzGK1Z6gB2kfWHmjZVjfGqth_QU_y-ec4z2fEqsEnSxiazOfL2_5t7pgHDCAgqfkpn/s1600/GarageBeforeAfter.png" /></a></div><br />A virtual high five paired with an iHeart hug and a thankful smile goes out to Melissa today for sharing her sweet and inspirational pantry project.  You can always find more details and sources within her post <a href="http://www.aprudentlife.com/2014/organized-pantry-reveal/" target="_blank">here</a>.  She is participating again in the next One Room Challenge and I can't wait to see what she does next!  <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*  All images courtesy of <a href="http://www.aprudentlife.com/" target="_blank">A Prudent Life</a></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><i><b><span style="color: #ef3776;">ATTENTION!!</span> </b> 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.  <b>They can be anything from an organized drawer or cabinet to an entire room</b>.  Please submit your story and photos to <a href="mailto:iheartreaderspace@gmail.com">iheartreaderspace@gmail.com</a>, and I would heart to feature them right here on the blog!!  <b>Photos should be high resolution and unedited.</b>  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!</i></span></span></i></span></span></span></span> </div><br />

Reader Space: A Prudent Pantry

The first time I spotted today's reade r space, I instantly yell ed out , "YUMMY!"  And not because of the food that was pictu...

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