BH&G Organize With This: Beds That Store More! From Jen Jones

Today's Inspiration comes from Better Homes and Garden's Style Spotters Jen Jones.

Do you ever wish that you had more storage? I think we all have at some point in time as having proper storage typically relates to a clean and orderly space. Home storage closets and cabinets are commonly referred to as “prime real estate”. It can feel unfortunate when your home doesn’t boast the amount of storage you are after, but the bright side is that just about any piece of furniture can be altered to pack quite a bit of storage punch.

The bedroom is one area of the home that can often times be limiting in the storage department. Clothing, linens, pillows, seasonal items, shoes and books are just a select number of the items that are generally living inside of bedroom closets and wardrobes. If your bedroom doesn’t offer the amount of built-in storage you are after, there are many exciting ways that you can modify your bed to achieve maximum bedroom organization. Here are a few examples of how your existing bed can store more!

1. Bookcases

By lining the wall behind the bed with a row of bookcases, you are making the most of the vertical space and dramatically increasing storage for books, baskets and treasures. The shelving can also double as a nightstand in rooms that are too narrow to accommodate the extra furniture.

2. Floating Shelves

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Another option is to stretch a piece of shelving from wall-to-wall to create modern and simplified “built-in” storage. This option also doubles as a place to set a glass of water and your favorite bedtime reading material.

3. Built-In Bed

Modular storage units can be pieced together around the perimeter of the headboard to create a custom wall of built-ins. The image above incorporated the nightstands right into the design which really makes the most of the wall space. To go the extra mile, consider lining the bookcases with a decorative paper or fabric and capping the furniture with a piece of decorative crown moulding.

4. Create a Closet

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Apartments and homes that don’t offer any type of closet space in the bedroom can be especially tricky. How about framing out the bed with a custom wardrobe? By placing the nightstands and bed on rolling casters, you can provide easier access to the clothing and accessories being stored behind the bed. This is a prime solution to fitting an entire bedroom on a single wall.

5. Divide & Conquer

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It is a headboard in the front and a clothing closet in the back! Such a sweet and simple solution to not only act as a beautiful room divider, but to also provide concealed wardrobe organization in a studio space.

6. Under-Bed Drawers

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As important as it is to utilize the vertical space in the bedroom, it is equally as important to make the most of the space below the bed. There are a variety of options for adding drawers under a bed; casters can be added to crates or old dresser drawers or the drawers can be built right into the bed frame for a seamless look. Under-bed drawers are ideal for stashing away bulky bed linens and off-season clothing.

7. Basket Case

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Not only do over-sized baskets provide a bounty of concealed underbed storage, they also give the room decorative character.

8. Under-Bed Storage Bins

The easiest way to utilize the area under the bed is with rolling totes that are designed specifically for under-bed organization. These bins are lightweight, compact, roll, are easy-to-clean and are readily available at most home department stores. You can really maximize their storage capacity by pairing them with expandable drawer organizers.

What is your favorite way to create bedroom storage where there once was none?

BH&G Organize With This: Pegboard in the Kitchen! From Jen Jones

Today's Inspiration comes from Better Homes and Garden's Style Spotters Jen Jones.

It is no secret that pegboard is about as versatile as it gets when it comes to storage and organization. Most commonly found in the garage for storing tools; it typically comes with a reputation of being basic and unnatractive. However, any kitchen can benefit from the endless variety of organizing options that pegboard offers.

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Pegboard is slender, can be customized with pegs, hooks and baskets and takes advantage of vertical space. In fact, pegboard is a prime solution for small kitchen spaces and even rental homes. I am here today to convince you that pegboard in the kitchen can be fabulous, beautiful and endlessly functional.

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Paint it! Just because pegboard comes in a white and brown finish, does not mean it has to stay that way. A quick coat of paint and it becomes a shining storage star.

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Another painting option is to do a chalkboard finish. This allows you to trace the items you are storing to be sure everything finds a way back home.

Frame it! By adding decorative moulding to the outside of pegboard, it offers a nice finished edge and instantly becomes artwork that doubles as storage.

Don’t be afraid to tuck small pieces of pegboard in small nooks and crannies to truly maximize your storage opportunities. Think about the backs of bookcases, behind shelving, on the sides of cabinets and behind doors.

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Bring the kids into the kitchen by installing a wall of pegboard paired with pockets, baskets and organizers to create the ultimate crafting zone.

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Are you a big coffee drinker like I am? I love the idea of adding pegboard to display mugs above a kitchen coffee station.

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Selecting pegboard with larger pegs and holes creates an entirely different feel, yet still offers the same amount of storage and flexibility.

If you are still not convinced that you love the look of pegboard out in the open, consider adding small pieces to the interior of your cabinets. This is a great solution for creating hidden memo stations, hanging keys or storing small baking tools.

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Another way to conceal pegboard is to put it on casters and create a tucked away rolling system. It slides out when you need to access your items, and then hides away in-between uses.

Pegboard really does make the most of wall and cabinet space, but did you know it can also maximize your drawer storage? Add pegboard to the floor of the drawer and when paired with pegs, you can create an endless combination of drawer organizers.

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Cleaning is chore enough! Adding pegboard to your kitchen cleaning closet will keep all of your supplies right within reach each day.

So what do you think, are you ready to add some colorful pegboard storage to your kitchen space?

BH&G Organize This: A Trip to the Beach! From Jen Jones

Today's Inspiration comes from Better Homes and Garden's Style Spotters Jen Jones.

Let’s head to the beach and catch some rays and waves! It is definitely that time of year to spend hours playing in the water and soaking up some sun!

The point of a trip to the beach is to have a blast and also take some time to get away and relax. The process should be easy breezy and leave you feeling refreshed, not stressed. Here are a few tips as you head off to your favorite sandy hot spot.

• Keep your beach bag prepacked. Beach days are weather permitting so be ready to go when the moment strikes. Select a beach tote with ample storage pockets, and keep it filled with all of your favorite essentials such as a beach towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, a first aid kit, etc… This will ensure you always have sun protection and the basics on hand, even when you head out in a rush.

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• Speaking of first aid, load up a small container filled with basic care items for those “just in case” moments.

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• Rolling your towels will save space in your beach tote.
• Small pouches will be your best beach friend. Add pencil and toiletry pouches to your beach bag to hold all of your smaller items, such as sunscreen, hair accessories, gadgets, etc…
• Make sure to bring the baby powder! It is a great way to rid your body of sticky sand.
• Add a wet sack to your beach tote arsenal. This will provide you a place to store your damp swimsuit without effecting the rest of the items in your bag.
• Shopping/Utility carts are a great way to haul your beach umbrella/shelter, chair and bag all in a single trip. Many can handle the sandy beach with ease, and they collapse down nice and flat when not in use.
• Use clear pouches to protect your phone/tablet while still offering the opportunity to utilize it.
• Be prepared for the heat with a well packed cooler. Stock it full of water and healthy snacks, which should be pre-chilled if possible. Glass containers are ideal for keeping foods fresher for longer, but plastic is less likely to break on the beach. Don’t forget the utensils and dishes, they can attach right to the lid of the cooler with some Velcro!

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Do you have essential beach items that you won’t leave home without?

 

sunscreen | lip balm | radio | umbrella | towel | powder | chair | tote | sunglasses | snack container | water bottle | gadget pouches | sun hat | facial spray | wet sacks | magazine | utility cart | paddle game | mini first aid kit | cooler

 

BH&G Organize This: Dining Outdoors! From Jen Jones

Today's Inspiration comes from Better Homes and Garden's Style Spotters Jen Jones.

‘Tis the season for grilling, picnicking and eating outdoors! The evenings are warm and it really is the best time of the year for outdoor entertaining and family gatherings. The goal is to enjoy your company, not to spend hours preparing, cooking and cleaning up. Here are a few tips to keep you prepared for dining outdoors anytime the mood strikes!

If you cook outdoors frequently, it may be beneficial to create a secondary outdoor kitchen to prevent frequent trips inside. Whether you build something custom or utilize a nearby potting bench, consider adding a few hooks for hand towels and grilling tools, as well as shelving to corral outdoor dining supplies. An often forgotten treasure is an outdoor trash can for quick cleanups. These units provide storage below and work surface above, making the most of both space and time.

If a larger work surface is not an option, think about adding a smaller bar cart to act as a hot spot for storing frequently used dining and grilling supplies, while also providing serving surface. Select a piece that can hold up to outdoor weather conditions, wood and steel tend to be the best options. Plastic lidded bins will keep dishes and linens protected from moisture as well.

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A little lattice goes a long way in the storage department with this DIY utensil holder. Although compact, the organizer packs a lot of punch with hooks holding frequently used grilling tools and a shelf for holding a grilling basket and condiments.

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Create a portable caddy that can hold cups of flatware, dishes and your favorite condiments. This will keep it super simple to transfer your indoor dining to the great outdoors.

An upcycled tool box also has the ability to become handy and organized dining storage.

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If you love to take last minute trips to the park, keep your picnic basket pre-packed and stocked with outdoor dishes, flatware, linens and a cutting board. Lidded jars work great for transporting side dishes while wax paper, baking liners and treat bags work wonderful for dried goods.

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Stash a picnic-ready blanket in your vehicle for impromtu outdoor dining; an easy solution is to roll an oversized quilt and tie it up with ribbon.

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BH&G Organize With This: Crates! From Jen Jones

Today's Inspiration comes from Better Homes and Garden's Style Spotters Jen Jones.

I always find it thrilling when something quite ordinary can be turned into something extraordinary. And that is no exception when it comes time to find storage solutions for around the home. In previous posts, I have shared a few of my favorite organizing solutions that are always reliable, such as credenzas and bookcases. Today I am adding another to the list; the great wooden crate!

Wooden crates are readily available; whether at antique, thrift, craft or home improvement stores. They are typically quite inexpensive, and the storage possibilities are truly endless. The best part is you don’t have to have hardcore DIY skills to be able to make these amazing little gems into something quite incredible. A little stain and paint is all you need to bring these wooden boxes to life. Check out eight examples below of how crates are making a storage difference in a variety of homes and spaces.

Wooden crates make amazing wall storage because when paired together, they can create cubbies and open shelving. SImply anchor the crates to the wall and you have instant mudroom storage for pet supplies, outdoor gear, boots, shoes and even a mail station!

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But don’t stop at the entryway, think about other spaces throughout your home that could benefit from wall cubbies and shelving as well. Like the laundry closet! Crates above the washer and dryer provide easy and convenient access to your daily laundering essentials!

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Wooden crates are the ideal size for holding decorative storage boxes, magazine files and binders, thus making them quite popular in home offices. Above, they are again wall mounted to hold daily paper necessities in a beautiful way. Bonus: They can also be placed on the floor to act as filing storage.

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Also in a home office or craft room, crates keep craft supplies on display and ready to use when the crafting mood strikes.

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Many old vintage crates contain built-in dividers. This is always an organizational plus, as they now provide sorting options for smaller bits and pieces.

When looking to store children’s belongings, it is important to select items that will remain durable and can also be used down the road when the youngsters have grown. Once again, crates to the rescue! Adorable, kid friendly and versatile enough to switch gears at any point in time.

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Add casters to the bottom of wooden crates to create “drawers” that pull out from under furniture. This keeps toys and child clutter tucked away between uses, yet provides floor level access at play and pick-up time. Bonus: these roll-out crate drawers also work great on the floor of pantries for storing vegetables, paper products and reusable shopping bags!

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Slice a standard craft store crate and half, add a few mounting brackets, and you have quick and easy bookshelves in your playroom or child’s bedroom!

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I don’t like to play favorites, but this crate stand is simply genius. Utilizing shelving brackets from a home improvement store created a three tier storage solution that is perfect for any small nook.

Lastly, here is a solution that can be used in just about any room in the home! Prop the crate up on a base, anything from a small table to a luggage rack will work well, to create a furniture style catch-all. Placed in a living room or guest room it works to corral extra linens, while in a bathroom this solution could act beautifully as daily toiletry storage. The options truly are endless, yet stylish at the same time.

How do you utilize crates around your home? Are you ready to head to the craft store to whip up some great crate storage?

BH&G Organize with This: Bookcases! From Jen Jones

Today's Inspiration comes from Better Homes and Garden's Style Spotters Jen Jones.

Storage furniture comes in endless shapes and sizes, however, when planning out storage solutions for your, sometimes it comes right down to the basics. I receive a lot of questions regarding organizing and storage for apartment dwellers, and I always resort to my favorite answer; a bookcase! In fact, bookcases are amazing storage solutions no matter what the shape or size of your home. They are by far the most versatile piece of furniture I have come across, and I just love how they can be used in just about any space of the home without becoming a permanent fixture.

Let’s begin in the entryway. By swapping out the upper shelves with a few hooks, you have an instant mini-mudroom closet. The lower shelves are perfect for holding shoes of various sizes while the upper portion can hold coats, handbags and accessories.

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Affix a few bookcases together to give them a “built-in” appearance. Then, remove a shelf or two to give your television and components a tucked away location to live.

By adding a basic bookcase to the end of a bank of cabinets or an island in the kitchen, you now have quick access to decorative dishes and cookbooks.

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Another amazing way to add smart kitchen storage is by turning a bookcase into a pantry cabinet! When the adjustable shelving is paired with jars, baskets, risers and organizers, the bookshelf provides a lot of bang for your storage buck.

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If you entertain frequently, you may find it is nice to keep a serving station set up and stocked around-the-clock. By adding a few baskets, decorative trays and bottle holders, you are well on your way to being the hostess with the mostess.

If your home didn’t come equipped with a dedicated home office, create one from bookcases! Add a desktop and some shelves between a pair of bookcases and you have an instant desk that will leave you whistling while you work. Looking for more space to spread out and craft? Two shorter bookcases plus a solid top and you will be sewing up a storm in no time!

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Bathrooms are not typically known to be grand in size, making it easy for daily toiletries to clutter up available counter space. Because bookcases are often slim, they can be tucked in behind doors and beside bathroom fixtures. Fill the shelves with towels, jars and baskets and your beauty essentials will become neatly stowed away, yet easy to access each day.

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Heading to the bedroom now and bookcases work there also! By installing a basic clothing rod a bookcase becomes a simple and sweet closet for a child. Pair a few bookcases together and suddenly you have the makings of a custom closet for shoes, sweaters and handbags galore!

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Finishing off in the playroom, a bookshelf is about as versatile as it gets for keeping special toys easy to reach and on display. Canvas and soft sided bins are great for corralling smaller pieces, while the remaining items inspire imagination during play time.

Bookcases are an obvious solution for storing books, however, they really do create inexpensive, slim, versatile and vertical storage in just about any room of the home. The best part is that they can easily be modified with paint, decorative papers and even doors. How do you make bookcases work hard for you in your personal spaces?