The MultiFunction Storage Solution

Sorry I haven’t written in awhile (I think its been 7 weeks or so I have been so busy with 2 moves in 2 months that I am finally getting around to things) Here is a 5 basket storage unit available from Target.com and is affordable and provides great organization in a hallway (store shoes in the baskets and keys, phones, etc. in a small bowl on top.) Or it would be great in a small nursery with limited storage (some older homes have small closets as do new condos) so you could put diapers, wipes, crib sheets, onesies, etc. all in different baskets. Or maybe you have a toddler and are looking for a way to keep their favorite toys off the floor when there not playing well now you can easily place them in the baskets and still have a clean family room. I added the link below in case you want to know more about the dimensions, price and see additional photos.

http://www.target.com/p/five-basket-storage-unit-cherry/-/A-11819956#prodSlot=medium_1_22

DIY Dresser

So today I am bringing you this pretty simple DIY dresser I absolutely love DIY projects because they can save you plenty of money and also let you customize the look to your exact taste.

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Want to learn more on about this project? Go Here

Krylon Spray Paint

There are so many uses for spray paint, they can cover many surface types and come in a variety of colors. Today, I just wanted to feature some highlights of the Krylon: H20 Latex Spray Paint. I came across this the other day and wanted to share it with all of you. This paint comes in 21 different colors!

The benefits of this particular spray is the obvious surfaces it can be used on and I quote “offers a uniquely smooth, durable finish for wood, metal, wicker, wrought iron, drywall, Styrofoam® Brand Foam and more.”

What are the other benefits and again I quote “Krylon H₂O Latex dries in only 15 minutes…deal for nursery furniture and other children’s items, Krylon H₂O Latex’s convenience, long-lasting beauty and resistance to chips and nicks…is in compliance with the California Clean Air Act for Aerosol Coatings and the California Low Emissions and Reactivity Rule (CLEAR), and its water-based formulation ensures compliance with anticipated future changes in air quality regulations expected to affect spray paint.”

So now maybe you need some inspirational projects to tackle:

• Spray paint your mailbox (add some flare to your curb appeal)
• Spray paint the numbers outside your home
  
• Go ahead and buy a lamp on clearance in a style you like but color you hate if that’s all it comes in (its better to pay less for these type items) then go ahead and change its look by painting it or changing out the lamp shade
• Buy an old solid wood dresser (you can find many of these at Craigslist, Estate or Moving Sales, or unfinished wood stores) then sand and spray paint it for a beautiful look

The options are endless I am sure you will find some inspiration rather soon!

 

Vintage Fixtures

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Today we are exploring vintage fixtures and finds for those who love to add a vintage splash to their decor.

Claw foot tubs bring a vintage feel to any bathroom – most come in 2 materials either cast iron or acrylic, remember cast iron can be very heavy but keeps the water nice and warm (this was the material of choice for most older claw foots) if installing these on a second floor make sure to have a reinforced floor and have a licensed plumber and contractor install it. The tub itself will be extremely heavy and even more so when water is added to it. Acrylic tubs are more often used in today’s claw foot tubs however they don’t tend to keep the water as warm either way its a personal preference and remember as long as you properly care for your tub it should last you many years.

Bath Room Machineries has many fixtures from another era and can be a great inspiration for people looking to remodel

Having a hard time finding vintage fixtures – browse here for light fixtures, switch plates and more

Consider looking at this website which specializes in nothing but Retro Items (decor, accessories, toys, etc.)

Maximizing a Small Bedroom

There are so many perks to city living, but small bedrooms is not one of them. Since we need to maximize every square inch its critical we choose the right pieces. First step, buy pieces that will provide maximum concealed storage, second do not purchase an entire bedroom set – rather buy the pieces that will; best fit your space and your life.

Know where to spend the money and where to save it: (here’s my advice below)

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Save on the bed frame and splurge on a quality mattress (the mattress should be something that will last you 10 years so you need to pick something that’s comfortable to sleep on) This stylish bed frame is from Ikea and is only $179 for Full, $199 for Queen and $249 for a King. In a small city bedroom shoot for a queen bed providing room for two without taking too much floor space in the room.

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You need to purchase under bed storage boxes like these, to maximize space under the bed. Items to consider placing in these boxes: shoes, bed linens, seasonal items like scarves and gloves. These Dilling boxes from Ikea are affordable at $14.99.

Make sure items double duty, if you have a TV in your Bedroom place it on top of a dresser or wall amount above do not, buy a separate TV stand. See the dresser below provides storage for clothes and a TV could easily be placed on top. If you don’t have a TV on top, make sure to keep this surface area well organized and de-cluttered and place several wall shelves above for photos.  You can buy this Hemnes Dresser from Ikea for $149.00 and the wall shelves for $14.99

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My final suggestion is to buy some closet organizers,  don’t go overboard spending a lot of money on these systems check out DIY kits from Easy Closets and Rubbermaid

Decorating a Master Bedroom for 2 Tastes

One thing that many couples complain about is their different styles for decor. This can be a real problem when 2 people can’t come to an agreement over their now common space. Before they were married or living together having different tastes didn’t bother them because they each still had their own comforts. I hope this picture inspires you because feminine colors can work with masculine furniture, antiques or older furniture can be re-upholstered into new colored fabric, re-staining or sanding and painting a table can give it a whole new life.

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In this photo gray acts as the modern neutral tone, pink brings in a soft feminine color, the modern bed is coupled with a traditional scalloped end table used as a nightstand. This is a combination that is neither too feminine, modern, masculine or cold.

Clear tables & Lighter spaces

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A challenge in any small space is having enough surface area without over crowding.  A great way to incorporate this is with Lucite, Plexi-glass, Plastic type coffee tables and end tables. They visually take up less space due to their transparency and therefore add a feeling of lightness to the room. (yes in reality they still sit on the floor and take up sq.ft but it won’t feel that way)

The above photo demonstrates this airy feeling and you too can purchase it at here for $279.00

They also have the following: a set of 3 nesting tables, console table and media center

Remember in small spaces its best to have items that can pull double duty (see below 2 uses for a console table)

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These nesting tables are $179.99 for the 3 piece set and are available here

 

 

Daybeds on Double Duty

In small spaces it’s extremely important to use items that are multifunctional, two that immediately come to mind are day beds & sleeper sofas. Daybeds can function as couches with covers & pillows lining the back and then be used for sleeping quarters for overnight guests. 

Often our small spaces must accommodate out of town friends & relatives, but the remainder of the time accommodate our daily lives and entertaining.

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Here it is styled with pillows, covers & there is an end table at one side

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These are more modern daybeds I selected to feature they are from West Elm and retail for $449.00, you can see them here

Or you can look for a more affordable option like this one featured below from Daybeds.com  This one I featured is great because it starts at only $238.99 and you can choose optional storage drawers below, plus it comes in a Twin, Full, or Queen mattress size and 5 color options.

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