I’m convinced boots, snow pants, mittens and hats reproduce each night. The sheer volume of stuff, coupled with a lack of adequate storage space, make keeping our entryway neat and organized nearly impossible. Then, just when I think I have a handle on it, a fresh blanket of snow falls, beckoning the kids outdoors to start the cycle anew.
I’ve done some creative finagling to achieve some semblance of organization in the laundry room. It’s only about 8’x6’, and with a sink, washer and dryer included, space is at a premium.
One thing that helps is the addition of a couple of inexpensive boot trays, which corral moisture and protect the tile floor.
Maximize space
Another thing we did was remove the counter top in the room. Originally intended as a surface on which to fold clothes, it became apparent after a few weeks that it just took up space.
In its place, we installed two rows of wall-mounted coat hooks. One row is lower down on the wall to accommodate our youngest and her limited reach, and another higher up for adult-sized clothes and larger, longer items. We chose hardware that could adequately support heftier winter outerwear.
Another addition was a wooden drying rack, which can be folded and stored away when not in use. It’s great for wet hats and mittens and the occasional sweater that needs to be air dried.
One thing the space lacks is proper seating. I’d love a bench with built in storage compartments upon which we could sit to remove shoes and boots at our leisure. It’s on the list.
So, DIY’ers, what what have you got to say about mud rooms? What creative things have you done to wrangle outerwear? Hit me up in the comments!
The sight of green grass, crisp leaves blowing in the wind and snow gently falling are all reminders that nature is one of the most beautiful backdrops. Different scenes can be energizing or calming, so it’s no wonder that many people want to bring a bit of the outdoors into their home decor. If you’re wondering how, consider incorporating natural elements in design.
Flooring
With so many patterns, species and shades, there are seemingly endless wood flooring options available. Eco-friendly choices include water- and mildew-resistant cork and durable bamboo. You should also consider area rugs and carpeting made from sustainable products.
Stone
Stone is a great material for different applications. We know marble and granite have long been used in kitchens, but don’t rule it out as a flooring application, a fireplace surround or as an accent wall. Versatile and durable, stone can be used in traditional or contemporary design schemes. Check out Aspect Peel & Stick stone tiles, which are made of real, thin-cut stone and available in 9 colors. It’s the easy and affordable way to incorporate natural stone into any design scheme.
Window Treatments
Letting the sunlight in through windows has its appeal, but privacy and shade matter. Today’s window treatments come in a variety of materials, including many natural options. They include bamboo, linen, cotton and silk. Check out these top 10 window treatment trends, as defined by HGTV.
Furniture
There’s more to natural furniture than unfinished. Rattan, leather and furniture made from reclaimed wood are all great options. Consider upholstery with prints of items found in nature such as plants. Use throws in natural materials such as wool or cotton in interesting patterns to liven up a plain sofa.
For more ideas on how to incorporate natural elements in your home decor, check out this article from BHG.com.
The pros and cons of renting vs. owning a home have been argued for ages. I’ve done both throughout my life. From questionable college abodes, to upgrading to my own place as a Single, renting served me well over the years. But there are downsides to renting. For one, you’re fairly limited to the amount of change you can make to the space. If you hate the flooring or paint color, too bad. However, you can do some temporary things, like the suggestions this blogger makes in this recent post.
They’re all very good ideas. I just don’t know if I’m that invested to even make temporary changes, which would then have to be reversed once I decide to move out. We shall see.
The biggest downside to my rental is the cream-colored carpeting. Why on earth would you install such light carpet in a rental? You’re just asking for it. Especially if you have a tenant with a dog that doesn’t always let her know she needs to go out, or a daughter who likes to explore the pond in the back and forgets to take off her mud-covered boots when she comes in. Honestly, my front hall looks like a crime scene. I’ve tried numerous stain removal products and techniques but I can guarantee you that without a thorough steam cleaning before I leave there’s no way I’ll see a dime of my security deposit. In the meantime, I’ll throw a rug over it all and call it good.
Another thing that threatens my security deposit is a recent décor project that the youngest undertook. Like many little girls, she’s a fan of posters, especially those of One Direction or Selena Gomez. After covering the wall with their smiling faces, and being frustrated by the lack of staying power of scotch tape, she took matters into her own hands and turned to a super aggressive duct tape in a snazzy pink and lime green pattern. She creatively framed out each picture in said tape and loved the result for a few weeks. Then she decided she needed new posters and set about removing the duct tape. Well, guess what? Duct tape removes paint quite handily. So one wall of their room looks like something out of a war zone. I’ll deal with that later. Interestingly, I’m not the only person this has happened to.
Anyone else out there have some rental woes or horror stories to share? What are your pros and cons of renting? Let me know in the comments!
