My Ugly Place: Storage Solutions

If there's anything that I'm short on, it's storage. Sure, I've got a fantastic deep, walk in closet with lots of wire shelving organization, but I don't have other closets where you put things. Like a linen closet, a coat closet, a utility closet, or really, even a usable pantry. So, I need double or even triple duty furniture and decor. And if it's cheap affordable, that's even better.

This shelf/sofa table is kind of cool! It's made with step stools! In my house, they'd need to be screwed together so there wasn't an avalanche, but that could easily be done.

I have to admit - I really like the shabby chic look. People who know me in real-life think it's a total dichotomy! This totally plays to my design wants.

I have no idea why, but it never occurred to me to simply cover those cookie tins with paper. I also like to spray paint them so they have a cohesive look. I also had never thought about creating my own dividers. Is it just an idea that is so simple and fantastic you overlook it or am I that dense?

Don't we all have plastic bins. Lots and lots of plastic bins. They're so handy, but none too pretty. This changes all that! If your bins are clear, you'll lose that, but so many of the bigger bins are opaque anyway.

Vertical storage is so important in a small space. Behind doors is a place that generally gets forgotten. This smaller sized over the door caddy is great! I never thought about storing lingerie there, either.

Do you have a great storage tip? Share it!

My Ugly Place: New Appliances

I've been looking for a new washer and dryer. My current set is old and mismatched. My washer is from the mid-80s and the dryer - oh the dryer - has gotta be from the 70s. It's harvest gold, for cryin' out loud!

While cruising around the internet, checking out various appliance sales sites, I came across a few sets that I love.

I really like the idea of the all-in-one washer/dryer combos, as saving that much space would be fantastic! But then again, one of the brightly colored sets would be kinda cool. Or maybe I want a set with the drawers underneath. Oh, the decisions!!

That's probably why I'm still sticking with the mismatched old pair.

My Ugly Place: It's Time to Change

I recently moved from "our" house into my apartment.  Our house that had the great furniture that we had hunted down and lovingly refinished.  The great artwork that went perfectly with the refinished furniture.  The pillows that made everything homey and oh-so-comfy.

My new place has, well, me.  And frankly, it's kind of sad. I've yet to put up any artwork.  I haven't made - or even purchased - any pillows.  No tchochkies.  Heck, I've only unpacked the things that I really needed.  Well, that's about to change!  Here's a few inspirations for a freshening up of your space:

1. Bottlecap Tray from Sweet Something Designs
2. Wheat Pillows from V and Co.
3. Chickenwire Memo Board from Under the Sycamore
4. Gather Up Pillow from Pink Chalk Studio

lead pic from BHG.com