Bathroom Cabinets

Choosing cabinetry should not be a mindless matter. Sure, you can pick whatever you think looks good, but in order to get more bang for your buck, you should really put some thought into it. Cabinets can be customized for almost anything these days, so why not take advantage of it?

As seen in the photo to the right, the cabinet in the middle is actually a trash pull out. The great thing is that you can't even tell. It looks like a deep drawer, but now there's no need for a trash bin to be out in the open; it can be concealed and pretty like this! We absolutely love this idea because it just makes the bathroom look cleaner overall. Another neat feature these cabinets have is the mirrors double as medicine cabinets. No more clutter on the counters! They're definitely not tiny, dingy medicine cabinets off to the side like traditional ones are. These are top of the line, large cabinets with gorgeous glass shelves on the inside. Who says cabinets shouldn't be as pretty on the inside as they are on the outside?

Traditional vanities have gone by the wayside. Check out how many custom vanities are made now in this photo. Instead of regular shelving on the inside, pull out shelves offer easier access to your things, and easier organization! You will not have to worry about knocking things over while searching for something in the dark back of your vanity. Why didn't someone think of this earlier?! 

Now this photo is actually from Pinterest, because we all know it's the place to find neat ideas! We really like the idea of open shelving in the vanities because it offers easy access for things we use all the time, like towels and storage bins. When you have a larger vanity like this one and plenty of drawers to hide the ugly stuff, you can roll up your best towels and put some items in wooden bins, and put them on display for a rustic feel. So homey! When it comes to choosing bathroom cabinetry, think about what your bathroom lacks, what it could use, what overall style you want, and pick accordingly. We hope that these few tips will help you achieve a beautiful, timeless bathroom!

FUNctional Storage

Not enough room for everything? We know the feeling. Take a look at these inspirational, FUNctional storage ideas that we've come across for every home!

 This small cabinet has a drawer that stores Fido's food and water - close it when you need the extra space! You can also use the other drawers for storing extra food, treats, toys, & leashes! 

Can you smell Fluffy's litter box from the front door? Or are you always getting the litter stuck to your feet? Fix both problems with this discreet cabinet. With a small door for Fluffy and a larger door for cleaning out the litter box, it contains everything in one place and can double for a side table. I definitely need this one!

How many times have you walked out the door to go to a meeting or a grocery shopping and your phone is dead? Laptop at 13%? This creative innovation gives you a charging station in your cabinet drawer! Always leave fully charged with this cabinet modification.












 Kitchens are the most used room in the house. I'm pretty certain that everything in my house ends up in the kitchen at some point. Organize your kitchen with these great cabinet modifications. Are you utilizing all of your space in the pantry? With these additional pantry pull-outs, you can double your pantry storage! 

Speaking of using dead space in your kitchen cabinet - check out this 3 tiered Lazy Susan! Corners will no longer be wasted space! 

Check out this jewel. Instead of wasting floor space with trash cans/recycling cans (which can leave the room smelling like last night's pizza), add a trash can pull-out to your cabinet! Voila! Cleaner looking & cleaner smelling room!

Speaking of pull-outs, look what someone added to their bedroom! Pull out hampers are becoming increasingly popular. Keep your room neat and tidy by separating your whites from colors in this double hamper pull-out.








Too many toys? Add some storage space to your child's room with this under-bed storage. Small compartments can give you more options for organizing toys, clothes, sheets, etc. Where was this when I was a kid?









Don't worry, we have a grown-up storage option for your bedroom. Take a look at this armoire! The wheels give it such a fun feel, while the inside has you organized. From jewelry boxes, shoe cubbies, hanging sections & sweater boxes, this has you covered! 










Didn't see enough shoe storage above? Check out this shoe rack! The multi-level circular design gives you a stylish design and LOTS of storage space! Love it!

 Here are a couple of my favorite designs. Check out what you can do with under-stair storage! Perfect for seasonal items and regular use alike! 

Don't forget about your garage. With this clean design, you can add multiple storage options that goes to the ceiling, without ever needing a ladder! I need a few of these in my garage!

Do you have any clever storage designs that you want to add to your home? Share them with us! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and share your inspiration photos with us on Houzz & Pinterest! 

Mudrooms & Mudbenches

There are so many features that you can add to your homes these days. Take a look at my personal favorite - mudbenches! Some people opt for an entire mudroom in their home, but if you don't have that much space, a great alternative is a mudbench.

They're usually placed in your entry way or in a nook close to the door. These little gems are great for families or homes with roommates. You can store all of your items that you need when you go out - hats, coats, backpacks, keys, shoes, etc.

 

Some even have mirrors for last looks before running out the door, or cork-boards to remember events or grocery lists. 

Running a household is never easy, and keeping it clean is even harder. That's why I love the ease of mudbenches - it's the first thing you see when you come home, and the last you see when you leave. So everything is in one place, and stored neatly out of the way.

You can customize mudbenches to meet the style and needs of your home. So add a charging station for your phones, laptops and tablets, put a dog/cat bed underneath for your pets to play, or paint it with each person's name on their space.

These are just a few of the mudbench designs created by Woodmaster Woodworks that I love. Feel free to check out more on our website, facebook, houzz & pinterest profiles. Or contact us for a FREE in-home estimate 919-554-3707!

A Thankful Spirit: Beds, Clothing, and Memories

With the arrival of November also comes the arrival of a thankful spirit.  November (and the holidays) are a time to reflect on all that we have and to give to those that are less fortunate.  In light of this this, I want to start the month by reflecting on a few things that we have to be thankful for...

1. Warm Bed

Beds are wonderful.  They offer a cozy place to rest our heads each night.  Beds come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can even be dressed up with the right headboard.  

Here are unique headboards to consider for your sleepy retreat.

This headboard is made from an old mantel.  So unique!

Source: Joss & Main

Source: Lovely Crafty Home

If you are looking for ideas on how to make your own headboard, click here.

2. Clothing

Clothing is definitely a reason to be thankful.  Aside from providing warmth and protection, it also is an avenue to show the unique personality of each individual.  With this in mind, be sure to take good care of what clothing you do have.  

Closets provide space to keep your clothing from getting squished, damaged, or dirty.

Source: Decore com Gigi

Source: Woodmaster Woodworks, Inc.

Source: Luv Decor

3. Memories

This day and age we have the opportunity to travel.  We are able to visit with loved ones and explore new places.  Our experiences mold us.  Usually, all we are left with are memories, pictures, and souvenirs.

Be sure to display those memories!!  

Built-Ins, even in the bedroom, can be a wonderful way to remind us not to forget our pasts.  Use built-ins for books, souvenirs, pictures, or any other trinket or treasure.

Source: Woodmaster Woodworks, Inc.

Source: DIY Network

Source: Two Inspired Design

For more great ideas, visit our previous post about bedroom built-ins!

Make Way For Fall: Seasonal Cleaning and Organization

Often, we think of spring as the season for cleaning and organizing.  But, why not use fall as a time to do the same?  With the change of weather (and clothes) and the holidays in the not so distant future, use this season as a time to clean up and clear out the clutter.  

Organization 101

1. Clothes

Fall and winter bring colder weather.  Swap your warmer weather attire for your cool caps, scarves, boots, sweaters, and coats.  If you have the advantage of having a separate closet, use it!  Separate closets can be a great way to divide your bulky coats and hats from your soak-in-the-sun wear.  If this is not an option, consider using cotton garment boxes or large zippered plastic bags.

2. Towels

Not every person has the privilege of having ample space for every item.  However, you can expand your space by rolling your towels (or any other fabric item).  Use the space you save with your towels to make room for items like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, an iron, or other toiletries.

Source: An American in Sicily

3. Papers

Between mail, recipes, coupons, receipts, and other documents, paper items can cause a lot of clutter.  Consider scanning important documents, such as receipts, bills, and recipes, into the computer to relieve yourself of paper overload.  If you prefer hard copies, designate a drawer with folders to hold your hard copies.  Also, be sure to get rid of any junk mail that may come through the door by trashing it or shredding it as soon as you receive it.  If you collect coupons, check your assortment each week and get rid of expired or unnecessary coupons.

4. Home Decor

Don't allow past seasonal items to take up precious space.  Organize your seasonal items in bins and drawers.  For Christmas items, consider this method of storage.  You can also use crates and clear bins to store seasonal decor.  Consider using a four drawer system (one for each season) to organize the seasonal nick-knacks.

Source: Kuzak's Closet

Cleaning

1.  Clean while your organize

While you organize that coffee table that has had the same magazine and vase since moving in, be sure to take advantage of your time.  While you focus on organizing different areas of your home, clean them too.  You'll feel like you moved into a new home!

2. Have a Routine

Although we can tend to have cleaning binges, why not delegate certain days to clean certain rooms.  This way, you always end up having a clean home at the end of the week.  

3. Don't Procrastinate

After putting in a few hours of cooking, most of us don't want to clean up the mess we've made.  However, saving it for later only creates more work.  Do yourself a favor and clean while you go.  Once you've used something, clean it!  It will allow more time for you to invest in the people and things you love.

Want More Space?

Feeling like you don't have enough space even after you organize, consider built-ins as an option.  They are custom made to your taste, functional, and they add space without having to add square footage to your home.  

The other option is to consider donating those items that you don't need to a local shelter or store.  With the holiday season and colder weather around the corner, many individuals can benefit from your donation.

Mudrooms (For your muddy things and your not so muddy things)

You know seasons have changed when you start seeing longer sleeves, boots, sweaters, hats, and coats  walking through your hometown or local grocery store.  With that in mind, it can be difficult to find space to fit these thicker, larger items.  Even the day to day items such as boots and coats don't always have a place to call home.  

Fortunately there are mudrooms.  

Mudroom (source: Wikipedia): a casual, generally secondary entryway intended as an area to remove and store footwear, outerwear, and wet clothing before entering the main house. As well as providing storage space, a mud room serves to increase the cleanliness of a house proper. 

Mudrooms Come in Many Styles and Sizes

Use board and batten along with built-in shelves, a bench, and hooks to make your perfect storage space.

Image from House & Home

Use baskets to create a niche for every unplaced item.

Image: Bonasty

Mudrooms can also make a statement with bold colors.  Use corbels to add detail or give your mudroom an aged look with stain.

Image: Simply Seleta

Again, don't be afraid to use color to accent your mudroom.  Plus, this gives guests an inviting and unique focal point as they arrive.  

Image: Ana White

All mudrooms are not standard size.  For some of you, space may be a precious commodity that you cannot spare.  Why not create more space with a well placed mudroom.

Use an ineffective closet to your advantage.

Image: The House of Smiths

or...

Turn an unwanted or old armoir into a personalized place for any family member or guest to store his or her everyday items.

Image: DebbieTravis

Image: Paul Michael Company

Make the back drop of your mudroom unique by using beadboard, board and batten, or even vintage doors.

Image: Indulgy

Image: Beneath My Heart

Image: At Home with K

Whatever you desire, make it your own.  It's between you and your coats.