ATTIC PROJECT COMPLETE

Probably about a month ago, I shared some photos of our unfinished attic which we were turning into a play space. Since then the progress has been fast and furious.  It's actually been complete for a couple of weeks now but I've been putting on the finishing touches (and of course the kids have already christened the carpet with various bodily fluids). And I've finally gotten around the photographing it (and organizing it multiple times).  Here is the before:

Here is the space in progress with sub-floor going in.

And framing

And then post sheetrock and paint.

And the final product!  My GC did a great job matching our downstairs stair railing and while I'm generally not a fan of carpet, it is so nice under foot and works reallywell in a play room (also the most economical). And of course it's nice not to be stepping on Bryan's toy trains down in our work space any more.

 I got these great toy shelves from PB Kids that works so well for coraling toys yet keeping them visible (no dark bins and baskets you have to pull out)

I also repurposed some colored clothespins that I made for an 80's party as a fun way to hang Bryan's artwork in the space.

What projects do you have going on for spring?

PostMod: Your Closet as a Showcase

Last week I was over at Postmodyrn talking about how to revamp your closet for the new year.  I'm definitely in wardrobe revitalization mode right now and I wish I had a bigger closet that I could really sink my teeth into organizationally - I feel like mine is so hopeless. That said, I have all kinds of ideas on how to revamp your closet.  Here is my post from last week:

Well here we are a month into the new year. Now that we've put away the holiday decorations and re-upped our gym memberships, most of us are finally getting our butts in gear to clean out those closets.  Last week, Jill gave us some great tips on how to declutter and rethink our wardrobes for 2015, and what better way to celebrate a newly clean closet than to make it into a space that truly showcases your clothes and accessories -- and has a sense of style all its own?  Even if you don't have a walk-in closet, a corner dressing area, IKEA wardrobe or commandeered attic space can be turned into a fun dressing area and storage space with just a few tricks of the trade.  Here are my favorites:

Add some punch with wallpaper.  Whether it's an actual dressing room or just the back of some shoe shelves, wallpaper gives a space drama and a dose of fun.  Nowadays there are tons of fun contact papers and wallpaper tiles you can use if you live in a rental. The closet to the left is small but it really has personality.  I love the Hygge & West wallpaper tile: easy to install and really packs a punch.

Warm up your floor.  Every closet, dressing area, or bedroom needs a rug.  When you're trying on clothes or getting dressed you want something soft underfoot to keep those tootsies warm.  Your closet is a perfect place for a little shag (unlike your entryway, your closet tends to be more free of dust and dirt). And why not opt for something with a little color and pattern? This one from Urban Outfitters doesn't break the bank (since it's better to splurge on other areas of the home) but has a great look and feel.

Maximize your wall and door space with hooks.  Hooks on walls where you don't have a closet rod, or on the backs and fronts of closet doors, are a great way to maximize storage.  They work so well for scarves and hats, or for outfits you might be setting out for the next day (if only I planned my wardrobe choices that far ahead). And smaller hooks are great for necklaces and belts.  Don't stop at the hardware store for this one: there are so many fun options out there. These leather covered ones from Anthropologie are a favorite, but check out House of Antique Hardware and West Elm for more great options.

Consider jewelry storage. Jewelry doesn't always have to be stored away in a box.  It's so pretty; why not use it as a decor item and keep it out in the open? I love this jewelry hanger DIY for an empty wall or above a dresser. Put some pretty bowls on a tabletop to good use holding rings and earrings.  And I love the idea of using branches as a way to display hanging jewelry as well.

Give your hangers a dose of fun.  I love this DIY of wrapped hangers.  It's easy, inexpensive and functional. It not only breathes new life into those wire hangers from the dry cleaner but it also makes them slip-proof. 

Step it up with a storage ladder.  Ladders are such versatile decor pieces - they are a little secret that us designers have in our back pockets.  This one has great dipped legs and a simple silhouette.  Ladders are great for hanging towels and scarves and even in a bedroom for items like jeans that might warrant a second wear before they hit the hamper.  And speaking of hampers...

Up your game with a stylish hamper. Get rid of that old nylon college laundry bag or the ugly plastic laundry basket.  If you keep your hamper out in the open or even if you don't, there is no reason not to select something that is both stylish and hardworking.  I love this foldable hamper from West elm: the lines are clean and the awning stripe really pops.

Add some seating.  It's always nice to have a little stool in a corner of a bedroom or closet. Let's admit it, stools provide a great place to throw a sweater when you can't quite be bothered to put it away (better than your bed or, egads!, the floor). And they are a great place to sit and put on your shoes.  And if you really need extra storage, a storage ottoman is a nice way to bring that in as well.  (Don't do a pouf though. Poufs tend to be too low and loungy for closet and dressing room spaces.)

Check yourself out in the mirror. Every closet needs a nice mirror. A door mirror works great, of course, but if you have space for a wall or leaning floor mirror, even better. Invest in a full-length mirror so you can really asses your outfit and footwear choices.  Choose one with a decorative frame that works with your decor.

Well ladies, now that your closet is made over, what else do you have planned for 2015?

Image Credits (product links in article): Babble.com // Hygge & West // Anthropologie // Urban Outfitters //  West Elm // Serena and Lily // Craft River // A Beautiful Mess // Makezine // Buzzfeed 

ORGANIZATION UPDATE: The Basement Stair

A while back I wrote a post about getting organized. I've managed to get a few projects mostly complete and thought I'd share the most major one - adding some shelves and an extra pantry space in our basement stair. Here is what it looked like before:

Originally my plan was to do a bunch of custom built-in cubbies. But after realizing this would involve precise measurements, borrowing of saws and nail guns and sanding and painting, I realized the most logical and obvious option was to hit up the local IKEA (and really, I will take any excuse to go to IKEA) and buy some brackets and shelves.  I also got a bunch of plastic bins to organize the stuff on the shelves.  Here is what it looks like now:

 It's so nice to be able to utilize the ledge and dead space in the stairway for storage.  It's right off the kitchen so it totally makes sense to put our extra spaghetti sauce, cleaning items, etc there.

Admittedly I wish there was a way I could make it more aesthetically interesting but I'm pretty happy with the increased storage space and how much more organized it looks.  What projects do you have on the agenda for fall?

Looking ahead: Organization

Now that we are about 2/3 of the way through summer, I'm thinking ahead to the school year and fall projects. While I'm still itching to do more planting, the heat and my schedule haven't been very conducive to digging in the dirt, even though I am very excited to share some of my fruit and veggie harvests with you once I start reaping them.  Despite the fact that our house is essentially done - or perhaps because it is done - clutter has been gradually making its way onto bookshelves, into closets and pantries other collecting places.  I call this crap creep.  Granted, some of this existed before, since my focus prior to now was mainly on getting things looking good and not on the contents behind door or drawer fronts.  And I've done several cleanouts but with a new baby and all her accompanying accoutrement and other folks around who don't put things back where they came from (ehem...), it's hard to keep things organized. 

SO.... late summer and fall are going to be focused on organizing around Chez Davis.  Here is the state of affairs and my thoughts:

There is so much stuff shoved in here. And we have an excess of dried fruit and nut snacks (although not nearly as many boxes of pasta as my friend Leda over at Hipster Hausfrau).  I'm thinking just some simple organization, backstocking elsewhere, and labeling will do the trick. Really any chance to use my label maker is most welcome and I think this will solve the problem of people putting things back in the wrong places.

This area was not intended to be storage but the ledge on the left side was the perfect spot so it just sort of happened naturally.  But the paper bags hanging over into the stair can be super annoying. I'm thinking some narrow DIY shelving, cubbies and baskets for extra foodstuff would really clean up this area and make it more useful.

We have two of these closets - one on either side of our living room built-ins. This is the left side and it houses a lot of off season stuff.  This photo was taken before I jammed a giant pack of toilet paper and paper towels in the top.  I think adding a temporary shelf to the top area would help a lot and maybe going through the coats and getting them to an attic wardrobe would help as well.

I've blogged about updating our linen closet before but still haven't gotten around to it. It's not horrible but updating the organization a little bit, adding a little paint, new drawer bottoms and some new hardware will take this pretty far (and how about some hooks or a little bulletin board on the inside of the door?)

Finally, the master closet. Again, not horrible. Scott needs to go through his clothes and do a Goodwill run.  And I need to figure out how to get lighting into this cave. That would do wonders.

Updates coming as I tackle each space - be patient with me though. I'm always over ambitious. 

What projects do you have planned for the rest of the year?

An Interview with Kristen the Organizer

Recently friend and fellow marathoner Kristen McManus started up her own organizing business. Having seen Kristen run campaigns for Team in Training, I knew this was the perfect path for her. And having seen my house lately, I knew I had a lot of questions to send her way.  I thought I'd share some of her answers with you:

The Eagle's Nest: How did you decide to get into professional organizing?

KM: I've always been really organized and recently turned into a minimalist. I realized how much I didn't really need. Clearing my stuff has helped to clear my mind! I thought about becoming a PO after my last job. Everyone in my office would comment on how clean my desk was and they would ask me how I did it. I ended up sitting with most of my co-workers (even my boss!) teaching them how to stay organized in the office. It was fun and I loved teaching others how to organize!

TEN: So, why hire a professional organizer?

KM: POs are for people whose stuff is taking over their lives. They are losing bills and other important things. They are always buying new things because they can't find what they are looking for in their homes. We help people get their lives back!

You could certainly say that about this person who Kristen saved from the Garage monster.

TEN: Tell me about it.  Coming from the East Coast, I feel like I have way more space than I did in NY. But oddly enough, I end up accumulating more stuff because of that and have items disorganized and stored in random places. Have any tips for those of us with crap creep?

KM: Go through ALL your stuff every 6 months. If you haven't used it in 6 months, donate it. Also, keep a trash bag or box in your closet at all times. If you put something on and it doesn't fit or you don't like it anymore, throw it in the bag. You'll never miss it. Most important- make sure you're living within your space. If you have a bookcase that holds 50 books, then only keep 50 books. Any more would be clutter.

TEN: That makes sense. I feel like I sort of do that. My car is a goodwill donation bag on wheels.  So any tips for people who are living in tiny spaces?

KM: Tiny spaces are the most fun because you can be creative! Check out The Container Store, Home Depot and Target. They have great items for living in small places. Use every space possible- under your bed and behind doors.

TEN: OK, but one thing that everyone has no matter the size of the space is mail.  And it multiplies faster than I can handle it! Any tips for dealing with mail? Filing, knowing what files you can purge etc etc?

KM: My first tip is to go paperless wherever possible. Your credit card bill, cable, gas, electric, etc. Pay these bills online or automatically and cut down on your paper.

Second, get on the Do Not Mail List. Seriously, this makes a difference! Cut down on your junk mail by 90%. search for Opt Out online.

Create a space in your home for incoming mail- a bin, basket, accordion file. Mail goes there and only there. Quickly scan through for any junk and toss it. Go through your mail bin 2 times a week.

TEN: OK - I'll try. But as an interior designer I do have a little bit of a catalog fetish :).  So,what's your favorite type of space to organize?

KM: I love offices and closets!

(check out this awesome closet before and after by Kristen)

TEN: And finally, in a household where one person is organized and the other is not, how do you keep things from getting out of control (and the organized person from getting too bitter.... question is directed at no one in particular ;)

KM: Try to keep your partner organized, but give them some wiggle room. Give them a room or area that you don't touch. They can live how they want in that room or space. Offer to help organize if they need it, but don't push the issue. Also, sometimes unorganized people think they have to throw everything out to become organized. This scares them. That's not the case at all. It's about organizing the stuff they have!

Thanks Kristen!  Check out more tips, pics and contact Kristen here.