As a Mom and self-taught Interior Decorator, I am passionate about making any space high functioning and ecstatically pleasing. Whether your space is big or small, you can always make it work with a little creative thinking and planning.
Clutter is a four letter word to me. It gives me all the anxiety and the instant need to clean it up, re-organize, purge, re-purpose and put it back together in a visually pleasing and high functioning space. This can pose as a challenging task when in a smaller space. Many think, well if my space is too small, there is not much I can do to make it look nice and achieving organization is but a far and distant dream. False. You can most certainty achieve your goals. You just need to redefine and refine them to work with in your spaces boundaries.
Project One: A Toddler’s Closet/ Play Area
Step One: Remove everything from closet.
(Disclaimer: I have cleaned and reorganized this closet at least a dozen times. The problem was that there was not enough space created for my toddler’s items.)
Step Two: Create three bins.
1.) Keep
2.) Donate
3.) Storage
Step Three: Carve out little play areas of importance to your particular toddler. Then place shelving around those ares.
Step Four: Organize everything & put in clear, labeled bins.
Step Five: Wallah!
Project Two: A Creative Space & Library Nook
I have never been comfortable with having toys designated living space me everywhere in our home. Although, through out the day, you would not believe me. As my home is littered with toys. But at the end of the day it is important they have their own space in my toddler’s room. The way his room was initially set up was wonderful. However, as he continues to grow, learn and gain more interests, it’s really important that he has his own space to do these things in.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
As you can see by adding just a little bit more shelving, a table set & reading nook, this space went from niece to really well high functioning and well designed.
{{{{SHOP IT HERE}}}
PROJECT ONE: Play Area/Closet
- Clear bins: Target, OR <Get them here> & <Get them here>
- Labels: Dollar Store, OR <Get them here> OR <Get it here>
- Shelving: Home Depot
- Faux Sherpa Rug, Walmart, OR <Get them here>
- Kid-sized hangers, Target, OR <Get them here> OR <Get them here>
PROJECT TWO: Creative Wall/Library
- ( PRO-TIP: If you can, use what you already have.) Shelving, I used portions of the old black units to form shelving. Home Depot. Brackets from: Ace hardware.
- Lettering, “READ”, from both: Goodwill & Target.<Alternative Option>
- Clear bins: Target, OR <Get them here>
- White mini paint cans, $1.50 each from Target, OR<Get them here> OR <Get them here>
- Other white/metal paint cans, $.50 each from Good Will.
- “And” Sign, a Boston Store clearance for, $1. Or <Get them here>
- Faux succulent & “Grow Sign”, from Target, $3 each. OR <Get them here>
- Plastic mason jars, Target. Pack of 4 for $3, OR <Get them here>
- White table & chair set. ( Plastic), $15 on Sale at, Michael’s, OR <Get it here>
- Large, white, faux sherpa pillows, $15 each on Sale, Target, OR<Get it here>
- “Adventure Starts Here” pillows, $8 each on Sale, Target, OR <Get it here>( Had these for a while and were on his toy box.) OR <Get it here> OR <Get it here>
- Elephant Pillow, Tjmax, three years ago ( as I have kept this from his nursery) OR< Get it here>
- Lighting, Target, OR <Get it here>
*(PRO-TIP: If you are looking to fill your little ones library up at a low cost, I recommend the following places: Good Will, Library book sales or half price books.)
Happy Decorating!
Chenoa
Dulce Bella 