But that doesn't mean I wasn't organizing something.
We recently moved our master bedroom back into the almost finished lower level, so we are slowly figuring out what is working and what isn't. The other evening, my helpful hubs was putting away some linens he had just folded and started taking our towels to the laundry room linen cabinet. We keep our puppy towels in there, but not ours. This is why I keep organizing. Something apparently wasn't connecting. I know that if I need a towel before/after my shower, I am not going to happily hop across the chilly lower level to the laundry room. Just leaving the spare stack on the top of the hamper wasn't such a great solution either. So, I decided this was my moment to look at how we were using the entire space.
I noticed two things.
1. The floating shelf we had installed seemed to have switched from a perfume shelf to a catch all for my daily toiletries, and was a bit of a cluttered mess:
2. We weren't really being smart about how we were using our tall bathroom cabinet:
So, back to Target I went where I went straight for those stinkin' adorable plastic basket-weave bins I had spotted on my last shopping trip.
When I organize, I start by giving myself a blank slate. I emptied the cabinet and the shelf and wiped them clean.
Then, I put the towels in first since I knew that is the main reason for the change. Our spare set of towels will now live on the shelf. And all those toiletries that once cluttered the back of the toilet, now live in one of the new baskets.
In fact, I thought "his" and "hers" baskets would be the most effective. So we each got one...
The white basket on top is where we are keeping the overflow packaging of cotton swabs and cotton pads from our canisters that are on display.
Since I was now left with an empty floating shelf, I knew it was the perfect place to set out some bath salts. Right within reach of the tub.
Not only is the bathroom space now being used in a more effective manner, it just feels better. I love when a mini-update has such a big impact on the entire space.
Have I mentioned how much IHeart Organizing?
Total cost:
Two teal baskets from Target: $12
Three acrylic canisters for bath salts: $12
Anyone else tackle a quick project this weekend that left them smiling every minute after? What "A Ha" moment drove you to re-think a space?
Wow! I love it! So organized and tidy. I love how buying just a few things can make an area look so different. Also, I'm obsessed with those towels! Mind if I ask where you got them?!
ReplyDeleteThanks Shannon - They were a HomeGoods find! :)
Deletexoxo!
Jen
Love it! :)
ReplyDeleteI love that you really are always organizing something! I heart little updates.
ReplyDeleteI'm also a big fan of those towels.
ReplyDeleteI love your towels!! I had a quick redo last week too! I love those moments where you can take a few minutes to reorganize and it makes a huge difference! You can read my post here.... http://caracciolofam.blogspot.com/2012/01/little-oragnization.html
ReplyDeleteLooks awesome! (Well the before looked awesome too, but I can totally identify with the whole "it just FEELS better now" concept.)
ReplyDeleteHad an exciting organizing moment this weekend and I thought of you :o). I was pawing through a cupboard and getting frustrated with a pile of interchangeable plates for my sandwich maker that were trying to make a getaway. I ran up to my (newly organized) craft room and found a basket that was the exact length and height of the plates and fit them perfectly!
I might have done a fist pump. Or let out a "woo-hoo!". Or both.
I tried to get my husband to share in my excitement, and bless his heart he really tried, but I think only other fellow organizer-junkies can really identify with this kind of excitement! Yay shopping in my own home!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE those moments. The a ha moments where you can make an instant change using what you already have. They are the best! I am fist pumping with you! That's so awesome!
Deletexoxo,
Jen
Love your mini-makeover! You did a great job. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat mini update. I like the look of your tall bathroom cabinet.... do you remember where you got it? (Is it all one piece?)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jules!
DeleteThe cabinet was from Target about 5 years ago, I believe they still sell similar items. It is all once piece. I love it as well! :)
xoxo,
Jen
Ok, I need those towels ASAP! It looks great.
ReplyDeleteYes, great job making more use of your available space. I would LOVE to have beautiful cabinet space in our bathroom like you have. I recently organized our outside-the-bathroom closet with 'his' and 'her' plastic bins, and it's such a great solution for keeping our many grooming products organized. I absolutely love your towels! The pattern and color really adds a lot to your well-designed bathroom.
ReplyDeleteAdorable!
ReplyDeleteI saw those same blue and green baskets when I was at Target on Friday (buying new baskets to organize our kid DVD collection - it's SO MUCH better now!) and I thought of you immediately! Too funny! : )
Fondly,
MaryLea
Sigh - I have been coveting that floating wall shelf for some time now - SO many things I could do with one or two, or three... But sadly cannot find ANYTHING like it anywhere on the internet (and no longer at Target where you found it, dangit-all). The search continues...
ReplyDeleteThat said, glad you aren't keeping your perfumes there anymore - I've read many places that the moist, warm air of the bathroom is the worst place for perfumes (just like it's bad for your medicines).
Thanks for all your inspiration - I know it's fun work for you, but it's still work, and so very, very appreciated.
~Elizabeth
Thanks so much Elizabeth! If you ever find those shelves, let me know, I have also been searching high and low for more, I love them SO very much!
Deletexoxo,
Jen
Not as cute but Ikea's spice rack is similar. :)
Deletehttp://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40070185/
Love those baskets!! Definitely looks cute!
ReplyDeleteOK- yes, the towels are awesome! Where did you find those?
ReplyDeleteThe towels are from HomeGoods. <3
Deletexoxo,
Jen
I re-organized our junk drawer! It wasn't in too bad of shape but could use a little more order! Oh so nice!
ReplyDeleteShelley
Where did you get the white cabinet?
ReplyDeleteIt was from Target about 5 years ago. I believe they still carry similar pieces.
Deletexoxo!
Jen
I love your cabinet. We don't have the space for one like that in either of our bathrooms, but I want to get one of the over the toilet cabinets for each of ours. I think that would help with the loads of clutter we have on and under our bathroom sinks!
ReplyDeleteLooks great! Love the towels ike everyone else, but what I really wann know is where you got that yellow chevron rug in front of the sink?
ReplyDeleteHi Dawn!
DeleteThe towels are from HomeGoods and the rug is from West Elm: http://www.westelm.com/products/zig-zag-bath-mat-b608/?pkey=cbathroom-furniture-accessories We were using just a small bath mat that we moved back and forth between the shower and the sink and I had been searching for almost a year for a good option. I am happy to report I LOVE it.
xoxo!
Jen
oh, I love this bathroom! I am extremely jealous!
ReplyDeleteLooks good. Love the teal baskets.
ReplyDeleteMuch practical I'm sure...in the pics the nail polish remove bottle seems to be an eye sore in the cabinet especially since in the top shelf..maybe you can swap out the bottle for something cuter yet just as effective in concealing the strong acetone smell.
ReplyDeleteLooks great, Jen. I love those towels as well. I think that is the same cabinet piece I use in my laundry room. Love it.
ReplyDeletethis looks amazing! You make organizing look so simple!Pinning!
ReplyDeleteADORABLE - I have the same towels, but in black. I noticed you have a new rug in your after photo - is that Target too?!
ReplyDeleteHi Amber!
DeleteThe rug is from West Elm: http://www.westelm.com/products/zig-zag-bath-mat-b608/?pkey=cbathroom-furniture-accessories We were using just a small bath mat that we moved back and forth between the shower and the sink and I had been searching for almost a year for a good option. I am happy to report I LOVE it.
xoxo!
Jen
I'm crazy about your sink! Do you have the source for it somewhere?
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley!
DeleteIt is from IKEA: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40094582/
xoxo,
Jen
Hi Jen, I couldn't seem to find this sink on the link, unless I am just having trouble identifying the sink from a different angle! Do you remember the name of the product that I can search for? Thank you!
Delete~Carmella
Hi Carmella!
DeleteUnfortunately, it doesn't appear to be online any longer. Bummer!
xo,
Jen
Great idea! Because of your inspiration, I also use baskets for our daily toiletries and store them in the cabinet under the sink. Btw, what do you store under the sink, cleaning supplies maybe? (just curious)
ReplyDeleteYep! Cleaning supplies under one side, Hair dryer, curling iron and straightener on the other.
Deletexoxo,
Jen
Great job!!! And love those colors! :-)
ReplyDeleteLove! I am also wondering about the towels and the rug!
ReplyDeleteHi Cyndy!
DeleteThe towels are from HomeGoods and the rug is from West Elm: http://www.westelm.com/products/zig-zag-bath-mat-b608/?pkey=cbathroom-furniture-accessories We were using just a small bath mat that we moved back and forth between the shower and the sink and I had been searching for almost a year for a good option. I am happy to report I LOVE it.
xoxo!
Jen
I have the same bathroom cabinet, and I've used those baskets elsewhere in the kitchen for storing our medicine on a high kid-proof shelf. Hadn't thought of putting them here, but this would solve a big organizational problem for us. Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great!
ReplyDeleteI have been given permission by my hubby to totally redo my office. I mean gut the entire thing and totally redo it. I am thinking of the wall color in your livingroom with white desk with the teal color baskets from Target. Do you think those colors will go together nicely? Please let me know your opinion. You are the reseason I want to redo my entire room. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI think they would go fabulously together. In fact, I have quite a bit of teal in my living room and I keep trying to find more reasons to bring it in since I love it so much! I would love to see your new space when it's all wrapped up!
Deletexoxo,
Jen
I love love love those teal baskets. Im going to have to go snag some...and then find somewhere to put them. Probably my laundry room.
ReplyDeleteLove the cabinet - have you thought of frosting the glass? Now that it's for storage, and not display mabye it will camoflauge the standard store bought bottles a bit more (deoderant - polish remover, etc.)- Meggen
ReplyDeleteYep, it was totally a thought as I was working on it. I have never done frosted glass but now that I have a reason, I am eager to try.
Deletexoxo!
Jen
Love it! I just purchased several of the plastic baskets from Target the other day. Love them!!
ReplyDeleteI found your blog and love it. It is crazy how we have so many of the same things! Usually just in different colors. I had found your kitchen postings at first and we actually even have the same kitchen...it is weird. But, makes my organization updates even easier since we have the exact same taste. thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhere do you hang your towels to dry? I can't imagine you fold them up wet and store them until the next day. I guess I don't get how that works.
ReplyDeleteWe actually have an "over the door" hook which I use to hang our daily towels and my robe. The towels in the cabinet are just an extra set since I launder and switch them out frequently. I like to keep two sets of towels total per person.
Deletexoxo!
Jen
So you leave a folded towel above the covered toilet seat while you shower then reach down to grab it...why not add a nice hook to the tiny wall space that is by the shower curtain so your towel can be hanging and you can reach for it vs. having to reach down and grab it and wet the floor?
DeleteNope, it's hanging on the bathroom door, nothing near the toilet. I grab it off of the back of the door and set it on a hamper cabinet next to the tub while I shower and it's right there when I get out. Then, I hang it back on the hook behind our bathroom door to dry until the next day. The folded towels are in the cabinet for storage purposes only, so when my every day towel is being laundered, I can pull the clean one from the cabinet and hang it on the hook. And repeat.... Hope that makes more sense.
Deletexoxo,
Jen
haha! I don't know why this exchange made me laugh...Thank you, Jen, for sharing intimate household/personal routines. I think that's part of the reason why your readers love you! This blog is different in that each post really is a small piece of a bigger picture...and I need the big picture (broken into the small parts)! lol! My favorite organizational posts of yours are the ones that deal with your own home because I can start to piece together how a super-organized woman lives her life. :-)
DeleteHave I mentioned how much I LOVE your blog?! I am absolutley addicted to it and get beyond excited when I see a new entry. Thank you for all your inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI love the mini makeover, and I must say I love your sink.
ReplyDeleteIt all looks so cute and fresh! I have a similar towel issue and it drives me nuts. Love your solution!
ReplyDeleteAwesome as usual! You always inspire me to tinker on something whenever I read your blog posts :) We are finishing our own bathroom redo & my favorite little geek-out accessories are our new towel hooks. I think they're called "clever hooks," and they actually pinch & hold the towels when you hang them up -- you can literally just toss the towel at them and they'll catch it! Definitely motivates the hubby to hang up his stuff :) We'll be tackling our cabinets next, and I am definitely checking our Target for those baskets! Any chance you'll be posting anything on organizing hair styling tools?
ReplyDeleteThose hooks sounds awesome! :) My kids need those, lol!
DeleteI am still debating on using the dressing room vanity for hair and makeup, so of course, I will share those details as they happen. :)
xoxo!
Jen
Your sink is gorgeous! I LOVE the colors you used as well. Calming and serene!
ReplyDelete❤Jodi from...
★★The Clutter-Free Classroom★★
Helping Teachers Get Organized
I had my "a-ha" moment last weekend, but didn't have the time to put it into action yet. Hopefully this weekend I will. But I realized that I need baskets in our very small pantry closet because things just never go back in the right spot and we are both to blame. I hate when I buy something to just find out that we did have it in the pantry but because it wasn't organized I couldn't see it quick enough. So I have one extra basket {just like the white one that you have} and I might need another one, but we will see how many things can fit into the one basket I already have. The one thing I did do recently was out Linen Closet. Just couldn't take the mess anymore. You can check it out here if you want to see what makes me smile every time I go in the closet. http://www.thedecorscene.blogspot.com/2012/01/sometimes-you-just-have-to-purge.html
ReplyDeleteI also had this little change up in our bathroom. Almost forgot about this one. http://www.thedecorscene.blogspot.com/2012/01/little-switch-roo.html
Love how your home is turning out. Can't wait to see more. ;)
It looks great! Where did you get that bath mat in the after picture - I love it!
ReplyDeleteLove your bathroom! Especially the picture of the yellow flower on the wall, where did you get it?
ReplyDeleteFrom IKEA, I would guess about two years ago now. Not sure if they still sell it...
Deletexoxo,
Jen
What do you use as your picture editing software? I absolutey love your header and little signature at the end of your posts. I use something similar- Picnik but I wasnt sure if thats what you use.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Micalah
Hi Micalah!
DeleteI use Picnik {sad they are shutting down - boo}, for editing photos, and I use photoshop for all of the headers and graphics that I create for the blog.
xoxo!
Jen
With five kids that are going to be sharing a bathroom, finding excellent (and tested!) bathroom solutions are a must. I love the simple changes you did that make such a difference in functionality, mindset, and form. :)
ReplyDeleteI love what you did with your bathroom! You inspired me to get my little tush to Target today to peek around at some of their organizing options. I could barely handle myself when I saw about 15 different types of baskets/organizers in their dollar spot section!! I scored some adorable white baskets that I am going to put in each of our 3 bathrooms to corral cleaning supplies. Thanks for being so inspiring! :)
ReplyDeletehi, jen! just a note to let you know i, too, heart organizing, & i heart your blog! really, it shows up in my inbox at just the right time of day - late afternoon, as my energy & motivation are waning. it's the perfect pick-me-up! beautiful work, as ever - thanks for your continuing inspiration! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm soooo happy to have found your blog! I'm gonna try to get myself motivated to start copying your fabulousness but to be honest...I'd rather pay YOU to work your magic in my house. Heehee!!!! Seriously, though, thank you for the inspiration. God has blessed you with a great gift of organization. Jesus take the wheel and help me get started. Haleluyer!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE it! I actually love everything about your house but that's besides the point :) I have been wanting those bins as well and actually this morning I went and splurged and got some! I used two of them to help organize some bathroom drawers!
ReplyDeletewww.juststuffforfun.blogspot.com
I actually did the same thing this weekend with his and hers baskets. I got fabric ones from Walmart which served a dual purpose of clearing the counter clutter and streamlining my morning routine without having to dig through my husband's stuff too. Definitely useful! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your bathroom and I absolutely love your blog! It's inspiring me to organize little by little. By the way, I have been searching for a pretty white shower curtain, would you mind telling me where you got yours? I love it!
ReplyDeleteHi Jill!
DeleteThank you! It's from Target: http://www.target.com/p/Ruffles-Shower-Curtain/-/A-10384814
xoxo!
Jen
I love what you did!! Thanks for the great ideas!
ReplyDeleteThese epiphanies are my favorite thing about organizing. It feels soooo good to make life work better!
ReplyDeleteI always look forward to your post and it give me so many Ideas for my home. Love the new change to the bathroom! I recently reorganized my master closet and love the way it turned out. http://doubletheblessings-amyh.blogspot.com/2012/01/master-closet-organization.html
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!!!! Can I just have your bathroom?!
ReplyDeletekudos to you for responding to so many of your readers comments and questions! and for giving product sources! your blog is such an organization inspiration!
ReplyDelete- olivia
I agree! :-)
DeleteBeautiful bathroom - I love the colors!
ReplyDeleteI so love those weave baskets, they are my favorite!
ReplyDeleteI too love organizing! I love how it's an ever changing process. New organizing options to make things work better as needs change. Last week I updated/organized our bathroom. We have only 1 bathroom in our home and it's TINY! We also only have 1 tiny linen closet in the hallway. I already try to have limited towels due to the limited space, but still, it wasn't working. I found a white woven basket at Lowes for $8, had the hubby attach the bottom of it to the wall (also added a piece of metal spray painted white to add stability) above our above the toilet medicine cabinent. I am able to place 4 of our full size towels up there, folded flat. I attemped rolling them, but it didn't look as put together. Love all of your posts Jen!!
ReplyDeleteJen, you never cease to amaze me with your creativity. I was doing an organizing project with my mom last week (you've inspired me a lot) and I told her about you. I commented that you just seem to know what to do with things and spaces. It's truly a gift - one I'm trying to teach myself. I LOVE that rug - going to check it out myself. I'm in Canada so we don't have Target "yet" (coming in 2013) but we do have West Elm. I look forward to your post everyday - keep up the great (inspiring) work!
ReplyDeleteI love those plastic weave baskets! I used them in our closet!!! http://houseofwoyaks.blogspot.com/2012/01/master-closet-makeover.html
ReplyDeleteThat is an awesome yellow rug, too! Love it!
Hi Jen! Since i've found you on an italian magazine i'm re-thinking my entire home! You have such great ideas and good taste! Thanks! Irene
ReplyDeleteWow I love this!So fantastic! Keep it up I love your blog soooooooooo much
ReplyDeleteLove Jem:)
Hi Jen - another wonderful makeover as always. You have definitely given me inspiration to tackle my bathroom. I'm curious about the color on your bathroom wall-would you mind sharing the name of the paint color and where it was purchased from. As always I look forward to your next adventure...Maria:)
ReplyDeleteHi Maria!
DeleteThank yo so much! The paint color is Behr's Gulf Winds from Home Depot.
xoxo!
Jen
Do you happen to know the bottom dimensions of those baskets? I'm looking for a tray or basket for the top of our bathroom counter because the multi-compartment organizer I had there was not a good solution for us.
ReplyDeleteSo I got totally inspired yesterday from your post and went out to Target before work and picked up the same two teal baskets for my bathroom and plan to designate one for my bathroom goodies and one for my bf's goodies! I am so excited and loved this idea!!! Thanks again Jen for being soooo crafty!
ReplyDeleteKayleigh
@ The Gotta Have It Girl
I am absolutely going to empty some closet or cabinet this weekend...and start over!!! Your posts are so inspiring!
ReplyDeleteas usual a mini update is as good as a major update from you Jen! I love those little aha moments also.. am I allowed to offer a suggestion on your posts? you know how you put the cost of things? maybe it would be good to list the items (ie towels and cabinet etc) that you have in the space so save repeat questions? so you could have an inventory list even if it is an old product.. I know it our australian home beautiful magazine they put together a page (of how to put this look together) and tell you where you might find similar items.. that is a lot of work but maybe for a big project you could do that and for the small ones just a small inventory list.. I love waking up to find a new post from you! thanks xx
ReplyDeleteMay I ask you if you know where your sink comes from??
ReplyDeleteI've been reading (stalking) your blog the past couple of months and I think sub-consciously, you're the reason we re-organized our living room. It's a really strange shape... longer than it is wide, but with a fireplace on the longest wall and directly across from it is a wide opening into the Dining Room. We learned that the loveseat AND sofa we bought before we moved in were too much furniture for the room, but we won't live here forever, so we just set it up the best way we could. I noticed that our coffee table was one of the first surfaces you saw when you walked in, so it became a catch-all. I followed the advice of one of your posts and put a nice wicker tray on the coffee table for things like remotes, etc. It made a HUGE difference. Secondly, with the new set-up, the left side of the sofa was completely out of reach of any surface to rest a drink on. I found a really cute faux-leather ottoman, that doubles as storage with a hinged top and put a wooden tray on top to act as a surface for a drink (with a coaster, of course). The best part is it's the ideal place to store our throw blanket when not in use. I adore the new set-up and only cost us the price of the ottoman, as I had everything else on-hand. You've been a HUGE inspiration. I've tackled so many other projects in the past couple of months, so thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteLove these types of comments. Thank you so much for taking a moment to share, congrats on your organizing success! Smiling big for you!
Deletexoxo!
Jen
Are you able to tell me where you got that rug...I love it and I need one like that.
ReplyDeleteNevermind...I saw the link in the earlier comments. Thank you.
DeleteI love love love those baskets! Crazy how such a simple change can make such a huge difference!
ReplyDeleteWhere did you find your bathroom mats? I LOVE them :)
ReplyDeleteThe bath mat is from Anthropologie a few years back and the chevron rug is from West Elm: http://www.westelm.com/products/zig-zag-bath-mat-b608/?pkey=cbathroom-furniture-accessories We were using just the small bath mat that we moved back and forth between the shower and the sink and I had been searching for almost a year for a good option. I am happy to report I LOVE it.
Deletexoxo!
Jen
Awe Jen, I L-O-V-E your blog and reading all the "extras" in the comments. Like another person commented thanks for sharing those little things like where are the towels while you take a shower. :) I have more "invade your personal space" question--where do you keep the tooth brushes now? They aren't on the sink in after picture that I can see. Thanks! Renea.
ReplyDeleteHi Renea!
DeleteThe toothbrushes are now stored in the left drawer below the sink. I heard once that flushing the toilet throws bacteria into the air {and I know that my three boys don't always remember to shut the toilet lid before flushing, ew}, so now we are always sure to keep our toothbrushes concealed in any bathroom.
xoxo!
Jen
This may be a silly question considering all the other cuteness going on...but may I ask where you got the floating shelf?
ReplyDeleteHello!
DeleteI found it at Target awhile ago. Unfortunately, I haven't seen them since so now I am kicking myself for not snagging a couple more. They are really great!
xo,
Jen
Hi Jen! Where is your cabinet from anyways?! Love it. I was looking on the Target website which is where I assumed you got it and apparently I was wrong! Do tell, please :)
ReplyDeleteSam
Hi Sam! It actually was a Target find, but years and years ago. Overstock and Hayneedle have similar styles now.
Deletexo!