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Thursday, May 3, 2012

67

Our Top Ten Projects

Now that spring is in full swing, we are in full swing as well.  As in, we are running here and there and traveling for sports and classes and leagues.  That means that it will become even more challenging to squeeze in extra time for my favorite hobby of organizing and DIY.

So, to give myself some goals and keep me on DIY track, I thought I would do a quick walk through of our home and make a note of projects I am itching to tackle over the next couple of months.

Here they are in no particular order:


There are actually three dressers on this list.  That's right, THREE!  I don't know why I have been putting any of them off for as long as I have, but they are all gonna get a makeover!

Dresser number one is this one in our dressing room....


It is probably one of the very few pieces of IKEA furniture that we own that I have yet to "hack".  But it will be modified, and it will be far better than the plain white piece that it is right now.



Still in the dressing room, project number two is to address the "vanity" situation...


The old computer desk is far too small for the space and the mirror is hung too high {since it was originally above the dresser which was later moved}.  This may be as simple as a furniture switcharoo, however I would also love to tackle adding some extra vanity lighting and maybe make some updates to the mirror as well.



Since we are on the topic of vanities, I may as well bring up problem/project number three.  Our main bathroom vanity...


From a distance it may look charming, but it is totally not my style and is quite dated.  In fact, that is my opinion of the entire bathroom, but I am just going to focus on the vanity for now.

Lets take a closer look at part of the problem:


It's nicked, cracked and you can see where the paint around the drawer pull is pealing away because my darling kidlets have made the choice to skip using their step stool and go right for climbing on the drawer pulls...



Dresser number two on the project tour is in our oldest son's bedroom.


This green piece was in our guest room for quite awhile, and then it was moved to Preston's room since it is a nice, large, sturdy piece of furniture.  The colors just aren't working for his space and the finish needs a little love, so I am imagining a good sanding and fresh coat of paint, maybe a fun treatment of some sort.  There are all sorts of ideas swimming around in my brain, it's a matter of picking one and getting it done!



Project five is going to happen in the boy's shared bedroom.


Those headboards are too "jail cell" feeling to me.  They need some softening up and I have the perfect upholstery project planned.



Our exterior looks so pretty from a distance...


But in all reality, it's lacking and dirty and needs a lot of love.


The door wreath is a good three years old and has lived through the harsh climates that Wisconsin brings and is typically the home to many birds throughout the year.  It has seen better days.  The door and planters are far too much white.  However, some paint, a broom and some pretty flowers should hopefully do the trick out front.


The last dresser on the project list is the infamous studio dresser!


That baby has been waiting patiently for some love and I am glad I didn't jump the gun on painting it because now that I finally have a fun color scheme happening in the lower level, I have the perfect dresser color selected and purchased!  I have a good feeling it's going to be a pretty fab before and after.  No pressure though right?



Speaking of studio and lower level.  The entire area needs to be updated with the same gray that we went with in the playroom...


The goal is to give the windowless areas a lighter, airy feeling.  I would love to also add wainscoting and a gallery wall and a fabulous rug.... ahh, if time and money were no object...



The last two are completely new projects and ideas that need to be brainstormed and created.  Number nine is to add wall to wall storage and a corner workspace in the back corner of the studio for order processing and crafting.  Here is what I have in mind:




Last but not least, another project that is in early brainstorming phases is a cubby system for the boys.  I mentioned that we may do something in the garage... or I may decide to try and add something inside if I can get my brain to work in creative ways.  All I know is, each boy needs a place to stash their study boxes, their backpacks, their boots, hats and mittens and their charging stations for their travel electronics.  One happy central place...

{source}


So there you have it!  Hopefully this list will keep me on track!  Which of these are you most excited for and which one would you pick for me to start on and share first?  What is on your spring/summer project list?


67 comments:

  1. I'm excited to see what you have in store for #1!

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  2. I would love to see you work on project #10!!! I've been brainstorming how to do a cubby system for my kiddos for awhile now. Excited to see what you come up with. :)

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  3. I'm stuck on the fact that you have a dressing room.

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    1. I know right? I am so spoiled. And our house has the most awful layout that would have left that space completely un-usable since there are no windows in it and it's attached the the Master bedroom... you can read about it here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-fairytale-room-part-1.html

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  4. I know all of your projects will turn out great! But I can't wait to see what you do with the boys beds, #5, and the cubbies, #10. I have similar projects I am working on and need all the inspiration I can get.

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  5. Can't wait to see the studio dresser! Not to mention all the other projects, especially 9 and 10!

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  6. Omgoodness the all look great already! Cant wait to see what youll do!

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  7. Yeah, I have no answers...I'm stuck in jealousy mode, ha ha. We have no dressers yet...or more than two beds for that matter. I need to get shopping :)

    Bobi
    http://westernwarmth.blogspot.com

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  8. I have recently found your blog via pinterest and am HOOKED! I, too, live in Wisconsin. I, too, love organizing. I just am starting to find my way though. :) I love that you have done a post on your up and coming projects...gives me inspiration in my own house and when you lay them out like that, one at a time, it feels less overwhelming. I recently redid our playroom area and had some great inspiration from an earlier post of yours with the pics of the toys on the outside of the cubbies. Thanks for having this blog!

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    1. Awww, thanks for the sweet comment! :) So happy you found me!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  9. I love the framed fabric (is that what it is?) over the dresser in #7! Everything looks great!

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    1. It's a memo board - I am hoping to use it for ideas when working with clients in the future. :)

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  10. I'm dying to see the results of number seven! You've been keeping us in suspense for so long!

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  11. I would love to see what you have in store for dresser #1. I want to paint some Ikea furniture myself. And you have me really interested in seeing the dresser in the studio done...you do have the paint already...wink...wink.

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    1. Maybe if I say out loud to blog world right now I am going to tackle this one this weekend, I will actually have to do it! :) Stay tuned!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  12. I found this on pin city:)
    I love the garage idea, I would love this in front door way if there was room.
    I so need New closet organizers!!!
    Time to get my list started:)

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  13. Wow, great list! It helps when you're working with incredible "befores" ;) I have the dresser from #1 and am excited to see what ideas you might have.

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    1. I think this will be one of the first to tackle, I have had the supplies I need to awhile, so it should be an easy project to start with!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  14. Oh my goodness, I cannot wait to see what you come up with. I love seeing before and afters, and I am soaking up all the inspiration I can for when I have my own home!

    Allyson
    http://cupcakescandycanes.blogspot.com

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  15. Love your blog - and the way you've laid out your projects-to-be!

    Comment on #3 - May I suggest placing the stepstool right there between the vanity and the toilet, and removing the drawer pulls during a time of reminding/retraining? Yes, it would be less convenient to open the drawers, but it would silently remind the kiddos "oops, can't climb up that way, better use the stepstool." Whatever you do to the vanity - paint, replace, etc. - you're going to want it to stay nice, so this might be a useful prep step for the family.

    Nana Pam

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    1. Thanks Nana!

      That is where the step-stool lives, but I agree maybe removing the hardware would be good for awhile. They usually do it when they want to quickly wash their hands... they pull themselves up and without thinking, their feet go straight to the handles... :)

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  16. love the list, a little confused though, is #9 something you want to do, or a space in your home already?

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    1. Oh, it's just something on the list of ideas. We haven't started it yet, but I am itching to start expanding my Etsy shop and having a work space would make it SO much easier, so it's high on the priority list.

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  17. I can't wait to see what you do with #9! That's exactly the type of desk I would like in my office. So much space to work on! And I just adore your little boys room. Good luck with all your projects!

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  18. #10, #10 and #10.
    (Can you tell I have school backpack issues?)

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    1. Lol, we do too! Right now they hang on hooks in each of their rooms, but it's not the most convenient since they typically use the contents in the kitchen/living area. I can't wait to solve the problem!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  19. Your list looks great! This is silly, but your big leather couch jumped out at me though. We are couch shopping and that is the shape and look we want and can't find! Where did you get it?

    Thanks!

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  20. Ah, I see, I just found our sources page and got the answer there. :)

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  21. Thanks for making this list... it's really interesting to see what a DIY blogger is planning! :) I'd say spruce up the front door; you know what they say, when you look better on the outside, you feel better on the inside. Or something like that! Have fun!

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    1. Such a great point! I have always had the personal mentality, "if you look good, you feel good", but that is so true about the home as well!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  22. My fiance's grandmother had a stroke recently so we have a TON of stuff on our "to do" list to get the house ready to sell quickly (we need the money to pay for her assisted living). New carpet in 2 rooms and stairs, leveling the back deck, landscaping, de-clutter (she is a hoarder), build a bedroom in the in-law suite in the basement... just to name a few. Whew! How do you have time for it all? We are hoping to have this all done in a month... and I work full time. Oy!

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    1. Oy is right! That's a big list to tackle!

      The only reason I have time for it is because I make time {and it's kind of my job now}. I just love to do it and I would rather be painting or organizing or projecting than watching TV. So once the kids head to bed, I go find a paintbrush. :)

      Best wishes to you as you tackle all those projects!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  23. ahhhh I cannot wait for these! esp the ikea hack job =) Those are always my favorite =)

    I have a bunch in mind but I keep slacking off on the decor and locking myself in the kitchen [ummm... you have GOT make this: Tomato Soup and Cheesy Mozzarella Balls] I promised the hubs I would finish the office and paint our patio furniture though so I have to keep my word right? =) hehe riiiight!

    Hope you have a great weekend gorgeous! xoxo

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    1. bahh! can we pretend I'm not the queen of typos? haha

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  24. Oh Jen! I just love you and your blog! You are truly an inspiration :) I love to read your descriptions of things and can't wait to see what you end up doing with all of these projects! You make me want to go home and come up with my own "Summer To-Do List" Good luck!!

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  25. It's Spring! If I were you I would tackle #6, just so I could be outside. Have fun!

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    1. I couldn't agree with you more. I hope the weather lets us do some outdoor work this weekend. It's something that we can all do and enjoy together as a family. I love to paint, the kids love to play in the dirt and plant flowers and the Mr. would rather do any projects outside so it's a win for all! <3 So if all goes as planned, a little outdoor work and then a lot of play time at the park. Fingers crossed!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  26. Awesome! looking forward to your end results!

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  27. Love all these projects, especially two and ten!

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  28. I vote for the studio dresser!! :)

    As for the basement planning - you've GOT to check out this amazing basement update i pinned a while back - it's the ultimate in 'light & airy' !

    http://beachhouseinthecity.blogspot.com/2011/09/room-tour-basement-family-room.html

    have a happy weekend!
    ~H

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    1. Oh my goodness, I know right?! I love her blog and her style. It's great! Thanks for the inspiration reminder, it's perfect!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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    2. Wow, thanks for posting that link. That basement is gorgeous and doesn't look a thing like a typical basement. Love love love the faux wall paneling :)

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  29. I have the very same ikea dresser and would love to see how you hack it...can t wait...

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  30. Awesome read..very interested to see how all these projects turn out for you. I'm not an organizer/DIYer at heart but I try and come up with interesting ideas.

    Since you like organizing, I think you should check out this website (Clipix.com). It's an online organizational tool that I use for those projects I would like to get into. I think you could really make use and benefit from it.

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  31. Wow! That is a pretty hefty list! You are so inspiring though! You might actually motivate me to complete ONE of the things I have had on my list for the fast few YEARS! We moved into our home four years ago and I have yet to paint an entire half of the house! Only a few rooms have been "made over" How in the world do you ever find the strength and energy to tackle so much in such a little amount of time?!

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    1. Thanks Angel!

      Don't be too hard on yourself. I love it, so make time for it {and it's kind of my job now}. I just personally would rather be painting or organizing or projecting than watching TV. So once the kids head to bed, I go find a paintbrush. :)

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  32. 10 10 10 10 10 10!!!!!! (In case you needed help deciding which order to tackle all your projects!)

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  33. I live in Iowa so we have the same weather situation going on here. I too have thought about putting cubbies in the garage, a la john & kate plus 8, but got too hung up on the fact that bugs would get in my boys' stuff, right? We have the room out there which we don't in the house but I can't figure out how to make it work. Let me know if you've come up with a solution for that one:)

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  34. Eight! It reminds me of my lower level family room, so I would love to be inspired by your awesome creativity. :)

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  35. Did you make the jewelry organizers above the white ikea dresser in project one? Super cute! Woul love to know how to make them. (Sorry if you've already posted that - just found your blog today!)

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  36. Can't wait to see all three of the dresser projects! I need some inspiration for my own!
    I just made a list of my projects to get working on - hoping to tackle a rearranging and redesigning the storage in my play room, working on some better organization of the daily "stuff" in the kitchen, and a big living room overhaul! I'm tiring myself out just writing it! :)

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  37. #3, ever since I started reading your blog I have been in love with your house and style but when I saw your bathroom was surprised because it didn't seem to look anything like the rest of your style throughout the house. I'd love to see how you update it to your new tastes :) Happy projecting!

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  38. What a list!! I can't wait to see what you do with the painted furniture and your front door. I have a wonderful, tall bookcase that needs real freshening, (I think with some lovely paint and wallpaper) and I have ignored my front door for too long. I also can't wait to see how you soften the boys' headboards. We recently bought our son a trundle bed, and as functional as it is, the bed frame itself is very metal/hospital/cold looking. I will have to custom make a bedskirt to hide all of that because a traditional one will not properly fit. I have become inspired to take on those projects even sooner! Thank you and have a great weekend!

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  39. I can't wait to see the studio dresser completed. Perhaps you could do a vlog on a "behind the scenes" of iheart organizing with the newly organized space, sharing about how you get inspiration/organization ideas for your projects, and I'd love to hear about what things you plan on adding to your on-line/etsy store.

    Also, have you thought about adding a link to purchase some of the custom labels you make? For instance I LOVE the labels you made for the Legos storage, a dnI can't wait to see what you come up with for the new toys' baskets (I have baskets similar size in the Expedit quad cube for toy storage)

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    1. Thanks for the ideas!

      I do hope to have an "as seen on the blog" section in my shop, I just haven't had the capacity to hand make anything for my shop since I still have a youngster at home during the day and I try to project and post frequently for the blog. However, I have big plans and ideas, I just have to be OK with the fact that it all takes time. :)

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  40. What color are you painting the studio dresser? I have one just like it. thanks! Jenny

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  41. I love how the little brown bear is in a lot of your pictures ! We have one like him and his name is brannon I think he was from the gap. Not to mention I love all your rooms !!!! www.bargainfun.net Steph

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  42. oh and we have the same monkey from buildbear :)

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  43. I have 3 boys too and with baseball and school and everything else, I really can not wait until your cubby system. I want to do something in our garage, since a lot of our stuff is sports related too. I can't wait to see what you come up with!

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  44. Oh, I love that green dresser in the kidlet's room. I'd love to see what wonderful things you do with it.

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  45. Quick Q - where did you get that towel holder above the toilet in the bathroom in pic #3? It's great! We have a small bathroom with no storage, we could totally use something like this!

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  46. Hi Jen, my name is Rebecca and I absolutely ADORE your blog! I literally check it a dozen times a day hoping for new posts as well as following you on pinterest, I'm obsessed! Everything you do is so amazing and you've completely inspired me to take charge of my own life and household and get organized! I liked seeing this post and all the projects you plan on tackling and it makes me feel better about the amount of stuff I have to tackle, because you are always upgrading and changing your rooms, decor, etc. The picture of your front door stuck in my head and when I saw this front door, I immediately thought of you and your front door!

    http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/front-door-makeover-00414000072628/

    The planters are similar to yours and I know you've pinned lots of teal doors so I immediately thought of you when I saw this! Anyways, just wanted to let you know how much of an inspiration you've been to me.
    Rebecca

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    1. Thanks so much Rebecca! You are right! It's super adorable and right in line with my style. :) Now, convincing the hubs to paint the front door hasn't been easy {he is still saying no}, so all of the photo evidence I can provide will be helpful.

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  47. Oh boy, I can't wait to see all of them but suggest you start with the studio dresser since you have your supplies already, then that should give you a boost to go on to the next one. Good luck, can't wait to see the finished projects, you do such great work.

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