Monday, April 14, 2014

66 A Little Love for Coral and Closet Clutter Busting

Last week I gave you a little sneak peek into a recent addition we made to our dressing room closet area.  We DIY'd some dividers for a few new drawers that were added to the space.


Today, I am back to give more details of the bigger closet project picture.

As I have mentioned in the past, we have always loved that the dressing room is so grand {the size of a bedroom}!  However, to install a wall-to-wall closet system would have been extremely costly in such a large space.   Not to mention, we try to keep our clothing and accessories somewhat limited for both ease of storage and overall simplicity.

We have been living out of two separate wardrobes for approximately two years, and overall we have been really pleased with the setup.  We also have a small dresser which holds undergarments, paint clothes, pajamas, etc....

However, the girl in me has always been a little frustrated with what the setup lacked; accessory storage, boot storage and handbag storage.


Not the worst problem to have, however, after two years of struggling to keep the area between the dresser and armoire tidy {no system = easy toss and pile creating}, I was overly ready to finally deal with things.  Hubby had been struggling with storing the same types of items as well, everything from baseball caps to belts and ties.

After some measuring, research and price shopping, we landed on two Closetmaid storage towers on each side of the dresser.  The storage unit allowed us to customize shelving adjustments and drawers and fit the wall perfectly.


The area is far from complete, however, we started to make some tweaks to make it more "us".  The top of each cabinet actually came to a blunt finish initially, so we capped it with some decorative moulding to give it a finished look.


A little measuring, air nailing and caulking later and the top of each unit was looking a little less out-of-the-box.

We could have taken things even further and customized the shelves to be more "built-in", but for now, I like that they are actually still mobile and the arrangement of the entire closet can be reconfigured down the line should our storage needs change yet again.

Once the storage units were flanking the dresser, it was clear to me that the space in-between would need to be addressed l.  My previous jewelry setup was starting to become cluttered and would not fill the space well.  However, I have really loved the concept of the cork board within the frame paired with pushpins for jewelry storage, so I just needed let it grow.  I removed the inserts from the previous two frames and matched them back up with their mats and glass to be used once again as actual photo frames.  During a recent shopping trip at Target, I stumbled upon a much larger cork board, and decided that would fit the space much better.  I loved that the cork was thicker and more sturdy than my previous setup.  I couldn't wait to start using it!


I don't know what it is, but spring has really gotten me in the mood to inject some coral into a space.  The master bedroom and dressing area were the perfect candidates, as they already have a fairly neutral gray/blue color palette along with small pops of navy.  Knowing I have a few small stools to recover, I picked up a flat sheet in a solid coral color.  The sheet was plenty big enough for the stools, so along with the stools, I decided to cover the cork board in coral as well.  I started with some spray adhesive and smoothed the sheet over the top of the cork board.

After looking at it, I decided that it needed a little extra something.... some sort of pattern!  A few years ago I had purchased a stencil for a rug project I never did, then I planned on using it for curtains and never did, so I dashed for it and used it here.  I still have more plans for the stencil down the line because I love it that much, but this was a good spot to play with it and use what I already had on hand.


When I stencil, I typically spray the back of the stencil with spray adhesive to get a nice flat surface and to prevent paint seepage.  However, I didn't want the front of the jewelry board to be sticky, so I decided to just go with painters tape this time around.

Using a plush microfiber roller paired with some bright white paint, I held my breath and started rolling.


The paint also contained pre-mixed primer, and the roller allowed it to really cover well.  I was doing all I could to avoid having to do two coats of paint.  Lucky there was minimal seepage and the paint covered really well!


Sorry for the photo quality above, this was one of the many "after the kids were in bed" projects so I had bad overhead lighting.  The sheet is actually much more berry coral than orange coral. 

There was a single area where paint from the stencil marked the coral area of the corkboard.  I quickly grabbed some rubbing alcohol and a Q-Tip and the paint lifted right out {the paint was still slightly wet so that may have also helped}.


Things were looking good, but I still needed to address the edge of the cork board.  The hubby dug through scrap wood in the garage and found a piece of white trim to finish things off.


Ignore the second cork board below - we actually purchased two because I have another project for the second one.  He was using that one in the garage for cutting measurements.

Bryan just nailed directly into the frame of the corkboard with his brad nailer, making sure to use small enough nails that they wouldn't go all the way through the back.  We followed up with more white caulk fix any gaps and nail holes.

And there she is!  Tucked nicely between the new storage towers.


We also swapped out the hardware on all of the drawers to give them a consistent finish and try to unify things a bit.  I haven't decided if I will paint the Overlays on the front of the dresser as well; I am really not sure if the yellow is working now so maybe I will update them with white or light gray? 


The coral is a fun summery touch!  And this project was simple enough should I tire of the color down the road, I can just swap out the fabric to achieve a whole new look!


The rest of the storage towers were filled with my handbags and baskets to hold our hats.  I was also able to use the bottom shelves for storing those taller boots that didn't fit in the nearby armoire.  I love that everything finally has a place up off of the floor!  So good!


I snagged a few accessories from around the home to display more of my girly things.  A cloche jar was a fun touch over my bracelet holding hand.


While a cake stand gave my nail polish collection a little boost.


We couldn't be more smitten with the changes so far and all of the added storage that we were able to gain out of a few extra shelves and drawers!  And now I am even more excited to get those little benches recovered to really finish off the rest of the space.


What color does spring have you wanting to play with lately? 


66 comments:

  1. Get out of town! I am obsessed with coral, and I love how you dressed up the space with it. Also, give me the scoop: does your bedroom really look like that on a daily basis? ;) Regardless, I want to steal it for myself!

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    1. Oh no! Typically the covers are just pulled up and there is a load of laundry to be put away on the end of the bed. I typically only make the bed on weekends or if I know we have company coming. I consider y'all company so I like to tidy up for pictures. :)

      xo!

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    2. Thanks for keeping it real. Honesty is awesome :)

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    3. What is the thing that looks like an egg carton?

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    4. HI Lauren,

      The egg crate is a ceramic crate for eggs, however, I found it works great for jewelry. I found it at Anthropologie years ago, but have since spotted them at HomeGoods, World Market and Target.

      xo!

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  2. This looks beautiful! (I recently started following your blog on bloglovin!)
    I just order my first stencil to try on the wall in the crafting space I've been working on and I'm planning on playing with two color, Juicy Cantalope and Duck's Egg (which is a green/blue pastel)

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  3. I absolutely love it!!!! It looks amazing!

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  4. Great ideas - love the stencil project and the cloche jar too.

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  5. I am swooning over your jewelery board. Looks great. Love the creativity and
    DIY-itivness (yep made that word up) of it all.

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  6. First commenter? wow :D I love the jewelry organizer and you make it look soo easy to make! I might need to look for that cork board and get to work.

    psst ... the link to the closet towers takes me to the last post instead of the tower.

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  7. I lovey our blog and read it all the time! I have to ask, what is the paint color used in your room? I love it and have been looking for something similar for my own room! Thanks!

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    1. Thank you! The color is Behr's Frozen Pond. xoxo!

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    2. Thank you so much! I will be picking up a sample ASAP!

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  8. This looks terrific! We are expanding our living space next spring and I'm busily making plans to incorporate a lot of your creative ideas.

    A question I always wonder, as I have 4 kids (including 2-year-old twins) - how do you and your husband manage to get so much done with 3 active boys? Are you very energetic people who can't sit still? Do you choose projects over relaxing with TV or books? I'm trying to figure out how to fit such projects in, but life is so busy with kids, work, sports, cleaning, cooking, etc.

    Any advice would be appreciated!!

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    1. Great question Danielle! It can definitely get challenging at times, especially with Bryan working full time outside of the home. However, we have always loved to work on things around the house and it is typically how we spend time together after the kids are in bed {we have from about 8:00 - 11:00 each night of "us" time}. It becomes more challenging in the summer when it seems like sports run later in the evenings, but we still try and make time for it. For the most part, it is just about good scheduling and planning and occasional late nights. We have Netflix to thank as well, it typically keeps us entertained to watch some of our favorite shows together while working on different projects {like late night assembly of the storage towers in this post}. Smaller craft projects I will actually do with the kids. They work on their own art creations while I work on mine. It is definitely important to find a balance. :)

      xoxo!

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    2. Thanks for this answer - I've wondered the same thing! I would love to have a handy hubby to work on house projects with... :)

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    3. Sharing this post with the hubs! I think he can take a lesson from this power couple. I'm actually 4 months pregs with my 4th and I haven't regained my energy but I know on my 6th month, I will be on full "nesting mode" I cannot wait! lol

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  9. Wow! What a great addition! I'm having major storage envy over here! I love how you gave some standard pieces some of your own personalized touches too! Thanks for sharing, Jen!

    ~Abby =)

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  10. I really love that dresser! May I ask where you got it? :)

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    1. Thank you! The dresser is the IKEA Malm Dresser: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70053924/#/00214553

      We added overlays to it: http://www.myoverlays.com/overlay-kit-for-ikea-malm-4-drawer

      xoxo!

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  11. to die for! love love love! i'm going home immediately to rearrange. also,that gray and brown bag on the top shelf, where is it from?

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    1. Thanks Lisa! I believe you are referencing my camera bag, which is from JoTotes: http://www.jototes.com/collections/all/products/georgia-nautical

      xo!

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  12. So cute!!! Great job :)

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  13. I love it, and am jealous of your storage!! I would keep the yellow on the dresser, I think it compliments the coral and adds just enough color without competing with the decor.

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  14. I love the striped bag. Can you tell me where you got it or what brand it is??

    Thanks, Jenn

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jenn!

      The blue and white stripe bag is from DSW: http://www.dsw.com/handbag/poppie+jones+canvas+stripe+tote?prodId=268974&productRef=SEARCH

      xo!

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  15. Nice job! It looks great. Love the simplicity and elegance of the display.

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  16. ooh LOVE this!! Looks amazing! Love the coral :)

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  17. Hi there! I am IN LOVE with your home and blog! We are going to paint our living room, and I was wondering what is the new gray color on your walls? Thanks so much!

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    1. Hi Sarah!

      The new gray in our living room is Glidden's Smooth Stone. :)

      Happy painting!
      Jen

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  18. That Egyptian Cotton linen and room spray is my FAVORITE! So fresh!

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  19. You are definitely fortunate to have such large closet space, Jen. Wish I have one like that too. (",)

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  20. So great! beautiful and functional. So jealous! I am currently painting a china hutch mint and coral. I love the combo of the two :-)

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  21. I love how you always add little details that make the spaces so special. You have such talent, I love your blog so much! I can't wait until I have a house of my own (not a rental) so I can do all of these fun things!
    www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com

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  22. Oh, how much I love your blog. Thank you for the great tips, as always! :)

    petitfaon.blogspot.com

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  23. I would LOVE to have a space like that for my clothes and shoes! But our house is so tiny, it's almost a doll's house... My favorite colors are coral and turquoise. Thank you for the inspiration.

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  24. Oh my gosh this is amazing! I love the yellow - my favorite color!! I wish that I could organize for a job. It is one of my favorite things to do! Susan

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  25. Your projects are always, always gorgeous! The grey and coral are amazing - so crisp and fresh and pretty. Pinning! (as usual) ;)
    Karen | a house full of sunshine

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  26. LOVE this! Your blog gives such good ideas...I LOVE it!

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  27. Lovely! Always so inspired by your sharing on organizing to make home look so much prettier!

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  28. Your closet looks amazing! So many great ideas and it looks so functional too! Pinned it!

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  29. What brand and where did you purchase the Egyptian Cotton linen and room spray? I love your use of color! What a great bedroom / closet!

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  30. I'm am cah-razy for that coral shade...and your dressing room is amazing! And I love love love the floral shams on your bed! Yep, I look at all of it! ;)

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  31. these are all so great!! very glad I found your blog!

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  32. You're the diva of details! I love your ability to blend fun & function. That coral is beautiful!

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  33. Love it! You are such an inspiration and motivation to me. I hope you know how many people you help every day!

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  34. You had me at Coral Jen!!! lol. I am lovin' Coral & Watermelon this year for our bedroom. Added a white duvet cover and Coral & Watermelon pillows and throw. Love how bright it is in our room. Now I just have to find new curtains. ;)

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  35. So pretty with the coral! Love the extra storage and the pulls on everything make it look really custom too. Lovely, as always!

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  36. Hi Jen, I must know where you got the white purse?

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    1. Hello!

      The purse was from Target about 5 or 6 years ago now. :)

      xo!

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  37. Looks great. I would be afraid to let you in my house, permanent state of chaos!!!

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  38. The Closetmaid towers look awesome! I've through about DIY'ing our master closet with their system but was unsure of the quality and look.

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  39. I am very interested in the Closetmaid towers you referenced. The ones that are linked are just above 6' tall. However, the ones in the photos look much taller. Any insight you could give would be great! I love the updated to the area. Thank you, Jessica (mrsfall@gmail.com).

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    1. Hi Jessica!

      Our ceilings are actually quite low in the dressing room, which give the appearance of the taller cabinets, but the height on the site is correct. They also have small feet on the bottom which allowed us to adjust the height a bit.

      xo!

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  40. What did you use to hang your necklaces on your corkboard? Are they push pins?

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  41. Hi Jen! I know this is an older post but would love to know where you got the gold and crystal drop pulls!! Swooning over here.

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    1. Hi Lauren,

      I found those pulls from Hobby Lobby. :)

      xo!

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