Monday, April 7, 2014

28 The High/Low Organizing Challenge!

I often hear that storage is so expensive!  And it absolutely can be!  But what I love most about the organizing process is the challenge of staying within a budget.  Looking at organizing and storage solutions that I crush on and adore, and pushing my creative envelope to implement the look for less.



Whether building an entire wall of built-ins or covering a simple shoe box with decorative paper, there are endless ways to achieve a beautiful piece of storage for without tapping into your savings.

So this month I thought I would challenge all of you to join along with me in achieving your high end storage wishes on a low end budget.  Select one or more organizing/storage items which are either sitting in your virtual shopping cart or have been pinned on Pinterest and set out to recreate that item with a little DIY'ing and creativity.

Here are a few of my previous favorite projects which we had DIY'd to save a little cash.

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Using a simple dollar store basket, hot glue and some cotton rope, we were able to create a decorative soft sided basket for extra blankets in our guest bedroom.


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To give myself some extra organization in our desk drawers, leftover cracker and cereal boxes were transformed into drawer dividers with the help of some pretty paper.


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To help our oldest maintain his busy schedule, we paired chalkboard paint with MDF and a white paint pen to DIY an oversized wall calendar.


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To corral some extra craft supplies, a shoe box was turned into a decorative storage accessory when paired with houndstooth gift wrap and a couple of buttons.


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One of my favorite projects to this day is our Pottery Barn Kid's knock-off storage boxes!  Shipping boxes were covered in playful fabric and handles were created out of rope and grommets.


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I always love a good IKEA hack.  IKEA is known for their budget friendly storage options, however, making them personal and work hard for your space is the best part!  One of my favorite IKEA updates was an outdoor entertaining cart, which was transformed with gold Rub 'n Buff, hooks and a tray.


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I had been coveting the Martha Stewart gift wrap station for years.  I finally created my own version for a fraction of the price by modifying an existing bookcase with simple wood dowels and hooks.


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The Elfa system from the Container Store is a winner in my book.  But at times, the price is just hard to justify, especially when similar options are available for less.  Thank you again IKEA!  Oh, and thanks to gold spray paint as well!


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Kate Spade anything is pricey, and although I occasionally splurge on a piece of jewelry, the pretty storage boxes were just too much for my pocketbook.  A trip to the craft store and some leftover paint later and I had the look for less!


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Sometimes, just a simple hardware upgrade takes a standard piece of storage furniture from blah to hoorah!


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And don't forget about Craig and his trusty list!  Some of our favorite pieces of furniture have been found on Craigslist and were completely transformed with the help of love and paint.


Everything from decorative trays to baskets to boxes and credenzas; anything is fair game during this challenge!  So get out your nail guns and fabric remnants and paint brushes and glue, and get ready to join in the fun!

You have the rest of the month to get your project ready to share with myself and the rest of this amazing community!  So let's really get creative, save oodles of dollars and inspire one another by creating budget friendly storage solutions based off of sought after high-end pieces.  Link party will start on May 1st {at which time I will be sharing the project I selected to do as well}.  I can't wait to see you all there!

Any ideas of organizing and storage items you are hoping to recreate this month?  Hampers?  Closet systems?  Malachite boxes?  On your mark, get set..... GO!


For those of you awesome pals that did any type of organizing or cleaning project last month and are excited to share those as well, that link party will be up within the next day or two, so stay tuned!

28 comments:

  1. I am definitely up for the challenge. Can't wait to get started!!! :)

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  2. I saw a great idea on Pinterest on using diaper boxes as storage boxes. Just decorate and reuse! They fit great almost anywhere!

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  3. You are so creative!! Have to know where you got that cute black and white stripe tote!

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  4. Love this! I need to get my munchkin's toys organized and may join in the challenge!

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  5. Great challenge! I can't wait to come up with a project and see what others have come up with as well. I already have a few ideas!

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  6. I love this idea! You always come up with fun stuff Jen!

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  7. Oh girl - such a great challenge! Let's do this thing!!! =)

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  8. Awesome! Over the weekend I finally picked up all the things I need to update my IKEA dresser based on your ombre storage cart. Was even thinking of doing some drawer liners and a stencil for the top... the challenge is ON! :)

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  9. Quick question for you, what is the brand you buy when you spray in gold? I was inspired to do some organization after seeing some of your previous work but the gold I purchased was a dark goldish brown. Hope to hear from you Jen!

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  10. I have so many ideas and wants vs needs - I just hope I can get them all going... x

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  11. loooove all of it!! amasing :)

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  12. After years of digging through my tiny jewelry box to find matching earrings I finally got smart, and cheaply smart! Bought a 4 pack of ice cube trays at the dollar store, separated my earrings and pendants, cleaned out a top dresser drawer, and wallah! Instant easy to see and organized jewelry. I'm not a craft person at all so I'm sure someone could figure out a way to snazz up the trays, but I'm loving not having to hunt for earrings anymore!

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    1. OMG! what a fantastic idea!!! Totally borrowing this idea! Thanks for sharing!

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  13. You are speaking my love language with this one!! ;) I love all your hacks and projects!! Every single one of these looks like the 'high' version!!!

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  14. Awesome challenge! It's a nice excuse for me to start getting organized!

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  15. Just seeing your ideas makes me happy!!! :)

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  16. Absolutely love this challenge. I think this is just the inspirational push I have been needing to get me going on organizing my new craft
    room.

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  17. Such a great idea, Jen! Can't wait to come up with some creative storage solutions!

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  18. You are such a creative lady! :) I always love seeing what you come up with. Hope you are doing ok.

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  19. Love the shiny gold tape you use on some of your projects. What is the name of it and where can I buy some? Thanks!

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    1. Hi Erin! The tape is sold on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1g7snXg

      xoxo!

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  20. I am always so envious when I see your posts! Once again, you have done a wonderful job combining organizing with chic and gorgeous!

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  21. Eye Spy an Inspiration Post! Giiiirl you are gifted! I love everything! I recently shared your DIY Fabric Boxes on my blog bc its my next project! I have boxes in boxes and more in store. To keep track, I've labeled their use on the bottom, so I don't get overwhelmed when its time to get gluing! Thanks for sharing this great summary - I'm archiving it for future use!

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  22. what color is your china cabinet painted? love it!!

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    1. Hi Rebecca! The color is Sherwin Williams Reflecting Pool.

      xoxo!

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  23. I have been wanting to repurpose an old dresser into an entertainment center for our flat screen tv with drawers for storage. This is inspiring me to give it a try. Hopefully I won't chicken out.

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    1. Do it, do it, do it! No pressure or anything, but I think it sounds amazing! Can't wait to see it next month! ;)

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  24. getting ready to paint living room and attached playroom, we have an old dresser that needs some loving (husband had it before we met and has seen better days) Want to paint it and get new hardware. Thanks for the inspiration!!

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