Three ways to use a dresser - outside of the bedroom!

This Thursday we are taking the "three way" out of the bedroom! The dresser is one very versatile piece of furniture...it's not just for the bedroom anymore. They can be used in more ways than you think. Why are they so awesome? One word, storage! And we can all use more of that!

So before you go out in search of the perfect console, wine bar, or kitchen island...think, dresser, dresser, dresser! I know what your thinking. Dressers can be as expensive as any other piece of furniture. Well, true, but I talking about reusing an old dresser or finding a good deal on Craigslist, and then reworking it to fit your needs. So put on your creative goggles when you are searching and get your DIY on!!!



The perfect console: Use one at the top of the stairs for a great focal point, or in a foyer, and use the drawers as a catch all for all that stuff that usually lands on your counters! Also, you can use one in the dining room or kitchen as extra storage for napkins, placemats, and silverware.

This one was in a model home in my nieghborhood and used on the landing.

The perfect wine bar: Use it as a place to keep your bar essentials anywhere you would put a dry bar in your home. I'm going to use one upstairs in the bonus room to keep from running up and down the stairs when I'm ready for a refill! :-) Check out http://www.today.com/id/3041440/vp/50743316#50743316, for more information on how Nichole Curtis transformed this dresser into a mini bar. You can even use the drawers to keep snacks on hand!

As a kitchen island: Ever wish you had more storage and prep space in the kitchen? Well converting a dresser to a kitchen island is your answer! If you think you don't have room, put in on casters and you can have a mobile island just when you need it.

Go to http://youresomartha.wordpress.com/2011/08/10/kitchen-island-dresser-the-reveal/, to see what she did to turn a plain old dresser into this multifunctional piece.

Just think outside the box when it comes to finding functional pieces for your home. There is nothing more versatile than a dresser! Have a great Thursday!

SH 

"Real life by design!" 

Creating My "New" Home: The Creative Room

Hey guess what? I'm building a new house! Can you tell I'm excited! Would you believe that of all the rooms that I get to decorate in the house, the room I'm calling the "Creative Room" is the one that gets me and the kids most excited! That's right. Not the living room.  Not the dining room or kitchen - the creative room! This room is going to be a shared room off the main hall upstairs where we can just let our creative juices flow! Etsy here I come! But of course it has to be stylish...I mean, come on, you know me!

Here's a little insight on how I get started on any project. This method really works to keep your room inspiration organized.

First, I get a file folder, so I can keep all my ideas in one place. Then, I begin my search for inspiration: Magazines, internet, of course, Pinterest!

One of my faves is Better Homes and Gardens magazine and website, they have tons of inspiration! I found several ideas in there January and February issues. When I find something I like, I tear it out and put it in a file. Look at this super cute file folder I found at Walmart for 3 for $1! This file even has a place to keep notes. Now you can't beat that!

Next, I start putting together all the ideas in the file. Everything from the color palette to the ideas for stylish organization.

This is exactly the way I do it! I usually sit on the floor with everything spread out around me and start organizing my thoughts.

Last, I just put it all together in the file and secure with paper clip. I like to write down the plan and add any fabric swatches or paint swatches, so everything is in one place! 

I found this bright, fun paint palette in the January BH&G Magazine. I, however, am using a beautiful color by Sherwin Williams called Sea Salt for the walls, with accents of yellow, coral, and green. It will blend beautifully with the colors in the rest of the house. 

  

Now I'm ready to go! 

I love the idea of having all my ideas in one place. So putting things together in the file makes it a whole lot easier. Plus, when I head out to start my shopping, I have my inspiration file in hand, and I'm ready to find those perfect pieces!

 I thought this would be a good way to share my process, as I plan out my design for each room. So, I will keep you up to date as things progress. We move in March 16th! Come along with me as I create my new home! God Bless!

 SH