Master Bedroom Closet Makeover~Part 1

Our builder basic bedroom closet got the beginning of a makeover this weekend. I prepped and painted and our 14 year old son installed the closet organizer.





I know, from the above picture it is nothing spectacular but to us it is a huge improvement. (And our carpet, although it needs replacing, is beige, not the pink it appears in the photo.) We started by removing the closet doors (that were always sticking and were so annoying.) Then we removed the single shelf and rod that spanned the entire 9 feet and left so much wasted space above and below.





The door track left a 6 inch space with no carpeting, so we decided to remove the carpet and paint the floor for now. Lots of staples and carpet tack.




We originally thought of adding beadboard to the inside of the closet, but after I patched the drywall and added several coats of fresh white paint it looked so much better. We decided to save the money and use beadboard in other areas of our home that will be more noticeable.





Our closet organizer is Configurations by Rubbermaid (8 feet) that we got at Home Depot (Canada) for $237. Nothing fancy but so much more practical than the single shelf and rod we had for the last 13 years. Our oldest son is a true diy-er and loves to tackle projects so he was happy to install it (besides, he asks for tools for Christmas and has all the good ones.)
 Edited to add: I thought I should re-clarify that the photo below is my inspiration photo, not our own closet. I will share our closet refilled once it is complete.
This inspiration photo is from California Closets. This one doesn't have enough hanging clothes space, but is a similar size to ours and I really like the curtain. My dream closet would be my sister and bil's custom walk-in.

Our clothes are back in our closet, and that is part one finished. We still have more plans for this space though.

• hooks of some sort for our belts, my necklaces, etc.
• baskets for storage on shelves
• check out the optional items that go with this system
• trim the outside of the closet
• add a temporary curtain (while we figure out a door solution/save up the money)
• and not any time soon, hardwood floors for our bedroom including the closet.
Thanks to all my friends and readers that continue to stop by. It has been a crazy and tiring week as we adjust to me starting back to work/school (and one son in grade 7 and the other starting high school) on top of increased demands now that we are in full Fall Fair mode. The cooler weather this week is certainly a nice bonus though.

I'm linking up with...
WOW us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

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Master Bedroom Closet Makeover~Part 1

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Simple White Dishes

White dishes are my choice when it comes to dinnerware.



I am always inspired when I see pretty colours and patterns in tablescapes but over the past few years I switched to white. I love how it looks when I open our dish cupboard. Our boys are young teens now and don't need plastic, but I do keep some plastic cups in a basket in another cabinet for visiting great-nieces and great-nephews.



Our everday dishes were replaced two years ago when I bought three 16-piece sets of simple white Corelle. They aren't expensive high-end names like Pottery Barn or Williams-Sonoma, but Corelle fits our budget and will still be easily replaced if a few break in years to come. They are also sturdy enough for teens and a dishwasher. Or teens emptying the dishwasher ;)



On our last trip to St. Jacobs I visited the Corelle factory store and they had a deal on individual pieces if you bought more than 10. We go through large plates and cereal bowls really quickly so I stocked up on extras (for us and my sister.)


We also have 24 white caterer's plates that I use for large buffets and casual family get togethers because they are sturdy and are cheaper than continually buying paper plates.


Two years ago I also picked up four boxed sets, for a total of 16 place settings (PC from RealCanadian Superstore $10 x 4 boxes) for sit down dinners when I don't want to use the 'good' china. Actually, when I bought this set, I didn't have 'good' china. These have a bit more modern look.

White is not the right choice for everyone, but I love it and we certainly have lots! I also have some collected pieces that are not white and I'm always keeping an eye out for lovely pieces. The best part for me is that it was all bought very inexpensively. Are you a pattern and color or an all white dinnerware type?

I'm linking to
White Wednesday at Faded Charm
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

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Adding Curb Appeal ~Phase 1

It is time to update our home's curb appeal! Curb appeal plays a large role in determining a property's value and it is the first thing visitors notice.


Our home is modest for our neighbourhood, but it is a big investment for us. Some ongoing maintenance and curb appeal projects have been planned to keep our home looking fresh. Our plans include small changes, larger projects, general maintenance and long term projects. Some are easy fix projects with supplies already on hand and more muscle than cash needed. Others are longer term because of the cost involved. 


After work yesterday I managed to get a few items on my list checked off. I decided to remove the low growing pine bush. I felt it was getting too big for the area and the inner part of the bush had some dead needles. Man, were the roots thick! I cut a new garden edge, weeded and added mulch. And yes, I am a lot little sore today. I don't know how people keep up with huge gardens. I also trimmed the euonymus bush at the driveway edge of the garden. It is very healthy but was getting a bit too big for the space.


We also bought a pair of solar lanterns to add much needed safety lighting and ambience to the walkway at night. I chose Westinghouse Solar 12X High-Output LED Flair Lights from Canadian Tire and love how they look.  I may pick up another pair and put one in the garden (power of three's) and one at the back gate.


And now, the changes I made yesterday (both the tree and weigela are finished blooming this week):


Autumn Joy Sedum and a small Weigela bush.


Newly trimmed variegated euonymus bush.


I'm getting impatient for the walkway to match our patio. I know it will have the most impact but it won't be happening for awhile. I think the next step will be to get rid of the pesky weeds in the paver cracks. And painting the house numbers black or finding new ones. I might try the zinc pots in the backyard in the front:



I would love to hear what you think?


OUR PROJECT LIST FOR INCREASED CURB APPEAL

Paint:
repaint porch railing and post
touch up paint on front door
touch up paint on overhead garage door

Accessories:
updated plant pots, black urns?
new door mat
refresh or buy new house numbers

Landscaping:
remove pine bush
trim euonymus bush
weed garden beds
mulch front garden bed
add new spike to support and straighten tree
overseed lawn
fertilize lawn

Windows/Doors
re-caulk all windows
add new weatherstripping to front door
new front door lock set-last year
new exterior lights-last year
new man door on garage
new lockset for man door to match front door hardware
new overhead garage door-next year

Front walkway/steps
buy solar walk lights
mulch front garden bed
add new walkway and steps to match back patio -fall or next year
move beach stones to backyard


Fence:

new gate hardware

It would be easy to hire someone to do all this, but that just isn't in our budget. So we will work on this a bit at a time. Do you think the garden needs more plantings?

I'm joining SNS at Funky Junk Interiors.

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Our Beverage Center

We have a section of counter between our fridge and stove that I decided to use as a beverage center.





My friend made this chunky wood tray and it is the perfect spot to corral the items we use frequently for tea, hot chocolate and my lemon water. We don't keep our coffee maker on the counter because hubby's preferred drink is Diet Coke and I'm more of a tea and hot chocolate drinker. And lemon water. I have to drink lots and lots of lemon water, all day, every day.





Having our beverage essentials all in one spot makes drink prep so much easier. I can quickly open the fridge for ice water and lemon juice and sweeten it all in one area. I use mason jars to store tea bags and hot chocolate. The little honey pot is a gift from a friend and I picked up the cinnamon candle at a little gift shop today.





 A vintage bowl from England holds Sugar Twin packets.





The glass straw dispenser, toothpick holder, and sugar dispenser were found at Home Outfitters. It may not be a fancy espresso center, but we don't drink espresso and this sure works for us! Do you group similar items for convenience?



I always look forward to the weekend, and one reason is because I love visiting all the great link ups at SNS/Funky Junk Interiors. See you there!

I'm also joining the VIP party at Designer Garden.

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Going Greener ~ Bar Mops

In our home, we have long been guilty of using lots and lots of paper towels.



Even though our region has a compostable kitchen waste recycling program that includes paper towels, I decided to try and reduce our use of them. Better for the environment and money saving too. Did I mention that my husband goes way overboard with paper towels and uses almost half a roll to clean one patio door?!!





We have lots of rags made from old towels, but I wanted a supply for the kitchen that were a little nicer looking. I chose white so they could be easily bleached too. I bought several inexpensive bunches of small bar mops and thin dish towels to use for quick wipe ups and to swipe dirty fingerprints off our white kitchen cabinets.



I think it helps to have them handy in a cute container so we are more likely to reach for them. We hang the soiled ones to dry in the laundry room and then wash a bunch at a time. I also like that they are so sturdy compared to paper towels. We still use paper towels, but not nearly as many. Now I need to work on using more earth-friendlier cleaners.

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Going Greener ~ Bar Mops

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