Sunday, January 31, 2010

Party!!! Organization for "LUFFs"

Yay! It's a party! I'm so excited. I can't wait to see all of your organization projects. I'm also ridiculously excited about my newly organized guest room. First, let's take a look at the "BEFORE":

As you can see, the room had basically become a dumping ground. I kept the door shut most of the time and I would have been horrified for a guest to see the room let alone stay in it. And now?

Ahh, so much better. The challenge was 1) Finding a new "home" for the extra stuff in the room; and 2) Organizing what was staying in the room to make it attractive and functional.

I really wanted to use the room as a sewing room in the 99% of the time a guest wasn't staying with us, so my first step was organizing my fabric stash and sewing supplies. Here's a photo of my fabric in the closet BEFORE:

I bought an inexpensive hanging closet organizer at Walmart, and sorted my fabric by color. Take a look at the AFTER:

It was so easy and inexpensive, and now I can actually see what I own. That in itself is priceless. I also bought 4 plastic containers at Walmart for $1.50 each to organize sewing supplies, craft supplies and ribbon (who knew I owned so much ribbon?!).

Inside each container I sorted different items into Ziploc baggies to make them easy to find. No more digging for a sewing needle in a haystack of...misc sewing...stuff.

And if you take a look at the really awful picture below, you'll see the filing cabinet I was able to score from an office that was giving it away for FREE!

Oh, and if I'd been really on top of things I would have sorted all of my paint fan decks and cards into fancy containers...but at least they're all in one handy place.

Now out of the closet and back to the "pretty" stuff. I placed my Mom's old sewing machine (which I heart) on her childhood desk. I can't wait to start sewing like a mad woman!

The desk doubles at a nightstand by the bed, and the cute little clock is also an alarm clock, which is very handy for guests. I also added a shade I already owned to a lamp by the bed (a must for guests).

Finally, here's a photo of the dresser in the room. I've left a few drawers empty for guests, but use the others for some of my off season clothes. I also made sure there's a mirror handy in the room. It not only reflects light, but it's a thoughtful touch for guests...so they don't have to walk out into the house in the morning with their hair looking like a bird's nest. Know what I mean?


The best part about this organization makeover? It cost next to nothing. I literally spent $16, and that was for the closet organizers. Everything else was repurposed from other places in the house. And honestly, just getting rid of the junk and creating a clean, uncluttered space was enough to make for an inviting room.

Now it's your turn. Link up below. I'll post party highlights on Wednesday! Thanks for participating!



AnNicole

29 comments:

  1. Your new guest room looks so soothing and inviting! I love your fabric storage idea - genius! Thanks for hosting this party and getting us in gear! {I am having problems linking my post..it cuts off the address even when I cut and paste in Mclinky} Sorry! Hope you have a wonderful week!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sorry Stephanie - I had technical difficulties for a moment but got it all sorted out. Thanks for participating!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Looks great!!! Thanks for hosting! I love the LUFF idea!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your guest room looks nice and clean! I'm joining in, but a bit embrassed at the huge mess I had! Just keeping it real!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great multi-functional space. The guest room looks so cozy and inviting. I'm sure your guests will love it. Thanks for hosting the party!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love how it turned out. What a great space to sew!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a perfect day to find your blog! I am starting to pack to move sometime in the next couple of months. Just did half our library/office on Friday and got rid of all my old 3 1/2" computer disks, cassette tapes, etc. I'll check back again. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love that new room! So fresh and relaxing!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love your guest room. The bedding and pillows are beautiful. It's so wonderful to have your mother's sewing machine and desk in there. I enjoy visiting your site. You're so inspiring! Thanks for hosting this fun party.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Well, my husband thinks you rock for hosting this little shin-dig! Because of you, I have cleaned up one messy little corner, and he is so happy! (Neat freak! How did he end up married to me?) truth is, I am very grateful to you. you have given me the kick in the back side to do at least one small bit.
    Your guest room is lovely. Isn't it funny how you had almost everything you needed to make that happen?

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a gorgeous room, when can I come over ?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great ideas. I am glad I found your blog. Need organizing ideas all the time. Off to browse. Maria

    ReplyDelete
  13. Everything looks fabulous! I love looking at all of your fabric in that storage hanger. What a great idea! I can't believe those bins were only $1.50. Maybe they're smaller than they look in the pic.

    My daughter is using my childhood desk. ♥

    Um, she's also using my dresser that she wrote on the side of in pencil, "I ♥ Wyatt". :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Looks great! Wow! I especially love the area for your fabric storage. Great idea! Your guests will definitely feel right at home in that beautiful space. Happy sewing!

    ReplyDelete
  15. In your first "organized" picture, why did you stuff under that bed? Huh???

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wish I could participate as a Linker. Someday... For now I'll appreciate all the great tips.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh my word, AnNicole!! It looks fabulous!!! :) I am in love with your fabric organizer. I have been fretting over what to do with mine...lightbulb moment. :) Thanks for sharing this post!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Awesome, transformation!
    I love the idea of storing fabric in the closet hanger thing. I love that mirror above the bed too.
    The desk is such a cute idea for a sewing table.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Love these storage ideas..the room looks lovely. thanks for hosting!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Looks beautiful, and what a stash of fabric. It looks like everything I love. Where do you get your fabric?

    ReplyDelete
  21. The room looks great! I'm jealous...
    Thanks so much for having the party. I love organizing ideas!!

    Danielle

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thanks, I enjoyed this!
    It's all too easy for guest rooms to become the A.N.Other space in a home :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am picking up one of those hanging organizer thingies on my very next visit to Walmart. It's a perfect solution. Fantastic transformation! Wanna come help my with my guest room next? :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Oh my gosh, the room is beautiful, but I want to go "shopping" in your fabric and ribbon stash!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Such great organization! LOVE the tips. After the kitchen remodel I'm heading to my studio....

    ReplyDelete
  26. Way to clean up! So much function in this pretty little space now. I use our guest bedroom for all kinds of extra storage too. You've inspired me to get it more organized! Great job and great party!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Absolutely beautiful! Can I ask where you got the pretty curtains?

    ReplyDelete
  28. Courtney - I bought the curtains a few years ago at Ikea. They're my favorite. You can sometimes still find them on Ebay. They're called "Freja Tapet".

    ReplyDelete

Don't be shy. I LOVE reading each and every one of your comments. If you have a question for me, watch for a response in the comments or shoot me an email. Thanks!