Tag: add storage in a room

DIY: Rolling Underbed Wood Storage Cart

Written by Jenna on March 31, 2014. Posted in DIY, Storage. 14 Comments on DIY: Rolling Underbed Wood Storage Cart

I’ve been busy-busy on finishing up the details for my boys room makeover. This room has taken quite the turn from it originally being a boy/girl, sister/brother shared bedroom, to a full-on boy hangout haven! Even though my little guy is only 7 (just shy of 8), I feel it’s a space he can grow with (until I get my hands on it for another makeover, hehe).

So my latest and greatest DIY project in the room is something that holds stuff that I often refer to as the ‘bane of my existence’… TOYS. Specifically, the little, itty bitty toys like Legos and Kinex that somehow always end up under my feet giving me a great big ‘OW’.

Often under my kids’ bed is the ‘stuffing place’ where things are put that don’t have a home. When I do a big cleaning, I never know what I will find… Do you have that problem? Please tell me yes and reassure me that I’m not the only one. My solution to a neat under-bed space? Make something to take up the space so there is no room to stuff!

Thus the creation of these rolling underbed wood storage carts.

Pretty + Functional! I’m in heaven.

Want to know how to make them? Let’s Go!

They are really easy & super inexpensive. Actually after making them, I did a quick search online (not thinking I’d find anything similar) and saw similar styles for a minimum of $40… Crazy that mine cost about $10/each to make.

Supplies You’ll Need:

for a 24″ x 24″ box (buy more or less if you want to change the size)

(2) 1″ x 6″ x 24″ long piece of wood
(2) 1″ x 6″ x 22.5″ long piece of wood
(4) 1.5″ rolling wheels
(1) 24″ x 24″ piece of 1/4″ plywood
1.5″ long wood nails
3/4″ long wood nails
optional: paint, chalkpaint, 1/2″ thick rope

Before buying the supplies, I determined that the size of rolling wood carts would be 24″ x 24″ and (2) under the twin bed would fit perfectly leaving some additional space for other awkward toys (like my little guys plastic skateboard ramp). Here is a sketch I did before heading to the store…

Note: a 1″ x 6″ is actually 3/4″ x 5-1/2″. To make a perfect 24″ x 24″ square box, (2) sides were cut to 22.5″ long.

Here are the steps I took:

1. Using the 1.5″ long wood nails, I attached the 24″ piece to the 22.5″ long piece. I first added a dab of wood glue, then followed it with (3) nails.

2. I continued attaching the other wood pieces so the box was created…

I’m not sure why my little girl in the background is holding a coffee cup, but rest assured she wasn’t drinking it. At least I hope she wasn’t…

3. Once the 4 sides were put together, I attached the 24″ x 24″ plywood using 3/4″ long wood nails. About 4 nails per side should be enough to make it sturdy.

4. The (4) wheels were next… Using 3/4″ screws, I attached a wheel to each corner.

The result of the rolling cart thus far…

The beauty of this wood cart is that it doesn’t have to be only for under the bed. Change the size – make it taller or less wide – and use them in the living room for toys, blankets, or DVDs. How about in the garage for tools? Or in the craft room for supplies? There are so many ways, so many uses!

To jazz up the rolling cart, I thought it would be neat + easy to add a fun + functional rope pull.

But first, I gave the overall cart a good sanding. Kids + Splinters aren’t pretty…

Yes I sometimes DIY with a leopard scarf…

And rest assured after posing for this pic, I put my eye protection on. Promise!

Now onto the rope.

5. In the center of one side, towards the top, I drilled a hole slightly larger than 1/2″.

6. I then cut a piece of rope about 12″ long (I think, I actually eyed it and didn’t really measure) and threaded it through the hole and tied it on both sides.

The rope was a bit expensive – I think this roll was about $8 – but I plan on using it for another project, so it made sense. You don’t really need rope if you don’t have it on hand. Instead try a piece of cabinet hardware or something you already have in the home.

7. Once the rope was in, I gave the overall wood surface a quick dry-brush paint application. One quick, imperfect coat and it was almost complete.

8. To jazz the cart up one more step, I added a chalkboard front using chalkboard paint. Using my eye, no measuring tape, I created a box with painters tape and painted 3 coats of the chalkboard paint.

9. Right after the last coat was brushed on, I had a little helper take off the painters tape while the paint was still wet.

Look at that beautiful straight line…

And the rolling wood carts were complete!

Check out the honeycomb shelves… My longest, most difficult project yet, but I’m in love. More to come on those later this week!

BTW, you can see more of that fabulous wallpaper on the wall to the left in a recent post I shared.

So what do you think? Could these wood carts be something you could use in your home? Each were about $10 to make and both took about a total of an hour (maybe a little more) to make. Not too bad!

What are your favorite toy storage solutions? What are your favorite under-the-bed storage solutions?

Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves

Written by Jenna on March 24, 2014. Posted in Decorating, Shelving. 1 Comment on Decorating with Leaning + Ladder Shelves

Within the past two months, I’ve purchased 4 leaning shelves (a.k.a. ladder shelves).

Obsessed? No.

Great for storage? Affordable? Open + Airy? Yes.

For the same reason, I’ve been loving leaning shelves as of late, I’ve got my clients hooked too and I’d like to share with you why leaning shelves work so well for any room in the home.

Any style shelf gives height to the room. Most pieces of furniture (tables, sofa, chair, bed, etc) aren’t higher than 30/36″ off the floor, which often leaves pictures / artwork to be the only source of height in a room. As much as it’s important to have “things” on the wall, it’s also important to break up the monotony and a bookcase / shelves can be that element. Don’t get me wrong, I love the look of a closed bookcase, but I also really prefer the style of a leaning shelf.

Why?

> Height: Art + pictures are a must on the walls, but without anything else to grab the eye and break up the plane, a space can become boring and lack depth. By adding shelving, specifically leaning shelves, a wall can have the needed to break and 3-dimensional look needed to add visual interest. With the addition of books, accessories, baskets, and more, the shelves can become the star of a room.

> Storage: The aesthetic part of shelves is that it brings height + interest to a room, but the storage element of shelving brings in the functional aspect. Who doesn’t desire more storage in their house? I certainly do {raising hand in the air}… Adding in a tall element, like a shelf, allows you to use the vertical plane of the wall instead of the horizontal, floor area, of a room. Save on floor area, use height instead!

> Affordability: Leaning Shelves are very affordable, probably because there really isn’t much too them. The most recent style I chose, I purchased at Target for a few dollars over $100. I’ve also been wanting to make my own version – I think it would be fairly easy – but I’m still gathering the guts + time to do it. Anyway, there are versions that are less than $100, like this one and styles that are a lot more (but are pretty fabulous) like this one at $1600. Add height to a room for around $100? Perfect!

> Open + Airy: I specifically like the look of leaning shelves because they provide the height and the storage needed in a room, but they aren’t closed in as a typical bookshelf with a back + sides are. The leaning shelf is minimal allowing for any size space (even small spaces like bathrooms & laundry rooms/nooks) to handle the horizontal attention-grabber. Plus I’ve seen leaning shelves in a variety of widths, as well.

I must be on the right design track with my recent purchases because I opened two design magazines this month and they both featured spaces with leaning bookshelves.

After reading the first feature in the March issue of HGTV magazine, it ‘s what inspired me to write this post. I know you all would love and feel confident to use leaning shelves after seeing these inspirational spaces!

1. A leaning shelf in the kitchen

Perfect for holding dishes, cookbooks, bowls, coffee supplies, and so much more.

2. A leaning shelf in the living room

Ideal for books, pictures, accessories, and I adore the idea of a adding a reading light. No more need for a side table.

See how this ladder shelf gives so much height to the space, yet there is no real break of wall color or ‘closed-in’ feeling.

3. A leaning shelf in the entry

Essential for all the winter-wares, shoes, and bags! The shelves allow space for the must-haves, along with some surface to display some pretty like a plant and cool fan.

4. A leaning shelf in the entry

Big or small, most bathrooms could use more storage. Am I right?? And if you have a pedestal-style sink, you really are in need of more surface space. A ladder shelf is the perfect solution for all your products + towels.

5. A leaning shelf in the laundry

Another spot that most everyone can use more space. Depending on the layout of the laundry room or nook, a leaning shelf can provide the extra storage needed to keep the space tidy + organized.

The above images of 5 ways to use a leaning shelf is from HGTV magazine

The other publication that I was flipping through and came across an interesting display of leaning shelves was Better Homes and Gardens April issue.

For these shelves, I am pretty sure they painted them the popping turquoise hue, but what a great space, right?! I love the color palette of the vivacious yellow, gray, and turquoise. If you can, get your hands on this issue – they’re are lots of great + affordable ideas for bathroom upgrades.

After seeing all these ideas, I am sure you want to get your hands on some new shelving. Am I right? I put together a collection of a few favorites with resource links.

Resources:
1. Cherry-finish Leaning Shelf
2. White Leaning Shelf
3. Iron frame / Wood Shelves Leaning Shelf
4: Black Leaning Shelf
5: Lucite (clear) Leaning Shelf
6: Gray Leaning Shelf with Bins
7: Leaning Shelves with Desk

Here’s a peak at the recent leaning shelves I purchased…

Recognize the room? It’s my boys room that I am currently giving an overhaul. work is still in progress…

I’m sharing this because it’s amazing how much these shelves have brought to the room! The amount of storage / surface space is incredible. From books, to ‘special things’ to ALL THE LEGOS, these shelves hold it all + have there is room for more.

My daughter’s room also got a leaning shelf.

We moved the pictures that were there into the master and added the shelf in it’s place to hold books, and of course ALL THE LEGOS!

Seen enough? No? Okay, I’ve got more inspiration for you…

Awesome coastal living room with a leaning white shelf/desk. via: Sabrina Alfin Interiors

Seriously, how great is this space with the leaning shelves used for wine storage? Doesn’t get much better than this! via: Cynthia Lynn Photography

Work space with white leaning shelves. Shelves by The Container Store

How amazing is this lucite leaning shelf? It’s incredibly expensive, but is a show-stopper! Leaning Shelf by Wisteria.

Such a bright + vibrant space. Ideal for a playroom or girly room. Leaning Shelves by The Container Store

Metal + Wood combo shelves by Pottery Barn

Such a bright, airy space with the perfect element to bring in some height… a leaning shelf! Unknown Source

What a great office space with a non-traditional leaning shelf and I adore the pops of turquoise + the amazing wallpaper. via: Matilda Rose Interiors

How fun is this? I love chalkboard walls and layering it with a leaning bookcase still allows for the wall to be seen through it. Same style as shown above in my favorite finds, this leaning shelf is by Land of Nod.

Leaning shelves with a desk make a great combination for storage + work. via: CM Glover

Leaning shelves come in all sizes. This narrow style in a colorful deep red hue is adorable in this nursery. Unknown Source

Leaning shelves are great for an office space! via: Asbury Remodeling & Construction

Shelf / Desk combo by The Container Store

A more modern style shelf/desk combo at Crate and Barrel

The shelves on this white ladder shelf are thicker which gives it more weight and style. How great for a kitchen or casual dining space.

Leaning shelves for everyone. Are you now ready to purchase one (or 2, or maybe 3) for your home?!