How to Turn a Closet into a Workspace
With many people continuing to work from home through the autumn and kids starting back up with online learning, you may find yourself running out of space to get your work done. If everyone working from the kitchen table is not conducive to productivity, consider repurposing a closet into a workspace. Read on to discover tips on how to convert a closet into a workspace.
Measure the space
The first step in almost any home project is to measure the space you are working with. A particularly important measurement in this case is depth; you want to know how big your desk space can be. While it is entirely possible to fit a full desk inside a walk-in closet, you may want to consider making a custom desk if you have less room. One way to do this is to install a shelf and use that as your desktop. This way, you save space and can be confident the desk will fit perfectly in your closet space.
Allow for electricity
Most of us don’t have the luxury of having outlets in our closet. If you are transforming your closet space into a workspace, you will probably need to add wiring and an outlet to hook up a computer or laptop charger. It is best to contact an electrician to do this for you, as rewiring can be tricky and is apt to go wrong if you are unsure of what you are doing. Be sure the outlet’s location allows you to plug in all your necessary equipment, and the wires won’t interfere with your space. If this seems extreme and you have an outlet nearby, an extension cord and power strip should get the job done. However, the addition of electricity enables you to add a lamp or other lighting, which is undoubtedly necessary for a closet workspace.
Install shelving
Given that you probably have a limited amount of space, shelving is crucial for storage in your workspace. Shelving can be used to store any files, binders, or work supplies you need to have on hand. It also eliminates the need for drawers, which can take up precious space. Whatever you plan on storing, be sure to correctly measure from the ceiling to know that it will fit on the shelf.
Do without doors
If your closet space is small or your doors are on sliding frames, you may want to consider removing them. A doorless closet allows for more space, as your actual workspace can spill out a little beyond the door frame. If you would still like to be able to close off your area and keep your work-life somewhat separate from your home life, curtains are a great alternative and only require the addition of a curtain rod.
Make it your own
Your closet office workspace does not have to feel like a storage room. To keep the workspace from appearing like a broom closet under the stairs, a Louisville, KY, interior decorator recommends decorating your space like you would any other room. Paint or add wallpaper to the backdrop of your desk. If possible, hang small artwork or display decor on shelves, such as plants. Adding decor not only makes your space more aesthetically pleasing, but it can motivate you to get your work done, too!
Many of us are looking to create a dedicated work from home space given that some of us don’t know when we’ll be able to return to the office. Whether it’s for you or a child learning from home, we hope the above tips help you to transform an unlikely space into a workspace for productivity.
Smart Storage Ideas for Any Sized Home
With all of this extra time spent at home, has your house started to feel cluttered and messy? While decluttering is always an option, sometimes you just want to store your stuff in a more orderly fashion. No matter what size space you live in, the following smart storage ideas can help you organize your home and free up some mental and physical space.
Revamp your resting place
Your bed can be used for more than just sleeping. There are headboards on the market with built-in shelving units and bed frames with drawers built into the base. If purchasing a new bed frame isn’t in the cards, consider placing your bed on bed risers. Risers provide a few inches of extra space under your bed for additional storage. Use flat plastic or cloth bins to store sheets, towels, and other goods out of sight.
Clean up your cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are notorious for housing a mess of pots, pans, and lids. If you avoid opening your cabinets for fear of being bombarded with a mess of Tupperware, consider getting cabinet shelving units. They typically come in sets with shelves for larger items, such as pots and pans, and slots for lids. If your cabinets are too small to store your kitchenware, hanging your pots and pans might be a good alternative. Hang them above your oven or sink and they’ll double as industrial-inspired decor.
Find functional furniture
Investing in multifunctional furniture is a great way to store excess household items, says a Springfield interior decorator. If your living room feels cluttered, consider using ottomans or stools with storage space hidden beneath the cushion. You can store extra blankets or toys in this space. Another great option is a coffee table with a shelving unit at the bottom where you can put magazines, coasters, board games, and other knick-knacks.
Stack it up
If you have limited floor space for storage, consider stacking shelves. Many commercial shelving units come with wall mounts and can easily be placed on top of one another. Books and other decor items can be put on display while not taking up an excessive amount of space. If you are planning on storing clothes, invest in stackable cubes. Not only does stacking shelves free up extra space, but doing so can turn them into a focal point for your room and be a beautiful piece of decor.
Go high
Are your walls full of artwork and photos, leaving no room for shelving units or bookcases? Work around these obstacles and mount shelves close to your ceiling around the perimeter of your room. Not only does this look beautiful, but it also serves as an excellent storage space for items you may not use often but still want to put on display.
Life is chaotic enough right now. That’s why we should take extra care in keeping our homes in order. Free up space and clear clutter by following these clever home storage solutions.
Must-Have Decor for a New Home
Spring and summer are peak moving seasons, as millions of people find themselves taking advantage of the warmer months to move into their new apartment or home. If you are one of those people, decorating your new space may seem like an intimidating task, especially when it’s on top of the arduous moving process. If you don’t know where to start with decorating, read on to discover seven must-have decor items for a new home.
Wall art
Artwork truly speaks to your tastes and preferences and makes for excellent decor. You may choose to create a gallery wall with your framed art or decide to make one painting or photo the centerpiece of a room. Don’t shy away from statement pieces or different textures, such as a woven piece or metalwork. These types of art add dimension and visual interest to your space.
Mirrors
Mirrors are an excellent decor choice if you don’t have any wall art or cannot find any that fit your style or budget. They brighten up dreary spaces by reflecting light and can make small spaces appear larger than they are. You don’t even have to hang a mirror for it to make a statement; mirrors propped up against a wall look just as stylish. Depending on the frame, a mirror can fit into an assortment of different styles, such as modern, vintage, or eclectic.
Window treatments
Most people would agree that a room seems cold and incomplete without window treatments. Drapes and curtains are a vital addition to any room and can really tie a space together. You can be bold with your window treatments and choose bright colors or patterns, or keep it neutral and let the room speak for itself. Be sure to consider lighting when choosing window treatments, as thicker drapes will not let in as much light as thinner curtains.
Rugs
Rugs can cover any floor you’re not crazy about and add style to boot. If you choose a colorful rug, the tones can provide inspiration for the rest of the room’s color palette. When all of your colors complement each other, your space will feel cohesive and put together. Rugs can also make your home feel cozier, especially if your flooring is stone or tile.
Throw pillows and blankets
Throw pillow and blankets instantly make a room feel more welcoming and intimate. Blankets add texture to your space, while pillows can add color and visual interest. A Prospect, KY, interior decorator recommends purchasing different covers for your pillows so your decor never remains stagnant and can be switched out depending on the season and your preferences.
Light fixtures
Good lighting is critical for any living space. You don’t have to match every light source in every room completely; choosing complementary styles and finishes works beautifully. When choosing light fixtures, try to vary between floor lamps, table lamps, and overhead lighting. Lighting at various levels and locations throughout the room will help create an evenly lit space that looks cohesive and well designed.
Trays and baskets
Trays and baskets are a must-have for creating an organized and beautiful space. Trays can be placed on any table to hold items. Think at the front door for keys or on top of a coffee table for magazines and books. Baskets provide space for bulkier items, such as blankets and board games. With less clutter, your home will feel more spacious and visually pleasing.
Decorating can seem overwhelming, especially when moving into a new space. Use these must-have items as a guide, and your home will be well on its way to looking its best.
How to Style Your Coffee Table
Coffee tables are one of the unsung heroes in any living area. While immaculately decorated coffee tables are frequently pictured on our social media feeds, the reality is that they are often strewn with cups and forgotten magazines. Read on for tips on how to elevate your coffee table from simple to sophisticated.
Keep function in mind
When decorating your coffee table, it is essential to keep in mind how you use it. After all, a perfectly stylized coffee table is useless if you can’t utilize it in the way you want. Do you tend to set your drink on the coffee table? Do you sit at the table to do work? Do you actually flip through and read the books you have displayed? Do you enjoy using it as a surface to play games with friends and family? Keep all this in mind when styling your coffee table so that it remains usable.
Stacking knick-knacks
If you are caught between displaying books or knick-knacks on your coffee table, you need not choose between the two. Placing small decor items on top of two to four stacked books allows for a stylish way to show off both. Stacking also provides visual interest, especially if your coffee table setup was mostly flat. You can stack candles, vases, and other small items to complete the look.
Keep it organized
Coffee tables often feel like the focal point of clutter in living areas, but it doesn’t have to be that way. First, take stock of what is currently on your coffee table and get rid of any books you don’t want or magazines that are well past their relevant date. Once you’re left with the items you want to keep on display, a Pasadena, MD, interior decorator recommends using decorative trays to keep things organized. Depending on the tray’s size, you can place remotes, coasters, or books inside, minimizing the appearance of clutter.
Experiment with shape and size
While there is nothing wrong with a simple coffee table stacked with a book or two, it provides little visual interest. Consider decorating your coffee table with items of varying height, shape, texture, and size. This can look like a tall plant flanked by flat stacks of books or a ceramic bowl paired with potted plants. Varying the shape and size of the items on your coffee table will help your decor feel more dynamic and visually appealing.
Make it personal
Since people tend to gather around a coffee table, it presents the perfect opportunity for you to add a few conversation starters. Instead of displaying curated decor, consider using one of your own collections or personal items. Some examples include shells from a beach vacation or other trinkets from your travels. This way, your coffee table decor is one of a kind and perfectly unique.
Reclaim your coffee table! Long gone are the days where your coffee table serves as a catch-all for your cups, keys, and mail. If you follow the tips above, you can style a coffee table that reflects your interests and taste, while still leaving space for you to rest your coffee in the morning.
Ideas for Your Kid’s Playroom
If you’re stuck at home and find yourself at your wit’s end trying to entertain your child, you’re not alone. Millions of parents now find themselves juggling the roles of teacher, entertainer, and parent alongside their own work responsibilities. If you want to keep your child distracted for longer, consider revamping their playroom. Read on to discover the best ideas to improve your kid’s playroom.
Make storage a priority
If you are working with a small space, finding places to fit all of your child’s belongings might be a challenge. Vertical cubbies on the wall work well because they don’t take up too much room and allow your child to see the toys without rummaging through a storage bin. You can even add fitted containers or bins to your cubbies to make it look neater. An Ankeny, IA, interior decorator recommends utilizing furniture that doubles as storage space — such as seats or benches — to optimize your space.
Weigh your wall options
Bright colors are a great addition to any child’s playroom, especially when you don’t have to commit to repainting the walls. Decals provide an easy way to add individuality and fun to your child’s playroom. You can choose a single sticker of your kid’s favorite movie character or a pattern that serves as a wallpaper (think: crowns for a princess fan). If you have a child who is notorious for writing on the walls, consider painting one wall with chalkboard paint. This will allow your budding Picasso to draw on the wall while saving you hours of frustration and cleaning.
Reel in reading
A playroom can serve as your child’s space to have fun as well as a place to wind down. Encouraging your child to read in between all the fun gives them time to calm down and gives you a break from any potential noise. You can create a special corner just for reading. Consider adding new shelves to house all of their favorite stories. If that’s not possible, simply add a comfortable cushion in your reading nook and place a couple of books beside it.
Include your child in the design
Most children have artwork that they would love to see on display. An easy way to showcase their art is to use it as decor in the playroom. Frames are relatively cheap, and it is easy to change out the designs as your child grows and creates more. You can forego a frame altogether and opt to hang wire or string and clip up your child’s artwork for a budget-friendly option. Including your child’s artwork is a personal touch that will make your child feel that the room is their special place.
Cultivate craftiness
Most kids enjoy working on art projects filled with glitter, glue, macaroni, and the like. If you have a crafty kid on your hands, consider dedicating a space to their crafts. A low table provides an excellent spot for your child to work on any art project or puzzle. While there are special tables designed for children, a coffee table also works fine since it is low enough to the ground. Keep labeled containers of supplies so your crafty kid knows where things are and can work on their projects without asking for help. It’s a good idea to avoid rugs around your craft area, as glue and sparkles can get stuck and be difficult to remove.
We may be inside, but that doesn’t mean your kid cannot have fun. Follow the tips above, and you can create a playroom for your child that keeps them occupied and allows them to have a good time during their days inside.