We’ve known for months that Brandon would be away this week for a school trip (4 days… 3 little monkeys… 1 mom…). To be honest, I wasn’t particularly worried about flying solo for a few days. Not that I’m THAT GOOD or anything, but our girls ARE good (most of the time) and we don’t have that many things on the go, making 0ur lives/schedules still simple enough to manage (for the most part).
And yet, right before Brandon left, we had our front hall demolished and one of the walls extended. Needless to say the house is a little messy and unorganized (and dusty from all the gyprock sanding)… but more than that, my brain has been spinning trying to decide how I’m going to organize the space!
This is my “drawing board”, so to speak…
While browsing google images and pinterest for ideas for the entrance I was able to figure out what elements I really want in this space:
(1) A bench (which must also be useful and serve as storage for hats/mits/etc.)
(2) Hooks (both high and low, for adults and children)
(3) A small table/shelf or “higher” surface where we can put our keys, mails, etc.
(4) A boot tray (in the winter only)
This list helped me to narrow down my ideas a little. For starters, we opened up the space because it was feeling cramped, so that last thing that I want to do is add a big wardrobe or storage unit that is just going to crowd the entrance. So despite not having a mudroom and the fact that this is our main entrance, I’m going more for a “mudroom” feel here.
This sketch helped even more:
Um… doesn’t this sketch look like it was made just for me? 🙂
The main idea is to use the Ikea Expedit bookcase on its side as a (1) bench (maybe we’ll even add some legs) and (2) as a wall-mounted shelf with cubbies/baskets for storage.
While searching on pinterest, I found a lot examples of the expedit unit being used as a bench… and a great idea for a “table” that could also serve as storage.
With the help of pinterest, I found this picture over at “Centsational Girl”
Also found on pinterest – an awesome idea for shoes (or whatever!)
Now that the walls are almost ready (they still need one more sanding), I am getting very anxious to pull thisall together. With Brandon back home I have big (probably TOO big) hopes of getting the painting done and floor installed this week.
Lots of fun (work) to come!
AOK (ok with Andrea) 