Laundry / Craft Room Makeover ~ Part 1

The Cabinet Pedestal

I've mentioned occasionally some slow progress being made on my laundry/craft room. Well I've finally managed to kick that progress in gear and actually get some work done. 
It started by stumbling upon a multi-purpose cabinet at Lowe's. 

It's the perfect size for my space and gives me tons of storage for my crafting/decor junk.

We put it together, carried it to the room and immediately noticed it really needed... something.

The cabinet is about 6ft tall, but our 9 foot ceilings were making it look short and squatty.
With high ceilings and very little floor space, it didn't make sense to let all that vertical space go to waste. 
Enter the idea of the pedestal.
You've seen the pedestals used to raise washer and dryers, right? Exact same principle here.

Mr. Concrete made me a wooden box that would fit a total of 4 laundry baskets {if I stack them}. This allowed me to use our ample wall space, while saving precious floor space. 
He routed the edges of the top board to give it a more finished look and I slapped on a few coats of paint.
The whole thing was literally completed in one evening.

Well, that is if you don't count the fact that I had to touch-up a few spots after the Paint Disaster I had the following day.

Compare this to the same space this past winter, and I'm sure you can understand why this area has me smiling!

I'll be back soon to share more of the progress happening in here. It's FINALLY coming together!!

I'm linking up to some amazing blogs! Check them out HERE or just click on the Link Parties tab at the top of the page.

It Doesn't Have to be Perfect to be Beautiful

I stole that title.
If you recognize it, it's probably because you've heard read The Nester say it.
Absolutely, hands down, my favorite blog.
Love her style, love her house, love her beautiful spirit!

Nester's mantra, and title to this post, was probably one of the main reasons I finally started decorating my house after a year with bare walls.
It sunk in that even if it wasn't the "perfect" item, it could still be beautiful.
And odds are, it might even become "perfect" once it's gracing the walls.

So as I was standing in my kitchen moments ago, fixing my coffee and watching the sun stream in {have I mentioned how much I love not working traditional hours anymore?}
I realized that I haven't been showing you full shots of my house.
Why?
Because I don't have it "perfect" yet.

I'm a slow learner sometimes y'all.

I busted out the camera while my coffee sat, waiting for the milk I'd just left on the counter, and shot this photo.

The walls are too brown, the bread bowl is empty, the clutter from the newly {think at least a month ago} restyled bookshelves is still on the floor, the lamp needs a different shade, the window mouldings need beefing up and it's still beautiful.

I've assumed no one wants to see my space unless it's Pinterest ready.
Well maybe it's already there to some people.
I've been short changing you guys by forgetting that I go to blogs to see their lives, their progress and their failures, not only their beautiful reveals.

So here's to my house, and to you guys.
I'm trusting that you'll still love me even when you find out I can't remember the last time I dusted, and that the funky shaped bean bag looking thing there is actually a globe of the world. 
Tacky, but the hubs and kids love it.

Chalkboard Paint Disaster

I had a post all worked up to show you the beginnings of my craft/laundry room makeover.

Instead, let me share with you the joy of climbing a ladder, talking to the husband, carrying a paint can and brush, all while not looking where you're going.

Hind sight being what it is, I can't say I'd recommend it.

The picture quality is poor here.
I blame the tiny room, bad lighting... oh, and the fact I was covered in PAINT!!

And of course, I put my Silhouette down in the little corner for "safe keeping".
The cover didn't survive.

And the definition of irony?  The only thing that didn't get even a drop of paint...

THE WALL I WAS ACTUALLY TRYING TO PAINT!!