Tutorials & Tips

Closet Case

Published on July 9, 2010January 22, 2013 by Our Humble Abode1 Comment

Our humble abode is definitely an efficient use of space. We have few wasted spaces due to the floor plan, but we’ve added some details to make the limited closet space more functional.

Ben built shoe/storage cubes for the entryway, guest bedroom and boys bedroom.

The entry closet is small at 3.5 feet wide. By adding three levels of cubes, we have tripled our shoe storage. We’ve added hooks to hang purses and leashes on and storage bins for hats, gloves and smaller items.

Here a peek at the guest bedroom closet:

We try to keep that closet pretty empty. We tend to have a lot of guests and we like to give them some space.

Our toughest storage solution was for the boys closet.

The cubes are the perfect size for cheap covered storage containers from Wal-Mart. We keep diapers in 4 of the containers (we buy diapers at Costco). Extra bedding, wipes, socks and pajamas are also stored on this side of the closet. We use a laundry bag which hangs to save space.

Here’s a shot of the other side of the shared closet:

The cubes hold Ev’s extra blankets, burp cloths and sheets. I hang the boys’ clothes because it would take waaaay to long to fold everything. I’m too OCD to throw it in a drawer. You’ll also notice larger storage bins on the top shelf. We store large clothes for each boy in those, so we have it handy to switch out.

Our closet was one of the easiest storage solutions we created. Our bed, built by Ben, has drawers on each side at the foot of the bed and two large compartments with false drawer fronts on each side. We keep out of season clothes, jackets, and boots in the compartments, while storing every day items like socks, underwear, pajamas and such in the drawers.

Here’s Ben’s side of our closet.

When we remodeled out master bedroom, we changed up the closet shelving. We removed the old single shelf and moved it up to about 1 foot from the ceiling. The same closet rod is below. We added a shelf about half way down the closet. Because our closets have sliding doors, we made one side shelving. Most of my shirts are stored here.

My side looks a little bare…

We added another closet rod to under the middle shelf. Because we don’t have anything on that rod, we keep a laundry basket in my side on the floor.

We’re lucky to have a closet to hold our vacuüm, cleaning supplies, toolbox, and lightbulbs.

The linen closet at the end of our hall holds all of our extra towels, bedding, and even our suitcases.

We also have a gigantic pantry. LOVE IT!!

We’re still working on the basement closets, but I promise to show those when they’re done.

Furniture Feature: Dining Table

Published on June 29, 2010September 9, 2010 by Our Humble Abode13 Comments

Before we could bring our new table in, we had to remove the old set. Then, I added a few more Flor tiles to the existing rug. Because our old table was round, the four square by four square rug was the perfect size. The rectangular table needed a rectangular rug. When I order Flor rugs, I always order a few extra squares of each design. This came in handy. I cut the dark brown squares to fit with the existing design. Then I taped them together because I didn’t have extra Flor dots. After about ten minutes, our ‘new’ rug was ready for the table.

Ben and I carried in the new table base, but the top was far too heavy for me to move. With a little help from a friend, we had a new table. Enough talk, here’s the completed table:

The overall size is 4 1/2 feet long by 3 feet wide, which fits perfectly in our dining room. The chairs tuck under neatly, fitting close the edge of the table, leaving two feet of walking space on all sides.

The apron is set in 1/2 inch from the legs, giving the base a polished look.

I love the clean, modern Parsons style legs paired with the more traditional marble top.

It’s a perfect balance of modern and traditional. The dark wooden chairs are comfortable and stylish, but still add warmth.

I wanted to show the marble off, so here’s an artsy shot:

I am 150% in love with our new table. What do you think? What is your proudest DIY project?

Adventures in Building a Dining Table

Published on June 28, 2010May 25, 2011 by Our Humble Abode22 Comments

Some of our recent posts show changes we have made to our dining room. I have hated our dining table for the past year or so, but Ben loves our table. It’s solid oak and the price was great. The problem? The table measures in at a whopping 4 foot diameter. The pedestal base makes it impossible to push the large chairs within 6 inches of the table. Our small (9 foot wide by 10.5 foot long) dining room is even smaller.

After discussing a new table with Ben and looking around town, the search died; we couldn’t agree on a table. We discussed building a wooden table and painting it white. But how to make it sturdy enough? Back to the drawing board. Then, Ben had a great idea. Why not build the table out of steel? It’s cheap, durable and rigid.

Ben went to the local steel supply warehouse to see what he could find. He found three-inch square steel tubing for the legs and three-inch ‘L’ pieces for the rails. Score! The supply yard cut the pieces to length, too. Ben left $58.00 poorer and 100 pounds heavier, ready to start welding.

We decided on four outer legs connected by a 1/2 inch inset apron with a cross support. Pass about 4 hours and we had this:

Here’s Ben touching up some areas:

Ben is so amazing, he even added feet!

Add some spray primer and three coats of gloss white Rustoleum spray paint and we had this:

And this:

Because we plan to sell our entire dining set, we began searching for new dining chairs. The plan is to have 4 matching chairs at the table at all times, with these stacking chairs available for larger groups-we already have two.

I loved World Market’s Loft Chairs (see below), but at $100.00 each, they are a little out of our current price range.

After some online searching, Ben found these:

They aren’t quite as good-looking as the Loft chairs, but the price was definitely right and they are nice, solid chairs. The chairs are discounted because they are discontinued. We were sold-we bought four. World Market offers 10% off your entire purchase if you open a World Market credit card, so we got an additional $14.00 off! Here’s our receipt. I love when stores show the amount you’ve saved. I really love when the amount saved is more than the amount spent. Check it out:

Yep, we spent $125.96 and saved $154.00!! Amazing!

We went to our local granite and marble yard. We found a dark greenish-black marble with white swirls. It’s b.e.a.utiful and it’s a remnant! Ben helped cut the slab at the granite supply- it was too heavy and large to cut at home.

Then he hauled the 4 1/2 foot by 3 foot cut piece home and polished the edges using granite specific polishing pads on a right angle grinder. Here he is, hard at work:

How To: Prepare for Guests

Published on June 25, 2010May 25, 2011 by Our Humble Abode6 Comments

As you may already know, I am somewhat OCD. I am a neat freak, but not a clean freak. I love to organize things, but hate scrubbing things down. But, I’ve been cleaning like crazy this summer. Why? We have and will have a ton of guests this summer. Two weeks ago, my friend from Portland visited. Last weekend, some friends from Minnesota stayed with us. Some of Ben’s family will visit this weekend. Then I’ll be out-of-town. While I’m gone, my cousin is staying at our house. A few days after I return, Ben’s brother and girlfriend are staying here for a week.

I like our guests to feel at home and have a few little items ready to use. Here are a few things I do, in addition to cleaning, to accommodate our guests.

A comfortable bed:

There are several components to a comfortable bed: the mattress, sheets, blankets and pillows.

Our guest bed is a king sized Sleep Number bed. This allows each guest to customize the bed to their ideal level of firmness or softness.

I prefer to use 300+ thread count white sheets. They’re soft, durable and easy to clean with bleach. Use a fitted sheet to cover the mattress and a flat sheet on top. Place the flat sheet face down, then fold over the comforter or blanket. This will show the detail of the sheets-notice the brown stripe on the sheet? Buy sheets that you would use, not just the cheapest ones you can find.

Keep a weather appropriate blanket or comforter on the bed. You can choose between a duvet or comforter, but make sure it’s right for the time of year. Doesn’t hurt if it’s good-looking, too.

Outfit your bed with four pillows, two medium to firm and two soft. In our case, the king sized pillows are medium and the standard pillows are soft. Having firmness choices will accommodate all guests, whether they sleep on their sides, back, or stomach.

Blankets and Towels:

I recommend keeping at least one lighter weight blanket in the guest bedroom closet. If guests are cold, they can add it. If they are too warm, they can remove the comforter and use the light blanket. I keep a few throw blankets for napping, too. If you have extra pillows, keep them in the guest closet, too. It will free up linen closet space and give your guests more options. Win-win.

It’s a good idea to invest in a set of guest towels. Include at least 2 bath towels, 2 hand towels, and 2 wash cloths. Getting room coordinating colors also helps differentiate from other household towels. You can keep these in the guest closet to keep your guests from searching for towels (or using the pretty ones in the bathroom if you’re like I am).

Storage Space:

Have adequate dresser and/or closet space to store clothes, suitcases and other essentials. We don’t have a dresser, so I keep the closet pretty empty and leave a handful of wooden hangers.

A laundry basket or bag comes in handy for guests staying for more than a few days. I prefer a bag because it takes up less space and I hang it on a hook, even more out-of-the-way.

Speaking of hooks, add one or two the to guest room to hang wet towels. You can choose an over the door system or hang some out of sight in the closet. I love our Urban Outfitters branch hook that hangs behind out guest bedroom door. It’s functional, but it looks so cute when it’s not in use.

Bathroom Essentials:

Keep at least one drawer empty or nearly empty for guests to store their belongings and tell guests they can use that drawer. I also keep q-tips, kleenex, band aids, and assorted pain relievers in this drawer.

I have a love for all things miniature. This happens to come in handy for some guests. I stock up on travel sized items such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and brushes, bar soap, lotion, chapstick, and deodorant. I just wander through the travel section of Target and pick up things I use on a regualar basis. I keep a box in the bathroom with all the extras. If someone forgets something, I have a back up ready.

Extra Credit:

Give yourself 10 points if you have any of the following items:

1. Nightlights. I have a few stowed away in the guest drawer. I make sure to plug one in the bathroom. Most adults don’t want one in their bedroom.

2. A nightstand with a drawer. A nightstand is worth 5 points. I keep lotion, kleenex, mints, Tylenol, and a small first aid kit in the drawer. Throw in a bible for the real hotel effect and an extra 5 points.

3. A clock with an alarm. Most people use their phones these days, but it’s nice to have back up.

4. Bedside carafe. I used two glasses from World Market-one tall and skinny and another short, fat one stacked on top. It’s nice to have water close by.

5. Snacks. You can keep a few granola bars or crackers, to tide over any hunger. Mints and chocolates are good in my book.

6. Books and magazines. To keep your guests from getting bored, of course. If you’re really good, throw in some literature about your city-hot spots and destinations. I myself am not that good.

7. A fan. We have a ceiling fan with three settings, but you can have a standing fan, too. Whatever floats your boat.

8. Slippers and a robe. Again, the real hotel effect.

9. A mirror. What is better than a mirror? A full length mirror. We have a decorative mirror hanging on the wall.

10. Great smelling bath products; salts, scrubs, bubble bath, etc.

So, what do you do to prepare for guests? I’m dying to know!

Lighten and Brighten Up!

Published on June 15, 2010September 9, 2010 by Our Humble Abode4 Comments

I love light and bright rooms, don’t we all? I have compiled a list of changes we have made to make our house brighter.

1. Add a sky tube to a dark, windowless room, like our main bathroom.

2. Mirrors! The mirrors in both of our upstairs bathrooms extend to or close to the ceilings. The large mirrors reflect light while making the space feel larger.

3. Our new dining light fixture makes our space feel brighter because the shade is white. The old fixture was oil rubbed bronze, so it felt darker.

4. When Ben replaced all of our windows, he enlarged some of the windows. All three bedroom windows are now 1 foot closer to the floors. The added light does make a huge difference. Ben also made a smart decision by making egress windows in our basement. All of the basement windows were the smaller of the two shown below. Not only are the bedrooms more functional, livable bedrooms, but the light is great. It doesn’t seem as much like a basement.

5. Our new front door has a window. At first, I hated the idea, due to lack of privacy-I liked to look out our peep-hole at the people on the other side, knowing they couldn’t see me. Now, they know I’m on the other side of the door-not answering… Any who, I love the light this little window lets in. The new back door is almost entirely glass, too. I love it, lack of privacy and all.