You already know that Ryan doesn’t like Christmas.
I don’t approve. But I’ve grown to (almost) accept.
You may know that he also hates to shop.
So, because I’m a wonderful wife and I believe in a peaceful household, I take these facts into consideration when it comes to gift giving. When he asks what I want, I tell him something I want him to make for me.
See? I’m so kind.
In the past, he made me this great metal and barn wood coffee table. He made Henry a kitchen helper last year.
This year, when he asked me what I wanted, I knew. I wanted some sort of solution for the “drop zone” in the barn apartment. This is how it looked (for 35 seconds for this photo) at Christmastime.
The hooks were great. (They were a local find from Urban Farmhouse/Reclaimed Salvage.) Since we have most of our coats/shoes/outerwear downstairs, it was really only intended to store a few bags and Henry’s coat. That’s more than what we really need up here anyhow, but practicality dictates that there be a spot for it.
Underneath the hooks, we store Henry’s toys (that he never plays with because he only plays with trains). The baskets look okay here, but in reality, it was a hot mess all the time. Henry couldn’t really see his toys to play with them. And they stuck out enough from the wall that there wasn’t much room for our shoes.
Because, that’s right, this is also where our shoes went. (I have a strict ONLY ONE PAIR OF SHOES UPSTAIRS rule for each of us.) But, when the space is this small, three pairs of shoes in the middle of the floor makes me go insane.
Fine. So here’s what it kind of looked like most of the time. Although this is really pared down, too. Only one pair of shoes. And usually there are a few coats.
Anyhow, this space was making me crazy. Because the apartment is so small, every little area needed to be efficient. And this wasn’t efficient. Add to this the fact that it was the first thing I saw when I entered the space?
Drove. Me. Nuts.
So, I asked for a storage solution custom made for this space.
My inspiration – Storagepalooza from Land of Nod.
They are actually on sale right now, and I don’t think the price is at all out of line for the quality.
However, the size wasn’t exactly right for our space. And I wanted a rustic wood tone for the feel of the barn.
Here’s what he came up with.
I love this area so so much now.
It makes the entire area look so much better. More put together and organized. Now Henry can actually see his toys. And our shoes are out of the way so we don’t trip on them. (And all of the other bags and coats were in the car for this photo so it looks extra good.)
Because this was my gift, I have no progress pictures. (The joke’s on you because I never have my act together to get progress photos.)
Ryan didn’t really use any tutorial. I do know that he used pine 1x12s and it only took him a couple hours to cut and assemble.
The pine didn’t stain as well as I had imagined – but they still look great and blend well with the other wood.
And they actually hold a lot of stuff. And even though you can see the mess – it’s all contained. And since they are only about 12 inches deep, they don’t take up precious floor space or get in the way when we are coming and going.
The bonus is that they are right next to the daybed so they have also become a great place to put drinks or charge phones. The cords are hidden behind the units so they drive me less nuts.
So that’s our new, practical little addition to the barn. I think it’s improving my quality of life. Which in turn helps my family’s quality of life. And world peace.
It’s always about world peace.
Great gift! It is amazing how you use every little space you have.
And world peace….hahaha. That tickled my funny bone. And I love it because it is true! If everyone kept peace in their home, what a wonderful place Earth would be 🙂
Right? It’s really all about peace.;)
You need to hire that boy out! Fabulous job. Anything that makes Momma’s life easier…
I have way too many projects in store for him. No time to hire him out. Thanks!
That is a great way to use that space!! How clever you are to ask for that and how sweet of Ryan to oblige! Having a place to stash and organize things is really the key to keeping any semblance of cleanliness! 🙂
Totally – I am not a clean freak at all, but I love throwing all my stuff into bins and cupboards and closets.
Oh I LOVE those cubbies! What a perfect storage solution. So many kudos to your hubby!
Thanks so much! He is a keeper. It’s so much better than anything he could have bought me from Amazon.
I really love these! I’ve always been drawn to this style of storage, love that you combined toy storage with shoe storage to make it work for your space. Well done, Ryan – good vision, Kim!
Thanks, Emily! It seems like this type of bin would work in so many situations – even in the kitchen for pantry stuff.
oh, that’s great! it’s just perfect in that space (I mean, I guess that makes sense, since it was MADE for it and all :))
=) Funny how that works.
Oh Kim, it looks so nice and fits perfectly in that place! What a great Christmas gift!
Thanks, Anu! It was definitely a special gift.
I love it! It’s funny that actually seeing the toys looks less messy than all of them thrown into a basket. Hooray for barn peace! 🙂
It’s so strange how that works! And Henry has already played with these toys so much more since he can see them. Epiphany.
Great idea! I love this piece and it looks perfect in the barn. I wish I had room for one at my front door.
My favorite part about it is that it’s so narrow. Perfect for entries and mudrooms, I think.
You’re an Alpha Phi???? I knew I liked you!
AOE
I think Ryan did a beautiful job on the piece! I am with you, things just thrown on the floor drive me nuts. Efficient and beautiful storage rocks!
There’s nothing worse than tripping over shoes and toys! Hurray for practical solutions! Thanks for the comment!
Theses are great! I remember seeing those Land of Nod shelves years ago in a magazine. Love the reproduction.
Thanks, Kelly! They really are a practical setup. Nothing’s falling out like normal bins.
that is AWESOME!!!! i wish my husband could build things for me. i love him so much, but i know his talents lie in other places.
Do I want to know about these talents or are they more … um … private? 😉
You are so efficient! Love seeing how you make this space work for you guys and the storage solution is fabulous.
Thanks, Julia! These bins are my new favorite thing. I keep thinking of all the places that could benefit from these bins in our new house. 🙂
What a fabulous gift – You are lucky to have a handy husband! Happy New Year!