My IKEA Kitchen

When I moved into my apartment (7 years ago!), I immediately got to work on kitchen solutions.  I knew I needed to make the most of my wall space because, frankly, that's all this eat-in kitchen had other than 3 upper and lower cabinets plus one drawer.  So I went to IKEA and bought myself a kitchen.  

Fortunately, they had a plethora of wall storage.  (Plethora- fun word, right?)  I grabbed a couple of these rods with these hooks and this basket.  And I really liked this spice rack, too.

I added a few other pieces like a hanging produce basket and a butcher's block where I keep my 'garage bin', a cloth basket full of tools, batteries, flashlights and other miscellaneous items.  All in all, I'm pretty happy with my kitchen space; it's functional and organized.  Just how I like it.

Tell me, Appleshiners, what tricks do you have for an organized kitchen?

Also, remember this loft kitchen that I unpacked and Appleshined?  I had cabinet envy soooo bad; look how well it turned out.

The Right Umbrella Stand for You

 Oh, April showers, I do hope you bring beautiful May flowers.  That'll make these rainy days worth it.  

What are you doing with all these soggy days- a closet clean out, perhaps?  Or might you like to take a stroll in the rain?  *Make sure to gather your galoshes in your mud room to keep from tracking sloppy steps around your home.  Either way, better keep your umbrella close at hand.  And when you're back home from running errands (or just running in the rain), here are a few stands to keep the drippy mess at bay:

What a sleek design!  It's so open and minimal, you'd barely notice it.  A great stand for a small space.

Um....did I mention how much I love owls?!  This would be my pick, for nothing other than it's whimsical hootie-ness.

This one has a linear spin to it.  It'd fit nicely behind an open door or in a closet, keeping the mess out of sight.

I'll admit that right now, I leave my umbrella in the hallway outside my apartment, letting it dry off.  I can't wait until I have a home with a foyer to place my cute owl umbrella stand.  Ah, day dreams...

Tell me, Appleshiners, how do you store your drippy umbrellas?

Architectural Digest Home Design Show

Recently, I visited the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, not just to look around but also to support my very talented friend, Dwayne, and his gorgeous interior design firm, RDYC.  He was selected by DIFFA for their Dining by Design exhibit- congrats!

It was fun afternoon (especially since it was particularly cold and rainy outside) and I wandered about, finding plenty of organization inspiration and snapping a few photos along the way.

Of course California Closets had an enviable closet display.  I really like the natural, wooden shelving with glass shelving and cabinets- it's so light and airy.  I could totally see myself getting ready in that closet.

I like these little stools.  The soft colors are so pretty and they could double for an end table or extra seating.  Multi-tasking furniture is key for small space organization.

How gorgeous is this shelving unit?!  My taste usually doesn't go towards earthy elements but the simple beauty of this piece is stunning.  And the height allows for more shelves = more organizing solutions.

Shadow box shelving units are all over the place but I've never seen them assembled like this before!  They made the most of a corner space, taking storage vertical and maximizing wall space.

Remember my post on using a frame to hold sunglasses?  This company has a streamlined version of that concept.  Board by Design makes an iWear Rack so compact and attractive, you could place it right by your front door and never forget your sunglasses again.

I had a lot of fun with this little weekend activity.  

Tell me, Appleshiners, what are you up to this weekend?

Picking the Right Storage Bench

One of my favorite tips for keeping a small space organized is finding a piece that can multi-task.  Using a storage bench for your entry way, mud room, bedroom or any other room is like adding an extra closet to the space.  And we all know how precious closet space is.

This classic, wooden bench has built-in cabinets.  Place it in your dining room, as it's perfect for hiding servingware and extra place settings.

(via Organize.com)

The tailored look of this nailhead upholstered bench is a gorgeous choice for a sophisticated bedroom.  It can serves as a linen closet, housing your extra blankets and second set of sheets.

(West Elm)

I like this subtle color this fabric can add to a room.  And the deep chest can store all your board games, perfect for family night fun.

(via Home Decorators Collection)

Talk about multi-tasking: this bench has both cubbies underneath AND shallow storage on top.  You can even pick out your own baskets or bins to add color and streamline the organized look.

(Real Simple via Bed, Bath and Beyond)

 A storage bench that acts as a true seating area.  The grander scale of this furniture would make a lovely statement in your foyer and use the underneath bins for shoes, outerwear accessories and the kids bags.

(via Brookstone)

Tell me, Appleshiners, how would you use a storage bench?

How to Organize Video Games

I got a call from a client yesterday who was fed up with the disorganization of her sons' video games.  She couldn't seem to keep them under control (the games, not her sons).  And she wanted a more complete system than just tossing all the games in a bin or lining them up on a shelf.  So I did a little research and came up with a few gaming organization options:

Here's a full-blown, mega entertainment center for the mother of all game rooms.  I love it!  (And I don't even play video games.)

(Fun Toy Mall)

Or if you'd prefer something a little more compact, this stand is great for small space living:

(Amazon)

This cart would be great for a closet; it's on wheels so you could move it in/out whenever it's needed and keep it hidden away when the games are off.

(Amazon)

This post on collecting your cords is helpful for other tech gadgets but this cable buddy is great for controllers and their long cords.

(Bobino Cable Buddy)

And I love the idea of tossing out (rather, recycling) the cases and slimming down to a binder.  You could even use your handy label maker to make sure you're not missing any of those tiny cartridges.

(via The Bearded Iris)

Tell me, Appleshiners, how do you organize your video games?