DIY Entertainment Center

Have you recently started looking for tv/entertainment units but find that either what you like is more than you want to spend, or the price is good but the aesthetics are lacking? I hear you on this one, I have been going through the same dilemma lately.

I'll tell you something that a noticed recently though, and I'm a little embarrassed that I never thought of this before; entertainment units are either 1 of 2 basic options - a console table/hutch unit with possible some drawers or doors, or a console table with 2 book shelves on either side (maybe an open shelf in the center above the tv).

http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/05/alma-update-media-storage/

With that being said, why spend $800 or more at IKEA for a media unit that are basically these components but technically sold as a single unit, when you can source your own individual pieces and create your own media unit?!

Just for fun, I looked around at Canadian Tire, and even Walmart online and found an open shelf base cabinet and 2 tall bookshelves (all in the same finish) that I could piece together myself and would in the long run cost me between  $150 - $520 plus taxes. What a huge difference in price from basically the same idea from IKEA which could run you past $5000 just for a media unit.

Not only can putting together your own tv/media unit be less expensive, it also can give you the opportunity to put together something unique that others most likely won't have in the same configuration as you in their own homes.

Take Care,

Leanne.

Easy Makeup Organization

In one of my weekly pinning sprees on Pinterest I came across this amazingly ingenious ideas for makeup organization that I just had to share with you. It uses the IKEA Alex storage unit, and bristol board (or card stock), and anti-slip mats that you can buy at your local business supply store (or for cheaper choices you can go to Walmart or the Dollar Store).

http://fabuloushomeblog.com/2012/12/29/the-ikea-alex-storage-great-for-when-you-have-a-ton-of-makeup/

I'm not going to lie, this projuect is a bit time consuming and will require patience. You will need to measure the interior of the drawers (width, length, and height), as well as the size of the makeup containers that you are trying to store.

Once you have all of this information, you can cut your non slip mats and place them in the bottom of each drawer. Now you can start cutting your dividers; place strips running from the front to back of the drawer, cutting slits  3/4 of the way through in the sections where you plan to divide.

Now place your dividers through the slits of the vertically running dividers, running horizontally in the drawers.

That's it; now place your makeup in the divider sections and marvel at your hard work and enjoy organizational bliss!

Take Care,

Leanne.

Hidden Kitchen Storage {False Light Valance Drawer}

In the Kitchen design industry I see a lot of people trying to maximize storage space in any way that they can - and rightfully so. Here's a storage solution that I am currently incorporating into the design of one of my clients' kitchens.

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/19/27/70/192770f6fbbac0849e0ab9f4bcc17429.jpg

An under cabinet knife storage drawer. This gives the illusion of a light valance, as it is the same size (and potentially the same style - which I recommend, otherwise it could look a bit off if your light valance is beveled and this drawer front is a slab style). No one will be the wiser that you have extra storage under your upper cabinets, and let's face it...it's pretty cool.

Take Care,

Leanne.

Quick & Easy Shoe Organization {Shoe Closet}

This post is for all of my shoe fanatics out there.

If you find that your shoes need more space to breathe and be admired, I'm with you on that one.

Here's an awesome idea to store your shoe collection, in a way that showcases their beauty, similar to department stores.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/shoe-organization-product-roun-135914

I don't know why this thought never occurred to me; I used to work at a shoe store back in college that used bookcases to display out shoes and boots.

All you need is a few tall bookcases with adjustable shelves and you are good to go. No more digging through a crowded closet to find the shoes to match your outfit with this easily accessible alternative.

Take Care,

Leanne.