Storage Under the Stairs

Awhile ago I showed you the mess under our stairs.  There is a large amount of space under there, but it just hasn't been utilized in a smart way. 

Click this photo if you would like to see the previous post about this space.

I asked Scotty if he would add some shelves for me.  He had some scrap lumber that would do the trick, so he went to work adding shelving for me...well for him too since it will store both of our stuff.  ;)

 So now I have some extra space to put all of our stuff:

They turned out pretty darn nice for a bunch of scrap wood.  Even the trim around the edges is leftover fence boards that he ripped down on his table saw.  I love that we are finding ways to use up this old scrap wood (besides as fuel for our chiminea).

It didn't take long to fill them up with our stuff.  I haven't had a chance to get them all dolled up for a party yet.  Grin.  We have a huge purging and organizing project that includes this closet, the laundry room/pantry, and the storage area in the garage.  It needs to get done soon.  Until then, we don't want to do too much more with this area ~ because we aren't sure what will end up here. 

This works for now.

I was able to fit my painted wooden chest in here ~ to the right of the shelves.  (I have retro~fitted this chest with hanging files and folders for my records ~ it's pretty handy).  My black travelling scrapbook bag is down in the angle of the closet and I have a rolling craft cart that I pull out daily for the preschoolers arts and crafts.

The chest makes a nice surface for our tote bags...the flowery one for Sadie and her pooch stuff, and the wicker bag with beach towels...for when we go into the hot tub.

This beauty is a shoe organizer filled with tennis ball jars ~ the jars hold knobs, pulls, screws and many other goodies for our ongoing craft projects.  It is a lifesaver to have this here. 

Expect great things from this closet space.  We are working on several projects ~ not to mention the Great Organization Project of 2012 to include:  the laundry room, pantry, stairwell closet and garage storage area!  I want it all to be pretty and practical when we are done.  I think it's about time for a good purge!

Thanks for stopping by and following along.  If you would like to keep up with all of the DIY and project goodness you should click the follow button on the left hand sidebar...and don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Pinterest too!

I think it's time for the hot tub.  :)
Sherry


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"Good Day 2012, nice to finally make your acquaintance!"

We started off the day with a good breakfast and some much needed coffee.

I made "Hootenanny" (or oven pancake) and some "cupcake omelets"  with eggs, leftover ham, cream and some cheddar cheese for our first breakfast of the year.

The Hootenanny was really quite easy....I combined 1 cup flour, 1 cup milk, 1/4 tsp salt and poured it into a greased pan, drizzled it with 1/2 a stick of melted butter and cooked it in a 400 degree oven for 25 minutes.  Serve with maple syrup. 

 

While I was whipping up breakfast, the Motivated Mister had taken himself into the closet to play with his tools and some scrap wood he'd scored on a Craigslist run. 

This is our under-the-stairs closet.  (Try not to notice how bad the carpet looks, please...).
We really need to maximize this space for our storage needs.  We are short on storage space since we renovated our garage into a classroom for my day job with preschoolers.

This is what happens...everything get's shoved into the little angle area under the stairs and it's almost impossible to get anything out when you need it.  Check it out...we've got some good projects in this space, waiting their turn for a new life!

Sadie, staring out the window and wondering when someone's going to get tired of all the DIY and take her for a walk.  Don't worry Sadie.  Momma got a new Nike running watch for her birthday so there are many jogs in your future...and mine.  And that's as close as you all will get to a New Years resolution from me.  :)

So, my husband was in the closet with his tools...

We went to a party on Friday night and when someone asked him what he does for fun he said, "Whatever keeps my wife happy!"  Hahaha.  He's so funny, isn't he!?

These shelves are really starting to make me happy though! 

Mister Motivated took a picture of all of his tools for you to see. 
(I think maybe he's showing off now.)

Look at him in there making them pretty for me!!! 
(Whatever makes me happy, right?)

He really is so sweet.

I'm going to make sure I do whatever it is that makes him happy too!!!

Happy New Year Friends!

May your New Year be filled with love, generosity and whatever makes you happy!

All the Best,

Scott & Sherry

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