(Ep. 10 – ORGANIZATION STATION)
I debated whether to post this blog last week or this week. I ended up going with this week (obviously). Although last week was the first week of February, last week’s blog was published on the last day of January. So let’s get into another official episode of my DIY series! This time, I wanted to do a DIY project that I considered easier than most of the ones I share. An organization station!
Some people use entryway tables, some use a cubby system – Do whatever works best for you! But as you know this blog series by now, and you know me, adding a personal touch to a project is what makes it extra special. (The title does say DIY after all.) What makes it easier than other DIY projects, you might be asking? Well, instead of starting from scratch, this project is all about upcycling!
It’s even cooler if you have a family heirloom that needs renovating! We actually ended up using a hutch that my husband’s grandfather built before my husband was born. It’s the perfect addition to our home because it keeps things tidy and it’s a special piece that reminds us of a special person! How easy is it?
Easy As 1,2,3
No, I’m not just using lyrics from the Jackson 5 song. It really is as easy as 3 simple steps! Sand, paint, and decorate! Yup, that’s right. One of the easiest projects ever featured on a Simple As Could Be blog, AND, it’s kid-friendly decor! Because of course this doesn’t have to be an organization station for your entryway. It can be used wherever and however you want it to be.
As you can see, the hutch had original painting on it from my husband’s grandpa. Wiping it down with wood cleaner didn’t do much for the years of marks and scratches left on it. So we decided to give it a quick and easy sand. (You can use an electric sander and smooth it back to an unfinished look if you want, but we decided against.) Sanding simply took out any nicks and notches and left us with a smooth canvas.
After sanding, we painted the inside pieces an off-white color to give it a fresh and modern look. For the outside pieces we used a chalk gray color for a bit of a textured finish while keeping it fresh and modern too. It took all of two coats for both the inside and outside pieces because the older wood wanted to soak up the product, but the finished look is awesome! (We also love the little wear and tear marks that show how it’s an original and older piece, just updated. You can choose to get rid of those if you like, but again, we decided against.)
From there, we just waited for it to dry completely and moved it indoors. Decorating is always the most fun in my opinion because no two people would decorate it the same. What works for our home might not work best for your home and vice versa. So be adventurous and creative with this part! After all, the rest of the project was fast and easy. We use ours for books (don’t even say anything), mail, and regular ol’ decor. Voila! An (incredibly) easy, affordable, and kid-friendly DIY project perfect for any space!
Related: Ep. 9
No DIY Too Small
One of the main reasons I wanted to make this project easier than the rest is because I wanted to show that there isn’t a feat too small to accomplish. If it improves quality of life in any shape or form, it’s worth accomplishing for that alone. So remember to have fun and be creative, and then share your ideas in the comments below! As always, thank you so very much for being a part of ETM’s community! I encourage you to join discussions, interact with Mommas and others alike, and be unapologetically yourself! Until next time, I hope I’m able to help make your life as simple as could be. (:
With all my love, Brandolyn – Earth To Momma
