don't we all have those areas in our homes that just feel like wasted space? well, the area under the stairs has always been that place! until yesterday it housed a bunch of toys and other random items. it was so packed with stuff that nothing was easily accessible and therefore a cause of frustration for me any time i glanced in that direction. there is a built in bookcase which is pretty inconveniently located unless you are 3 feet tall or want to risk hitting your head on the wood beam as you back your way out. needless to say i thought it would make a perfect reading area for the kids.
add some twinkle lights, colorful crocheted blankets and festive seasonal decorations and you have quite a cozy little nook!
i'm in the process of de-cluttering the house. i'm rereading the most helpful book that i've come across on this topic, Confessions of an Organized Homemaker. she gives such great instructions and covers all areas of organization from cleaning and clearing out clutter to meals, planning and doing things in the most efficient way so you have more time for the activities you really enjoy. below is an excerpt that really hit home with me-
A PLAN WILL SET YOU FREE
Some people fall into time traps when it comes to planning. "I can handle this. No need to waste time planning," they say. Still others fear that planning takes the fun out of life. One woman told me, "Being organized is ok for some people, but I enjoy living."
A plan does not fence you in. On the contrary! It is your road map to freedom.
To paraphrase Victor Hugo, "When disposal of time is surrendered to chance, chaos soon reigns." There are already enough crises that befall us naturally. Why add to them by failing to plan the things you CAN control?
-Deniece Schofield
yesterday i put the tips to use and got rid of huge bag of toys and took it directly to the goodwill. i'm really looking forward to moving through the whole house and getting rid of all the things that don't get used. i want a simpler life and i know my home is the most important place to get started. i also know that although i am not naturally organized that it is not an impossible feat. the thought of working toward improving myself in this way and being a good example to my children really excites me. and i know i'm not alone in the big clean out. these lovely ladies started with their closets...i haven't gotten that far yet ;D
so back to purging i go!
anne
Didn't you dream of stuff like this when you were a kid?? Such an amazing space for little people. I wish you well with purging. It's hard but SO worth it!
ReplyDeleteSo love their little reading spot! I just have one request- before giving away toys etc, consider your old pals's coming to town FOR REAL soon, Thanksgiving. Don't toss baby goods? Can't wait to see you and your craft haven!
ReplyDeleteSo love their little reading spot! I just have one request- before giving away toys etc, consider your old pals's coming to town FOR REAL soon, Thanksgiving. Don't toss baby goods? Can't wait to see you and your craft haven!
ReplyDeletedon't worry, i didn't get rid of anything you would want :D and as far as baby clothes go, i think hannah might be the same size or bigger than marianne. i can't wait to see you!!!
DeleteMan, maybe I should read this book. My house is pretty clutter-y and honestly I kind of like it that way, it makes it homey since it isn't the nicest space otherwise (long and narrow, low ceilings), BUT I think the key is organizing like things with like and only having stuff you use and love. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteAlso Marianne's little space is so lovely. I remember reading somewhere that little psyches enjoy little spaces and intuitively it makes total sense. That was definitely something I loved as a kid. I had this weird loft/bunkbed in my room and underneath was this little space that was like a room within my room and I totally spent most of my time there.
don't get me wrong! i still have and want things everywhere. i totally want my house to be homey and cozy NOT sterile and museum like. i just don't want the excess that starts to weigh you down. and with 6 people living in one house the "stuff" quickly begins to accumulate and take over. i want everything to have it's place. you know what i mean?
DeleteOh I get you exactly m'dear. I also meant to add that the reason I feel like reading something like this would really help me, is 'cos while I like my stuff, I have a hard time organizing things. Like you, it doesn't come naturally to me. One of the best pieces of advice I ever read was on some de-cluttering/simplifying website years ago and I'm still working on implementing it: LIKE THINGS WITH LIKE. It's been my mantra through this whole re-settling in process. Doesn't seem to stick though. I look forward to further reports on how you do.
DeleteI love it so much! I wish I had a reading space like that for myself! Very, very cute!
ReplyDeleteThis is FANTASTIC!!! And you know I could use that book!!!! Wanna pass it down when you're through? I'm almost done reading power of positive thinking (don't wanna mention how long that's taken me) :D
ReplyDeletewhat a cute idea. growing on the house on grand we had an amazing little room under the stairs with a window that opened to the drive way, a desk and a little book loft with a ladder. it was magical. everyone who ever came to that house remembers it as a kid. little hide-aways are the best.
ReplyDeleteI think it's cute and re-done really well! Glad that you made it an area to be in, it is beautiful and sounds like a good start and awesome that you're taking control of that!
ReplyDeleteLove the wee reading nook, so perfect in size for Marianne. You've really turned it into a sweet little space with the lights and bits of nature on the wall, so cozy :)
ReplyDeleteFunny that you mention it because the closet really was just the beginning. I've spent the majority of the past two weekends cleaning and purging/organizing and just generally cozying up the house. I get this way every Fall. I've never really understood the hype about Spring cleaning, for me it's all about Fall cleaning.
Also, I got an email from Mary earlier today, looking forward to some hangout time with you ladies next week!
sooo true that little spaces like this are exactly what kids need and love. i still want one even now, just think of the sweet memories your children will have of time spent here. so glad you got it fixed up.
ReplyDeletei am with you and milla. i love a cozy, homey, even "cluttered" house but i really reeeallly want to work on having a place for everything and for ONLY having things that i truly love and want to see everyday. i am terrible at picking up weird little knick knacks at the thrift store and they just gather dust. i have a bee in my bonnet to do some purging myself right now. and i always know that sadly, the space i clear will be refilled in an instant. i love moving things around and changing up my space though. a major overhaul is the perfect fall project.
this has to be the most precious little nook that i have ever seen. i agree with heather and what she mentions above.... her second paragraph...... is totally me, as well!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful little space!
ReplyDeleteI personally feel so much better when everything is in its spot and my house is neat and clean. I cannot relax in my home if everything is everywhere. Lately, purging stuff has felt so good.