Monday, July 30, 2012

Siberian Facelift Part Two

If you've been following my Siberian lifestyle lift, 
this is the part where it should all start to make more sense.

There's actually a method to the wackadoo madness and crazy colors. You see, I'm a firm believer that bright colors stimulate creativity.


And I caught a little contagious creativity not long ago in blog land.  

Many of you have probably seen how Ange@The Blooming Hydrangea turned an unused closet in her home into an office space. If you haven't seen it, click HERE. She dubbed it The Cloffice. 


Well, here's my own version of a  re-purposed space.
I'm calling mine The Crathroom.



Part bathroom.
Part craft space.



You see, I don't have a single space around this joint to organize craft and painting supplies. Oh, I had them stored in an orderly fashion, but to a completely right brained person, storing and organizing are two very different animals.

If I have to pull things out of a bin that's stashed on a shelf in a garage or other such space, it's stored. If it is openly displayed and at my fingertips, it's organized. And if it's organized in a climate controlled environment, it's more likely to stay organized. 


My craft and painting supplies were stored,  but they were not organized. They were hidden here and there like munchkins. Every time I wanted to do a project, it was come out come out wherever you are.

Seeing all the great craft spaces in blog land whet my appetite for a fingertip space. Unfortunately, I didn't have a  room to sacrifice for the cause. (And don't even bother suggesting The Practical One's room. It already has a job; it's a shrine.)

This is the space I chose.



It's small, but doable.  There's a sink for washing out brushes and enough counter space to work on small projects.



Or even small pieces of furniture.
See?




I wanted it to function as a craft space, but not lose it's ability to morph back into bathroom if needed. Just because we haven't used that shower in 15 years doesn't mean we never will.

So...

Shoe bags were hung over a tension rod for spray paints and other supplies. Yes, I know that they don't match. This project had to be done without spending a dime, remember. Therefore, I used what I had, and what I had were two more members of the graduating class of 2011.



Three members actually. That little white shelf between them came from her college room too. Please picture it all grown up and twice its size. I'm planning to get a second one to stack on top of it next month. I have a few more things in the garage still waiting for a home.


The rest of it is just collected junque from around the home place and the power of paint. That's because I hoard my remnants and buy random, obscure things at the ReStore.


I had bought that peg board at the Restore in the spring, and we happened to have just enough of that molding to frame it.  I painted it with more of that green paint.


Yes, I know I haven't put anything on it yet.

 I haven't finished organizing the stuff in the cabinets and drawers yet either,
 but I'm showing the room anyway.
 This post is long enough so I'll save something
 for another day.  


That's where Siberia is this morning. Maybe not magazine material,
 but considering where we started...


Plus the fact  that I did it all without spending a dime,
 I'd say it's close enough to perfect for me.

By the way, did anyone notice where I'm storing the extra noodles?


*****
I'll be sharing at Inspiration Friday
'cause I know you're all inspired to go create a
Crathroom now, right?
Right?
Yeah, that's what I was afraid of.

45 comments:

Denise said...

Wow! It looks fabulous. What a great use of virtually unused space. And just think, you got to "craft" doing your crathroom. How fun. Loving this project.

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Oh Debbie, this is great! These colors make me happy -- they're so cheerful!! I especially like the peg board with the green frame. You've been very creative and efficient in making the most of an unused space. You have a place to plug in the glue gun, a place to wash brushes (as you noted), a place for your spools of ribbon, and good storage space for everything. And best of all, it looks really good. Great job!

Denise

Anne said...

Debbie what an excellent idea for a tub that's not being used. Great job, looks good.

Gina said...

You have got to be kidding me...this is genius I tell you! It looks great and I love that you used every square inch so creatively. The towel bar kills me, I love it.

Barbara F. said...

Debbie, my oh my, I know I told you your mind works triple time, with this makeover, I have to say it is working quadruple time! Fabulous job, not spending a dime, and I did see some pool noodles on top of the shelf in the tub? xo

Barbara F. said...

The Dutchess must be very proud. xo

Lynn said...

What a great idea! Add a mini fridge and a coffee pot and you'd never have to leave:@) Seriously, I believe everyone should have a creative spot that's all their own-enjoy!

Merlesworld said...

That is a neat and tidy craft area I have a room for my painting and sewing but it is always a bit of a mess
merle.........

Sooner Laura said...

Very creative and you don't have to tromp across the house when nature calls in the middle of your project! Great job! ;)

Sharlotte said...

You are so creative!!!!Great job!! I love the way you're storing your spray paint...easy to see and saves space. I too think you're right about color and creativity, it looks like a great "new" space for your crafts!

elizabeth said...

It works and looks great! I'd have never thought of this!

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

yes, Yes, YES! I knew it was going to be a craft room, but leave it to you to morph the name a bit. I recently decided that I was tired of pulling my craft supplies out of hiding, too, and so I'm in the process of de-cluttering then re-filling the space with things I'll use. I've barely started, and I'm liking it already, so I KNOW you're going to love your new space in Siberia! Good job!

Sue said...

You did a great job ~ and so creative in your creative space. I love the idea of the shoe bags for spray cans, I'm going to try to copy that somewhere. We just don't have a shower I can hide them in.
And I did spot the noodles, but I never would have noticed if you hadn't asked.

Amy Kinser said...

Well, you just blew me away with that one. You are the craftiest, most creative, out of the box thinker that I know. You rocked that one!

Chatty Crone said...

From drab to fab! Love it. I am telling you the truth - that looks like a happy healthy place - makes you feel good. You are so talented to be able to think it up and then carry it out!

sandie♥

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

That is funny...I have already been here and commented...now did your computer spit it out or mine do something dumb?

Well again..this is wonderful, it is great...you have been on a roll all summer and leaving all of us behind.

I love it, I love the color...I think age 50 is the time to enjoy color!! Just look at my kitchen and I love it.

Creative and useful...Go Girl...great transformation!!

Now lets see if my computer lets this go through!!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

OMG! How cool is this? I love it...really! If I were to do something like this it would look like a bathroom with craft stuff in it. Yours looks like a craft room! I love the showers space. Very clever! I also love how you have a convenient space to wash your hands and paint supplies while crafting now too. This is a great use of space without getting rid of a very valuable (even if it's unused) bathroom. Job well done indeed!

Anonymous said...

How creative! It will inspire more creativity for you!
Yes, I saw the noodles. Was wondering what they were!
Great solution, Debbie. And the price is perfect.

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

It's a brilliant idea!

No sense letting a space like that go unused!

The colors are fun and creative!

Deanna

Mevely317 said...

I'm probably the LEAST crafty person on the planet, but I am head-over-teakettle in love with this space!
The tension rods and shoe bags? - Brilliant!

Debbie said...

I think this is an absolutely brilliant idea! Such a wonderful, creative use of an unused space. I love it. And I soo get what you mean about the difference between stored, and organized! You will totally use this all the time now. And the shoe bag idea? SUPER brilliant! haha...And now we top it all off with it didn't cost you a dime? You've out done yourself! : )

The Polka Dot Closet said...

I think you are a genius! What a great idea, the paint can storage and shoe hanger...Fabulous!! The colors are fun and creative....I am so proud of you!!!

Carol

Tanna said...

a.w.e.s.o.m.e!!! Those noodles are over the tension rods! Excellent re-purposing of the room, the items, everything!! great job, Debbie! blessings ~ tanna

Shannon@Cozy Home Scenes said...

I am bestowing upon you, Debbie, the title of "Most Clever Use Of An Unused Bathroom". You are so lucky that you don't have to leave your craft room to "go". ---- Shannon

Christine said...

OK...this is the best blog post I've seen in days! The creativity,resourcefulness and just sheer fun is amazing. I could go on and on but I won't.
Way to go Debbie!

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

AHA! LOVE x 18!

I command you to share this space with Becky at Organizing Made Fun! She will be all over it, sharing it with her thousands of blog readers!

On my refrigerator-- the ONLY thing on it-- is this quote:

MEDIOCRITY IS DULL.

You go, girl! Fabulously creative in every way!

Actually, Love x 36.9!

corners of my life said...

So very clever!!

Creations By Cindy said...

Bright, refreshing and beautiful! Love what you've done here. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Barbara Neubeck said...

Hi Debbie,
I can only repeat what has already been said........this is the BEST re-purposed and decorated room I've seen EVER.
I love everything about it
Have a good week
Barb from Australia

Decor To Adore said...

I am sitting here headless. It was completely blown away by your creativity! The best use of it I have seen in a LONG time. You need to "pin" an image and then join up on my Friday linky party because some peeps NEED to be seeing this.

Ann said...

Too clever by half! Love your imagination! Now I wish I had an unused bathroom....LOL!
Actually, you've given me the inspiration I need to get ALL my craft supplies in one location. My sewing room will have to share space now with my paints and other craft supplies!

Way to go Debbie!
Cheers!

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Not magazine material?? I think it IS!! This is the most creative idea ever!! I'm never seen anything like it, or even thought about something like that! I think you must be related to Einstein! Only a genius could come up with all those wonderful unique ideas! Great job!!! Love all the colors too!

Some magazine will snatch that idea up to publish!

Katherine

Unknown said...

And you are submitting this to a magazine when?????
I have to say, if I were at your house and needed to use the facilities, I would somehow, someway find my way to THIS bathroom. When you realize I haven't come out for some length of time, it will dawn on you that I am in THAT bathroom and not the pretty one down the hall for guests.
Sorry.
xo
lynn

Shanee said...

Awesome job Debbie! Love the shoe hanger/paint storage on the tension rod. My goodness you are so creative....and in No Buy July no less. Great job, thanks for taking us on the journey to makeover Siberia.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Debbie, once again, you are brilliant! What a great space this turned out to be! When I do attempt to craft, I am always jumping up and running to the sink to wash glue or paint off my hands. You'll have a sink right in front of you! Not to mention, if you need to use the bathroom, it's available immediately (more important as we get older). I love the way your supplies are so visible to you, but hidden when you close the shower curtain. Love the painted stool too. If it were my room, I'd try to get someone to make a folding table that could stand in the bathtub. The top would project over the edge of the tub, so you could pull your stool up to it. It looks like your "craft supplies rod" could be moved back a little further to allow room for a table. Just a suggestion. What a fabulous use of an unused bathroom. I don't think this will be referred to as Siberia any more. laurie

Vee said...

Very clever! It'll be easy to go back if you must and for now it's serving a great purpose.

Your friend's office in a closet would not work for me without a huge "rear view" mirror. I can't stand having people walk up behind me.

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

OMGoodness! You're a genius!! Love, LOVE this! The shoe holder is the pinacle. What a brilliant idea!

Renée said...

You are an absolute wonder. My admiration for you grows with each new post! I have a craft room/office and all of the sudden I'm thinking I need a Crathroom. Bravo my friend.

Denise said...

It looks terrific.

Jennie said...

That's an awesome transformation - can you tell I relate to the Practical One? Love the use of space - and the Albert Einstein quote! And because I know you care "All You" magazine is my FAVORITE. Looks great - and love that you did it on a dime! Congrats on your successful No Buy July!

FrouFrouBritches said...

Oh my word!!! You are freakin' BRILLIANT! I love it!!!! The tension rod and shoe organizer thingee in the shower is my favorite part. I am simply amazed and totally jealous!!! LOVE IT!!!

Mary said...

Debbie~ I SO love this!! The shoe racks for your paint supplies are brilliant! If only dishes would store that compactly, however I'm mentally stashing napkin rings and possibly napkins in one! I think you should celebrate the end of No-Buy-July and fill those empty holes in your shoe bags :)

Siberia never looked so good!

Anonymous said...

BRAVO! Only you could come up with an idea like this. Love it!

As you might have seen in my recent posts - there have only been about two in as many weeks - my daughter is engaged and I'm in wedding planning mode. It just struck me a couple of days ago - Come November I have a WHOLE NEW ROOM TO MAKE USE OF!!!!!!!

I'm agog at the possibilities. Will be clearing out some of the "saving for a rainy day use decor stuff" in the basement prop and costume facility, and may only need to purchase a decent futon as her room must double as a guest room (probably used only once or twice a year like that) - but it may be an extended studio type thinky for me - my current office/studio is REALLY cramped. Hubs is resigned to my expansions of self. He says he's happy with his corner desk in the living room. Nice.

Joy!
Kathy

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

What an amazing idea! I love the storage you made over the toilet. You will have a great space to work now!

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