When I thought about writing this post and curating ideas, I had two criteria in mind: the projects had to offer a good bang for your buck, AND, they had to be projects I would be willing to tackle myself. Most of these projects are easy to implement, but a couple of them involve a bit of work and a modest outlay of cash (the kitchen island for one), but are absolutely, positively worth it.
I purchased plastic cutting boards several years ago that were labeled for different items, such as the ones below, but these are far nicer and have the additional benefit of adding a pop of color to your kitchen.
I’ve always been a huge fan of utilizing the space behind doors. I don’t have a viable link for this next project so I thought about not including it, but once I took a good look at it I realized a ‘how-to’ isn’t really necessary. With the exception of the bins on the bottom, which look store bought, it’s basically using 2×4’s, scrap wood, nails and L brackets configured to whatever design you want/need.
More and more kitchens are being designed with deep drawers instead of inefficient deep cabinets, and here’s an easy way to keep items organized in them.
thekitchn
Remember cd’s? Don’t throw away their holders! Use them to organize those tupperware tops that always seem to go missing.
BHG
This project hits the trifecta. It’s an island, has storage and holds recycling bins.
I’ve used fun paper to line my drawers in our kitchen and bath. It’s an easy project that doesn’t cost a lot of time or money, and I guarantee every time you open your drawers you’ll be so glad you took on this project.
A while back we updated our kitchen island with AirStone and I love it, but if we hadn’t done that, this project would have been a great alternative.
Add a rustic touch to your kitchen and at the same time create a practical place to store some fruit and veggies.
This copper pipe towel holder would be a welcome addition to almost any style kitchen, and it’s a super easy and practical project.
Squirrelly Minds
So what do you think? Any of these projects you realistically might do?
In other news…
Last week I kinda screwed up. I had pre-scheduled a post about a friend’s kitchen redo, but then I decided to show you some pics of some model homes we visited in Florida instead. The only issue is I forgot to reschedule the kitchen post to THIS week, so both went out at basically the same time. Strangely enough, very few people got the email about the kitchen, so in case you missed it you can check it out here. I’d love to know what you think!
We will soon be leaving Naples and heading to Venice, one of my favorite spots in Florida. Our friends bought a house there a couple of weeks ago and I’m excited to check it out. You remember Penny, the one with the beautiful house on the lake in our community? Well, she’s the lucky duck who bought a brand spanking new home in a lovely, gated community with a kick ass clubhouse. Can’t wait to see it and maybe show you some pics with her permission, but they won’t be moving in until the end of February.
Speaking of pics, I snagged a few the other day of some homes on the Gulf in a town just south of Naples called Port Royal. All I can say is OMG! I took those with my dslr and need to figure out how to get them onto my iPad. Once I do I’ll share them so we can all drool together.
The weather continues to be lovely, and we are basically doing the typical Florida type stuff..biking, going to the beach, playing pickleball, etc. I’m still heavily into chess and Fisherman got me a portable set and we’ve played a couple of games at night. Internet isn’t that great and we have limited tv channels so it’s something to do :).
We’re heading out to see ‘A Dog’s Purpose’. Hey, how bad can it be? It’s about dogs!
Kim says
I really like all these ideas, Doreen, but seeing how similar we are, I’m not surprised. The copper paper towel holder is very neat and I actually may do that! Off to check it out…enjoy the weather!
Nana Diana says
Those are all really great ideas, Doreen. Have fun visiting Penny. I remember her house on the lake–with the high vaulted ceiling. I bet her new home is just lovely, too. Safe travels. xo Diana
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
Wow these are some great ideas! I would LOVE to have the kitchen island with the recycle bins. I am forever having to go out to our garage to take our recycle stuff out and put in a bag. just no room in our little house to have recycle bins out inside. I hate it, but I do like to recycle.. and also, our garbage service has these teeny tiny little garbage cans for two.. and I mean.. way too small for too people! I try to always line my drawers with pretty contact paper. And the shelving behind the door is one we could maybe do with our pantry door as there may be room for fairly narrow little shelves. Thanks for the ideas and hope you continue having good weather and a great time! Marilyn
Cecilia says
I love the wood crate and the pipe paper towel holder. I’m thinking both would be handy for the art studio!
Funny, I didn’t get the kitchen post. I will go check it out. I hope Penny lets you share pictures. I love living vicariously through others. 🙂 Hope you have a good weekend!
Karen says
I like the Tupperware lid storage idea. I think we all have had that issue of losing lids at least one time or another. I love drooling over those homes on the Gulf coast! Can’t wait to see them 🙂
AnnMarie says
Love all the ideas but the one that got me and that I would love to do is the copper pipe towel holder! We just saw LaLaLand last night. If you like musicals, it was pretty good. Hope your doggy movie was good!
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Love all these ideas Doreen. The organization on that pantry door is fabulous. Enjoy all that wonderful sweet weather in Florida. Have fun meeting up with your friend Penny. Enjoy enjoy!
Hugs,
Kris
tammy j says
love that copper pipe idea.
and I too like to line my drawers and cabinets with happy color.
I use those cleanable inexpensive plastic placemats for that. you can easily cut them to fit.
and I missed the kitchen post too so thanks for the link.
more than the pipe and the diy ideas…
I simply enjoy your own joie de vivre! XOXO♥
Mary - the boondocks blog says
Doreen these are for the most part doable projects. I have to say my favorite is the cd holder repurpose. But the best one has to be the island for the recyclables. Glad to hear you are having such a great time. I think Chess is a great idea. Off to see your kitchen post.
Cindi says
Great ideas.
My favorite is the recycle bin one.
I’d like something like that AND one for my trash bins.
(To keep the dogs out of it! LOL!)
😉
Vickie says
I love the island that holds recycling bins! Whenever our kids are home, I end up picking trash out of my small recycling pail. Yuck!
Enjoy the warm weather and sunshine, Doreen!
susan says
Wonderful ideas, Doreen!
Sounds like you’re having a great time in Florida. Enjoy the beautiful weather.
Poppy says
Very cool kitchen helpers, Doreen! I could make use out of all of them. Like you, I feel that doors could be doing so much more for us re: organization. Why only use one side, right?!
I’m real excited for you and the Fisherman finding a house that suits all your needs and I am confident that you will find it. Hang in there!
xx
Poppy
Doreen says
Thanks Poppy, but we’re just ‘window shopping’, not looking to buy anything. (But one can dream).
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
Oh, I just love the idea to use a CD holder for lids! Genius! Now, do I still have one of those CD holders?
Julie says
Hi Doreen, I love all of these ideas you have listed! You are so lucky to be in the warm weather right now. I know you are enjoying yourself! Take care.
Julie
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
HEELLLOOOO Sweetheart!! I’m here! Even though somehow I missed this post sooner. 😉
I love all of these ideas and I’m in need of new cutting boards and now you have me very tempted to get some like the ones you posted. Hhhmmmm You’re dangerous to hang around Lady. 😛
I’ll have to go back and check out that kitchen post. I don’t think I saw that one? And I’m so happy you’re headed to one of your faves in FL! I can’t wait to see more home pics and drool. Love that – drooling is my favorite. Lol
Do you think they’d let me slip Ruby into that movie with me? I mean she’s practically human. Maybe they wouldn’t even notice if I put a hat on her or something. She can stand up and walk on her back legs pretty well. Hhhmmmmmmmm…….
xoxo
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
My next kitchen will definitely have deep drawers…I love them…and have fun in Florida….I miss the Sunshine State! Venice is very nice indeed…..was recently in the Ft Myers/Naples area…you cannot beat the weather!
Red Rose Alley says
Those are cool cutting boards, Doreen. Wow, that pantry all stacked up and organized looks great! I like the idea of deeper drawers. The more space in the kitchen, the better. : )
Have a grand time in Florida. That’s nice that you’re playing chess. I used to be pretty good when I was in
junior high, and I would win a game or six. ; )
~Sheri