We've been on vacation a lot this summer. And when we weren't away, we had company staying with us. While I enjoyed both immensely, we are back now, and our "house" isn't feeling as much like a "home" as I'd like.
Over the past 2 months, we'd come in, empty our suitcases, do laundry, pack back up and hit the road again. Some things, or should I say A LOT of things never found their way back to where they belong, and it's driving me CRAZY!
The day before yesterday, I was putting away some clean laundry and when I opened the boy's closet doors, I had a small panic attack. Our home is always neat and picked up, but Lord help you if you open a cabinet or closet ... because most everything is probably shoved in there. Well, not for much longer. I want some organization. I want it all to be neat. I want everything to have a place ... yes, I WANT IT ALL, I know!
At that very moment the decision was made that every nook and cranny of this house would be cleaned out. And the many things I've been wanting to do along the way in the lines of decorating and such, would no longer be pushed down on my to do list. I'd tackle it all, step by step until it is complete.
Then, I thought it would be fun to bring you all along for the ride. I welcome all comments and advice and any tips you have. I'm NOT a decorator. So, as I travel through this home makeover journey, tell me if you have an idea on a certain space, as I need all the help I can get. I'm going to start with organizing ... then decorating! Let's clear the clutter first!
Because the boy's room is where the panic attack and decision to change all this took place, I will start there. There isn't really much that can be done in their room along the lines of decorating, but I sure cleaned the joint up. Now it's Jake and Drew's job to keep it that way. I think they will, as they are VERY excited about the minor transformation (otherwise known as a clean up).
Before
After
I actually had one full bin and a black garbage bag full of stuff I threw away in this room. This is quite amazing since the boys (and girl's) don't really keep toys in their room. Only a couple special things. Otherwise, all toys belong in the toy room.
I need to freshen up the chore chart and put it back to good use. The kids LOVED that.
Do I see carpeting on that closet floor?? It's the small things, people, that make me so happy!
Before
After
The boys have a small TV with a VCR in it in their room to watch right before bedtime. It's not hooked up to the satellite, so they can only watch movies. Their movies were always all over the place, now they are contained.
Before
After
Before
After
This is not technically complete, as I have the fabric cut to make the boys quilts for their beds, but it will be a couple weeks before I have those finished.
A Few More After's
I want to get them a real desk, but until I find a small one that I like, this will have to do.
The boys read a lot, so their books have to be organized and easy to find.
I just bought this 3 - 2 - 1 shelf yesterday. I figured each boy could have 2 cubes and a basket. Their "special" toys belong here. Perfect place for the Game Boy and DS and such so the girls won't get to them.
That's about it for the boy's room. Stay tuned for my next project ... the kid's bathroom.
