Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle – Reclaiming Space in Your Home in Unexpected Ways

It’s happened to all of us.  You come home every day to the same old house and  you probably do the same things when you get there.  Perhaps you take off your shoes, put down your keys and or purse in the entry way and read the mail. Then you pour yourself a nice cold glass of your favorite beverage and suddenly it strikes you… There’s stuff all over your stairs, you don’t have enough space to store (or even hide) everything – and all of the ideas you have to solve this problem are either too much work or too…

…BORING!!

Today’s article was written to inspire you to think outside the box and maybe even find some uses for things that have been taking up space in the garage for years.  Here are some unexpected and fun ways to reclaim space in your home.

1. Have you ever considered that your stairs are a waste of space?

Well they are – unless you are also using them as storage!Consider turning your steps into drawers!  Pull out these drawers to store shoes, out of season wear, or just about anything that will fit in a 6 inch high drawer!  Maximize your storage space even further by adding storage shelves under the stairs. These can be used for books, decorative items or… you could even turn them into a fabulous wine rack.

The only limit when it comes to stair storage is your imagination!

3. Private Place for Kitty in Plain View.
Ikea has come up with a box spring that is more than just an empty waste of space.  This clever item is also a place where you can store winter blankets!  When it’s time to flip your mattress, Voila! You can grab those blankets out of storage at the same time. Also consider ottomans which have storage areas inside to store blankets or other items that you use in your family room or living room. It’s a great way to keep them handy AND out of sight!)2. We don’t usually recommend a specific product but…

If you have a cat, a litter box is in inevitable and unsightly addition to your home. Consider hiding the litter box inside of an old cabinet. Just cut an opening, place the litter box inside and now kitty has a private place to take care of business. 

There is one shelter in Colorado (pictured left) that took this clever idea to the next level. To honor their founder who also plays in a rock band, the shelter repurposed an old electric guitar amplifier. Inside was the perfect kitty bed.  If you’re into rock and roll, consider using a really large amp to hide that litter tray.  And here’s a little known litter secret. Pine pellet litter DOES NOT SMELL – at all. So if you’re concerned about having a tell-tale odor giving away your clever kitty place, pine pellet litter will instantly solve that problem!

4. Turn an old playhouse into outdoor living space

Once the kids move away, what are you going to do with that old play house?  Well, you could use it to store tools (boring) or you could repurpose it into a mini retreat room! Add outdoor furniture, some rugs and cushions and you’ve created a nice “secret” space all your own. Or, if it’s a tall enough structure, consider using it for outdoor entertaining.  Add a small bistro table and chairs if it’s small or a larger table if space allows. What a lovely place to sip some tea and enjoy your garden!

5. Got kids at home or grandchildren who visit regularly?

What child wouldn’t love a wall that’s a chalkboard or a giant magnet?  By adding a magnetic area to a wall in a child’s room, kids can have the fun of playing with magnets without making your refrigerator look cluttered. Painting chalk paint on a wall allows for loads of creativity without the clutter of a giant chalk easel.  Both of these features can be enclosed by a frame if neatness counts, or you can just free form it on the wall. These also allow you to create special messages for the kids (like a greeting or the “lunch menu”) in a fun and engaging way.

Have you been inspired by stair storage? Or maybe you’ve got a hankering for a secret space in an unused shed or playhouse.  Not to worry! The Fix-It Professionals are here to help! Read on for our July Reuse/Repurpose Special 

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Turning Your Home Into a Personal Resort

There’s nothing like going on vacation. 

Whether you love the high end spa  treatment or you prefer “roughing it” in the woods, it’s always nice to get away. Part of theenjoyment is a change of scenery. What if you changed the scenery at home before your trip so you can enjoy a new environment at home too? Here are a few simple ideas to freshen up your home and make you feel like you’re visiting a fresh new resort.

1. Give yourself the spa treatment. You can turn your bathroom into a spa-like environment. Consider new, modern light fixtures, replacing the tub or even updating your sink and bathroom cabinets. Gone are the days of heavy looking closed-in sink cabinets. These days pedestal sinks and open shelving is in. Or upgrade to a low flow toilet and water efficient shower to create a beautiful new look while you’re conserving water. 

Another spa-inspired idea is to install a free standing bathtub. This look of elegance pairs well with clean white walls and farm house style bead boarding. Addsome simple art with black frames and you’ll have that classic away-from-home look.

2. These days it makes no sense to have space in your home that isn’t used and enjoyed every day. Do you have a seldom-used dining area? Consider enlarging your kitchen or converting the extra space into a family room with extra storage.

What about that guest room that is rarely used for actual guests? Consider converting it into a meditation space, a workspace or even a craft room. You can still accommodate guests by installing a pull down or Murphy bed. These space saving wonders are full sized cabinets or desks which hide a full sized bed inside. They can be a little pricey so you could consider a roll-away or blow up instead bed. The latter two are much improved since the days we were kids, being both more comfortable and easier to set up.

3. Add a patio door to kitchen, dining or family rooms to bring in extra light and make the space feel more open and inviting. Hinged or sliding doors provide easy access to the outdoors and add fresh air and light to your environment.

4. Or maybe you love to cook. A kitchen upgrade (including fancy temperature  controlled wine pantry if you enjoy wine) might make you feel like you’ve taken a vacation to culinary school. Add updated appliances and lighting and your kitchen will seem brand new! Make sure you include a television/computer screen so you can cook along with your favorite celebrity chefs.

These are just a few ideas for turning your home into a personal resort. If you’d like help with these ideas, or you have others you’d like done right away, you’re in luck! The Fix-It Professionals have time this month to accommodate you! Read on for our June Special!

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