Okay, it’s HOT! I thought a few, simple indoor projects would be just the thing to beat the August heat and have some home-y fun. Creative kids can plunge in, too – an antidote to those “hang dog” faces kids can wear as Summer wanes and the next school year looms. Or, the visiting grandchildren, nieces and nephews – give it a try – they might just enjoy themselves!

Stenciled Drinkware
A clear glass pitcher and matching cup become artful fun when revamped with circle label stickers and white glass paint (local crafts stores). Or, stickers of others shapes could be equally creative.
To frost the glassware, stick labels securely to the outside of the glassware in a straight line or a take a random approach. Use a foam “pouncer” to apply white paint over the labels and up the sides of the glassware for a “faux frost” finish. Stay away from the rim of the pitcher and glass to avoid ingesting paint. Peel the stickers off while the paint is still wet, scratching off any that seeped underneath.

Open Space
Easy, breeze kitchen update? Remove cabinet doors from a few upper cabinets. The openness will bring an immediate change. An “out-in-the-open dish storage” encourages tidiness and results in better organization. Everyday, functional objects become decorative focal points.

Affordable new dishware (whether all white or mixed patterns and colors) is readily available. The show it off, line the backs of cabinets with beaded board or sheets of foam core covered with pretty papers. This is a quick and affordable fix, even if you hire a handyman for assistance.

Drained by Un-Organization?
Modern dish drainers offer a multitude of styles and colors. An “at hand,” easy to maintain countertop filing center can be created by using the dish drainer slots for pretty file folders. Then, fill the utensil holders to house pens and other organization supplies.
A clearly-labeled, out-in-the-open filing system like this one is a simple way to keep track of daily incoming papers. No drawers or lids to open. Just tuck in the mail or papers with ease. The portability factor is terrific – take it to a desk, table or TV area and “whistle while you work.”

This ‘n That
Vanity or dressing table organizational tool? Use a tiered pastry plate to layer jewelry and perfume and nail polish bottles. Visible, available storage and pretty, too.

Tiny bathroom? Install a coat tree to hang towels, robes, back scrubbers – get creative with more ideas.

Bookshelf clutter? Organize books by size and color of jacket or wrap books in all white covers or create a palette of covers for your decorating scheme. Hand letter, stencil or computer generate titles – you can play with font choices and add graphics of your own. Horizontal groups of books create small display spaces for loved objects and photos. A background of rich color behind white covers is eye-catching. Or, a graphic pattern can be used behind a white or multi-colored scheme. Play! That’s the point!

Deliver the message!! Create a personalized message center by covering corkboard panels with different colors of poster board. Each family member or each task/activity area gets its own unique ‘message’ – no more “I didn’t see it, Mom/Honey!” excuses.
Cheryl von Tress is passionate about creating homes that maintain YOU! Homes*Offices*Gardens*Cafes – designed with your needs and lifestyle in mind.

www.cvtdesign.vpweb.com 541.899.2824