Creating a custom bookcase

Posted on November 11, 2010 by Jim

In a recent project, I was having great difficulty finding a wall unit that would fit into a small living room and with both open and closed storage that could hold books, CDs and DVDs  as well as a flat screen TV and all the components, so, I decided to make one.

This is so simple, pretty much anyone can do this. I took 2 stock Billy bookcases from Ikea and mounted a Billy height extension between them. Adding some crown moulding and trim transformed a bland, boring basically ugly bookcase into a wall unit with a custom look. It fits perfectly into the space and provides tons of storage.

Posted in Custom Desks and Wall Units | 2 Comments

Multi-purpose furniture

Posted on November 11, 2010 by Jim

In a small space, it can be extremely difficult to fit all the furniture pieces you need in your life in a way that makes sense and doesn’t make the space feel cramped.

Whenever possible, look for furniture pieces that perform double duty.

In a recent project, I was looking for a way to fit a small computer desk and a dining table but the space was so small, it just wasn’t possible to fit both. In my search for a solution, I came across a brilliant little piece that does both (sunpanimports.com). It is a small writing desk and with a simple click and spin, it becomes a dining table large enough to seat 4 comfortably.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With so many people living in small spaces demanding solutions to their space challenged lives, there are new and creative furniture pieces appearing on the market everyday.

Chances are there is something out there that will fit your lifestyle and budget very comfortably.

Posted in Space Saving Furniture | Leave a comment

Creative shoe storage

Posted on October 26, 2010 by Jim

One of the most challenging things about living in a small space is storage. There never seems to be enough places to keep everything, especially shoes. In many homes the entry becomes a dumping ground for shoes, boots and sandals. The problem is compounded when guests come to visit.

If you’re lucky enough to have a closet in your entry, there are tons of closet organizing systems that include shoe storage available. But, what do you do with shoes in an entry that is only 36″ square and has no closet? Well, you get creative and use whatever space you have, in this case, the space behind the door.

For less than $30 and with a few nails and some glue, we put together this simple shoe rack and mounted it on the wall behind the entrance door. When the door swings fully open, the shoe rack is tucked neatly out of the way and has room for tons of shoes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When space is an issue, especially in the entry, think “outside the box” and look for creative ways to use unused space.

Posted in Closets and Storage Solutions | 4 Comments

Creating a dramatic focal point with artwork

Posted on October 22, 2010 by Jim

Every room needs a focal point, a place for the eye to rest. It can be a fireplace, a large picture window or a fantastic piece of art.

When you use art as a focal point, keep a few things in mind. Don’t over do it. Don’t hang 2 different pieces of art on the same wall. They will compete with each for attention and it will be confusing to the eye. Instead, choose one amazing piece as your focal point, BUT, make sure you consider the colour of the wall on which you’re planning to hang your art.

The colour of the wall can dramatically affect which colours in the art work stand out. You’ll notice in this photo, the teal wall really brings out the blue tones in the painting.

The teal wall really brings out the blue tones in this painting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now in this next photo, you’ll notice how the neutral wall colour brings out the neutral tones in the painting.

The neutral wall colour brings out the neutral tones in this painting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take a good look at the colours in the art work you’re planning to make your focal point and consider a wall colour as an accent that will highlight the colours you like.

One final note. Hang all your art work at the same level, 60 inches from the floor to the centre of the piece. It will create flow and a unified and pleasing look, as you’ll see in this next photo.

Hanging the art and mirror at the same level creates a very pleasing look

Posted in Art and Mirrors | 2 Comments

Welcome everyone!

Posted on October 22, 2010 by Jim

Welcome everyone to my new blog. A place where I will be sharing tons of helpful ideas and information. There will be design tips, creative ideas, new uses for old items, shopping tips, unique finds and much, much more.

Thank you for visiting. Please bookmark this page and be sure to check back often.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment