The other day I showed you our Kitchen counter, aka, the Clutter Zone.
Not only is this an eyesore, but it takes up precious counter space in the Kitchen. So I set about the house looking for an unused space that could be dedicated to corralling our clutter. I hit the jackpot in the Breakfast room, and I’ve even started a few of the projects!
It’s not a big corner, but definitely big enough to create an organized landing spot. My first idea was to have our contractor build a corner cabinet that matched the Kitchen cabinets. Then I came to my cheapskate senses and decided to go a simpler route. After all, I don’t even know if this will be an effective solution for our family yet.
I was psyched to find this pre-made corner shelf! It already matched our chair rail, both in color and edging, so all we had to do was hang it. My handy neighbor drilled the hole for me. Everybody needs a handy neighbor with a large tool collection! TWSS
With the horizontal space in place, now it’s time to make use of the vertical space…the wall. First up is an easy upholstered memo board, using a $5 Ikea corkboard, fabric swatch from my stash and a glue gun. Just wrap the board with the fabric like you would a present, but using hot glue. Then I screwed a D-ring directly in the back of the board (make sure the screw doesn’t poke through the front.) Yes, TWSS again.
Finally, we need a charging dock to hold the constantly growing collection of gadgets. You can find them everywhere from Ballard to Pottery Barn, but they are bulky and pricey. I wanted neither, so I made my own! Using the Ikea $10 Cable Managing Box, I placed a power strip in the bottom, plugged the cords in and threaded them through the opening. The devices sit on the cork top while charging. I love it’s simplicity, and compact 13″ x 5″ size.
We are well on our way to having a new nook, and with only $40 spent! Next up is combing the house for more organizational resources, and most likely hitting up Martha’s new line at Staples. I also hear Container Store is having a sale. Dangerous places, but I’m willing to take one for the team.
Dig it all. Have been eyeing that cable box from Ikea – think I will have to go.
You are so creative!! I am jealous! I can't wait to see the final product. 🙂
Love the idea of a clutter corner rather than a whole ZONE….also, yay for an outlet in that space 🙂
I always feel like such a slacker when I read your blog. How do you do it ALL. I don't know where you get the time and the energy.
I love it Cassie! It looks great! Thanks for sourcing the corner shelf…I need one of those for my desk area! I can`t wait to see it all put together! Love the fabric you used for the bulletin board! Angie xo
Well look at you! Looks great so far – can't wait to see the finished corner!!
What a great use of space! And perfect since you had a free outlet!!
Oh! I can't wait to see it all completed!
LOVE! You are so darn smart and crafty!! I can't wait to see the rest.
Love that fabric! Would love to know where you got it!
Super cute! Lovin' it 🙂
awesome, can't wait to see the whole thing.. but do tell… what is twss? i'm just too lazy to try and figure it out.. ;o)
Oooohh, I can't wait to see how this turns out!!! We have a HUGE clutter zone in our kitchen and I never would have thought of using a corner like this! I can't wait to see how this turns out! By the way, your TWSS comments always crack me up!
Making your own charging station… Yep, you're brilliant. It's official 🙂
Love it, especially the cable box from Ikea. I've got to come up with a solution tour clutter zone, i'll keep an eye out to see your finished product.
Super creative. What a great use of space. Can't wait to see what you picked up. I hit up the Container Store! Stay tuned 😉
Looks like a great project. Can't wait to see the finished look.
great ideas … don't use just love finding an open corner?
Girrrrl you are nailing these projects, left and right! LOVE the charging station. So you just leave the little chargers sticking out of the hole or unplug the whole thing each time you pull the device off the charger? That probably makes no sense. Oh well, it looks amazing. What about one of those shelf/cubby hole thingies I have from Ikea in my breakfast room? It might be too bulky for that space, but just an idea!
You're putting me to shame with this organization stuff. I'm lovin' the fabric you used on the cork board.
i cant wait to see what you do! my cell phones are invading my counter (along with a bunch of other crap)!!! i am slowly getting more organized. it's hard with 4 kids!!
have a great weekend!
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I love that fabric! Can't wait to see the finished corner…I'm loving it already!
The TWSS comments never ever ever get old. That little corner is a perfect place for a little organization! The fabric on that memo board is so cute! Can't wait to see the finished corner!
Such a great idea and effective, too. Thanks for sharing.
Hi I am looking to do this but quick stupid question (don't have a handy neighbor – just going to have to do it myself).
How did you attach the shelf to the wood? Did you drill the shelf to the wood? I didn't see any drill holes.
Hi Anon — Once the side pieces are attached to the wall, you set the shelf on them and attach with the provided screws through the bottom of the shelf. It's very simple and you could totally do it by yourself…I just didn't have the drill for it. Good luck!
I wanted a corner shelf and didn't even know it. Thanks for solving my long standing problem. I have almost the exact corner as yours and have been looking for a corner desk for ages to replace the stool (as in bar stool…yes, it is sad) holding the phone and calendar. I'm off to the hardware store tomorrow to find a corner shelf.