Oh giddy and happy day! It’s like the first day of school, and I have brand-new notebooks and perfectly sharpened pencils. You know that feeling of determination and conviction that washes over you when offered a clean slate? Promises you make to yourself to keep things clean and organized? That’s how I’m feeling today with my new Family Drop Spot!
I was so tired of staring at this cluttered mess, and really needed to reclaim the Kitchen counter space.
First step was figuring out where to move it. After reading Emily’s post about carving out small unused nooks in your home, I had new eyes for this little corner of the Breakfast Room.
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| And bonus, it has an outlet! |
The next step was consulting the Mother Ship, aka, I Heart Organizing. Jen’s blog is a huge source of organizing inspiration and ideas. I think I made the most out of this little corner, without cluttering up the Breakfast Room.
After installing the shelf, covering the memo board and making the charging station (read about those here), I was left with a pesky electrical cord.
But that’s nothing a strategically placed plant can’t hide. It needs a decorative pot, but that will come later.
The metal wall files are $10 from Ikea, and we already owned the folders. The pencil caddy is an oversized Paris mug my aunt gave me, and the wicker basket is another Ikea gem we already owned.
Martha Stewart’s adhesive metal tags (from Staples) add a customized look, and allow me to label each divider for easier filing. And yes, ‘crapola’ is an official classification.
The shelf is 18″….big enough to hold a few things, but not enough to become a total catch-all.
Even though it’s still going to be a bit of a clutter zone, it’s only visible from one room.
And everything is fairly flush with the wall, so it’s not an impediment to the room or walkway.
Who would have thought a single lonely corner could become such a functional spot. Talk about making something out of nothing! And for $50!
And I got my Kitchen counter back!
Of course clutter will still accumulate in other places, and I’ll still forget to return signed papers to school, but hopefully this is a step in the right direction. I’ll let you know how this space works out after we actually start using it! (Old habits die hard!)
Have you carved out a functional space from an unused area in your home?
Update: Many of you have been looking for the wall rack and box for charging, and they are now back on the Ikea site. Cable Management Box, Wall Magazine Rack
It looks great! I love the metal filing system on the wall and I especially love that you have a "crapola" section. haha
What a perfect spot. Those MS labels are the cutest.
I love love love this idea! I wonder if I have a spot in my house to do something similar….
Absolutely love it!! I would have never though of the shelf myself but it works perfectly!
http://dailydoseoframblings.blogspot.com
Oh wow, what a great use of that little corner! And that fabric is super cute!
What a perfect solution. And the good part is that since it's not a huge area, you can't clutter it up if you tried! I need a solution like this. My kitchen counter top would thank me 🙂
I am so impressed with how you used this corner! You're such a smart cookie 🙂
Little spaces = little clutter…smart girl! It turned out great, Cassie.
yay! you have your counters back. My counters are now envious of yours-they are drowning in paper. Great job
oh I just died! in love with this! 🙂 I have a fold down table (that never folds down) in my craft room which holds all my 'office stuff' mostly. It's not nearly as nice as your corner, but it's working for me. Maybe when I get my basement finished I can incorporate something that this in it! But for now I'll just be jealous… 🙂
It looks great! I really love the fabric you chose! And I think "crapola" is my favorite tab of your! Haha !
It looks great! I love fabric on the cork board!
I see why you are so giddy!! I am completely jealous of your new space!!! We are using our kitchen counter and it drives me crazy! Looks awesome! Thanks for the inspiration!
Great use of that space. Your kitchen counter looks great now!! I've also been busy around our house trying to reduce clutter and have made a trip to check out Martha's fab new line and have been reading Jen's blog like a mad woman trying to soak up as much of her organization skills as possible. 🙂 Love what you've done! Hope I'm as successful.
Ooh, I love those metal files. Curse you, IKEA. I sure wish they shipped 😉 I'm tired of driving back from SLC every single time with IKEA coming out of the windows and my debit card smoking. 😉
It looks awesome! I'm so inspired!! Thanks!!!
What a great idea, love it! Those metal files are wonderful, I might need some! Thanks for inspiring and sharing! I have loved turning unused closets into cloffices but this is even better, you are using an unused corner!
I love the metal wall files! What a great way to get stuff out of the way, but it's way more organized than sticking it in a drawer or something!
Looks great, Cassie! So nice to have a place to have all of these pesky papers and such land. Happy Monday.
awesome! i have pesty corners full of stacked papers i need to organize!
I've got to do something about this myself! The end of our kitchen counter is overtaken with mail. It's so annoying!
This looks great!! Love that you took advantage of an unused space…it's so much more functional now!
love it! (i'm a big fan of "strategic" plant placing.)
While I was reading this, a white streaming light starting shine upon my head……you and I already discussed that outlet (hilarious that when I was scrolling, I thought "nice plant placement, babe"). I am so stealing this and will post pics just for you when I get my #$$ in gear 🙂 Inspired!! Mostly, cause I have a trailer-load of crapola.
Cute little corner Cassie! If you wanted, you could put an {attractive} waste bin below so that junk mail and extra papers get dealt with right away. Hope things stay looking that pretty and neat. I need one of those corners in my house!
I love how fun and pretty this little corner is, in additional to being functional, Cassie! I use file folders on the inside of my pantry door and it works great for keeping us organized.
Great job! I need one of those bad boys! It's beautiful and functional. You are doing so many great things! I love your blog!
Yay oh my gosh it looks great! Love what you did!
That's a great little nook. I love getting organized…it's the staying organized that I have a problem with.
Wow! It looks great, what a cute space. 🙂
Man we NEED one of those too.
Well done! And I love the lamp on the counter, makes the kitchen feel like a "real" room.
Kudos, Cassie!! What did we ever do before Ikea? 😉 Love this project.
I'd throw a stool under there!
Looks great! What a perfect way to make use of an unused nook.
Ha ha! Love the "crapola" tag! I really hope this new family drop spot works out for your family. Thanks for keeping it real Cassie!
It looks good and is functional, too. Yes, it will get a little cluttered but it will be more organized clutter as it is a small space and should not get too messy. Have to read up about the charging station.
I have so much love for this! It adds so much love and happiness to that corner! <3 I can totally see how this will be the perfect command center for your fam!
Job well done my friend!
xoxo,
Jen
It looks fantastic! Such a clever idea!
So cute Cassie! Great use of space!!
Brilliant!! Now you have reclaimed some much needed counter space. And everything is looking so cute and stylish!
Hi Cassie! We are dying laughing over your "Crapola" label! ALSO – Gwyneth and I tagged you on 11 questions! Details are in our latest post!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
I love claiming more counter space! Looks great! Love the way you described the feeling too – first day of school – I'm always more excited to go shopping for school supplies than the kids are! HA!
Looks beautiful and perfectly functional too! I am totally on board with your "crapola" classification.
Wow – that is brilliant! I'm also on a quest to reclaim all of our kitchen counter. We have a tiny galley kitchen, so this is of upmost importance!
I'm actually thinking of starting a serious spring cleaning mission on my blog – perhaps starting next Monday after Daylight Savings Time begins. You've totally inspired one of my major goals of the week. Thanks!
xoxo,
CA
I feel your pain! But, it seems I am the ONLY person that clutter effects. AGH! Your new corner looks so lovely – good job. Thanks for sharing with us!
Love – love- love everything about it… BTW – I looked it up and "crapola" most definitely is a category!! Several of us are drooling over the fabric you used -do you know the name of fabric?? Thanks for inspiring us to get creative and clear the clutter. AJ@queenofmynest
I LOVE this station. I have been looking for a corner ever since I read it. HaHa! I am new to your blog and will be checking out all of your old posts. Thanks for the info!
http://www.createyourdecor.blogspot.com
This is a great station and an awesome use of unused space. Plus, I love the lamp on your kitchen counter now. I did a post on that as a trend a while back!
Gorgeous new family message/home organization station! Awesome use of space, and pretty too! I also love the way the kitchen counter looks with that cute lamp! Well done!
Have a great day!!! xo-Lisa
I am always amazed at the organizing brilliance you have! I wouldn't have thought in a million years that the little unused corner would be useful, let alone *adorable*! Perfect, absolutely perfect!
I absolutely love this. I could use a space like this in my home!
You're a genius. Love the new drop spot! The patterns and colors are so fun and SO you!
I saw this on Pinterest and pinned it immediately. That fun fabric is genius!
What a productive use of empty space!
I'd also add a stool with a comfy cushion and sit there to make out my grocery list, use the laptop, write out bills etc.
Excellent idea and a great execution!
House Crazy in Michigan
donnaallgaierlamberti@gmail.com
I love this idea, I have been thinking of some ideas for my hallway. I don't have a cute corner like this. I already bought the frosted glass white board for Ikea, but it looks like I need to make another trip for those metal organizers. So cool! Thanks for sharing!
My kitchen had absolutely zero office space, so I prioritized colored pencils and scissors over food and converted my pantry to an office. Seriously, it only took part of it and we use them all day long so it was well worth the sacrifice. I posted pics here:
http://made-journal.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-do-you-new-year.html
great use of that space!! love how it all goes together!! Bonnie 😉
http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com
I have an idea, you come to my house and get me organized. Sound like a plan? Great.
This is amazing.
Random: What kind of plant is that? I'm trying to get more house plants for our new condo. Just curious.
Hi Laura — I have no idea what kind of plant that is! My hubs brought it to me awhile ago….I usually hit up the tropical indoor plant area at Home Depot. Hope this helps!
Oh man, I need to steal this idea, badly. We have a section of kitchen counter that is a nightmare of chargers, mail, notes, receipts, and other random junk. I hate it!
oh my goodness. i LOVE this. totally recreating it. Thank you for sharing!
So love what you did with this space – and I love the bright and cheery colors. I hope it is okay, but I will be sharing this on my blog in the morning! Thanks so much! Take care, Laura
I've never seen taxes and crapola look so good! I love this little spot. I love that it has a shelf to write on and everything you need right in front of you. But you make it look so stylish at the same time. Really really cool! 🙂
All I can say is WOW!!! What a smart idea! LOVE those ikea hanging files too….
Jen
athomeinthenorthwestblog.com
Awesome job! It looks great & so organized.
This is a great idea! I'm going to have to go rooting around my house now for an unused space! New follower from Young House Love…and also know Chassity from Look Linger Love personally – Charleston residents with lots of mutual friends! http://www.justhadabrightidea.blogspot.com
This is so great! I love that you made such a useful spot from a totally unused wall. The little shelf is so clever. I don't have a drop zone in my kitchen either so I hung up a wall mail organizer to sort mail, it has been really helpful. http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/01/our-mail-organization-system.html
Such a great project! I, too, need to get all the "stuff" off my kitchen counter tops ….
… because I really love my counter tops. Like hug them every day love them!
🙂
'Linda
LOVELY!!!
María from Spain
http://lacasitadmaria.blogspot.com.es/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lacasitadmaria
It looks amazing! I love that unused spot, really, it's genius! Totally pinning this!!
Becky B.
http://www.organizingmadefun.com
Organizing Made Fun
Looks soooo great! Am I the ONLY doofus who can't find those wall organizers? (I AM a beginner in organizing, and NOT very good at it, though!) Can someone point me in the right direction?) I would love NOTHING more than to have my minimal counter space back!
OMG — IKEA. I see it now. I was so excited, I read right over it! LOL Hope they come in black! Yipppeeee!
Do you or anyone else know the name of those white metal files? I love them but don't seem to be able to find them on the site.. Thanks
Hi Anon! I can't seem to find the white metal wall files on Ikea's site now (they were there before), so maybe they are just out of stock? They can be found in the desk organizing area of the store, and they come packaged very compact, so it's easy to overlook them. good luck!
this looks fantastic! way to use your wasted space. 🙂
Do you know of any files that are close to the ones you have somewhere else. There are no IKEAs anywhere near where I live & they aren't shipping them at this time?? Absolutely LOVE them!!!!
That's great! What an awesome way to use up that unused space! Very inspiring!
~Angela
sunnysweetlife.blogspot.com
I laughed out loud…you consulted the "mothership"!! And your label "Crapola"…when I figured out that is what it REALLY said…you have brightened my morning! ;P Have a great day funny lady!
I LOVE this idea 🙂 Found you via "The Mothership"
so fabulous! I just wish I had a corner. My house is one of those open, flowy floorplans with no wall space. Seriously. The two little walls in my kitchen are in the breakfast area and make a corner with a sliding glass door or a cabinet. But I still love your ideas.
Nothing witty from me 😉 rather a request if I could link to your post and use your image of your 'after' success, in my blog post (with photo credit of course!).
This is me http://seemyfootprints.blogspot.com.au/ and I'm hoping to do my version of your clutter conquering corner, soon 🙂 hence the request. I'll do a 'now'… 'hopeful' and 'complete' lol
Thanks for the great post. very inspiring 🙂
Knock yourself out, Kristy! And good luck with the project! 🙂
Thankyou! Post is here
http://seemyfootprints.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/secret-door-and-little-corner.html
fingers crossed I have my own 'before and after' pics to share soon… well… maybe after exams finish lol
Thanks again 🙂
I love this and am inspired. Thank you for sharing.
Lil from New Zealand
Oh, this is just fantastic! Well done – I've shared a photo with link on my site:
http://www.operationorganization-mn.com/2012/06/organizing-small-spaces-utilize-every.html#
cheers & happy organizing!
~H
love this so much and the colours are great
Natasha xx
Such a great use of space. So clever!
This is one of my faves that you have done for sure. Thanks for joining the par-tay my friend. So excited to hear about your weekend.
okay – you have TRULY inspired me. not that my house could ever possibly look like this – however this corner, I am in desperate need of something just like it! thank you for being such a genius
I know this is an older post, but I this for a charging station that looks good too!
http://www.amazon.com/Kikkerland-OR08-W-Grass-Charging-Station/dp/B00252XYWW
Looks fabulous! I would forever be knocking the wicker basket off the wall, but the shelf, sorting organizer and memo board I can implement. Thanks for the great ideas!
Looks great! Do you have the link for the ikea wall baskets by any chance?