My tiny kitchen desk didn't give me enough room to work, so I made a cover for my desk drawer and, in minutes, I increased my workspace.
Oh, I made it pretty, too.
Crafting of any kind has always been my most favorite form of escapism.
For some people it's reading, for others it's vacation.
For me, it's creating.
So among all the renovation chaos in my home at the moment, you can bet that I've been elbow deep in paint and glue to take my mind off the mess.
And while decor DIYs and thrifty makeovers are most plentiful around here, projects that involve coming up with creative solutions to everyday problems are actually my favorite.
I like the challenge.
And living in a tiny cottage, trust me, there are plenty of them.
The latest involved organizing my desk.
It's a lovely area, with those fabric covered glass cabinets.
And one I spend a ton of time at...composing posts, planning out projects, paying bills and sometimes just watching an old movie. However. It's not big.
This was my reality most days.
|But obviously it was not ideal.
I was constantly trying to balance my books and papers on the ledge. A losing proposition, and that's when the lightbulb went on.
I thought that if I could find a thin piece of plywood, I could make a cover for the drawer and increase my workspace, without interrupting the function of the drawer.
Kind of like the old fashioned bread drawer covers.
Of course, I'm just the idea girl around here. The engineering part of the plan was left up to Mr. Handy Dandy.
And right away he said he had the solution in the garage.
A leftover piece of whiteboard/ chalkboard that he could cut to size.
It was perfect.
It was thin enough to slide right into the drawer frame, so I wouldn't have to store it anywhere when I needed to shut the drawer.
A must in a house that is already short of storage.
It was heavy enough to stay put, but also light enough that when I needed something in the drawer, like a calculator or pen, I could just slide it over with ease.
It worked out very, very well.
Except it was kind of boring. And plain.
And that's just not my style.
My first instinct was to paint it and then maybe stencil it or add a vinyl furniture transfer.
However, one day a few weeks ago, I wandered into Dollar Tree and found this floral contact paper.
Rolls of cottage style roses for $1.25 each - inflation, but still totally worth it - and so easy to apply to my board. Just peel and stick.
I knew immediately that it was the answer.
The paper was a nice weight, had measurement marks printed on the back and separated easily. Trust me, that's not always the case.
To add it to the board, I just measured, cut and stuck in on the front first, anchoring it with folded corners on the back.
Then I added a rectangular piece to the back to cover all the seams.
I did use my contact paper credit card trick to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles, but overall the task took me less than 10 minutes to complete.
When I was done, not only did I have a fabulous new work area, but a charming one as well.
A lovely solution to a small cottage problem.
As well as a few moments of crafting zen.
All for about $2.50.
Plus tax.
So much cheaper than a vacation.
Don't you agree?
What do you do to relax?
A leftover piece of whiteboard/ chalkboard that he could cut to size.
It was perfect.
It was thin enough to slide right into the drawer frame, so I wouldn't have to store it anywhere when I needed to shut the drawer.
A must in a house that is already short of storage.
It was heavy enough to stay put, but also light enough that when I needed something in the drawer, like a calculator or pen, I could just slide it over with ease.
Except it was kind of boring. And plain.
And that's just not my style.
My first instinct was to paint it and then maybe stencil it or add a vinyl furniture transfer.
However, one day a few weeks ago, I wandered into Dollar Tree and found this floral contact paper.
I knew immediately that it was the answer.
The paper was a nice weight, had measurement marks printed on the back and separated easily. Trust me, that's not always the case.
When I was done, not only did I have a fabulous new work area, but a charming one as well.
A lovely solution to a small cottage problem.
As well as a few moments of crafting zen.
Plus tax.
So much cheaper than a vacation.
Don't you agree?
What do you do to relax?
Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pat! It's made such a difference.
DeleteI love that peel and stick wallpaper you added! It adds so much charm to it now.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! It's worked out so well and that paper made it pretty to look at...which is also a must for me. 😉
DeleteWhat a fantastic idea!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I hope it helps someone else with a similar issue.
DeleteGenius. Love this so much. Very pretty. Have a good week. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris! Small house problems! Haha! I know you get it.
DeleteNow that's an ingenious idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Tina! It definitely solved my problem.
DeleteThis is genius!!
ReplyDeleteKathleen - kakingsbury at verizon dot net
You are so sweet, Kathleen! Thank you!!
DeleteThis is brilliant! So easy, so cute and yet, a huge change for you! If I had a set up like that, I would be copying you so quick. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Mari! You’re always so kind. I used to work at the kitchen table, but the desk really is more comfortable and now I have enough room to spread out.
DeleteClever and pretty! - Briana from Texas
ReplyDeleteThanks Briana! It certainly is pretty. Gotta love that Dollar Tree...
DeleteLately I'm not sure what relaxation even is...but I do love little projects like this!
ReplyDeleteLittle projects are my favorite, too. Doable…and quick.
DeleteOMGOODNESS this is one of your very best ideas. I love it, and of course I love how you embellished it! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Ricki Jill! It really is one of my favorites since it's made my day to day a bit easier.
DeleteI see the words brilliant and genius (and I agree!) in the comments above, but let me add one more: clever. Clever at 3 levels: you solved a space problem, you didn't add or bring anything else into the house, and you made it beautiful! Thank you for walking us through this, it will no doubt stir up a little 'clever-ness' in all of us! My zen is sewing, and I am mostly a straight line sewer. I am working on cafe curtains for the kitchen window right now, and then some pillow covers for fall and Christmas.
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you, Kristine! You just made my morning. What a lovely comment to wake up to. ☺️ I'm a straight line sewer, too! Your cafe curtains sound very charming. Enjoy the process and your soon to be new view!
DeleteI swear I thought of the word "brilliant' before I saw all of the other comments, but, that's what it is! My go-to for relaxation is taking pictures. Just realized I haven't taken any in awhile, so I think it's time to relax!
ReplyDeleteI love your photos, Amy! I do hope you’ll get a chance to take a few more to share very soon. And thanks!
DeleteWhat a great idea! Now you have an "L" shaped desk! I paint or walk on the beach to relax.
ReplyDeleteI do! It's been so helpful...and I love painting and beach walks, too, Penny. Very relaxing.
DeleteOh my!! This is perfect! I love the idea and how you made it "YOU".. pinning, because I need more room for my work space.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carla! This one was so easy and it’s made a huge difference in my workspace. Sometimes, it really is the little things!
DeleteVery clever idea and so pretty too!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Marie!! I fell in love with those flowers as soon as I saw them.
DeleteWhat a beautiful and pragmatic way to add space! It's pretty and does just what you want it to. Brenda
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brenda! It's worked out very well.
DeleteWhat a great idea for your work desk to add some more space and it looks pretty too. Enjoy Kim!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Julie! It's been pretty helpful.
DeleteAnother brilliant idea lol. Love this paper it's so pretty
ReplyDeleteThank you very much...and isn't it great paper? Love that Dollar Tree.
DeleteYou call crafting/DIY 'Escapism', I call it 'Therapy'. Either way, it's a way of life for both of us! I love your drawer cover, it's the perfect solution for your space, Kim. Well done!
ReplyDeleteA definite way of life, Ann! The process feeds me for sure. Thanks for the sweet comment and I can't wait for tomorrow's hop. I love all the inspiring ideas.
DeleteCrafting doesn't do it for me, but reading does. Love your sweet little drawer though. Aren't you thankful for a Mr. Handy Dandy???!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Florence! I love the newest addition to my kitchen. It was a quick and easy fix and yes, grateful for that man every single day.
DeletePerfect solution, Kim! You and your hubby are a great team!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kitty! Sometimes we get it right.
DeleteBrilliant solution, Kim! Another score for hubby and you. I like the addition of the contact paper. Like icing on a cake. I've used that same contact paper from Dollar Tree. It's a great look for cottage loving girls like us. :) Hugs.
ReplyDeleteIcing on the cake...your words make me smile!! Thank you so much and I agree, that contact paper is the cat's meow. Hugs!!
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea!! Love the addition of the wall paper!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hope you had a great Memorial Day weekend...Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Thanks Debbie! Can you believe that paper was only $1.25? I want to cover everything with it!!
DeleteI love this so much. Perfect for those of us who live in small spaces. xo Laura
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura! I really needed that extra area to spread out!
DeleteAt the risk of repeating what everyone else said.... BRILLIANT!!! Such an amazing idea and so doable. Love it and how you dressed it up too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle...I am actually blushing over here. I'm not really all that brilliant, it's just a case of necessity is the mother of invention...as my own mom used to say. 😉
DeleteThanks for the great idea! May I ask how thick this piece of plywood is and if it's bended over time/withstood the pressures of being a desk? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi there! So glad you found the idea helpful! I love it and use it all the time. I actually used a piece of 3/16 in. 2 ft. x 4 ft. Black Chalk / White Marker MDF Board that I picked up at Home Depot and cut to size.
DeleteSo far, no warps, it's perfectly flat and holding up very well to daily use and a very heavy planner.
Here's the link if you want to peek at exactly what I used: https://rstyle.me/+l-Se7L_-FqpVsOavQLDHtQ
I hope that helps!!