Chris cut trimmed down a shelf with hooks that used to be hanging in an upstairs bathroom to fit in the space perfectly. We hung it much higher than the previous coat racks because 1.) We’re tall. 2.) It heightens the space and makes it feel bigger and 3.) We wanted to make sure we would have room for extra storage underneath.
Enter leather storage ottoman:
This was the only thing I bought for the whole makeover (besides some gold spray paint, but I’ll get there). I knew I wanted an ottoman that had storage and fit the width of the nook for $50 or less. Even though the space is 30″ wide, with baseboards on either side, we needed something around the 28″ mark for storage. After lots of online searching with no luck, I almost asked for a budget extension–but decided to check Ross first with tape measure in hand. This 28″ tufted, dark brown, leather storage ottoman was $49. (!!!) Huzzah! We have our yoga mats, exercise bands, camera bag, tripod and even some blankets for the adjacent family room stored in there. Love that thing.
With the bold paint and the dark ottoman, I did worry it would start feeling too dark back there, so I decided to hang a simple full length mirror we’ve had since we got married to bounce off some light, not to mention a mirror kinda belongs by a house exit, right? The only problem was–it was dark, too:
And dirty. Oops. I taped off the glass and spray-painted it with Valspar’s Metallic Gold. Once the mirror was hung, the whole space really began to evolve and make sense. Grab your purse, check yourself and head out the door.
The gold mirror also made way for more little touches of gold. Like the gold in the throw pillow that I got during my college days, pre-Chris. The little frame on top of the shelf that holds a family picture and will most likely be joined on the shelf by keys and sunglasses.
With gold accents quickly coming to play, I grabbed this oil painting I did in high school (it was previously in our guest room/office) and hung it in the hallway, too:
And the other side looked like this:
And now looks like this:
There you have it, friends. A quick little revamp that turned a dysfunctional mudroom/black hole into a smashing organized nook:
Leave a Reply
What do you think?
Semihandmade
Our wood grain Shaker cabinet fronts were designed for busy, high-traffic homes like ours. Clad with durable textured thermofoils, this line is compatible with Sektion, Akurum, Godmorgon, and Besta cabinets from IKEA. It's the perfect, practical way to add the warmth of wood to all the rooms of your home.
Collaborations
learn more
next
Loloi
We have teamed up with Loloi to create a line of rugs that are as affordable as they are beautiful. This collection houses a great mix of traditional and modern rugs, in cottage-y colorways, as well as vintage-inspired beauties that you’ll want to roll out in every room.
Collaborations
learn more
next
STUGA
We partnered with Stuga on a line of hardwood floors — The Ingrid is really livable, and the color is very neutral. It doesn’t lean warm or cool, it’s that just right in-between. We have really loved putting it everywhere in our house. It’s the best jumping-off point for design, no matter your interior style. In addition to being beautiful, Ingrid is really durable — we have three kids, and we always have a home construction project going on. Ingrid stands up to it all.
Collaborations
learn more
next
SHop all
What We're Right Now
What We're Right Now
Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop.
Loving
Portfolio
Design
Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
BROWSE BY CATEGORY
let's break this thing up
We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
Projects
Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
read more
read more
read more
02
01
03
looking for inspiration?
A reader recently asked me if I’m starting to fully embrace traditional style and whether we still consider our house to be a “modern Colonial” and why. It was a really great question and so timely — I had really just been thinking about my approach to this home and how my style has changed […]
SEARCH THE BLOG
We've been doing this since 2009 and we've posted a whopping 24145+ blog posts and counting. You might need a little help searching, huh?
looking for something?
find stuff like:
Can We Send You Our Love Letter?
Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!
Follow Along on Instagram
Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
@chrislovesjulia
Links
Get Around
Make yourself right at home
Portfolio
Design
Casual Friday
Projects
Lifestyle
Gift Guides
All Posts
Shop
Love where you live.
Social
RivrLinks
Links
Get Around
Make yourself right at home
Portfolio
Design
Casual Friday
Projects
Lifestyle
Gift Guides
All Posts
Shop
Love where you live.
Social
RivrLinks
Hey there! I’ve been following your site for some time now and finally got the
bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Dallas Texas!
Just wanted to mention keep up the excellent work!
http://wh.gov/iiwnK is the @WeThePeople petition for securing
America’s borders to #ebola. Needs 52,000 signatures.
Please, share & sign! NOW!
Hi there mates, pleasant piece of writing and nicce arguments
commented here, I am really enjoying by these.
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article.
I will be sure to bookmark it and return to
read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post.
I will certainly return.
What’s up i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anywhere, when i
read this paragraph i thought i could also make comment due to this brilliant piece of writing.
It’s being presented by in UNCOMPRESSED format to ship you full 440 Volts of Masala
leisure. Be part of right away and Benefit from the show by instantly downloading the uncompressed
basic and add it your collection of Most interesting Uncensored Mallu
Movies !!!
There’s certainly a great deal to find out about this subject.
I like all of the points you made.
Hi, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues.
When I look at your blog in Opera, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer,
it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
Other then that, wonderful blog!
Researchers have got known for some time that genital herpes is basically spread
by individuals who aren’t even aware they will have it.
However the new study provides better impression of how generally
symptom-free people with the condition are contagious.
I read this paragraph completely about the resemblance of
hottest and earlier technologies, it’s awesome article.
When someone writes an article he/she retains the idea of a user in his/her brain that how a user can know it.
So that’s why this post is great. Thanks!
What i do not understood is if truth be told how you’re not really a lot more
smartly-preferred than you might be right now.
You are so intelligent. You understand therefore considerably in terms of this topic, made me personally consider it from a lot of various angles.
Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it is one thing
to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding.
At all times take care of it up!
Typically, if you are first diagnosed mainly because having herpes a medical doctor will suggest a specific herpes treatment product.
What a material of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious experience about unexpected feelings.
Amazing! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a completely different topic but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Wonderful
choice of colors!
Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your
favorite justification seemed to be on the net the simplest thing
to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people consider worries that they plainly do not know about.
You managed to hit the nail upon the top and
defined out the whole thing without having side effect
, people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more.
Thanks
Also visit my blog post: Cheap NFL Jerseys
When someone writes an article he/she keeps the plan of a user in his/her mind that how a user can understand
it. Therefore that’s why this post is perfect. Thanks!
My page :: Abercrombie France
each time i used to read smaller articles or reviews which as well clear their motive, and that is also
happening with this article which I am reading here.
My homepage … Abercrombie Pas Cher
Awesome post.
Also visit my weblog :: Michael Kors Bags
Would have never thought to put a mirror there. Great idea!!
This turned out beautifully! I’m completely amazed!
it looks wonderful!! and i agree with everyone else, the gold with that blue is incredible! So gorgeous!
I love the gold accents! You know what Jules you think on your feet, thats why it works. You think fast and smart!
I LOVE the red/gold/blue! And that ottoman is perfect- Well done! Gotta love a functional nook. :)
INNNNNNNNCredile! Are you for hire?
Looks great! Love the painting you did – you’re so talented ;)
I can’t believe you did this so quick. It is SMASHING. To me, that gold mirror makes that space. It looks beautiful. Nice yob!
PERFECT transformation. I love that “we’re tall” LOL Yes you are!! SO genius to paint a tall mirror. We NEED one of those mirrors in our house. When you can only see your outfit waist up- kinda useless :-)
Great work!! i love it! i love the blue walls and the long mirror.
Yes we do!! I’m on the hunt.
Love the bag ;)
You need a cute little basket on top of the shelf to store your keys and sunglasses. :)