Bear w/ me, I have a ton of pics. I'll do them in a few separate replies.

First, the family room. This is where we spend most of our time when we're awake and indoors. We don't have t.v. and I want this to be *our* room, where we all can play, hang out and relax. It is also the first room (together w/ the kitchen) that people see when they walk into our house.

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1027575

The coffee table works well for the dollhouse, it's just at her level. But those toys to the right, even though they are in baskets I don't like the way that looks. They are different kinds of blocks and little animals that she plays w/ a lot. There is also a dollbed to the left of those toys, which is only played w/ occasionally.

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1027578

dh's recliner; really the only place for it, other than the dollhouse corner, as it is so big it's in the way anyplace else.

The stairs, with the wall behind that I still need to finish wallpapering (from over a year ago, ugh!) Also notice the unpainted doors. :rolleyes: Big basket has dressup stuff, table w/ kitchen set, under it a basket of books.

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1027624


Next, the sewing area. Books, embroidery supplies, etc on shelves, fabric below in plastic containers. Laundry closet to the left.

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1027583

Misc toys that don't get used much, laundry supplies, and well, just a bunch of crap.

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1027599

We have a similar doll house on a coffee table against the wall too. Then the wooden garage beside it. Under the coffee table we have 4 boxes. One is for the "garage" toys, one for the doll house toys, one that is kitchen toys & one that is blocks & miscellaneous. They pull out what they want to play with & the other stuff is still under the table. Makes clean up easier & easier to find a specific toy since they are in their own boxes.

I found basket with tall handles used up a lot of space & were impossible to store under anything. It might look cute with the little rocking chair beside dad's chair with the doll bed between it & the table. Another "box" could be used as a side table & also hold some toys.

Kerri mom to Amanda(13), Emma(12), (11, foster dd), Maddison(10), J (9,foster dd), Jonah(7), Saige & Claire(3, ID twins) & sweet baby Teagan (8 mos)

You can see my table/island here really well. Like the concept, hate the mess. It catches everything. I also use it to cut sewing projects out, so it usually has at least one in progress project on it. Basically any work in progress, bills to be paid, stuff I otherwise don't know what to do with, gets put here.

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1027595

Full view of kitchen:

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1027592

Main entry door. Under coat hooks is the cat food, some shoes, and a scrubby type door mat.

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1027589

Pantry, which I really don't use much. I went through today and gave a bunch to the food pantry, I'm thinking of consolidating the rest onto a couple of shelves and maybe housing the extra toys in here, and the fabric in the laundry closet shelves.

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1027603

On to the dining room. Doesn't get used except for computer desk, and the stereo is here 'cause it didn't fit anywhere else. Thinking of converting it to a kind of school room for when we HS. We *never* use it. Obviously, since the table (free) has no chairs, lol.
This view is looking in from the kitchen:

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1027600

And view from the other end:

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1027607

Computer desk:

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1027650

Whew! That's it. Now, speak to me mamas!

What would I do? I 'd do better if I could come over - I love jumping in (as long as it's not MY house - lol).

What are your main pieces of furniture? Your dh's chair and what else? Is your family room also your living room? do you have a couch also?

I am very fond of the sterilite boxes (yes, they ARE plastic - but, be that as it may); they are see through, come in different sizes, aren't too expensive, and have lids that snap on - and are stackable. My kids toys are organized by type into sterilite boxes - when they want one kind of toy they take out that box.

Do you specifically want the computer in the dining room? or would it go into your family room - so you could use it while being with the your dd.

Would you eat in your dining room if you made it into a 'dining' room? Or, if you didn't want to use it as such, you could flip-flop the dining and family rooms around; that way, when people enter your home, they would not see the toys.

The kitchen: you are right, your pantry is pretty empty. If you really wouldn't store food in there, certainly use that space to your advantage for keeping other things instead.
I'd also go through the laundry closet and thin what you don't use. Then you should have enough space to organize your sewing. I also have a difficult time keeping my counters clear. I have declared certain spots 'off' limits for piles and it is slowly catching on.

I'm sorry if this is not to your taste or not specific enough, etc.

but you have a whole room with a table unused except for computer space but you are forcing yourself to try and use the kitchen island/kitchen area as sewing space.

I would redirect some of the unused room as a craft/bill payment office/sewing area, make the kitchen for food prep/eating.

The living room seems to need furniture to create homey living areas -- conversation circle with chairs/couches facing each other and a larger toy storage unit with doors/basket cubbies.

I am very tired so this may be disjointed.

I converted our pantry into a craft closet, it has all our craft supplies, all the playdough and toys for that and also homeschool supplies. I have a small trashcan in there and a portable file box that I keep our current files in and a basket sits on top of that with my bills.

I think you should rework the pantry and figure out how to use the extra storage that you don't need for foodstuff.

Also we have storage shelves from Target. They are a wooden shelf with plastic bins on them. I like them but I would prefer bookcases (small like 3 or 4 shelf ones) with wicker baskets. I think something like that would work great in your living room to help with storage.

Also have you considered moving your sewing in the dining room area and making that a "craft room"? You could have your sewing stuff in there and use the table to cut out patterns and such. And also have some extra stuff for dd to play with in there while you are are sewing? You could leave the computer in there and let her have some computer time while you are sewing (if she uses the computer).

By the door I would try to find some sort of chest to store shoes in. We have a coat closet by our front door so we drop our shoes in there. My SIL has a hope type chest and that is where they put their shoes when they come in.

I think overall you need more shelves for everything. I would get some inexpensive bookshelves and use them for storage for everything. Get short bookshelves for the family area and use them to put toys on (get baskets with out the handles or the clear plastic bins like someone suggested), put the books on shelves. Use a larger one to organize your sewing supplies and your office type things.

I am very fond of the sterilite boxes (yes, they ARE plastic - but, be that as it may); they are see through, come in different sizes, aren't too expensive, and have lids that snap on - and are stackable. My kids toys are organized by type into sterilite boxes - when they want one kind of toy they take out that box.

Hear, hear! :D I just went out and spent money on Sterilite boxes. It was hard, I had to swallow my anti-plastic pride. But it has made a huge difference in our toy clutter. We have a *ton* of toys though, yours are a much more reasonable number, Renee. But, you could choose to just keep two baskets of stuff out (rotate that) and the dollhouse, and store the rest in the pantry along with fabric and sewing notions? Just a thought. ;)

I agree that you have said you have a wasted space in the dining room. Why not set up your machines and sewing space in there? I might even make where your machines are now, your bill-paying/organizing area. I have five open horizontal files that go on the wall by my desk. They are organized "to sort," "to read," "to do," "to file," and "errands/coupons." Everything goes in there and is filed weekly. (Theoretically.) And I have a "hotfile" in a drawer next to my desk where I put bills by the date they are due and make other "tickler" files and go through them every few days. It helps cut down on the clutter on the desk surface itself, but I still have to declutter the surface every week or so.

But a designated area and bins to put papers in by type or by action needed, is critical.

I also think that you need some couches or something to make the living room homier. Lydia's toys could be consolidated onto a thrift-store bookshelf, or a simple home-built one, using the baskets you have. The recliner should go in the dollhouse corner and the dollhouse just along the wall, I think. There should be a couch either along one wall or facing the window wall. It's hard for me to put that room together with the kitchen, so I'm not sure if that's right. But a couch or futon facing the recliner would really tie it together as a living space.

Just my thoughts...it's hard to judge a 3-D space from 2-D pictures...it might not be right for you...but maybe there is something you can use.

I agree about a couch or something to make the space homier. When I had the recliner and rocking chair (maybe you didn't see it in the pics b/c it was covered with stuff! :joker: ) on the back wall on either side of the large window, it looked a little better. The problem is, the space is not very versatile, due to the 2 doors (we use both) and the stupidly placed furnace registers which we didn't think to relocate when we tore out the 3 walls to make this new space. We did have a couch in there for about a week, but it was just too big, it was a hide-a-bed couch, we had it on the stair wall and it just stuck out too far. Right now, we have no money to buy anything anyway, but I'm hoping to get maybe a small loveseat or futon, depending on size, when we get our CC paid off. I also agree about the recliner would be better in the other corner. I had it there and moved it to try and make a play corner for lydia, but her toys ended up all over the room anyway. :p
Also, I was thking some different colorful curtains and more stuff on the walls would make it more inviting.

Sewing corner: I don't know if you can tell in the pics but the table is actually built in, and is made from the same counter top as the kitchen counters/island/table. I had thought about moving the computer to that table and the sewing into the dining room, but we have no phone hookups there. Plus, the dining room is right on the other side of our bedroom and I only sew after L is in bed, I'm afraid it would wake her up if I was that close, especially the serger. But, It might look better if there was *just* my 2 machines on the table and not a ton of other junk. ;) And I want also to tidy up the shelves above, as well as get rid of *everything* below, save for the possibility of one of those wicker laundry baskets to hold works in progress, to get them off my island.

Originally posted by tikva18
What would I do? I 'd do better if I could come over - I love jumping in (as long as it's not MY house - lol).



I totally agree with you mama! Renee, I LOVE to do this kind of stuff (weird isn't it!) and I would be happy to come over and help you out one day.

First thing is first though, before any rearranging os done you have to go through everything again and think long and hard about whether it is really needed and it helps to "map" out your daily activities so that you can find the best places to put everything.

PM me if you are interested in a little help.

What are your plans for the front room (no pic provided) with the lovely warm colors?

Oooh, Ashley, you don't know what you're in for! LOL. Funny thing is, *I* really like doing this kind of stuff too, I just feel overwhelmed right now, and broke, so I can't go out and buy any cool shelves or a futon, etc. Guess I need to be more resourceful!

The red room we just don't use. It has lead paint, and while it's lovely, it's just too far from the kitchen, kinda stuck way at the other end of the house. My plan for it is for it to just look good. LOL.

I hate that we live in this enormous house. it's probably a good 2500sq ft and we live in about 1400 sq ft of it at the most. I soooo badly want to build a house. A nice little log cabin in the woods. Not holding out much hope for that though.

I htink that I would put a couch under the window and your dh's recliner next to the door (to the left of the couch if you were sitting on it). Then I would put the coffee table in front of the couch - and , voila, a sitting area.

Some inexpensive bookcases (we got some from Office Depot or Max - don't remember which) could hold her toys - as well as books. You could put your stereo next to the stairway wall. I just reread what you have written - why don't you hit the garage sales - and pick up inexpensive bookcases that way?(I'm going to be looking for dressers for my boys that way.)

If you really don't use the dining room; it is a good idea to make it into a sewing room - it will take a lot out of the kitchen. The table would be big enough to cut out your projects...

You could still move your computer desk into the family room - not quite remembering- what's opposite the stairs? perhaps you have a little space there for the desk.

I htink that this would really shape up the family room - and you would still have room for the bookcases near the couch, if you wanted. You have a fair amount of wall space. I think that you would see that Lydia's toys would fall into place - now that you have a sitting area. What do you think?

My first thought was some wooden bookcases in the family room, along the wall.....a cute futon (easy to change covers, washable, cheap, can get wooden ones (sides) and you can sew covers or buy covers)......and for storing toys, on the bookcases/shelves, I'd use baskets or cute canvas boxes. I used to use plastic Rubbermaid ones, but I hated, hated the look.....so I switched over to baskets and canvas tub like boxes. Easy to toss toys back in, one bin for each type of toy, etc. I also have a ton of toys, and we do use some plastic Sterilite type boxes, but only for closets and under-beds...not "out"....It's just me, I hate the look. LOL. But baskets and such, for me, seem more "homey" and are just as practical to toss toys into. However you can't always stack them....but on a bookshelf, you don't need to. Kwim?

Cute shelves and baskets have made a huge difference for me. (o:

Ok here we go... This is only what I would do, and I hope you don't mind me saying it bluntly... :D I am having a rough evening, and so I am sort of out of nicities this evening.

I would take every thing out of the living room and kitchen... pour it into the dining room area you never use and put it back one by one. I would take all of Lydia's toys out first and put them into a corner in the dining room all piled up. Chairs, papers, everything goes in there... First bring back the big stuff... the chairs, the small tables, microwave, etc. see how it looks where you put it and tweak it if you need to.

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1027575
In this room I would put the rocking chair and the recliner in this corner with a table in the actual corner to balance the space. This is good Feng Shui wise, and also is good for usablility. In the corner of the table closest to the wall put something like a lamp, or a vase to liven it up. (I agree that when you get the cash a little futon would be great under that window and then you could still have the table in the corner and the chair closer to the door. That would look real nice) On the other side of the chair closer to the door I would put a small shelf. On this I would put baskets for dd's toys. But ONLY the small ones. And perhaps books underneith. The baby rocking chair could be there too.

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1027589 Here I would put a basket under the hangers you have... a REALLY big one... this is where all of the shoes go, as soon as you enter the house. Sweat shirts that are discarded can be put here, and any coats, hats, and scarves of course.

That area of counter that is next to this (between the door and the stove)... that should be the coffee maker (only if you use it everyday). If there is something you use EVERY DAY there it will not get cluttered as fast... trust me.

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1027592
On to the kitchen... the island seems to be the only real trouble here... if you were caught up I would say the rest would be clean. Islands are a constant clutter area unless something GOES there. I would put a lazy susan with all of your spices in the middle... or a vase which you dedicate yourself to filling with flowers (bought or cut). If the stereo will fit above the fridge that is the best place for it... the sound will carry better, and only you guys can reach it. :)

At the edge closest to the table I would put a large basket (I have one I am thinking of on my kids table just like it) it must be at least 12" long. It must hold misc papers from the mail, bills that are not done yet, flyers that you pick up... ALL paper clutter goes here. And if it gets out of control you have a place to put it all.

I would put all of your canisters in your cuboards. They will get just as much use, be just as accessable, but not on the counter. Fill that space with something pretty... like a fountain, vase of cut flowers, or have Lydia find you some big rocks, and drop dried roses all over them (I like things like this... I have mini alters all over my house.) Something you like... if you have cookbooks the kitchen counter is the best place for them. They look nice AND we are more mindful not to let spills run, or food clutter get on them. They are very good reminders to clean too... you may want to cook... :) Now take all the other things that you use in your kitchen and put them away... always keeping the "look of it" you want in your head (earthy? Do you want rock book ends? Spotless... nothing on the counters but things you use everyday.... you pick, but if you keep that in your head when you are putting things back it will fall into place) Plants would be great in that window... a second shelf of plants, colored glass, rocks, sticks and little nature things would be great in the middle of the window too. A glass shelf would be even better. And perhaps a collection of rainbow makers... (you know the ones that hang in the windows and shine rainbows when the sun comes out?)

A peg board would go well on the underside of the island next to the dining room door too... there you could make drawstring bags and hang cookie cutters, playdough, markers, and crayons... then she could pick one and take it to the short table (see: Dining room) :D

The kitchen is obviously the most used room in your house... make it the most sacred... the most loveable... and the most organized. Even Lydia can help put things away when she knows where they go. :heart:

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1027583 Do those shelves work for you while you are sewing? I would move those down to sewing level... but that is just me. The thread too... best not to have to stand up... it makes sewing a chore, and when it is a chore it does not get done often... and when an area does not get used often it gets cluttered.

I would take all of the sewing stuff that is underneith and put it above the laundry area. I would get rid of all that other stuff. (On first edit I realized you already said that... :o )

At this point you go into the dining room and figure out what you want to get rid of.... all of the toys are still in there, as is that table, the computer desk, file cabinet and ironing board.

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Here is what I would do... I would cut the legs off of the table and put it on a large rug in the middle of the floor. This is so you guys constantly have a place to sit on the floor and play... the more you make her level the more engaged she would be... and if you do not use the table... This wall would be an even better place for the bags and peg board... just behind the short table. (I sound bossy... sorry.)

Under that window in the back of this pic I would put Lydia's rocking chair... her table with the kitchen set, and the doll cradle... make it her little house area.

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1027600
I would put the computer desk where the ironing board is and vise versa... this puts the ironing board closer to your sewing area. Above the computer desk that shuts out that window I would put plants... lots of plants. In feng shui you always want to balance the technology with nature... it works so well to balance the space that I do it ALL over my house. Not that this would work for everyone... but I highly encourage plants around things like computers. Nature always helps. The filing cabinet... can the drawers be turned so that it is upright? If not, that would be a great place for Lydia's extra toy baskets... if it would it would be a good place for storing some sewing stuff in baskets and perhaps even putting a pretty peice of fabric over it to hide the metal. (If it stays right next to the ironing board which she can not touch anyway this is another good place for the stereo)

I would put her doll house here: http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1027624 And that spot is good for the laundry basket (is that what that is?) because it would be a quick place to drop anything you needed to bring down stairs without a whole lot of work.

God would I love to come help you!

Love Val

Whoa Val! That's what I'm talking about! LOL. I have to wait until this eve. probably to respond fully, but due to the heating register placement I dont' *think* it will work to do the chairs like that. I'll look and see. I did change it around last p.m. and the 2 chairs are angled toward each other on either side of the back window. And I did put the dollhouse in the same spot as you suggested. . ~I'll get it a8ll ironed out and post pics tonight.

Wow Val that was intense!!! LOL! I LOVED IT!!!

If word get sout you might be seeing alot of pics of our homes!!! Like mine!!!:D Seriously thoughm interested in some!!!

I have tried to do teh Feng Shui thing but living in an old house, Like Renee's windos and heaters are in very weird places for todays size furniture, etc...

Renee - I can't wait to see th eresults...HURRY!!!

I sound SO bossy! I am sorry I had such a terrible night... so I was really on edge. Sorry if I sound too bossy. I still agree with myself though... lmao! But it did not come out as nicely as I was hoping. :heart:

Can't wait to see pictures!!

Love Val

You can purchase little plastic covers that direct the airflow out from under furniture -- I have even seen larger ones that have flexible sections (think dryer vent hose type stuff) for venting heat out from under large pieces like a big couch (magnets hold them onto the register -- you could modify that with adhizive velcro is need be).

We used a vent director thingee in DS's last beroom (8x9 feet) when a wall vent simply HAD to be covered by a dresser (or else the baby would have had access to a window via his crib).

They are cheap.

Lydiasmomma

For the Family Room ( if your hubby is handy) he could make a table but have the top able to lift up to make a toy box .. you could also do it half to lift .. but you would have to use one of those easy open "slow shut" saftey hinges .. but it would give the kids table space to work on and a LOT of storage for toys or odds and ends

For the sewing area you could put up a curtain that would cut off the area so you could make some changes.

Then you could put up a wide shelf as far across the top as you could .. that could make room to put fabric you are going to use soon..

you could put up some cork board on the left side and back of the work area and paint it any color you would want .. then you could pin ideas zippers or novilties on it .

Behind the door .. since there is enough space that there is a thread thingy .. you could put nails into a long thin board and use it to hang little baggies of buttons or what ever else you have that hangs



And also i would LOVE to have that much Storage and Space to worry about .. you are LUCKY!!