Maximum Capacity

Our house has undergone several transformations over the past few years. The first being when we received the news of sweet Allie's expected arrival about two years ago. I instantly began planning out her room. We decided to get rid of the guest bedroom, and keep a "playroom". I envisioned this to be the room where all of the overflow toys would go, as well as where our second tv would go, in those times when a second tv was needed (if a Cardinal's game was on.. and I wanted to watch something else, etc.). Well, to tell you the truth, we never even got the cable connection hooked up in that second room before we became aware of sweet Pierce's upcoming arrival. Hmm... no other option but to ditch the playroom/tv room and plan another nursery!

I have tried my best to creatively get the most out of all the space we have. For example, what better way to use our linen closet than for craft and sewing storage? Who sees those spaces under beds and cribs? No one. Why not pack them full of diapers, etc.? Haven't used things in several years? Put them in a box and send them to the attic! Don't have a playroom for the toy overflow? Clear out the built-ins, and wha-la! A giant toy box!


P.S. I may be ultra picky about things being picked up in all the places you CAN see, but that does not mean that organization in those places that you can't see are a priority to me! =)

Now, what about that tv room? Well, I know some are adamently against tv's in bedrooms. I always thought I was, too. Let me tell you, though, I have thoroughly enjoyed our decision to cut a hole in our wall and slap one up in place of our mirror! (Notice the butcher knife that was used...)
Allie seemed to like it, too! But, really, it has been nice to be able to watch something together while relaxing in bed. We certainly don't watch it every night, or need it to fall asleep, but I'd definitely say it was a good solution to our running out of space problem!

So, that brings me to the final room. Once we cleared everything else out, we were finally able to get started on little Pierce's room. Our families came and painted for us, which was a HUGE blessing, since neither one of us has a love or talent for it. I LOVE the color! I made these frames using some decoupage, scrapbook paper, and ribbon. They will, of course, eventually have pictures in them.

Karlye gave us her old changing table, which we painted and spruced up a bit! I'd say it turned out great!

This was a hand-me-down dresser from my sis, Breanna, which we dressed up a little with some porcelain polka knobs from Hobby Lobby. I made the sign with some fabric, my machine, some trim, canvas, and a little hot glue.

The letters were another decoupage endeavor. The lamp shade believe it or not is actually made from poster board, fabric, trim, hot glue, and fishing line. What a great way to recycle a pretty lamp! Thanks, Katie, for the help! The crib and bedding were both gifts and bought for a GREAT bargain!

And the pillow was made using part of the bedding and adding an applique. It will eventually go in the glider that we'll steal from Allie's room, but for now, I've decided to leave the swing in there for a little while.

I love how everything came together so perfectly! Although we're at maximum capacity at this point, I can't say that we are in need of any more space than we have! I also think that the rooms, post baby transformation, are much better than they were before!