Creative Benches, Small Spaces.

We live in a neighborhood of small houses and the number one complaint I hear from other moms is the lack of storage. Live in Minnesota and not even have a coat closet?!? What? Nowhere for boots and hats and winter attire? Nowhere for all that miscellaneous kitchen supplies we use once in a while?
So we decided to solve that problem for the next home owners.

There's a tiny little mud room/entry way that was just dark and gloomy. There's enough gloomy days in Minnesota so let's cheer it up and bring in the sunshine.
Entry bench

Before. . .

After. . .

There's even more potential for this little area. I'm just keeping decor simple for now but envision all the holiday or seasonal cheer or the extra storage above that can be added with shelving and baskets, it could be even cuter.

Or even a plain wreath that can be decorated. I just added these flowers and a couple yellow birds for Spring, they can easily be taken out for the next season.

Too much inspiration is swirling in my head for this space but that's for another day, another blog.

Dining Bench

Before. . . 
Then we (by we, I mean hubby) tackled the dining bench in the kitchen with very little to no storage, apparently Zane had a very important business call to make on the job.

First night in this house two years ago. Isn't it just a beaut? And those curtains? Just couldn't love them more.

 
After. . .

I would love to paint that massive accent wall but we're letting the next homeowners pick their color so for now this is the finished product.

Look at all this storage!!! The whole length of the wall there's space for overflow storage, (insert wife brag moment) my husband does beautiful handy work and

I am loving it.