Updating a Utility Hallway~from Cluttered to Clean
The area between our laundry/utility room and kitchen, is also an access path to the 3-car garage. As you can imagine, it is a dumping ground for just about everything. When no one knows where to put something, it typically gets placed here. Because we are spending much more time at our cabin, I am noticing the inefficiency of many of our spaces. Slowly, I am trying to tackle each one. Come and see what I did this week to clean up this messy and unorganized space.
The Before
There are many things I do not like about this “hallway”. Not a fan of the tile floor, however, it is easy to clean when coming into the house with muddy or snowy shoes. The blank white walls are boring, yet I am not ready to make a change there as it requires more thinking.
Underneath the plethora of hats, there is an attractive hat/coat rack. The sweet little red table is a gift from a neighbor. However, it doesn’t provide much in the way of storage. The top gets cluttered with old egg cartons and miscellaneous junk. Larger items that don’t have a place to go, get set on the floor and stacked up. Notice my bulk stash of Vital Proteins (always buying it on sale!)
To the right of this clutter, are steps down to the man door to the garage. Also to the right and around the corner is the small laundry room. If you head to the left is a bathroom with a shower. The Dhurrie rug could use a good cleaning.
The During
Naturally, the first course of business is moving all the clutter out. Just doing that is a huge improvement and I have the help of our furry feline, Donovan.
How we got so many hats is a mystery to me. But I assume over the years, everyone placed a hat or two there at one time. In dismantling the hats, we find many that fit on children’s heads and will end up in the donation pile.
It has been years since I laid eyes on this coat/hat rack and I forgot how attractive it is. Fortunately it is only attached with two screws and can be easily removed.
A Storage Solution
After quick perusal of the internet, I find the perfect solution. A cabinet that is narrow enough for the space and long enough to capitalize on the space. Needing a place for extra kitchen items, pet supplies and taller containers, I find this on Wayfair, the Korsica Accent Cabinet. With a 4.6 star rating, the reviews are very positive and it’s an affordable price of $279.99.
The dimensions are 11.75″ wide, 36.75″ tall and 63″ long, with 3 separate storage areas and shuttered doors. Yes, you do have to assemble and it states it takes 2 people approximately 45 minutes. I feel like it took us a bit longer though.
It came in one large box with several pieces. Fortunately my husband pulls out his trusty tools and we start assembling. Since we are busy putting this together, I don’t capture many photos. It is not an easy project but after building tons of Ikea furniture, once you get the hang of it, the process is quicker.
The After
In order to keep the entry to the bathroom wide enough, we need to move the piece to the right. As a result the rack is off center so it is an easy fix to move it a few more inches.
The small vintage wooden lamp is perfect as a night light. I love the idea of a picture but not sure this is the right one, so I am experimenting with it.
The neon pothos in the handmade Ute Indian pottery creates a nice contrast to the light wood top.
A great location for dropping off sunglasses and keys, is a carved wooden shallow bowl.
Additional Storage
Since my cabin kitchen does not have adequate storage, I am looking forward to reorganizing and getting our backup supplies tucked away.
With 3 cupboards and shelves, I am happy with the additional storage space.
Gotta love those Costco runs! We always buy Vital Proteins when they go on sale!
All in all, I am pleased with the transformation. The hall feels more spacious and brighter. Hopefully we all will learn not to just dump things here. The cost is approximately $300 and some of our time.
What do you think?
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Great change! It looks fantastic.
Janie, thank you!!
Love this and would like to try it in my rear foyer. You have a very good eye for things.
Virginia, I really love the size of this piece and it’s perfect for storing back up supplies to the kitchen. Very pleased!
What a difference in your entry. I love it when something small makes such a big impact.
Andrea, I agree. A very affordable fix with a positive impact.
Mary, I love your idea of your artwork on the wall. That is a great idea! And just leave the paint as is.
By the way, your cat Donovan, and my cat, Buddy, could be twins. I believe you said he is a Maine Coon and my, Buddy is also. He is the smartest cat and most loving I’ve ever had. 🙂
Also, when I pressed the “reply” button it would not work. That is why I had to leave another comment.
Valerie, I am going to work on a painting for this space next week. I’ve delayed painting and I’m not sure why as I love to do it! How fun that you have a Maine coon too. I know they are very smart cats with wonderful dispositions. I’m having issues with the back end of my blog and will be converting to another system soon. Sorry for the problems. Thank you for your comment!
Beautiful! That cabinet is a perfect fit – looks great and works well too! I love your eye for elegance and detail, even in a hallway!
Looks great! Perfect space for more plants
Julianna, ha.ha.ha. You already have 800 plants..
I love the cabinet! I like the idea of my books behind closed doors. Would you please tell me the depth of the shelves?
The depth of the shelves is 10″, perfect for books!!
I really like the cabinet and it’s perfect for that space. I see hat/coat racks like this one and really like them but have yet to see one not cleaned up for a photo that isn’t a jumbled mess so don’t think you were the only one with that elephant in the room. It’s like dozens of shoes at doors….if you aren’t wearing them today why not in the bedroom closet where they should be. You did a great job with this make over.
Dee, I am laughing because I am always complaining to the family about the plethora of shoes at the front door. I’m definitely with you! And the hat rack is a reason for some family members to take every hat they own and leave it there. I will probably continue to be the hat/shoe witch! Ha!
Good Job!
Bev, thank you!
Love it!! Turned out great! Love the color too!
Tevia, it’s funny how the color looks different in each photo…but it is supposed to be a teal. Just met with a contractor yesterday on re-doing the kitchen. I’m on a roll!
I think it looks like a wonderful and efficient improvement. Now, what color of paint will you choose? Eager to see that.
Valerie, the white wall doesn’t bother me as much. I think if I hang a painting it might break up the wall space. Also the little lamp provides a warm glow which also helps. Thinking about a kitchen update (not a full remodel) and that may influence a wall color decision. Any thoughts?
What an improvement! Both esthetically and practically. It looks as nice as a front entry.
I think this furniture piece would also look lovely in a front entrance.Other than the pain of assembling it, I think it’s a pretty (and affordable) piece.
What a difference!! Looks great.
Joanie, I think cleaning it was 75% of the improvement. Thank you. I am happy with the results!