Almost every hobby or activity comes with a range of equipment and supplies. Although these two homeowners' interests are different, their needs for organization are the same. Read on to see how two simple makeovers create attractive hobby spaces.
Recreation Station
This on-the-go young family enjoys a variety of activities including golfing, football and camping. They needed a centralized location where they could store all of their sporting equipment. Luckily, they found just the right spot in the garage. The family organized the space by each activity, painted the surrounding walls in a neutral gray and added interlocking floor tiles to define the space and give extra cushion underfoot.
Good to Know
You can cut foam floor tiles using a utility knife to fit perfectly in your space.
The doors of one cabinet were removed for visible, easily accessible storage. Flexible bungee cords keep balls secured inside the cabinet. To do this, first drill holes in the middle shelf and in the bottom of the cabinet. Then knot the cords to create the desired length, and hook them through the holes.
The homeowners installed track systems with organizational accessories and painted the wall between the two cabinets a vibrant red to make items stand out. To create mobile storage on the floor, casters were attached to two durable galvanized storage bins using epoxy. A black wire shelf above the track system holds bags and seasonal items.
The track system includes a variety of hooks that hold everything from tennis rackets to a scooter. Baskets and bins contain small items, such as golf tees and gloves.
Good To Know
Gladiator tracks can be cut with a hacksaw to fit in tight spaces.
Craft Closet
A connoisseur of all things crafty, this homeowner enjoys projects such as gift wrapping and table decorating. She had a dedicated closet for her supplies, but it lacked shelving and hanging storage to help keep her organized.
The homeowner brightened the space by applying white paint to the closet and to the new wooden shelves, which are half of the depth of the closet. She designed the lower shelf to accommodate cans of remnant paint that she uses for quick touch-ups. Baskets and bins below keep items neatly stored away.
Peg-board and hooks at the back of the closet organize essentials such as tape, ribbons and paintbrushes. Curtain clip rings on the pre-existing rod display paint chips, inspiration pieces and shopping lists.
To make the most of her small space, the homeowner took advantage of the closet door and devised a solution for hanging loose wrapping and tissue paper. A small work surface also was installed on the door and easily folds away when not in use.
Make It: Hanging Rods
Step 1: Cut three dowel rods to fit the center panel of your door.
Step 2: Using a drill/driver, attach curtain finials to both ends of each dowel rod.
Step 3: Spray paint the completed rods with your desired color. Allow to dry.
Step 4: Measure and mark the spot on the door for each curtain bracket. Use the included hardware to attach the brackets, and place a rod inside the cup of each bracket.
Make It: Folding Work Surface
Step 1: Cut a plywood sheet to the desired size of the work surface. We cut a 24- x 24-inch sheet to 18 x 24 inches. (A Lowe’s employee in the lumber department can cut the wood for you.) Sand the edges of the board, and wipe clean.
Step 2: Sand, prime, and paint the board the same color as the door. Allow to dry.
Step 3: Place the board facedown on a flat surface. For the hinges, first measure and mark 1 inch in from each end on one of the long edges. Attach the hinges at these marks using the included hardware. Turn the board face up, and position it perpendicular to the door at your desired location. Secure the other side of each hinge to the door, allowing the board to fold down flat against the door.
Step 4: Screw a cup hook at each front corner of the board. Use a chain cutter to cut two pieces of chain approximately 18 inches long. Attach the chain to the cup hooks, and pull the board up to your desired level. Mark two spots where the chain meets the door, and attach cup hooks at these marks. (Our cup hooks are approximately 16 inches above the board.)
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