It’s Part Two time!
I dug out an old basket from our basement because I wanted to keep the small gardening tools that are useful to have at hand for the front garden in a contained spot that also looked aesthetic and a natural part of the decor. The basket was kinda musty, so I took it around the back on a warm, sunny day, sprayed it thoroughly with the hose and then let it sit out in the sun to dry and sanitize for a couple of days. Placed here, it’s a decorative and functional feature.
Emptying out that corner behind the tall wicker hamper wasn’t that terrible, afterall. Some of it was obvious garbage that went straight into the bin. There were some old garden supplies that are better suited to be housed in the shed.
I like how the wicker hamper tucks into the corner a little more snuggly. We had become so accustomed to it living in that corner that it was, well, part of the furniture. It’s even less obtrusive now. Another form and function piece, we throw our returnables in there. Once it’s full, we remove the bag and keep it in the basement until we have a few big bags full to take all at once to the return place.
I hid the loppers and a winter boot scraper behind, which you can’t see at all. But they’re close at hand, which is great!
Ahhhh, the other side! For the last, oh, I don’t know how many years, a tall box lived in this space. I listed what was in this box on FBMP and was very surprised that it got a hit right away! I thought for sure I’d be sitting on it for weeks, like some other items I’ve posted for sale. But I negotiated the deal and it was picked up the following morning! Yay!
The only thing this little spot needed was a vacuum. I’m trying out keeping the broom here, rather than the other side. I think it looks fine but I may change it. Who knows. I like the look of this broom and it’s super convenient for sweeping the front walk, so I don’t mind at all keeping it here.
I also placed our umbrella holder over here, as it fit perfectly. There are two bright umbrellas that I do not care for but are useful to have, as well as these long shoe horns for older folks who need assistance when putting on their shoes. Also, I don’t care to look at them all the time. So I “styled,” maybe arranged is a better word, so that the tall, not bad to look at umbrellas are in front.
I sat in here for a while, observing and moving this plant over here and that plant over there. Re-arranging the small decorative pieces. I ended up replacing the red (indoor) ottoman with a green one and brought out this red and white throw to add some soft texture.
Lastly, I dug out these Norwegian folk themed coasters that I had bought all the way back when I lived in England and started my collection of home-making decor and goods. Not only are they pretty and “go” with the overall feel here in the porch, but they keep mugs of coffee and glasses of water from being unstable on the rattan and wicker tables. Win, win!
I cannot tell you just how incredible it feels to have this space so free from clutter! My whole life, it’s always been a dumping ground, a junk drawer. It wasn’t a very nice way to come home or invite others in, unfortunately.
Now that I get to be the boss of it, it’s so comfortable and cozy. And I think the coziness factor is saying something for it being summer and the room getting hotter than the equator some days! Now that we’re heading into fall and cooler temps, being able to sit in here, with a blanket over my lap and sipping a warm beverage will be everything!
So how much did I spend? Most of the expense was in time. We bought the gnome watering can for $7.99. But then, I sold what was in the narrow box, so I actually made $17!
