Creative Home Decorating Ideas
I think that when it comes to decorating, sometimes you have to look past the obvious and imagine the possibilities. And every once in awhile I’ll see a piece and think “Wow, that could be used so many different ways.”
This happened yesterday when I saw this White Wood Potting Bench from World Market. I was struck with inspiration as soon as I laid eyes on it. It’s a really nice piece, made from tropical hardwoods. There is an extra fold-out shelf, and the slats of the main work space lift off to reveal additional storage.
So, what would I use it for? Well, a couple of different things came to mind. First, I think it would be a really great addition to a laundry room. You could put bins or totes on the bottom shelf for collecting dirty laundry or for sorting the clean (give each person their own color which makes it easier for them to put away their stuff). On the top shelf, you can store all your detergents, fabric softeners, etc. And in the hidden storage, you can store socks that have lost their mate, odds and ends that you find in the bottom of the washer/dryer, laundry pens, etc.
The second idea I had for it would be to place it in a mudroom. Set a drip-tray on the floor under the bottom shelf, and then you can set dirty, wet, or snow-covered boots and shoes on there to dry. Place a couple of plastic trays in the hidden storage area and let the kiddos toss in their wet mittens; hang a piece of cord across the back under the top shelf, and then you can pull the wet mittens out and hang them to dry. Bulky seasonal items (like umbrellas, pool toys, etc.) can be placed on the top shelf as needed.
The best part? It’s 75% off ($34.99), which always makes me happy. I like it when my visions come with a small investment just in case. If you shop through Ebates, use promo code TENOFF2713 for an extra 10% off (plus you’ll earn 4% cash back).
What is your best non-traditional use for an item when decorating your home?
About Liza
Liza is a mom (5-year-old daughter, 20-year-old stepson, and 24-year-old stepdaughter) and wife living in Louisville. She loves spending time with her family, visiting the local zoo and parks, as well as planning travel adventures. Cooking and baking, DIY projects and crafts, and coffee - lots and lots of coffee - round out some of her other hobbies.
I think that’s a great idea!!
I have what people always call ‘country charm’ or ‘barn house’ or something similar… we use a lot of old wooden signs… primitives, etc. People walk in a say “How cute is this’… LOL Totally NOT what they expect from me! I like non-traditional decorating!!
Both of those ideas sound like a great use for this bench! I am not all that creative when it comes to home decor. I wish I had more creativity – and money – to put into my house!
Love the idea of putting it in the laundry room… I just wish I had a laundry room instead of a laundry closet…
What a great idea. I wish that I could see alternative uses for some great items. I’ve been trying to update our house with little changes.
We installed the new InnerMost Perfect Drain Stainless Steel sink in the kitchen. Who would have thought a sink would make a change!
Now on to the rest of the kitchen. You could use this bench for cookbooks or even a stand mixer in corner or recess. Watch out. I might me going shopping today!
I love the idea of using the bench in the mudroom!! I’d probably use the bench outside my front door since we really have no space in our entryway…
I would absolutely use it this in a mudroom! Great idea!
This is such a great idea! What a cute addition to a kitchen.
I always thought that an old ornate dresser would make a really nice tv stand…I just haven’t found the right one yet.