In the past couple of years, I have been slowly redesigning our kitchen into a small french country kitchen. One way to get the old-world feeling was by adding copper accents. I have copper items in the room, from useful pieces over my stove to decorations.

The look of a copper surface as it patinas is so pretty, but sometimes I love to shine it up and make it looks as rosy as a baby's bottom. After sharing our kitchen tour and decorating with copper accents, I thought it was time to share how to keep copper shiny.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission if you purchase using the links below at no extra cost to you. All opinions are all my own.

How to Keep Copper Shiny

Good news – it is truly simple. Whether I have used a copper piece for cooking or it is cleaning day, I have found that shining our copper takes no time. I currently have eight pieces of copper in my kitchen, and when it is cleaning day, it takes me about 30 minutes to clean them all.

So what is my secret — it is using Bar Keepers Friend. This is the best product to get your copper back to a clean and rosy color. It is not like a mirror when you purchased it from the store, but it is clean and pretty. If you have copper, it's a good choice to keep this around to maintain the look of your beautiful copper.

The good thing is that cleaning copper is very simple and does not take a long time. Here are the steps for best results on how to clean copper.

How to Clean Copper

First, let's talk about cleaning the inside if you are cleaning cookware. The inside of your copper pot or pan is probably tin if it is old or stainless steel if it is new. Tin is very soft, so be careful you don't scratch it. Use soft sponges or soft cloth when cleaning, so you won't scratch them.

Now simply use dish soap and warm water to clean the inside of your pots and pans. But for the outside surface of the copper, especially for stubborn tarnish, you can use something more scratchy. Copper is pretty durable.

I wet my sponge and pour Bar Keeps Friend powder or paste onto the outside bottom tarnished copper pot, pan, or decoration.

Then I start scrubbing with the rough side of the sponge. The acid in the Bar Keepers Friend reacts with the surface of copper, and it will magically begin to turn back into the prettiest rosy copper color.

Next, rinse it with warm water and then use a dry cloth or dishtowel to dry it. It is that simple. I feel like I need to tell you more, but there is not much more to say when cleaning it or making it shiny again.

Remember you don't have to clean tarnish from your copper if you love the look of it aged and patinaed. But I have to say that with my copper hanging over the stove, I find it needs a good cleaning whether I use it or not weekly. Grease and such splatter on it and makes it a mess

See how pretty the copper looks when it is clean. Here is how it looked before and after cleaning.

Cleaning other Copper Items

You can continue to use this technique with other copper pieces as I did here with this old flue cover hanging on my wall and this other decorative plate.

I also cleaned my antique ladle that was black when I got it. I boiled it in vinegar and tried many techniques but could only get it somewhat clean and shiny. It wasn't until I discovered Bar Keepers Friend that it turned rosy and shiny.

Natural Way to Clean Copper

There are cleaning methods to clean copper with natural ingredients, like lemon juice or tomato paste. I have never tried these ways, but natural acids, I have heard, work very well on cleaning copper.

Best Place to Buy Copper

Now that you know how easy it is to keep copper shiny and pretty, here are a few places where you can buy new and old copper for decorations or cookware.

I found my copper pans in an antique/thrift store, and the mugs used to belong to my in-laws. We do not use these pans or mugs. The pans need to be re-tined, and the mugs don't have any coating, so I don't want to take a chance.

For new pieces of copper cookware, I recommend William and Sonoma. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat for cooking. They have such beautiful pieces, and they are safe to use if they come from them. This copper braiser has the most beautiful acorn knob on top. I have it on my wish list.

The copper ladle is an antique I found while picking in an old antique/thrift store. But Etsy is a great place to shop for antique pieces of copper.

For other copper decorations for your kitchen, look for copper molds, flue plates, or any kind of plate. I found these plates in that same antique thrift store. But again, you can find many more on Etsy's website.

Conclusion

For years I thought keeping copper shiny was almost impossible, so I avoided using copper in my kitchen. But after watching The Elliott Homestead share how she keeps her copper clean, I decided to try it on my old antique copper ladle. To my surprise, it polished up into the most amazing rose color until I couldn't believe it.

I am glad I discovered this simple way to clean copper and make it look shiny again. While the oxidation of copper is a natural process, having beautiful, shiny copper displayed in your kitchen is so lovely. There is something about having a clean kitchen that makes me happy.

How about you? Do you have copper in your kitchen or home? Maybe you have a favorite copper mug or wall art. In recent years copper hoods and copper back-splashes have become popular. Or perhaps you have a copper sink or even copper counters. How do you keep your copper clean and shiny? I'd love to hear any easy ways that work for you. Please share in the comment so we all can learn from each other.

Happy Decorating!

How to Keep Copper Shiny and Clean

Print

Keeping copper shiny is easy and always looks beautiful in your kitchen or as a decoration in your home.

Active Time 30 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost 10.00

Materials

• Bar Keepers Friend
• Soft sponge or soft cloth
• Sponge with rough side
• Dry cloth or dishtowel

Instructions

1. Remove the copper pieces being displayed or the copper you use daily. If the inside of the pot or pan is tin be careful you don't scratch it. Use soft sponges or soft cloth when cleaning.
2. For the outside surface of the copper you can use something more scratchy.
3. Wet your sponge and pour Bar Keeps Friend powder or paste onto the outside bottom pot, pan, or decoration.
4. Start scrubbing with the rough side of the sponge.
5. Rinse with warm water.
6. Dry with a cloth.
7. Hang all your clean copper pots, pans, and mugs back up in their spaces.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

The post How to Keep Copper Shiny the Easy Way appeared first on LIFE ON SUMMERHILL.

After a week of research and looking for just the right containers I wanted to save you time and share with you how to organize a side by side refrigerator.

Have you ever admired those refrigerators that look so organized and pretty? The ones with all the matching storage containers and the liquids in pretty bottles.

I am drawn to anything organizing so when I learned that my new fridge was not coming in for another 6 months I decided to give my older Kenmore side by side some attention.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission if you purchase using the links below at no extra cost to you. All opinions are all my own.

How to Organize a Side by Side Refrigerator

To begin here is a step-by-step list of fridge cleaning and organizing and a shopping list of supplies.

• The first step is to remove everything from one shelf at a time (trash anything that has passed its expiration date)
• Clean each shelf, drawer, and fridge body on the interior using Dawn dishwashing liquid, a soft sponge, magic eraser, paper towels, or lint-free dishtowels
• Place new containers and items into your fridge and organize them into categories like produce, meat, leftovers, and so on.
• Transfer foods to jars, bottles, and bins (Here are the ones I used, glass jars with snap lids, long narrow acrylic boxes, egg drawer, white ceramic butter dish, glass liquid jugs, a basket, a small basket for a drawer, produce to a crisper container for fruit, a large container with sealed lid for vegetables)
• Label containers and drawers with label maker

Shop Supplies to Organize your Fridge

Now that we have an action plan and supplies, let's break this down. I will show you each step of the way and explain why we did things the way we did.

Remove Foods from Fridge

Begin by removing every item from inside your fridge working from the top down. Look at expiration dates and toss food if it has expired.

The best practice is to work one shelf at a time so only remove items on the top shelf first and then move to the next shelf after cleaning and replacing the top shelf.

Next, any food that needs to stay refrigerated place them in a second fridge if you have one. We have an extra one in our garage but you may have a mini-fridge somewhere. If you don't have a second fridge, leave the perishable items that can spoil in the back on another shelf for now.

Once you have pulled everything off of the top shelf, remove the shelf for washing. Remember, we will be working one shelf at a time.

Best Way to Clean a Side by Side Refrigerator Interior

I like to use Dawn dishwashing liquid, a soft sponge, and hot water. Give each shelf and drawer a good bath and dry them with paper towels or lint-free dishtowels.

Next, take your sponge and wipe down the interior of the refrigerator body. Again, start at the top and work your way down. That way any debris will fall to the bottom and you can collect it at the end.

If you see any areas that need a little more than a sponge try a magic eraser. I have some scuff marks on the edge of one of my drawers. A magic eraser got rid of it easily.

Test a small area first to make sure it doesn't harm the finish.

Now collect all the new containers and give them a good warm water bath too. Dry them with paper towels or dish towels and set them aside to use when organizing each shelf.

Side by Side Refrigerator Organization

As you work your way down cleaning all the shelves, think through how to organize your fridge by zones. I shared how to organize your kitchen by zones and we are going to do the fridge the same way.

For example, all produce will go into the produce drawer and the berry basket will be set above it on the shelf. I will show you more as we go through the fridge.

Also, consider placing your new storage containers in the fridge as you work without filling them. That way you can return it if you don't use it.

Storing Meat in the Meat Drawer

Make sure to always keep the meat in this drawer because it is designed to keep it at the right temperature so they don't spoil. Items we store in this drawer are lunch meats, raw meat while it is thawing out, bacon, breakfast sausage, and more.

We only keep the meat in this drawer. Make sure to place the meat in ziplock bags or containers with a sealed lid.

Organizing Produce

Next up from the bottom of my fridge is the produce drawer. Some refrigerators have a produce drawer with two climate options. One is for high humidity and the other setting is for low humidity.

Here is a post on how to use the crisper drawer and it tells you what fruit and vegetables need high and low humidity. If your fridge has two crisper drawers, you can have one set for high humidity and the other for low humidity.

If you are like me, you probably only have one crisper drawer in your side-by-side fridge. I set my crisper drawer to high humidity and place items that need high humidity inside.

For my salad items like spinach, carrots, cucumbers, celery, and such, I placed them in a sealed container. I eat a salad every day for lunch so it is super easy to grab the container and make my salad. And I have found that my salad foods last longer in a sealed container.

For my berries, I use this acrylic container with a basket inside. This container has a venting option on the top. If you place berries inside make sure to open the vent so moisture is allowed to flow out.

One tip for determining if you need to open a vent or not is to think about how the produce arrives from the grocery store. For example, all berries come with vented holes on the bottom and sometimes a white absorbent piece of material in the bottom.

Copy their lead and store your fruit and vegetables the same way in your fridge.

Now I set my berry container on the shelf above my produce drawer and not inside the high humidity drawer. This helps it to stay fresh longer. Plus it makes getting berries for a snack easier.

One last thought. Do not clean your berries before storing them. They will last longer if you wait to clean them when you are ready to eat them. Unless you plan to eat them all in a day or two. Then it is fine to clean them.

Organizing Bread in Your Fridge

Some of you might be wondering why we have a dedicated space for bread. Well, years ago we changed the way we eat. We eat fresh foods with fresh ingredients now and steer clear of boxed foods and processed foods.

Because we eat more fresh, our bread goes bad fast because they do not have added preservatives. So we have found that bread lasts longer in the fridge and freezer.

So to make this easy and beautiful we decided to place all our bread in a basket on the bottom shelf. Doesn't this look pretty!

You will be surprised at all the things you can put in your breadbasket. When my daughter brings home donuts they fit in nicely. My daughter also loves pita bread so that goes in there too. And of course, my gluten and dairy-free bread fit too.

Organizing Dairy Drawer

We have a small drawer in the middle of the side-by-side fridge we use for dairy items. In this drawer, we mostly store cheeses. To make it more organized, I placed a small basket I found at Dollar Tree and fill it with sliced cheese.

Dollar Tree has loads of storage containers you can use to organize your fridge, especially when you have smaller items. Last year, I organized my sewing supplies with Dollar Tree containers. Talk about making sewing easier. Now I can find everything easily.

Organizing the Middle Shelf

The next shelf is perfect for leftover foods or food items that come and go on a daily basis. We use our middle shelves for all those things.

If you use all the same size containers for leftover foods then this shelf will look nice all the time. Also, use square containers that way they fill in the corners of your fridge. This also looks nice.

Next, if you have adjustable shelves, position your next shelf up a little higher so you can fit a drawer under it. We choose to place the egg drawer on the right side. It is still high enough so we can fit taller things on the shelf below it.

Now if your milk is spoiling quickly, consider placing it in the back of the fridge on this shelf. The coolest place in your fridge is the back of a shelf. The fridge door is the opposite because it doesn't stay as cool but we will talk about organizing the door items soon.

This shelf is also great for containers that store can goods like sodas. We have soda and water bottles but we keep them in the fridge in the garage. Or you can add a clear bin for items like applesauce, Caprisun, and other prepackaged items.

Organizing the Top Shelf

Last on our list of interior shelves to organize is the top shelf. Top shelves are a great place to store any condiments or dry goods. Because of the sustainability of our dry goods, we need to keep many of them in our fridge in airtight containers.

A beautiful way to store dry goods is in glass containers with a snap-down lid. I placed down the middle all my flours and grits containers. These stay fresher longer and keep their nutrient content better if refrigerated.

Next to the dry goods are two containers to hold items and condiments that are used most often. We use our syrups and jellies the most so they have a home on the top. If you have two similar items, be sure to put the new item in the back and use the older item first.

Organizing the Doors of a Side by Side Fridge

Now let's first talk about the top shelves on the doors. Remember me saying that the best place for milk is on the back of a shelf. Well, the refrigerator door is an easy access place to store butter and drinks but if you are not drinking your milk quickly then place it on the shelf in the back away from the warmest part of the fridge.

We use real butter and leave it out on the counter. If you are wondering if that will spoil and make you sick, I am here to say we have done this for decades and no one has gotten sick yet.

However, we do have a house with ac so if your home is not cool inside then I would research to see if it is safe.

Now remove items on each shelf moving from the top down and clean the shelf. Once the shelf is clean and dry simply replace it and place items on the shelf that are similar or the same.

On the top is our butter. Because I have an allergy to dairy products, I found this butter dish that fits perfectly for my vegan butter.

Next are our drink shelves. After I washed and dried them, I place teas, coconut milk, and other taller items on the top shelf.

I find my snap top lid glass bottles at TJ Maxx but the smaller jar with the gold lid is actually an apple cyder vinegar jar from Trader Joe's. I loved the shape and the gold lid. The size was perfect for my coconut milk that comes in a can.

The next shelf is for more drinks. On this shelf, I wanted matching containers for our milk, almond milk, and orange juice.

I transferred all the liquids into the jars that I found at Target. To keep my drinks fresh, I plan to use all the liquid or toss it if it has expired before refilling it with the milk and such.

I love the shape and size of the milk container I found at Target. Having all the same size containers make this shelf look so tidy. I also found this similar glass milk container at Amazon. It seems to be a thicker glass and I love the modern cow design on the side.

If you have children, consider a plastic version so it doesn't break if they accidentally drop it.

The next two shelves are a great place for condiments. To save time in the future I decided to keep my condiments in their containers. Let me explain more.

When you come home from the grocery store if you keep your condiments in their containers and simply place them on the shelf then you are saving time. It may not look as pretty and it won't look as pretty on your dining table during dinner but it will save time.

Simply place similar condiments together. I place mayo, ketchup, and mustard kind of condiments on the top shelf of the lower two. This is because we use them the most.

On the bottom are vinegar, soy sauce, pickles, salad dressings, and similar condiments.

Adding Foods to Bins

Can you believe we are finished organizing our side-by-side fridge? Now it is time to place foods into the new bins.

Fill the bottles with milk, juices, and other liquids if you haven't already.

Eggs in the egg drawer.

Shredded cheese, goat cheese, cream cheese, or any other cheese in their containers and place inside of the dairy drawer. Make sure to use your label maker and label them as you go.

Speaking of labeling your food. For the most part, I can see what is inside the container so I don't need to label everything but make sure to label foods that look similar like milk and such.

If you don't want your labels to show you can place them on the bottom. Also, labels will help your family put things in the proper place. So if you have the dairy, produce and meat drawer labeled neatly then they are more likely to place those items in that drawer.

The best way to label your items in your fridge is with this label maker. This is my new favorite contraption. It prints labels with curved edges and you use their app to create the writing.

I love that you can change the font, size, and much more with the app. Then once you have it just like you want it, you simply print.

My items have been labeled for over a week now and the lettering hasn't smudged or faded. The labels still stick perfectly. Also, when I labeled one thing wrongly, I found the label easy to remove so I could put another one.

Last, add those condiments you use all the time on the upper shelves in the baskets or you can place your soda can drinks there too.

Final thoughts

Now that our organized refrigerator is finished, here are a few last thoughts to keep your fridge organized and maximize your fridge space.

First, once a week go through leftover foods and toss anything that is old. And place leftovers in smaller, airtight food storage containers.

Do not place a large cooking pan filled with cooked food in it in your fridge. It takes up too much storage space and if it has a tin foil covering it then it will spoil faster anyways.

Convert those leftovers to tightly sealed smaller containers. The only exception to this rule is holidays when you know everyone is going to eat the food again that evening.

Do not overfill your fridge to minimize food waste. A refrigerator that is overfull and things are stacked to the top is not good because you will forget what is in the back of your fridge and it is too much trouble to pull everything out every time you want to look for something.

You will also save money keeping your fridge stocked minimally. Plan your meals for the week and purchase groceries based on that list.

We use our notes app on our iphone as a grocery list. If someone needs something we are all linked and simply place the item on the list. You can also use this handy shopping list we made. Simply download and print it. Leave it on the counter or on the fridge. This will let you spend less time at the grocery store.

And last, consider cleaning and organizing your fridge when it is close to making a grocery shopping trip. When the fridge is more empty is a great time to do this project.

Well, I think that covers all my tips and tricks on organizing a side-by-side fridge. If you need help cleaning your water dispenser I have a post and Youtube video on that too.

I hope this DIY has been helpful and I hope it has inspired you to clean out your fridge and give it good organizing.

Happy Decorating!

How to Organize Side by Side Refrigerator the Best Way

Print

Here is a step-by-step list of fridge cleaning and organizing and a shopping list of supplies.

Active Time 3 hours

Total Time 3 hours

Difficulty Easy

Materials

• egg drawer
• white ceramic butter dish
• glass liquid jugs
• small basket for a drawer
• crisper container for fruit
• a large container with sealed lid for vegetables
• acrylic container with a basket inside

Tools

• Dawn dishwashing liquid
• soft sponge
• magic eraser
• paper towels
• lint-free dishtowels
• label maker

Instructions

1. Begin by removing every item from inside your fridge working from the top down.
2. Look at expiration dates and toss food if it has expired.
3. Work one shelf at a time so only remove items on the top shelf first and then move to the next shelf after cleaning and replacing the top shelf.
4. Any food that needs to stay refrigerated place them in a second fridge if you have one or leave the perishable items that can spoil in the back on another shelf for now.
5. Give each shelf and drawer a good bath with Dawn liquid soap and a soft sponge and dry them with paper towels or lint-free dishtowels.
6. Take your sponge and wipe down the interior of the refrigerator body. Start at the top and work your way down. That way any debris will fall to the bottom and you can collect it at the end.
7. If you see any areas that need a little more than a sponge try a magic eraser.
8. Collect all the new containers and give them a good warm water bath too. Dry them with the paper towels or dishtowel and set them aside to use when organizing each shelf.
9. Make sure to always keep the meat in this drawer because it is designed to keep it at the right temperature so they don't spoil.
10. If your fridge has two crisper drawers, you can have one set for high humidity and the other for low humidity.
11. Keep salad items like spinach, carrots, cucumbers, celery, and such, I placed them in a sealed container.
12. For berries, try the acrylic container with basket.
13. If you don't often eat bread, try storing it in a basket in your fridge to keep it fresh longer.
14. Keep your dairy items stored together in a drawer and use small baskets to keep like items together.
15. The middle shelf is perfect for leftover foods or food items that come and go on a daily basis.
16. Try using all the same size containers for leftover foods then this shelf will look nice all the time. Also, use square containers that way they fill in the corners of your fridge. This also looks nice.
17. If you have adjustable shelves, position your next shelf up a little higher so you can fit a drawer under it. We choose to place the egg drawer on the right side.
18. If your milk is spoiling quickly, consider placing it in the back of the fridge on this shelf.
19. This shelf is also great for containers that store can goods like sodas.
20. Top shelves are a great place to store any condiments or dry goods.
21. A beautiful way to store dry goods is in glass containers with a snap-down lid.
22. Use containers to hold items and condiments that are used most often.
23. The refrigerator door is an easy access place to store butter and drinks.
24. Now remove items on each shelf moving from the top down and clean the shelf. Once the shelf is clean and dry simply replace it and place items on the shelf that are similar or the same.
25. Having all the same size containers for your liquids make this shelf look so tidy.
26. The next two shelves are a great place for condiments.
27. Simply place similar condiments together.
28. Use a label maker on foods that look similar like milk and such. Labels will help your family put things in the proper place.

Notes

1. Once a week go through leftover foods and toss anything that is old. And place leftovers in smaller, airtight food storage containers.
2. Do not place a large cooking pan filled with cooked food in it in your fridge. It takes up too much storage space and if it has a tin foil covering it then it will spoil faster anyways.
3. Convert those leftovers too tightly sealed smaller containers.
4. Do not overfill your fridge to minimize food waste.
5. You will also save money keeping your fridge stocked minimally.
6. Consider using a notes app on your phone as a grocery list or keep a paper list by the fridge.
7. Consider cleaning and organizing your fridge when it is close to making a grocery shopping trip. When the fridge is more empty is a great time to do this project.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

The post How to Organize Side by Side Refrigerator the Best Way appeared first on LIFE ON SUMMERHILL.

When I was growing up I learned how to organize kitchen cabinets from my mom. She basically taught me how to organize in zones. This technique makes working in the kitchen more efficient and time-saving.

I didn't know how efficient it was until she came to my house and set up my kitchen when we moved.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you purchase at no cost to you using the links below.  All opinions are all my own.

How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets

Where does a person begin when organizing their kitchen? What is the most efficient way to organize kitchen cabinets?

The first step is assessing what items you have and how you use them. I would suggest beginning with thinking about your kitchen in compartments or spaces according to the task that you do the most.  Assigning kitchen space or cabinet space to common tasks can go a long way to saving you a lot of time.

Here are the zones I have in my kitchen.

Cooking and Baking Zone

Let's start with the cooking/baking zone.

When unpacking or rearranging your kitchen think about the cooking and/or baking zone.

My cooking/baking zone is right next to my oven.  I keep my spices, utensils, hot pads, pots, and pan here.

As you can see from my photo the second and top-shelf holds all the things I need for baking.

Flour, baking soda, powder, measuring spoons, cups, and so on fit on those two shelves.  Spices are on the bottom with everything from thyme to salt. A shelf riser or lazy Susan is a great way to give you easy access to small items and maximize storage space.

The higher shelves are a good place to store items you do not frequently use, duplicate items, or seasonal items. The lower cabinets are the perfect place to store pots and cookie sheets.

Some people like their flour and sugar containers hidden but lately, I have enjoyed mine on the counter. It gives you easy access to products you use often and today there are so many beautiful food storage container options like glass jars that are airtight and chemical free.

Shop supplies:

CLEANING ZONE

Here is another kitchen organizing zone that revolved around something and that is the sink.

So how do you organize the kitchen sink area you might be wondering?

Think about what all you need to clean your dishes and kitchen.

If you are a less is more person then consider keeping most of your cleaning items under the sink but if you like to decorate with them then consider a cake plate with some pretty bottles and such on the counter. 

I am less is more kind of person so a few items on the counter make me happy. Next to the sink, you will find a few pretty bottles like Mrs. Meyer's hand soap and Meyer's dish soap bottles or in my case an amber bottle with my favorite hand soap inside.

Don't forget to utilize all your cabinet space like the inside of your cabinet doors where you can hang dish towels. If you have little ones and store your cleaning supplies under your sink, it's a good idea to add child proof devices to the doors to keep the little ones safe.

Speaking of dish towels a great place to store dishtowel is over your refrigerator in a basket. And if your refrigerator could use a refresh, check out the best ways to organize your side by side refrigerator.

Also, consider placing all your dishes between the sink and the stove in the cabinets or on the shelves.  That way they are easy to put up after they are dry.

COFFEE ZONE

Because my hubby loves coffee and the last thing you want to do is run around the kitchen in the morning getting everything together.  I created a coffee zone.

If you want to keep everything neat consider placing the coffee pot, sugar, and anything else on a tray like this one.  That way it can be easily pulled out to put the water in it and placed back neatly when finished. Decorative storage bins can be fun and keep things in easy reach.

BREAKFAST ZONE

I am not a morning person so in our house I needed everything to be in one place.  It also just happens I eat the same thing every morning and that is oatmeal.  So, here is my breakfast zone with oatmeal, and all the garnishments. Grouping dry goods with similar items gives you easy access to items you use together.

I also have pancake mix here, grits, tea, and so on.

Wire baskets or plastic organizers are a brilliant way to store loose items and create a lovely aesthetic, especially if you have glass front doors or open shelves.

If you are not a morning person I would highly recommend this area to you too.  Also, this zone is close to the coffee zone.

One last area I want to mention in our kitchen is the microwave dish pantry. This is a great place to store your dishes and hide your microwave. This was especially important to me when designing my kitchen into a french country kitchen. Here is how we created a microwave pantry.

CONCLUSION

Thankfully my kitchen is average in size so there are not too many steps to go from one area to another.  But in real large kitchen zones are very important.  It saves a great deal of time and energy. If you have a small kitchen you probably do not have extra storage space so your kitchen zones assign a proper place to every item to keep things tidy. There are many different ways and kitchen cabinet organization ideas that can work for your family members.

Here is a recap of how to organize kitchen cabinets by zones.

I hope this post will help make your kitchen a little more manageable and I have included some fun suggestions to help with your kitchen organizing zones project too.

• Cooking/baking zone – pots, pans, hot pads, small appliances, stove, microwave, cooking and baking materials like flour and spices
• Cleaning zone – cleaners like dishwashing liquid, dishes, dishwasher, drying rack if you need one and so on
• Coffee zone – coffee pot, coffee, sugar, Splenda and so on (it's also great to have this zone near the baking zone since sugar and sweeteners play in both areas)
• Breakfast zone – all the food items you need for breakfast ( it's good to have this area near coffee and baking also because spices and sugar are needed here too)

Well, I hope this helps you think through your kitchen and what your daily tasks are.

When you decide to do some rearranging here is one last thought.

If you haven't used an item in the last five years consider donating it to someone who may need it more than you.  It will free up more space in your kitchen and make like even less cluttered. Or if you need a little extra space, see how I turned a closet into a pantry.

And if you are really motivated and want to do some more organizing check out How to Use Pinterest to Organize Your Home and Organizing 101.  It will give you tips on how to make your organized space pretty too.

Happy Decorating!

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The post HOW TO ORGANIZE KITCHEN CABINETS AND KEEP THEM ORGANIZED appeared first on LIFE ON SUMMERHILL.

While visiting my daughter and son-in-law I was excited to see Jesse had done a DIY pot lid holder project on his kitchen cabinets. Immediately I knew this was the answer to my overwhelming cookware lid holder problem.

After talking to Jesse I also discovered this to be a simple project that almost anyone could do without a handyman or woodworker. It is the perfect solution to your pot lid chaos.

DIY Pot Lid Holder

With all DIY projects, you will need a few supplies, and this project calls for simple tools. I used my miter saw but if you don't have one and really want to make it easy for yourself ask your local hardware store if they would cut the pieces for you.

Here are the supplies needed to organize your pot lids on the inside cabinet doors. I got all my supplies at Home Depot.

• 36″ x 2″ x 2″ wood square end balisters (you only need one if you are doing two cabinet doors)
• Pine lattice moulding
• 2″ finishing nails for brad nailer
• Nail gun (optional) or hammer
• Miter saw
• Measuring tape
• Small level

Pot Lid Organizer DIY

Now let's get to the nitty-gritty and start making your pot lid organizer. And at the end, I am sharing my pans cabinet along with tips on organizing it too. First, let's cut the blocks.

Cut Blocks for Pot Lid Organizer

Depending on how many cabinet doors you plan to store your lids will determine how many blocks you will need. I only did two doors so I only needed eight blocks. That is two per lid holder.

Now simply cut each block at 1″ long. Sand the edges of any splinters and your blocks are ready.

Nail Blocks to Inside Cabinet Door

Next, let's nail the blocks on the side of the cabinet door to make the pot lid rack.

Keep in mind that your lid holder may not go all the way to the edge on the inside of the cabinet door. If your door is an overlay style you will need to leave space for it to shut. My door overlay is about 1/2″ on each side. But not all doors have an overlay style. Some are inset doors. In that case, you don't have to worry about the overlay.

Place one block on one side of the frame or edge of the door. The inside of my door has a frame so I set mine on the frame. If you don't have a frame then you can sit yours anywhere.

Once you find the spot where you want your first block to sit nail it in with your nail gun or finishing nail. But make sure you are considering the slot width. Measure your pot lids to make sure they will fit.

Now to measure over from the other side of the door and place your other block. Grab your level to make this easy or measure down from the top.

Measure Inside Cabinet Door

Next, you will need to do some measuring. We are measuring to cut the long piece of lattice strip that will sit on the blocks to hold the lid.

Measure across from the outside of one block to the outside of the other block.

Cut the lattice strips based on the measurements and then sand the splinters off the ends.

Nail the Lid Holder Rack Rails

Next, sit the lattice strips on the blocks and nail down the lid holder rail. And guess what? You are done. See how easy this DIY pot lid holder project is. I love how it turned out and it is solid construction.

DIY Pot Lid Storage

Last, grab your lids and place them on the inside of the cabinet. You will notice they nestle in nicely. Now when I need a lid all I have to do is open the door and pick it up. I don't have to bend over and reach inside the cabinet.

What inspired me to get my cookware cabinet organized are these Caraway pots and pans. Because I am eating more fresh foods now and cooking more and my pots and pans are old with Teflon inside I decided to move towards better cookware.

I have had the Caraway cookware now over 6 months and they are by far my favorite to cook in. Plus the way I organized my cookware station is making cooking easier too.

Large Pot Lid Storage Idea

As you may notice different size lids sit on these pot lid racks but the larger pot lids won't fit. I have a solution for that too.

I actually moved my cookware to a different spot in the kitchen and I also added shelves on the inside at the very top of the cabinet for the larger lids and pot racks. If you have more room at the top you can make multiple lid racks but I only had room for one if you include my pot organizer.

Cookware Storage Idea

I was able to add a large lid shelf and another shelf as a pot and pan organizer. You see, all this wasted space in the top of your cabinet is useful real estate. There is a lot of space up there for a pan organizer. A great way to create vertical storage for a selection of pan lids, dutch ovens, and large cookware.

Isn't this a great idea! We have pretty much changed our pot holders cabinet to work more functionally.

Conclusion

Now when I need a lid it only takes a second. No more lids falling everywhere or pots stacked one on top of the other with the lids turned upside down on the pot.

You may have noticed I also bought a pans organizer for my cast iron skillets. It works for now but I am thinking of building something in the back for them too.

Now that we have your cookware cabinet organized here are more organizing kitchen posts.

• Microwave in pantry DIY
• Kitchen zone organizing
• Storing and displaying vintage dishes in a farmhouse hutch

I hope this DIY project has been helpful. If you are in need of new cookware check out Caraway Home. They are very durable and beautiful too.

Happy Decorating!

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Yield: 4

DIY Pot Lid Holder for Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Print

Pot lid racks for the back of your kitchen cabinets.

Active Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Materials

• 36" x 2" x 2" wood square end balisters (you only need one if you are doing two cabinet doors)
• Pine lattice moulding
• 2" finishing nails for brad nailer or smaller (this is based on the thickness of your cabinets plus the block and lattice strip)

Tools

• Nail gun or hammer
• Miter saw
• Measuring tape
• Small level

Instructions

1. Cut block 1" (2 blocks per pot rack) and sand the edges
2. Nail block on the inside of cabinet door near the outside edge. Make sure if your cabinets are overly style to leave room for when the cabinet door is shut. Put two rows of racks spacing them apart the height based on the height of your pot lids.
3. Measure outside of one block to the outside of the other block.
4. Cut the lattice strips to the measurement and sand the edges.
5. Nail the lattice strips to the top of the blocks
6. Place pot lids into racks.

Notes

You can paint your pot lid holder. To paint the wood prime it first and then add two coats of satin paint.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

The post DIY Pot Lid Holder for Kitchen Cabinet Doors appeared first on LIFE ON SUMMERHILL.

After my daughter moved into her house, this high-traffic area seemed to be the drop zone for anything and everything. We needed to come up with a way to make a DIY mudroom storage unit at an affordable price that could serve many purposes.

DIY MUDROOM STORAGE

In these 11 simple steps, we will show you how to create a charming storage space that is functional and practical for everyday life. The main purpose for this storage unit was a place to store shoes so shelving for shoes was a priority. They also needed a place to drop small items like keys and such so a basket or something was needed too.

Think about what your storage needs are and consider if this mudroom storage design is right for you. If it is then let's gather supplies and get started.

DIY Mudroom Storage Supplies

Before starting your mudroom storage project, here is a list of supplies you might need in creating your own custom DIY mudroom storage. 

• Paint (we used Behr color Vine Leaf)
• Wooster paintbrush
• Paint roller frame with foam rollers
• Paint Tray
• Dropcloth
• Painters tape
• Pencil
• Level
• Measuring tape
• Lattice Strips (for both sides)
• ½” X 2” board (for the top)
• Wood for shelves (we used ½” thick birch plywood)
• Saw
• L Brackets
• Sander
• Tack Cloth (or paper towels dampened)
• Screwdriver
• Anchors and screws for brackets
• Pin Nailers or Brad Nailer
• Baskets and accessories for storage and decorations

Most of these items are currently laying around the house or garage. You can find all the painting supplies at Home Depot. Now let’s get started in creating your mudroom storage unit!

DIY Mudroom Storage Steps

The first step in creating your DIY mudroom storage area is finding a paint color that best suits your space. In the supplies above, I noted that we used Behr’s color Vine Leaf in order to make this high trafficked area stand out. The paint we purchase is an eggshell finish. We wanted a matte finish that was washable so the eggshell was perfect. Here’s a list of the most popular Behr paint colors if green is not your color. 

Measure & Draw Lines

Secondly, measure how wide you want your mudroom storage unit to be within the space. Use a level to draw a vertical line on each side with a pencil. 

Painters Tape

Next, you will outline your designated area for your DIY mudroom storage unit with painter's tape. Make sure you place the tape along the outside of the line and score the edge so the paint will not bleed under the tape.

Your wall will look like this once your painter's tape is up on each side.

Paint Wall

Now use your paint rollers to fill in between the painter's tape with your color of choice. We used a foam roller only because we have plans to paint the shelves with it.

If you have any outlets or air condition vents go ahead and paint them the same color as the wall. This way they will hide in the storage unit.

We painted two coats of paint on the wall.

Cut Shelves and Boards

As you wait for the paint to dry, measure and cut the shelving and top board to fit the width of your painted area. Then measure from the ceiling to the floor and subtract the height of the top board to cut the lattice strips and cut the stripes.

Once the strips and shelves are cut to the appropriate length lay them on a flat surface to be painted.

Sand Shelves

Once the shelving and top board have been measured to fit your painted area, sand them until smooth. After sanding, remove any sawdust with a tack cloth or damp paper towel.

Paint Shelves and Board

Once all the sawdust has been disposed of, paint the shelving and the top board the same color to give it a seamless look.  Use two coats of paint for a good solid finish. You do not have to paint them the same color as the wall but if you want the storage unit to look like a built-in then painting everything the same color will give it that effect.

Remove Painter's Tape

Next carefully remove the painter's tape. Make sure that the paint on the wall does not come away from the wall as you remove the tape. This is how your wall will look at this point.

Install Top Board 

After you remove the painter’s tape, attach your top board to the wall by using your nail gun. Make sure that it is up against the ceiling and flat against the wall. 

Install Lattice Strips

Once your painted area is dry, and you have replaced the painter's tape with the lattice strips using a nail gun, secure the strips to the wall and make sure that the lattice strips are in line with the top board. We used the level to make sure that the strips were vertically straight. 

Install Shelves

If you are going to paint your metal brackets, make sure to clean them with alcohol. This will remove any unwanted residue the brackets might have from the manufacturer.

After the paint has dried on the shelving, hold the painted board to the wall and simultaneously use a level to ensure that the shelving is straight. Once you have leveled the shelves, take your tape measure and mark with a pencil vertical marks indicating where the brackets will go beneath the shelves.

We used anchors in order to make the shelving stronger for any type of decoration applied.  If you choose to use anchors for your project, we used twist-n-lock drywall anchors.  Now drill the holes and install the brackets and painted shelves.

Paint Brackets

After the paint has dried, hang the shelves and paint the brackets for a uniformed look. 

Accessorize the Storage Unit

Your last step is to accessorize your storage unit. This DIY mudroom storage unit can be a great way to create extra space for storage in your home. As you can see in the picture below, our DIY mudroom storage space was used mainly for shoe storage. However, these shelving units are perfect for holding indoor plants, a basket for your keys/wallet, or any other item that might be in that particular “drop zone” of your home. 

Conclusion

Now that you have seen just how easy it is to create your own DIY mudroom storage project, you might be wondering how you can tailor this mudroom storage unit to fit your family's needs.

If you are in search of paint colors for your space, here is a list of the top 10 most popular Sherwin Williams paint colors and popular Behr paint colors. But if you want to go green like we did a great place to start are these popular Sherwin Williams green paint colors.

Decorating your DIY mudroom storage unit can seem overwhelming when bare, so we wanted to give you some helpful tips in creating this perfect spot in your home. If shoes are a problem in your home, making this a shoe storage fix would be a great idea! We made sure that the shelving in our project was spaced far enough apart so that tall winter boots or even your everyday shoes would fit.

We also used wicker baskets at the bottom of the storage unit for flip flops or any other kind of shoe you may not want showing in your everyday view.  The wicker baskets also help anchor the unit to make it seem more like a piece of furniture.

Decorative boxes which are sometimes the catch-alls can be great for keys, wallets, remotes, etc. If your DIY mudroom storage unit has an outlet that is within eyesight, you can take that decorative box and place it directly in front of where it hides that outlet but also allows for use if needed. 

Another easy decorating tool would be incorporating a lamp if you are needing light in any particular space. In the picture above, you can see that we have placed a light on our DIY mudroom storage project which gives it that pop.

Flowers or greenery is also another great styling piece. You don’t want your greenery to be too heavy so try to keep it as simple as possible. Some great resources for greenery are small shrubs sold at Ikea. You can have your greenery but also keep it at an affordable price. 

If you have a place to hang art this is a great way to add style to your built-in. We used a vintage piece of Florida advertising to give the room more color. 

One final decorating solution you could use are hooks. If you have jackets, sweaters, or backpacks constantly lying around your home, a simple hook would alleviate that clutter and give it a designated space. 

I hope you have found this DIY helpful and I hope it solves your organizational needs in your mudroom or laundry room.

Happy Decorating!

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The post 11 Simple DIY Mudroom Storage Steps appeared first on LIFE ON SUMMERHILL.

I have never been fortunate to have my own sewing room or a lot of space so creativity is what taught me how to organize sewing supplies on a budget. These creative space organization sewing ideas will keep your supplies handy and right within the site without looking cluttered.

Who is ready for some fresh ideas?

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission if you purchase using the links below at no extra cost to you. All opinions are all my own.

HOW TO ORGANIZE SEWING SUPPLIES ON A BUDGET

One of my favorite stores for organizing supplies is Dollar Tree. Office supply stores, hardware store like Home Depot are great too but I like to keep it cheap by using Dollar Tree.

For years all my notions, needles, scissors, and spools of thread have been stored in a sewing drawer. Our sewing drawer is right off my kitchen near the dining room which is a very handy spot for fixing a hem, button, or whatever needs attention.

But recently I went to the sewing drawer and discovered this — organized chaos. Believe it or not, there is some organization but there is also a whole lot of other stuff that doesn't really belong here. And each divider is packed to the gills.

So even though it wasn't on my calendar to organize the sewing storage space today I couldn't take it any longer and when I was done I couldn't wait to share with you this clever sewing storage idea and how I spent less than 10.00 to make it look neat and tidy.

You are going to love these great ideas!

SEWING ORGANIZATION IDEAS

In addition to all your sewing notions, needles, and such you will need to store your sewing machine if you have one. I keep my machine in the hall closet with a lid on it where I keep craft supplies in my craft space. My iron and ironing board are in the laundry room and the rest of my sewing supplies are right off the kitchen in this sewing drawer.

When it is time to do sewing projects and I need my sewing machine I simply grab it, the ironing board, and iron and move them near my sewing drawer. But most of the time I don't need all those supplies.

All I need is what is in this drawer so let's break down what goes where in this drawer and how I staged it for everyday use.

ORGANIZE SEWING NOTIONS

My sewing drawer is in my hutch for easy access and since a hutch is designed for silverware and such it already has three storage units. If your drawer doesn't have drawer units that is okay. You can still do this project. A good idea to divide your drawer into sections is with plastic shoeboxes or something long that will fit into your drawer.

REMOVE EVERYTHING AND PURGE

The best way to start this project is by removing everything from the drawer and placing them in neat piles. For this sewing drawer DIY let's organize our sewing tools into three compartments. Needles and pins, threads and scissors, and measuring utensils.

Keep a trash can handy because you will be surprised at what ends up in this drawer. If you have children you may find toys and all kinds of things. My favorite finds were a toy we got from Mexico and a flower arranging thing called a frog. LOL!

Once you have everything out of the drawer vacuum all the debris. I use this handy Ryobi hand vac. It helps me with small projects all the time. Now back to organizing your sewing tools!

After you have everything out on the counter let's organize your threads by the rainbow.

HOW TO ORGANIZE SEWING THREAD IN RAINBOW PATTERN

Your next step is another fun project. I use this handy rainbow color chart to help me stay on task but basically, I start with white, tan, and so on until I end with black. You can download this rainbow chart by clicking on the image and then you can print it to sit nearby while working.

I did all my organizing of threads on the countertop and placed them in color rows. Work from the lighter tones of each color all the back to the darker tones.

Next, I started placing them back into the drawer. If you don't have compartments, this would be a good time to place them in a tub like a shoebox. You can keep them in color rows or you can start with white and run left to right. I decided to do the left to the right option.

I love how colorful the threads look in rainbow order. This section will add a pop of color to our design.

One last tip. When I am organizing the threads I make sure to smooth the end of each thread down onto the spool or place it into the niche on the top of the spool. This keeps the thread from going everywhere and making a mess.

There are so many creative ways to keep your sewing notions organized. Let's move on to needles and pins.

ORGANIZE SEWING NEEDLES

Now let's move the left side of the drawer and place the sewing needles and pins. I first want to introduce you to probably my favorite sewing tool and that is this pin cushions that is a magnet. This magnetic pin cushion will make your life so much better.

It's the easiest way I've found to keep track of my pins and needles. When sewing all you have to do is toss your needles and pins near the magnet and it grabs it for you and stores it safely.

I tend to leave the thread in the needles when I place them on the magnet. This makes it easy to find when it is time to sew something. However, I only keep one or two needles on the sewing pad at a time. The rest of my sewing needles are in this blue round case that came with the needles.

Keeping placing any supplies that have to do with needles and pins into the compartment and later we are going shopping for budget-friendly boxes to go in the sewing drawer.

ORGANIZING SCISSORS AND MEASURING SUPPLIES

On the right side place all my scissors and measuring supplies like measuring tapes and rulers. Also, place any chalk pencils here. Just think about when you are using scissors what other items would you be using and place them here.

This is also a great place to store scissor sharpeners and pencil sharpeners.

DOLLAR TREE STORAGE CONTAINERS

After you have all your spots planned out take a trip to the Dollar Tree for small boxes and such to organize your drawer. Because everything is one dollar I purchased a variety of items to play within this sewing drawer.

One good thing I learned when at the Dollar Tree is a small storage option here, there, and everywhere. Walk all up and down the isles. I found long narrow plastic containers in the kitchen utensil section and small plastic boxes in an organized container section. They have bright-colored containers and clear storage bin ideas.

Whatever your needs, you'll find great options at a great price. Once you have a bag full of containers let's head back and start placing supplies into them.

However, I found on their website a whole section on drawer organizers. They come in white and grey color and they have long rectangle boxes and smaller boxes. Consider purchasing a set of these Dollar Tree drawer organizers to make things easy on yourself.

HOW TO ORGANIZE SEWING SUPPLIES IN CONTAINERS

We are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel and this is my favorite part. Start by seeing how you can fit the containers in the drawer. Also, think about what will go in the containers.

I found the scissors fit nicely in the long utensil containers and the matching rectangle plastic box was perfect for the scissor sharpener.

On the other side, these same blue containers work perfectly for pins and needles.

And I found these tiny boxes with lids at the end of one aisle at the Dollar Tree. These were the perfect size for organizing small supplies inside the containers. I put needle threaders in one and hook and eyes in another. I'm sure you also have smaller items that these would be ideal for like safety pins.

They are perfect for this little corner of this sewing drawer.

Everything fit so nicely and now it is easy to keep it organized. You might even find that now you have plenty of space.

Last, in the top right container do you see the blue thing with a magnifying glass attached? I found this nifty tool when checking out at Dollar Tree and it is going to make threading needles so much easier. It is a magnifying glass with light. Isn't that cool!

Well, guess what? We are done!! An organized sewing storage system on a budget!

CONCLUSION

Let's go back over all the simple ideas on how to organize sewing supplies on a budget.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO ORGANIZE SEWING SUPPLIES?

• Remove all supplies and divide into threads, pin and needles, scissors, and measuring tools.
• Organize spools of thread by colors of the rainbow using the free downloads chart above
• Threads are placed in the center of the drawer in rainbow order
• Pins, needles, button, hooks, and seam rippers are placed on the left
• Scissors, measuring tools, and chalk pencils are placed on the right
• Shop at Dollar Tree for containers (get extras so you can play and get the right fit)
• Play with containers in the drawer while seeing that all the supplies fit into the containers neatly

If you do not already have dividers in your drawers consider plastic shoe boxes to create compartments and then place smaller boxes inside the shoe box. Make sure the shoebox will fit into the drawer before you spend a great deal of time finding what fits into the shoeboxes.

A sewing drawer is a different way of sewing organization but I promise it will make your life so much easier.

I hope you have found these storage solutions helpful. And if you have children make sure to write with a sharpie “fabric” on the scissors and explain to them that they are only for cutting fabric. If you didn't know paper will dull scissors quickly and then your scissors will not cut fabric.

Also, have a family meeting and share with everyone how the drawer is organized. You will be surprised how proud they are to have a neat and tidy small sewing space and they will help keep it clean too. It is a great way to involve everyone to keep it all organized. There's nothing better than finding the tools you need for your next sewing project in their proper place.

If you need more storage ideas try my organize clothes by color, organizing 101 or this how to organize a side by side fridge post which gives you the basics of organization. And here is one of my favorite sewing projects on how to sew a table runner because now that your sewing supplies are organized you will probably want to sew something. Wink Wink!

Happy Decorating!

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The post HOW TO ORGANIZE SEWING SUPPLIES ON A BUDGET appeared first on LIFE ON SUMMERHILL.

Learning how to organize clothes by color is probably the number one thing you can do to make your closet more functional and look amazing. There are other tricks that will make it look beautiful and I cannot wait to share them with you after we talk about color organizing.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission if you purchase using the links below at no extra cost to you. All opinions are all my own.

How to Organize Clothes by Color

There is no one way to organize clothes in a closet. That is apparent if you look at other organizing sights like Marie Kondo and The Home Edit. They all have amazing ideas! But color coding clothes is the one thing I have found that makes finding dresses, pants and so on much easier.

Let's begin organizing your closet by colors.

1. Divide Clothes

When you begin to organize your clothes in the closet divide them into piles of dresses, short sleeve shirts, long sleeve shirts, pants, shorts, jackets and sweaters, skirts, and so on.

This is a great time to purge clothes. If you haven't worn it in years then it may be time to say goodbye. Start a pile for Goodwill or wherever you donate clothes.

Also if you have seasonal clothes that go in another closet or are folded and stored in boxes go ahead and pull them out. You can follow these same tips for season clothes if you are planning to store them in another closet.

2. Arrange Clothes in Closet in Rainbow Order

This is where it starts getting fun. Begin with one pile and place it back on the closet rod then start organizing in this order. White, tan, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, purple, brown, gray, and black.

A simple way to remember this is to start with white and tans then rainbow colors and ending with greys and black. Also when you are organizing within a color sort from light to dark. For example, these blue shirts flow from light to dark blue.

Or you can download the color chart in my how to organize sewing supplies on a budget post. The rainbow chart will help you stay on track.

Next, grab the next pile of clothes and continue to sort the pieces into a rainbow arrangement.

How to Organize Patterns by Color

This part can be tricky but I have two solutions that will help. First, stand back and ask yourself what is the main color of the garment. In other words what one color does it read when you stand back from it.

This Lilly Pulitzer dress has lots of colors but the background is a hot pink color so it will be piled with pinks.

Another option is to separate your patterns from your solids. Organize all your solids by color and then place all the patterns at the end.

I like to keep patterns in with the solids but I organized the short sleeve dresses with the patterns at the end to give you an example. Also, I like to organize sleeveless first, then short sleeves, long sleeves, and last all long dresses.

Before you know it your closet will be finished and you will have color organized closet. But let's say you want to make the rest of your closet pretty. Here are more ideas on making your closet look tidy and organized.

How to Make your Closet Look Pretty and Organized

Now that you have a grip on how to organize by color let's talk about how to make your closet look pretty.

Probably the number one thing you can do to give it that professional organized closet look is to get hangers that are in the same color and type. I particularly love wood hangers because they are thicker and keep the clothes separated nicely.

Doesn't a wood hanger look amazing in a closet?

My daughter has a very small closet so a wood hanger is not the best choice for her so a felt hanger in the same color works better. You see the felt hanger is thinner which means she can fit more clothes in her small closet.

Another tidbit that helps is to hang a large tote on a hanger and put smaller purses inside the large tote. This is a trick for smaller walk-in closets that don't have shelf storage.

Hanger, baskets, and hanging bags can make your closet look so much prettier but if you can splurge on a closet system then I would recommend it.

What is a Closet System

A closet system is a combination of shelves, cabinets, dresser drawers, rods, and more to make organizing your closet much easier and better looking. I have installed closet systems in small and large closet spaces so size doesn't always matter.

If you can afford an organizational system, and the Home Depot has many do-it-yourself systems, then I would go for it. It will make a load of difference in keeping your closet space organized and helps keep a clean closet look.

Many closet organizers have shoe racks but if you are wondering where are my shoes in this closet then you are asking a good question.

Shoe Storage for Bedroom Closets

Some people store their shoes on shelves where they are displayed and easy to find. Personally, I like to hide my shoes so they are behind the cabinet doors sitting inside baskets on the shelves. Storage bins or baskets make great shelf dividers too.

I have stored shoes openly on shelves, inside cabinets but probably the most interesting design for a shoe rack was between the studs in a wall. I used dowels between the studs and then my client propped the heel of her shoes on the dowel.

This was a genius solution for storage in a very narrow walk-in bedroom closet. Using vertical space is the best way to maximize storage.

Best Paint Colors for Closet

The best paint colors for closets are white and light neutral colors. I particularly love Alabaster White by Sherwin Williams paint. It is a nice soft white that allows all the colors of your clothes to show exactly what they are supposed to be.

Other colors you consider are pure white, extra white, kilim beige, and accessible beige which are all Sherwin Williams colors. The last two colors are light tan and gray but they are good neutrals that don't read any particular color.

If you need more ideas try popular Sherwin Williams paint colors.

Best Lighting for Closets

Lighting can make a big difference in the colors of your clothes. For example, an incandescent warm light bulb will cast a yellow hue onto your clothes whereas a LED cool bulb has a cool hue.

Closet Ceiling Light

I recommend when picking a bulb for ceiling light go with an LED or fluorescent because they do not produce heat which is great if your closet is a walk-in and you plan to change in there.

Also, turn the bulb box over and look at the lighting facts chart. Then go down to the light appearance section. This is a sliding scale from warm to cool. I have a cool LED light at 5000 k in my closet.

5000k a pure light kind of like sunlight on a bright day that will help the colors of your clothes to read exactly what they are supposed to read.

Last, let's talk about how bright your light should be. That will all depend on how big our closet is. My closet is a smaller walk-in galley-style closet. I have one light in the center so I went with the 75-watt equivalent LED daylight bulb.

Now saying all of that if you are used to warmer bulbs then go with what you are used to.

Closet Cabinet and Shelf Lighting

After you have organized all your hanging clothes, on shelves, in cabinets and drawers let's look at easy ways to add lighting to darker areas.

I use battery operated puck lights that are battery operated to illuminate my cabinet shelves. I find I do not need them all the time but sometimes they really come in handy.

Simply determine where those dark places are and stick the puck lights to the top of the shelf above. Once you have all of them installed then simply attach your remove next to your light switch and like magic you have a shelf and cabinet lighting.

Best Closet Decorations

Now that everything is illuminated and organized in your closets let's add decorations. Look for functional decor like a bench which is very handy for getting dressed. Here is a simple DIY bench you can make for your closet.

If you want to add character to your closet create a DIY faux beadboard or shiplap on one wall. This is a very simple project and I will have a DIY post coming soon to show you.

Another great idea is free wall art for decorating the walls if there is space to do so. I recently created an Etsy shop with these botanicals plus many more that you can print and install into your decor.

Baskets are also very practical for closets and they look pretty too. I use this french market basket all the time on outings and it's a great place to store belts, scarves, or anything smaller that needs a spot.

And they are very functional on shelves too. They keep things look neat and tidy and are easy access to your accessories.

Last, add a rug to your small or large walk-in closet to dress it up. It is very important if you have wood floors. But if you have carpet still consider a rug to give your small space character.

It will make your entire closet look cozy and warm.

Conclusion

Well, that pretty much sums up how to organize closets by color and other professional tips and tricks on organizing and making pretty closets. I hope this closet organization post has inspired you to tackle your closet and give it a few extra details that make it a lovely place to get dressed in every day.

Again I hope you have enjoyed this post and if you need help organizing other areas of your home, try kitchen zone organizing and how to organize your linen closet using Pinterest to organize. Now it is your turn. What closet do you plan to color organize clothes?

Happy Decorating!

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The post 2 Simple Steps on How to Organize Clothes by Color appeared first on LIFE ON SUMMERHILL.

For years we have organized Christmas decorations the same way, but this year after putting more flooring in the attic I decided to spread the decor out and come up with another plan.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission if you purchase using the links below at no extra cost to you. All opinions are all my own.

HOW TO ORGANIZE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

Over the years we had collected more and more decorations which means we need more storage containers. I generally stored decor in plastic boxes based on where they came down from like a box to hold everything on the Christmas tree, mantle, and so on.

But now with many decorations and more space, it was time to graduate to a new system. Here is the best way to organize Christmas decorations to make decorating the next year easier.

Purge and Organize Christmas Decorations

If you are looking to reorganize all your decor let me encourage you to pull everything out and start making piles. Because I change up my Christmas decoration each year now I plan to organize based on items.

So start making piles like white ornaments, red ornaments, glass ornaments, string lights, extension cord, fragile items, garland, ribbon/bows, bells, ribbon, artificial tree, tree skirts, and so on. If you want to organize based on places in your home your piles can be by room or spot like a mantle.

This is a great opportunity to purge anything you think you will never use again. Believe it or not, I even found a few items that were broken and not usable anymore so they got purged. Also, make sure you get rid of any old ornament boxes. One pile was to go to Goodwill while the other was loaded in a trash bag destined for my trash bins.

Best Storage for Christmas Decorations

There are so many wonderful plastic storage options and storage boxes made just for Christmas decor and here are the best tips and brilliant ideas I have to make storing your Christmas decor easier.

Clear Rolling Storage for Christmas Decor

Clear rolling drawers are great for Christmas storage. When it comes to next Christmas, I will be able to see what is inside and go shopping in my attic for what I want to create a new design.

How Do You Pack Christmas Ornaments?

If you are looking for ways to store your delicate ornaments or breakable items, make sure you use a system that keeps them from getting damaged. There are some people that keep all of their ornaments in their original boxes but that takes up too much room. Good thing there are lots of store-bought options with cardboard dividers that work perfectly or you can wrap your fragile ornaments with tissue paper or bubble wrap but I really like this DIY cup idea for another great option that is more budget-friendly.

To store your ornaments and create this storage idea simply use pieces of foam board or a piece of cardboard and draw the shape of the drawer and cut it out.

Then take clear cocktail disposable plastic cups and glue them onto the foam board with a glue gun.

Repeat this step for a second layer if you are able to add another layer.

This storage idea works great for smaller ornaments but it is not the best for large ornaments. I left one drawer for the larger ornaments and wrapped them in tissue paper.

Other great things to store in these clear rolling drawers are stockings and skirts. I am not sure how we ended up with so many stockings but I found enough to fill a whole rolling storage unit along with skirts.

You can store items like ribbons, bells, accessories, candlesticks, or electric candles and the list goes on. But not everything will fit into these drawers so let's talk about storing those larger items.

Large Christmas Storage Items

You may have specific items like a nativity scene, garland, village, and so on. If you are buying new Sterilite boxes I would get red or green so it is easy to spot that it is a Christmas storage bin or you can use clear plastic bins or plastic containers so you can see what is inside.

But at our house I didn't want to spend the money so here is what we stored in our old Sterilite boxes. I used one box for our nativity scene. It is very fragile and needs extra space so it gets a box of its own. Once I placed it inside I stuffed it around with white tissue paper.

In other boxes are all the garlands. The smaller berry garlands are in large ziplock bags inside of the box. A village set, Christmas pillow, indoor Christmas lights, and Outdoor Christmas lights fit in another box.

Christmas Tree Storage

Because our artificial Christmas trees are from King of Christmas they come with tree storage bags. I love this about King of Christmas!

I recommend finding one place for larger and smaller artificial trees. We placed ours on one end of the Christmas decoration storage area in our attic. It is also a good idea to store your strands of Christmas lights near your trees so they will be easy to find for the next holiday season. There are lots of options for storing Christmas lights so you don't end up with a tangled mess of lights.

How to Store Christmas Wreaths

This is probably my most favorite storage idea and it is so simple. Take some long nails and find a place up high to hang your holiday wreaths. Drive the nails into the wood and hang your wreaths.

It is important to find a high place so when you walk around your attic you will not knock them off.

This is also great for really large garlands. I have one that is very fluffy and thick so instead of placing it in a tub I decided to hand it up high too.

Labels for Christmas Storage Boxes

Once you have everything in their storage tubs let me recommend you label everything.

To make our storage box labels pretty I created this wreath storage label printable of smaller labels for the storage drawers and larger labels for the boxes. Simply print out the download in black and white or color if you like these colors.

To get these free printables subscribe to Life on Summerhill. You will then be given access to the labels.

I choose black and white to save ink and for uniformity but depending on your Christmas color scheme you can use the ones that match your decor the best.

The cool thing about these labels is that they can be used for other holiday storage boxes too like Easter.

Once you have printed them out on cardstock and either typed or written what the item is on the inside of the wreath simply cut them out and tape them to the storage box with clear packing tape.

Tape the smaller labels to the storage drawers.

And the larger Christmas labels on the larger boxes.

Let me recommend making two for the larger boxes. That way you can place one on the top and one on the side that will be facing out where you can see it easily.

It was a challenge photographing in the attic because the lighting was low. LOL!

Attic Christmas Storage Plan

Okay, so you have everything in their storage boxes and labeled it's time to place them in the attic or storage area. Take a piece of paper and draw out where you think each box will go in storage. This is handy for next year when you need to send someone up to get something or in case you forget.

Once you have a basic plan start placing storage boxes in their location. In our attic, I place all the ornament drawers in the center where I could easily see them. Then the other storage drawers on each side.

Christmas trees on the right and our porch Santa.

Then larger storage tubs on the left with the labels facing out.

Because I have a little space between all the rolling drawers I used it to store a long sign and the wooden dowel Christmas tree.

You can sort of see on the left of these drawers the dowel tree box and wood base sitting on the floor.

And last if you have any rugs place them on the floor. They will make the floor of your storage or attic space more comfortable unless it is a doormat. Then I would place it out of the way.

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Conclusion

Now that you know our plan and the details let me remind you to begin by getting out all the decorations. It helps so much to see it all laid out on a table or tables. LOL!

Then all you have to do is start sorting and purging. Once you have the piles you can start thinking about the storage boxes.

See how easy it is to organize your Christmas decorations.

To see more of what decorations we had to pack and organize see a simple Christmas home tour to get an idea.

I hope this post has been helpful and I cannot wait to hear what storage options you used and how you organized your holiday season decor.

Happy Decorating!

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The post BEST WAY ON HOW TO ORGANIZE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS appeared first on LIFE ON SUMMERHILL.

Whether you love to clean or not this how to clean your kitchen guide will make your life easier and cleans what is important to keep your kitchen a healthy place.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission if you purchase using the links below at no extra cost to you. All opinions are all my own.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR KITCHEN

In today's time, we are so busy until it is hard to keep up.  But keeping your kitchen clean and safe is one thing we cannot overlook.  Here are my top kitchen daily cleaning habits.

TIDY KITCHEN

The first thing you need to do is clear all the counters and sink area.

Put all the dishes in the dishwasher or wash them if you do not have a dishwasher. Dry and put them away. If you have a lot of dishes to put up here is a tip on how to keep this from happening in the future.

Whenever you finish a meal rinse or wash your dishes and put them away or in the dishwasher. It only takes a few minutes whereas if you let dishes sit with food on them then it takes much more time to try to get the hard food off.

It is also important not to let dishes sit in dirty water. Germs and bacteria build up in the water which means you will need to give your sink a deep cleaning each time.

Now that all the counters are free of stuff and the dishes are put up lets clean the kitchen counters.

CLEAN KITCHEN COUNTERS

This is an important step many people overlook and that is cleaning your kitchen counters.

Simply take a wet rag and wipe down the counters, range hood, water dispenser tray, if you have one on your fridge, and hood scooping any debris into your hand or into the sink. Once everything is clear of debris, food, and such now let's disinfect them.

You have several options for disinfecting the counters. Vinegar is a great natural disinfectant. Simply put a little on a clean rag and wipe down the counters. Then take a rag with warm clean water and wipe it down again to remove any vinegar.

I have Corian countertops which are safe for vinegar but make sure it is safe for your countertops or test a small area that is not noticeable.

Another favorite is disinfectant wipes. My husband prefers this method. The wipes help rid the counters of germs left from chicken and such.

Make sure when you wipe down the counters that you wipe down the stove top and front of the oven.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR KITCHEN SINK

There are all kinds of kitchen sinks in the world.  There are white, stainless, black, single, double bowl and the list goes on and on.  But I have found my white sink to be a tell-all when it gets dirty.

Seeing the dirt so easy is a good reminder that it is time to clean the sink. So cleaning the sink is not necessarily a daily task but it is important to a safe kitchen.

Ideally, a person should clean their sink with some cleaner every evening.  After the kitchen is all clean, sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom and spray it with peroxide.  Give it a gentle scrub, or you can leave it for a few minutes to whiten the sink, and then rinse.

Another favorite tool I use to clean my sink is a little bit of Dawn on a Magic Eraser. Simply dab some Dawn on the Magic Eraser and start wiping down the sink moving from the top edges down until you get to the drain.

When you get to the bottom swirl the eraser around in the drain area then rinse the sink thoroughly.

Don't forget to wipe down your faucet as well. There is no telling what germs are on the faucet. If you need to replace your faucet anytime soon, I share all about the best kitchen faucets for farmhouse sinks.

All that food and who-knows-what is building up bacteria on your sink.  Let me encourage you not to place anything in the sink and pick it back up for use.

For example, you're cooking something in your crock-pot right next to your sink, and you don't want to get your counter dirty, so you place the lid in your sink.  Bad idea! There is no telling what bacteria is in that sink and now is on your lid.

CLEAN KITCHEN FLOORS

If your kitchen is like Grand Central Station then you may need to sweep on a daily basis. Keep a dustpan and broom, a small vacuum, or a Neato close by for a nightly kitchen floor cleaning.

We recently got a Neato robot vacuum so now every couple of nights I turn it on and let it do its job. I like to block off the kitchen so it doesn't come out and bother us while we are watching a movie and such.

Neato or Rosie, as we call her, does her job in the dark and then goes home. It is so awesome! Here is more about Neato robots if you are interested in one too.

DAILY KITCHEN CLEANING CHECKLIST

Now that you know the nitty-gritty on how to clean your kitchen on a daily basis here is a handy checklist you can keep nearby.

• Clear counters
• Wipe counters, range top, front, and hood, and fridge tray of any debris
• Disinfect counters, range top, front and hood, and fridge tray.
• Clean and disinfect sink
• Sweep or vacuum floors or let Neato do her work

OTHER IMPORTANT KITCHEN CLEANING TIPS

Even though these items are not on the daily cleaning task I feel it is important to check on them daily for a healthy safe clean kitchen.

REFRIGERATOR FILTER

Confession time!  I am so guilty of forgetting to replace the water filter in my fridge.  In fact, it has been so long until the red light has turned green again.  I'm not sure what that means other than it's way past due.

Anyway, your refrigerator water filter is there to keep your water clean. And if you're like me you want to stay on top of that.  However, because your busy and have too many irons in the fire, it is easily overlooked.  But I have discovered a solution to this problem.

The good folks at Sears PartsDirect have developed a water filter subscription program.  Did you know that if your filter is old, it is not removing chlorine, lead, and other contaminants?   I shudder to think what my family has been drinking with this out of date filter.  This is why I love this filter subscription program even more.

Now even a busy mom can have a healthy kitchen.  Sears PartsDirect will ship my new filter to my front door without me having to make a trip to a store or remembering to order it.

Here is more information about a Sears PartsDirect subscription water filter program.

Which WATER FILTER fits your fridge? We can help.

Here is a photo of my green light which used to be red.  I cannot wait to get my first filter in the mail, so I know our system is working at its full potential.

Oh and here are tips on how to clean fridge water dispenser. You will not believe how dirty my system got in the photos.

You should also check out my post about the best way to organize a side by side refrigerator.

CLEAN CUTTING BOARDS

I am an old soul at heart, and I love old things.  I also like to use natural products to clean my house like using vinegar to disinfect counters and wash the tile floors.

Using natural items makes the next tip one of my favorites and that is cleaning your cutting boards.

First, ensure that you have a separate cutting board for your meat and your vegetables.  A different meat and veggie board will help prevent cross-contamination from meats to vegetables.

Once you are finished cooking give your cutting boards a good cleaning with hot water, soap, and a bristle brush.  The bristle brush will help get into the cuts where bacteria is hiding.

Note that it is important to wash your cutting boards immediately after you cut on them. Remember the longer anything sits on them the more time bacteria build and the harder they are to clean.

Next, squeeze some lime or lemon and salt on the surface and scrub some more then rinse again.  The lemon and salt will give your boards a pleasant fresh smell and brighten them up too.

CONCLUSION

So, now you know how to clean your kitchen on a daily basis.  I hope you consider trying these practices also!

• First, make it a habit every evening to remove debris, clean counters, clean the sink, and sweep floors or use Neato.
• Second, subscribe to the Sears PartsDirect filter replacement program by clicking HERE so you keep your water filter system safe
• Lastly, don't forget to keep your cutting boards separated and clean them after every use. I use small boards for veggies and a larger board for meat.

Do you have any kitchen cleaning tips you would like to share? If so please let us know in the comments.

Happy Decorating!

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The post HOW TO CLEAN YOUR KITCHEN ON A DAILY BASIS appeared first on LIFE ON SUMMERHILL.

Amazon linen closet storage products are great finds! You don't have to leave the house and can mark off something in your organization's to-do list.

Some places go overlooked because they aren't in plan view. We find that our linen closet falls under this category, but not after these solutions!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using the links below.  All opinions are all my own.

AMAZON LINEN CLOSET STORAGE IDEAS

We think after you see these products we came across on Amazon for your linen closet, you will be moving up the linen closet to the first place you want to organize this year.

VINTAGE CROCK STORAGE IDEAS

Nothing says farmhouse style like an old vintage pickling crock. In our linen closet, we used it to store bars of soap. We purchase six or more bars of soap at a time and keep them in the crock so we don't run out fast.

Check out what they look like when we organized our linen closet on our How to Use Pinterest to Organize Your Home post.

OLD BOXES AND WOOD CRATE STORAGE IDEAS

Wooden boxes and crates are another way to keep things compartmentalized. You could roll up your hand towels and washcloths and keep them in this bin for a touch of organization.

WOOD CRATES STORAGE IDEA

Wood crates are great for storage. You can roll up blankets, towels, or sheets and place them in the crate.

Let me recommend storing items that do not use often. Wicker baskets are easier to pull down and get things out of when crates are heavier but they look super cute on your shelves.

HANGING STORAGE IDEA

Hang these cute hanging woven baskets on the inside of your door or inside of the linen closet for more storage. You can use command hooks or nail them.

Wasted space will be a thing of the past when you add these pocket storage bins to your linen closet. This Amazon linen closet find is not only pretty to look at but great to hold all the little things that need a place that won't allow them to fall through the wire shelves and get lost on the floor.

WICKER BASKET STORAGE

These natural woven hyacinth baskets are perfect for folded sheets. I have a clever on how to fold bed sheets neatly for a tidy linen closet. And these folded sheets fit perfectly into these wicker baskets.

Extra Large Laundry Storage Basket

A laundry basket is perfect to place blankets in and sit the basket on the floor of your linen closet. Blankets take up a lot of space so this is a great way to save space on your shelves.

RAE DUNN STORAGE BASKET IDEA

Nothing says farmhouse like Rae Dunn and what a cute way to style your linen closet with anything from Rae Dunn. Amazon has lots of Rae Dunn storage items and you can find more at TJ Maxx, Homegoods, and Marshalls too.

Anchor Hocking 1 Gallon Heritage Hill Jar, Set of 2

Vintage glass storage jars are great in a linen closet to hold things you need to store in a different container after opening. Such as cotton balls, q-tips, and powder detergents.

CONCLUSION

Amazon linen closet products have been fun to review today. We hope that you have been inspired and feel like they were not only easy on your eyes but will also be easy on your budget and easy to incorporate into organizing your linen closet.

Now that you have ideas for storage here is another idea on how to fold sheets neatly. This clever trick makes finding all the pieces of a sheet set so much easier. And they fit perfectly into one of those linen closet baskets.

Happy Decorating!

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The post BEST AMAZON LINEN CLOSET STORAGE IDEAS appeared first on LIFE ON SUMMERHILL.