Organizing with Trays

Little things make me happy.   Like finding a cute basket tray at Joanne's for 40% off.   And then also finding some containers to corral my spoons and utensils for 60% off.   I was inspired by a Pottery Barn catalog that sits on my desk at work.    The basket is big enough to gather everything together, yet slim enough to not look bulky.   

When I saw these white vases in the floral area at Joanne's I grabbed a tall one and a short one.   I just knew the tall one would be perfect for the stainless steel utensils and the short one would nicely house the wooden spoons:  

And because "one does want a hint of color" (that's a quote from one of my favorite movies:  the Birdcage) I pulled out a bud vase and added fresh faux clippings.  See what I just did there?  I pretended to walk into the back yard to grab clippings when what I really did was buy faux greenery at Hobby Lobby today and clipped up the stems when I got them home.   Don't judge me.   

And since the tray was big enough, I was able to combine two areas into one.   On the other side of the stove I had a small tray that held the oils and salt & pepper shakers.   I decided to add them to this tray.  And I like it.

So that I would have a smooth surface (and also to protect the basket from oil spills) I bought a picture frame to line the basket.  It's an 11x14 frame that fit perfectly into the basket.

I love the way it looks.  I love that I freed up counter space.  I love that it looks as cute as I imagined it would.   Little things.  Happy.  Me.

Gold

In case you are wondering, I still have not started the paint project.   I have had the hardest time finding just the right color.   Mind you, this project is on month ten of being at a standstill.  In the meantime, my BFF started house hunting, found a house, had the new house painted a nice cool gray, had her old home (which will be a rental) painted a nice warm beige and she is living happily ever after.   In the meantime, I sit here with tons of paint samples.   I did learn from her paint decision that I definitely want a warm gray versus a cool gray.   Ahhhhh.....progress.

So while I ignore my paint dilemma I divert my focus to the little table in the hallway.   I've always disliked the table because the legs are antiqued rubbed silver-ish.   Why I never thought of painting the legs is really beyond me.  This weekend it just occurred to me that I could paint the legs instead of replacing the entire thing.


 The 'before' with the old silver legs and the boxes I used to try to cover up the problem:

And the 'after' with the gold sprayed legs:

I have to say I like it.  I like it a lot.  It's not perfect but this is a dark little hall so flaws are nearly invisible.  And I know those flowers are out of season but isn't faux in season all year round?

On top of football, a trip to San Fransisco and the non-painting that is going on around here, my nephew got married last weekend!   Sweetheart and I were part of their bridal party and we had the best time!  We are both so happy for them!