36 Reader Space: Magnolia Lane Loveliness!

This week I am excited to introduce you to some super talented ladies that run a really inspirational blog, eleven Magnolia Lane.

Eleven Magnolia Lane is made up of three friends who started blogging together almost two years ago, just for fun, and since then it has grown into a great way to stay motivated, creative and productive TOGETHER.

I love that the blog is compiled of three pretty gals, all inspiring and motivating one another.  It also allows different styles to show through on their blog!  And of course, I can't help but be smitten with the amount of organizing that is incorporated into their projects!

First up is Christy's laundry room.  Let's take a peek at the before:

Already organized and functional, but a little love and it was marvelous!

"I liked the blue color on the walls, and the previous owners had left the can of paint for me in the garage, so I patched the walls {especially the huge holes when I took the white wire shelving down} and painted the ceiling.  I like to paint the ceiling in a small space, especially when it’s a lighter color.  I also decided to get crazy and do Jones Design Company’s painted wallpaper treatment on the walls, figuring that it wouldn’t take too long in such a small space.  I was wrong–it seems like it took forever, but I love it so much that it was well worth it!

I borrowed the concept of Shelley’s ironing board hanger at House of Smiths and tweaked it a little to use what I already had–a shabby chic hook rack from Target.  I also gave the legs of my ironing board a coat of Pewter spray paint–they were cobalt blue and I hated that look. 

Vinegar {for the rinse cycle}, ironing spray, change jar, and dryer softener sheets in a napkin holder."

Christy also has an incredible ability to create a perfectly pretty and functional pantry space.  In her first home, she created this!

The pantry is amazing for so many reasons, from the concealed chalkboard menu, to the snack clip holders to the mason jars and clear storage.  She really maximized the space she was given to work with.  So when she moved to her new house, she had to make her new one equally as awesome.  Here is what she started out with:

She began out the project by pulling everything out and starting from scratch.  She installed new wooden shelves which instantly gave the pantry a brighter, cleaner look.

And here it is now!

"I know the pantry looks styled and it won’t stay this neat forever, but the solid shelves and the turntables created SO much additional space for me that I really do have room to leave the serving pieces and cookbooks in here for the long haul.  I love it!"

Next up is Terry.  She created the ultimate study zone for the kids.  Here is the unused space in her lower level:

"My husband and I couldn’t be happier with how the built-in desks and shelving turned out.  Our contractor went above and beyond our expectations with the fancy sliding drawers that even close on their own.  What a treat to have such quiet {and distraction-free} cabinetry.  Both our children have their own desk space for homework and projects.  I personalized their space with their initials, photos and artwork.  I love using their art to decorate my home.  I think it is so important for kids to see their creative works on display, plus it  adds some much needed color in this particular space.

We were on a serious budget with our remodel as we have two other expensive projects that we are trying to finalize prior to 2013.  One of the main reasons we decided to do open shelving was to save money, with the hope of upgrading to cabinets next year.  I have to say, I LOVE the open shelving and I cannot imagine changing them out now.  These were custom-made by our contractor and I adore the style and design."

I think it is so incredible that they went this route with the space and have a quiet and practical place to study and learn.  It is great that it has personal and organized touches and that it can continue to work for them as they grow.

Now we get to see what Amy has been up to.  Check out her bathroom before:

A little love, paint and organizing and it's simply fantastic!

"After chatting with Christy who assured me I could handle the board & batten treatment {as about 3 weeks ago.}  OK, so it’s really not an overnight project. Like many tutorials warn, putting the battens up is fairly easy, but painting and caulking {and re-painting and re-caulking} takes a little bit of time.

To accessorize the room, I already had this towel bar and hanging galvanized buckets from IKEA that I had used in my former office."

Amy also recently made over a room for her mom as a birthday gift.  It was a room the basement where she does ironing, wrapping, sewing and stores her supplies and seasonal decor.

Her mom selected the color palette and everything else was in  Amy's hands.  

Here is the room before Amy got her paws on it:

"I could never have done this without Terry’s help, she was my partner in hauling bookcases from IKEA, figuring out furniture placement, and tirelessly stenciling the inset wall. Not to mention her cute photostyling ideas and photography. My Dad was a trooper through all this, I am not sure he expected this would be this elaborate of a makeover when my Mom and I started talking about it! While he managed to disappear during “Stage One” on a fishing trip, when he returned he built her the wrapping station, and hired an electrician to install a fixture and hang her new chandelier.

The room is filled with repurposed favorites, the white chair was part of my grandmother’s dining set. With a little paint, new matching fabric and a vinyl monogram it took on a whole new life. The fabric covering on the table once was my daughter’s window treatment in her baby nursery.

Working on it was a ball and I just hope that my Mom feels happy every time she enters her room."

Aren't these ladies a talented group of gals with fabulous style and organizing skills?  I could never select a favorite project from this group, every single one has left me with ideas and inspiration.

Anyone snag an idea they are eager to implement in your own home?

ATTENTION!!  Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition?  Have an awesome organizing story to share?  I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life.  Please submit your story and photos here and I would heart to feature them right here, on the blog!!  Photos should be high resolution and unedited.  Please include a description of the project, including any costs, inspiration, and how it has changed your life and routine for the better!  Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice!  Only love goes on at this blog!