The High/Low Organizing Challenge - Let's Get Inspired!

Have you gotten started on your High/Low organizing project yet?  In case you missed the kick-off to this super exciting challenge, you can snag the details here.

That is right my IHeart pals!  I am challenging you to find some high end inspiration and recreate it on a budget.  The link party starts next Thursday, so you still have plenty of time to join in the fun!

I thought I would share some inexpensive storage candy from around blogland, to inspire you to participate in this challenge.  Honestly, if it wasn't so late as I sit here compiling these ideas, I am pretty sure I would have a paint brush and hammer in my hands at this very moment.  Tomorrow morning can't come soon enough!

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Jane was inspired by a Pottery Barn tablet holder retailing for $34.50.  Take a close look at her incredible version and you will see that it was created by combining a cutting board, Scrabble letter tray and child's building block.  And it cost her less than $2!  That deserves a few more of these !!!!

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My organizing lovin' gal pal, Samantha, also found inspiration from Pottery Barn.  She transformed some shallow baskets into rolling under-bed storage with the addition of a simple frame and casters.

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It really should be no surprise that Pottery Barn is a prime target for the High/Low challenge.  They create beautiful pieces for the home, yet their prices are not always considered pocketbook friendly.  If you can recreate an entire piece of furniture, like Whitney's bookcase above, you are looking at hundreds saved! 

Or how about a built from scratch PB inspired bathroom vanity?  My jaw is still on the floor!

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What other loved retailers come to mind?  How about Ballard Designs, Serena & Lily and Restoration Hardware...

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Erin sewed and painted a new liner for a once retired laundry hamper!  Now it looks industri-awesome!

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I am guessing we all have lusted over the Ballard wall pockets at one time or another, and so did Nike.  So she recreated them on a dime and you will never guess what they are made out of.... cardboard and fabric!  Must see it to believe it!

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A blogger I will always consider to be the queen of creating high end looks on a budget, is Centsational Girl.  One of my all time favorite projects is her DIY drying rack, saving her over $64 from the inspiration piece.

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Shelves maximize vertical space and add storage galore, but those with extra details come with an extra high price tag.  My friend, Ashley, fell for some Restoration Hardware shelves and set out to recreate them for less.  And that she did!  Va va voom!

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Could you imagine forking over $118 for a rolling storage crate?  Jackie couldn't either, so she created her own, times four!  She was able to customize the crates to fit her space and add a touch of teal for less than the cost of just one of the high end versions.


Raise your hand if you love a good IKEA hack.  Me me me!  IKEA products come at reasonable prices, yet also have a tendency to reflect that big box store feeling.  But as you know, a little paint and creativity goes a long way. 

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Emily transformed an IKEA SVALBO sideboard into dramatically dipped entryway piece.

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I have been lusting after a great campaign piece, however, I just haven't found the right one.  After seeing Louisa's IKEA dresser turned campaign amazingness, I am inspired to think further outside of the box.

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I have seen a lot of amazing IKEA hacks, but some of my favorite have been done by the style maven, Jen, of Made By Girl.  She has an ability to make IKEA pieces look like a billion bucks.

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As much as I would love to own a Dorothy Draper piece, I know that a good DIY is as close as I will ever get.  I am pretty sure IKEA has never looked better.

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I consider color happy storage an office necessity, however, those pretty boxes, baskets and magazine files can quickly add up!  I love how Diane paired inexpensive IKEA boxes with decorative papers to achieve a playful effect on a penny budget.

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Lucy's Anthropologie inspired coil pots are the most fabulous desk accessory around.  In fact, she has me wanting to recreate them in areas all over our home.  Maybe even in a super sized version!  So smitten!

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Patience and innovation can get you really far in the process of DIY'ing storage for your home.  Mat board turned trendy geometric pencil cup?  The brilliant Sarah of Sarah Dorsey Designs strikes again!

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Decorative boxes work in every room of the home for endless purposes.  Head to any home decor store and you will find shelves lined with them, ranging in prices of twenty dollars to even hundreds!  Cassie is always recreating chic, high end inspired storage on a shoe string budget; it is so hard for me to select any personal favorite. 

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How gorgeous is the gold and acrylic jewelry box above?  Easily $40 right?  More?  It may blow your mind, but the innovative Erin DIY'd that beautiful box out of clear box photo frames!  I am pretty obsessed!

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Let's chat baskets!  HomeGoods has become my go-to source for budget baskets, however, the oversized versions still ring in at high dollar amounts.  But if you get creative with a little twine, you can make yourself ten baskets, get organized and still have enough leftover for your favorite drink at Starbucks!

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Another guessing game.  Any idea what those charming little canvas buckets are made from?  3.....2.....1.  JEANS!   I will never look at my clothing the same.

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Taking time to learn how to handle a power tool or two can get you a looong way in the storage department.  Toy storage galore anyone?  Kid tested, parent approved!


There is no limit to what can be accomplished this month!  Whether you cover a box with your favorite paper or build a new closet system, there are endless possibilities for you endlessly inspiring and creative folks.  Next week just may be my most favorite link party yet!  See you there!