Embracing the Negative

I never seem to have enough will or time for blasting into projects. But I can always visualize the finished product. So I am constantly chipping away at some spot or other to whip it into shape.

Closets and storerooms are the best examples of this since they can be a challenge to maintain due to constant use.

 But my shop storage room finally came together after months of effort, clearing one box or item at a time.

When I thought of claiming it as a work space, I began to pull it into shape a little bit every time I passed through the room. Sort of daily decision making instead of a marathon exercise in hoarder cleanup.  

The "one box at a time" method is slow but easy. Sometimes it's only one ITEM at a time. 

Once the larger items had been dealt with, there was room for the final big push to bring in a work table and pull it all together.

I kept seeing the metal fuse box as a posting board and anchor for a work space, and the blank wall next to it covered with posters and arty papers. The 2005 Better Homes and Gardens New Cottage Style has a page I have never forgotten. It's a photo of an unsightly boxy industrial light fixture decorated with postcards and ornaments to make it part of the collage. The caption called it "embracing the negative."

The concept deals with eyesores that can't be done away with, and turning them into assets.

There is still an entire wall shelf full of items to be sorted, concealed by a stack of empty boxes. Not glamorous, but effective. 

The dresser stores bags and paper products.

Even when it's finished you're not going to see this room in a Better Homes and Gardens spread, but we're thrilled to have a cozy new office space for nothing but a little tortoise paced effort.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline

Linked to Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday

Savvy Southern Style  for Boring to Better