Molly McLean

Just about any corner of your home can be transformed into a home office. A vintage desk given a new life with paint, and extended top works well in the corner of this dining room. Two shelves with labeled baskets keep items organized and within easy reach.

A glass top is added to the desk top to provide a place for photographs.

Pre-fabricated boards cut to size with closet rods added provide more organization space in a closet. A vintage dresser adds much needed storage space and costs very little money at a consignment shop and is given new life with a fresh coat of paint.

A dresser mirror originally purposed for a brush set is hung on the wall with a plate hanger to reflect light from the lamp in the closet. A lamp allows for much needed light in a dark closet.

Cottage gardening provides an easy unstructured look that is easy to maintain. Cottage gardening works well with small homes and gives the appearance of a quaint and inviting atmosphere inviting guests to roam the garden and see what they may find unexpectantly.

Give your storage barn an uplift by painting it in a color that coordinates with your home. For example, if your home is tan with green shutters, choose a green base for the building and trim in tan for a nice complement.

Add inexpensive window treatments to the windows and window boxes filled with seasonal flowers.

Shelving cut to size, painted in a contrasting color and hung on outdoor plant hangers used as brackets add dimension to your storage barn.

If you have a kitty, cut a small door in the door for a nice escape hatch!

A small bistro table covered with a vintage tablecloth adorned with vibrant pink roses makes an inviting spot in the yard for brunch with a friend. Fresh cut flowers in a clear pitcher makes both a simple an economic centerpiece while making use of flowers in full bloom.

A great way to recover worn chairs that once had plastic basketweaved seating is by replacing the worn bottom with a board cut to size and covered with batting and an inexpensive vinyl tablecloth.

Vinyl tablecloths make great outdoor pillows as well. They’re water resistant, mold resistant and last all summer long. A fantastic look for very little money.