Dish & Flatware Storage

Welcome to the 54th Metamorphosis Monday!

For this week’s Met Monday, I’m sharing a small but fun little metamorphosis in my china closet. You may remember when I posted a while back about the little redo of this space…it was really being poorly utilized. It was being used to store deck cushions that were rarely used.

After a little renovation, (you may read about HERE) it looked like this…cushions stored in the top, birdseed and birding items in large containers on the floor, and china on the shelves in between.

Later, I decided to move the birdseed and birding containers back to the laundry room and I ended up storing my tall candlesticks on the floor, instead.

This closet has now gone through yet, another little change. The deck cushions were moved to an upstairs linen closet, since they are so rarely used. Most of my outdoor time is spent on the screened-in porch (not the decks) due to the mean ole mosquitoes we have here in the south.

Do you see the “After” there on the top shelf? I totally stole Bonnie’s idea from her amazing dish room…remember that post HERE? I was shopping in The Home Depot and they had plastic “shoebox size” containers for only .99 cents each. I remembered Bonnie’s dish room and bought 20 of them.

Next, I took pics of the items I planned to store in the boxes. I found the photos turned out better if the items were photographed on a white surface or white piece of paper, as opposed to a dark table. I took black and white photos, sized them down to what Microsoft Picture Manager calls “E-mail Large,” and printed them out. It took a little experimenting around to find the best size pic for the box. I could have taken them in color…and printed them in color, but I just decided to go with black and white.

I used double-sided tape to stick them onto the containers. I saved the pics on my computer just in case one gets ripped off or damaged. Of course, you could take wide clear tape and place it across the top of each photo/label to ensure they stay secure and undamaged…I may eventually do that. The boxes are large enough to store 2-3 sets of napkin rings in one box, depending, of course, on the size of the napkin ring.


Much better use of this space now, I think. There’s not much I love more than organizing. Okay, blogging…I love blogging more than organizing…but organizing may be a close second. 🙂

Update: Bonnie just e-mailed and gave me some additional information that you may find helpful: “Another way to do the pictures on the bins is to use a label printing software, add the picture to the design and print on large labels. Or, you can also use a “Xyron” to add adhesive to the back of your printed pictures.” Thanks, Bonnie, for those suggestions!

Looking forward to seeing all your “Before and Afters.”

If you are participating in Metamorphosis Monday, please be sure to add your permalink below, and not your general blog address. If you aren’t sure how to obtain your permalink or have any questions about using Mr. Linky for this post, just click HERE for detailed instructions.

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Please do not add your link below until your Met Monday post is actually published to your blog.

Fabulous “Before and Afters” await your visit:

 

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Comments

  1. Christi @ A Southern Life says

    Fabulous organization idea with those bins. One of these days . . . Your outdoor cushions are wonderful even if you don't get to use them due to the skeeters! They are awful, aren't they?

    Christi @ A Southern Life

  2. Joan@anythinggoeshere says

    How organized it looks! I am so envious. What a great job you did.

  3. Susan,
    I've been following your closet metamorphosis and each time I think, "it's perfect!". But this time I truly think it is {until you think of something else really nifty!!!} I love the storage boxes, they are perfect for your things…hm…now that I think about it, I think I can do this in my closet as well! YIPPEE! I also like the labeling…it's just so darn smart! As always, thanks for hosting this party and being a true inspiration!
    Sharlotte

  4. amariaf2000 says

    Oh, am I too late to add a gardening book to the widget? It's my personalized signed copy of "Private Gardens of Georgia" by Polly M Mattox and Helen M Bost – a book written by a coworker's mother and sister. It's so beautiful!

    ~angela @ peonypatch

  5. tales from an oc cottage says

    OH! The pictures on the boxes is a genius idea! I can put things away…but remembering what I put where is a whole other story! ;}

    m ^..^

  6. Beth@The Stories of A to Z says

    I love it! It looks like a gorgeous organized wonderland :). Thanks for hosting!

  7. Great organizing Susan! I love the photo idea!
    Hugs~
    Robin

  8. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    Hi Susan! I love your closet redo! Great idea about the shoe size boxes and the photos of the contents! Congrats to your tassel winner! Happy week!…hugs…Debbie

  9. Your storage closet looks terrific and is oh so functional. I'd love to have space to do something similar.

  10. Hi Susan! Oh, you're just the smartest one! First of all, I love your dish storage closet and it looks so good in there. Those little plastic boxes are a wonderful solution for little things. I may have to try this one. Now if I just had a dish closet like yours! 🙂 Thanks again for being our wonderful hostess!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

  11. Jenny @ Words on Wendhurst says

    That's a great way to organize all of the little bits and pieces of your tablescapes! Nice job. Have a great day!

  12. Paula Grace Designs says

    OMG! What a great idea. Labeling them the way you did makes it so easy. Congratulations to Donna on her win 🙂
    Paula Grace ~

  13. thewelcomehome says

    You are so very organized….I must try to learn from your example. Most of my pretty things are stored in an old server with solid doors. It is hard to be inspired to use them if I can't see them.

    I joined your link up for Met Monday. We are hard at work at our beach house. Not beautiful yet but you have to build the walls before you can hang the art.

  14. That was an excellent idea. I have many of those boxes from my old computer business, cables were in them. Someday…now I using glass jars for smaller items.

    Very nice closet!

  15. I can always breath easier when things are organized. Your closet looks so good and is so efficient too!

  16. Susan-I love your boxes and labels! The pictures are a stroke of genius! OOPS! I'm sorry I'm entered twice on Mr. Linky. I am not sure how I managed that. I couldn't delete it. Thanks for another great MM!

  17. Janis@White Alder[Home] says

    WOW that is soooooooo organized……..I'd love to spend an afternoon checking out all your wonderful treasures.

  18. I love your organized closet. The pictures are a great idea on boxes, especially for those of us who are visual learners!

  19. Wow! I'm so impressed with your closet !! So organized … love the picture-labeled boxes !! It must make you feel so good to be sooooooo organized !! Thanks for the inspiration (and for letting me share my guest bath). Take care, Becca (Adventures in Decorating)

  20. Love the bins with the pictures on the outside, very smart! Thank you for always doing such a neat job with your posts!

    Mary
    from Virginia

  21. My Shabby Rose Cottage says

    Great idea!! I love those clear shoe boxes! Your closet is looking good!!

    Have a Creative Day!
    Linda

  22. Allison Shops says

    Wow! And I thought I was organized. Looks great and easy to do.

  23. Wow! I love the difference! I love the idea of adding the little pictures to each box. You are such an inspiration to us all. I too am starting to organize and rearrange my house. Thank you for hosting Met Monday. I truly enjoy visiting everyone's posts.
    Sandra

  24. Beverly @ My Sew Sweet Studio says

    You are certainly getting the best use out of that closet. The storage boxes are a great idea and love the way you labeled them. I love organizing too….I just need to get inspired to do some of my own.

  25. Marla at Always Nesting says

    Oh, I am soooo envious of your closet! It's wonderful to have all your wares organized.

  26. Marla at Always Nesting says

    Oh, I am soooo envious of your closet! It's wonderful to have all your wares organized.

  27. Marla at Always Nesting says

    Oh, I am soooo envious of your closet! It's wonderful to have all your wares organized.

  28. Marla at Always Nesting says

    Oh, I am soooo envious of your closet! It's wonderful to have all your wares organized.

  29. Jeanette P. says

    Well I guess I got my answer to where you store all your china!! It looks so amazing and you know just where everything is. If my dish collection keeps growing I think I am going to need one of those closets my self. You did a wonderful job, thanks for posting my "ideal" dream closet 🙂

  30. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    I like how your closet is metamorphosizing {is that a word?} to suit your needs, Susan! I find I do that, too. I have to tell you I mentioned you in a post this weekend that has to do with your post on all those decorating books!

  31. Allie and Pattie says

    Those plastic boxes are one of the greatest inventions EVER. We've used this idea for years and couldn't be without it. And yes, since we've moved South, we cannot BELIEVE the mosquitos!!

  32. Yellow Rose Arbor says

    What a wonderful way to organize! The photos on the boxes is such a great idea!

    I'm having a Blogaversary giveaway! Come on over!

    Katherine

  33. Hi Susan, Obviously the compilation of our favorite books took a while but what a gift for your readers. I have already ordered one book and will continue to use this as a guide for additional purchases. Thank you.

  34. Julia @ Hooked on Houses says

    Love how you organized your closet! What a clever idea to put the photos on the front of the boxes like that. I've seen people do that with shoes, but never with other items like that.

    Thanks for hosting another fun Met Monday!! 🙂

  35. Amy@TheLemonCottage says

    That is just unreal. I would love to not only be that organized, but to have that many fabulous items to put on the table.
    I'm swooning!
    Thanks for hosting Met Monday! I love all the projects every week!
    ~Amy

  36. Penny @ The Comforts of Home/Lavender Hill Studio says

    Great makover!! I love how organized as well as beautiful it looks!

    Congrats to the winner of the tassel.
    Penny

  37. Kendra @ Domestic Princess in Training says

    What a great transformation! It looked great the first time around but just got better and better.

    Kendra

    http://domesticprincessintraining.blogspot.com

  38. Good idea, Susan. I have been doing something similar except I am using bigger plastic bins to fit sets of dinnerware but I have been taking pictures and taping thme outside the bin. I have extended my china storage in the garage walk in closet….Christine

  39. Susan,
    Your closet keeps getting better and better! I love this idea! I am currently organizing my art studio and could use this idea to organize my various art supplies! Thanks for sharing… Dee Dee

  40. Glenda/MidSouth says

    Would love to have a storage closet like that. Nothing to contribute this week, but did a shopping trip post and linked to your "Classy Flea" trip.
    Have a great week.
    Glenda

  41. Susan, how great to have these organized into shoe size boxes with those photo labels. My holiday decorations are organized like this, but I need more space to organize my table things. Oh how I wish for a another huge closet off my dining room or better yet, that Butler's Pantry I've always dreamed of. Sigh!
    Thanks for the inspiration. Always enjoy my visits to the porch!

  42. Caroline@ FOREVER VINTAGE says

    I wish I had a spare closet that I could do this to! What a great idea and I love the wreath that is hanging on the door.

  43. That transformation is dreamy! I never knew a storage closet could look so good.

  44. Deb @ Confessions of an Ugly Mom says

    Susan,

    Thank you for hosting Metamorphosis Monday — the ideas are wonderful. Your closet is great, and I'm thinking the bins could work for my office supplies when I (hopefully) build those bookshelves for my office. Also loved your photos from your trip to the flea market. So fun.

  45. Thanks for the awesome organizing tips!

  46. Heidi@TheCraftMonkey says

    wow, you are so organized!

  47. Susan.. it's been so long since I've "morphed" anything or did a tablescape… I feel out of the loop… but moving my booth and painting certainly called for a Met Monday post…

    I love your china closet organization… the shoe boxes are the perfect thing… I think I may steal that one myself!

    Your blog is as lovely as always! Wonderful ideas and much beauty.

    blessings. Dixie

  48. Love your closet and the shoe box organization is awesome. Thanks for the great ideas.

  49. The transformation of your closet is amazing! I love a beautifully organized closet and yours gives me goose bumps. Thanks for hosting.

  50. Greenearth says

    Great cupboards. Love the photo idea, looks good and a great time saver when searching for items.

  51. As always, lovely ideas and tips!

  52. Sandy, Sisters of Season says

    Shoe boxes, what an excellent idea!

  53. Susan, you and Bonnie are the BEST organizers! PLUS, you both have such gorgeous things for your china/glassware/silverware closets! I love all of your stuff! You are two lucky ladies! Thanks for sharing.
    Best regards,
    Gloria

  54. What a great idea for quickly spotting that perfect thang!
    Happy Met Blessings 😉

  55. Just a dreamer says

    Great idea, Susan. I loved it when Bonnie did it. Now, if I only had a closet!!! What else is that clever, creative lady up to these days?

    Looking forward to when you put together the "blooper" post. That should be hysterical. As always, Jackie A HUGE Fan

  56. Fantastic, I hope to get organized some day and also hope to have lots of dishes for TT! fun,fun.

  57. One Cheap B*tch says

    I wish I was that organized! It's one of my new year's resolutions! Can't wait to check out everyone's links!

  58. black eyed susans kitchen says

    So inspiring. Maybe it's my age, but I am finding that I feel more comfortable when everything is organized.
    ♥, Susan

  59. Kristin@Bouelvard Interior Design says

    Love it! I'm addicted to organization. When you look in that space it must give you such a sense of calm.

  60. Great organization tips. The plastic shoebox idea is great and I love the pictures on the front so you can see the items stored inside. I did a post on dish storage this week and I have a giveaway….be sure and come by for a visit when you have a chance and thanks for hosting this fun party each week.

  61. lifeshighway says

    Congratualations Donna, I so wanted the gnome tassle.

    The closet organization is inspiring.

  62. A Fire Fighter Wifey says

    I love it so much that I am almost speechless!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

  63. I love the entire organization of your closet! the pictures and ideas for labeling are great and I like the idea of clear shoeboxes. Your closet is fabulous! keep those organizational ideas coming.

  64. Smocking with Gwen says

    This came at the perfect moment for me!!!!! I have been hinting to my husband that I needed a "dish closet" to which I think he thought I was kidding! HA! When we lived in Germany, we lived about an hour from Mettlach, Germany…home of the Villeroy & Boch factory…. To think, I only came home with 3 sets of china!

  65. I love your closet! And those clear storage boxes with the photos. . . what a great tip! This would be a great thing to do with little ones–instead of labeling a box with words they can't read, you could label it with photos of their things. Matter of fact, that might be a good idea for kids of all ages. Maybe this would help me put things back where they belong!

  66. Aren't these bins great! I have been using them in the top shelf our coat closet for years. I found these at a dollar store. We added a shelf above the one the builder installed in the foyer and in most of our closets. A little later I added the bins to this one. I labeled them with a label maker and use them for storing for our light bulbs, winter hats, gloves, scarves,etc. The accessories for the winter coats are stored next to the coats and umbrellas for easy access.

    Charlotte from Charlotte

  67. Lavender Cottage says

    Great storage ideas for the closet. I sold our teak dining room suite as I am buying a friend's dark cherry set. It isn't as big as mine was and I have been wondering where I'll put all my china, napkins etc. but now I know!

  68. Fifi Flowers says

    Oops LATE to the party… but staying LONG to listen to your FAB music selection!
    ENJOY your day!
    Fifi

  69. Melissa Miller says

    ~WOW! Susan the storage bins are truly amazing! Love this idea! 🙂

  70. LOVE how your closet turned out !! The bins are fab, and I love how you have pics of the stemware pattern on the outside … genious !! Thanks for hosting such a fun get together … I love seeing everyone's inspirational projects. Becca (Adventures in Decorating)

  71. LuLo Designs/Blue Eyed Tango says

    Hi Susan, I haven't been over for awhile and seem to have some bloggers block going on right now!! Your closet is very inspiring, love how the tub organizers have the stemware photo on the outside so you don't have to sort them all! I'm sorry to have missed the tassel give-a-way too, how pretty they are! Have a great week! Thank you for hosting! Luanne

  72. that looks wonderful! Doesn't it make you feel so organized when you do something like this.

  73. love those tubs! fantastic idea putting the pics right on them. thanks for hosting!

    blessings!
    michelle

  74. Kendall at Finesse Your Nest says

    Love your plastic shoeboxes with the pictures. Wow! That is SUCH a great idea!

  75. laurie @ bargain hunting says

    Susan, how organized you are! That is so great to be able to look at the picture and know what is inside the box, and it looks so nice too. Great idea. laurie

  76. Paula Grace Designs says

    Hi Susan,

    I wanted to invite you and your readers to a party!

    I'm hosting a weekly party on Tuesdays starting Feb 2nd (next week) on timeless classics ~ check this post out for the details. http://paulagracedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/01/timeless-tuesday.html

    I'm looking forward to having you there!

    Paula Grace ~

  77. Susan, I love your organized closet! We recently moved into a bigger house and let me tell you, I am in organizational nirvana! 🙂 I now have room in closets to be as organized as possible. I love it! Thanks for the continued inspiration!

  78. Nancy @ Live love laugh says

    Susan,
    I love the little bins with the black and white photo labels! How cute all of your lovely things look in their little pics! Just opening the closet must make you so happy!
    ~Nancy

  79. What a neat idea to store sets of silverware and napkins rings,etc. in those clear storage boxes. Wished I had a closet like that to put my stuff in. One of these days, I'm going to get organized! How many sets of silveware do you own? I've noticed that you really know how to coordinate them so well with your china and crystal that you are using. You are so creative! I tend to not be able to estimate how many boxes I would need, and only buy the minimum I think I will use, then when I got back to get more, they're no longer available or out of stock. Since I don't get an opportunity to shop alone without somebody who will remain nameless saying "you don't need that!" Dropped out of the dinner party group so there's not that much of a need for any new sets.

  80. Thanks for linking to my party, Susan. I love your closet and especially the little napkin rings boxes.
    You are a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

  81. Wow, this is my organization dream. Now I have something to aspire to!

  82. Somebody come wave the smelling salts under my nose.

    What a DREAM! I may redirect some items in my craft/homeschool closet for DISHES… (I've a bit of a fetish, it seems…)

    Thanks for the inspiration!

    Sara
    http://www.TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.blogspot.com

  83. Isn't it great to finally get it done with those great ideas? Love your blog so much! I am a new follower

    iadapt-daily.blogspot.com

  84. Love the photos on the boxes. However, since some of us are older, I add those round colored stickers for the season ie red for Christmas, orange for fall, and blue for spring (so we can see at a distance). Big Lots is consistent on their clear boxes with a good price. I use the 16 qt. for floral supplies.
    A woman can never have enough dishes, flatware, glasses, or storage.

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