bedroom

Getting Ready Zones

This is literally a quick trick as both solutions help L and I get out the front door quicker in the mornings-! It's all about zones: L has his, I have mine - designed specifically for what we need. We catch early morning commuter trains so speed is of the essence...

L'S GETTING READY ZONE:

Simply fix an IKEA RIBBA picture ledge to your wall, underneath a mirror, and you've got a place for all your daily essentials immediately to hand - moisturiser, deodorant, aftershave, etc:

It's the perfect space-saving storage solution for anyone who's short on time in the mornings. It's particularly perfect for L as he only has a few daily essentials.

MY GETTING READY ZONE:

I use an IKEA HEMNES chest of 5 drawers with a vanity mirror on top - as I prefer to stand, but also need storage for my products etc. I also get ready much quicker when standing (I tried a dressing table once and it just didn't work for me - I was far too comfortable, making me slower to get ready-!).

I updated the handles to give it less of an 'IKEA' feel:

ITEMS STORED INSIDE:

The top drawer is particularly handy for:

  • Nail polishes
  • Lipsticks / lip balms
  • Kirby grips / hairbands
Use shallow dishes and boxes to store items that need containing.

Use shallow dishes and boxes to store items that need containing.

The taller drawers can fit products in really easily:

  • Hairspray
  • Deodorant
  • Moisturiser
  • Make-up
  • Hairdryer
  • Straighteners
  • Make-up bags
  • Hair & make-up brushes

ITEMS ON DISPLAY:

  • Vanity mirror: magnified on one side to help with makeup application
  • Radio: early morning news & travel updates to keep me up-to-speed
  • Lamp: extra light during winter
  • Clock: helps me keep track of timings (much easier than constantly checking my phone)

If you can, try and position your mirror or chest of drawers on the same wall as your window so you're getting the best light as possible on your face. (Much easier when applying make-up / doing hair!)

For more storage ideas, take a look at my bedroom Pinterest board. 

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE...

Easy Art

What you hang in your house is a big reflection of who you are and what you like. Whether it's a picture you bought on holiday, a vintage map of your hometown or a special photo capturing a happy day. But sometimes there are certain designs and colours you'd love in your home, which you don't have on hand ready to hang, or can afford! 

Step up: CARDS!

This is one of my favourite Quick Tricks because it saves a lot of money, especially if you get frames from IKEA. There are so many cards out there featuring beautiful designs and colours, why not give it a go?

A few of our favourite things: London, Paris and (for L) cycling (Paperchase cards, IKEA frames).

A few of our favourite things: London, Paris and (for L) cycling (Paperchase cards, IKEA frames).

Why put wedding cards in storage when you can display them and remember your happy day, every day?

Why put wedding cards in storage when you can display them and remember your happy day, every day?

Wise words for our kitchen.

Wise words for our kitchen.

A scene from one of my favourite stories (glumptious - great word).

A scene from one of my favourite stories (glumptious - great word).

Inspirational card art for when you need it.

Inspirational card art for when you need it.

In-joke: We framed this card I bought L a few years ago as he accidentally did this once (he singed his eyelashes when trying to light the BBQ...!).

In-joke: We framed this card I bought L a few years ago as he accidentally did this once (he singed his eyelashes when trying to light the BBQ...!).

MY FAVOURITE CARD SHOPS

  • Oliver Bonas (especially birthday, wedding and new home).
  • Paperchase (such a big variety - artistic, modern, comedy).
  • Department stores always have big ranges but I really love the cards in Fenwick.
  • Not on the High Street (especially when you're looking for something in particular or personalised).

CARD-SPIRATION:

Take a look at the Maison Bailey gallery wall over on Instagram.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE...

Furniture Handles

This is one of my favourite quick tricks as it's an affordable way to completely transform your furniture. Simply swap furniture handles with ones of your choosing! I did this with my IKEA HEMNES chest of 3 drawers, 5 drawers, wardrobe and bedside tables:

Porcelain swirls:

Crystal Faceted Glass Diamond:

Sister S also used this trick to update her HEMNES chest of 8 drawers with these Anthropologie handles:

TOP TIP

Pushka Knobs on eBay is our go-to brand for handles as they're really affordable and offer a huge choice. Pink swirls were only £2.95, and crystal faceted were £4.00. Bargain!

Other versions I'm loving right now:

The Best Part

If you fancy a change, you don't need to buy new furniture - simply swap the handles! From sparkly gems to quirky brass - it's amazing how much impact handles can have on a room.

I would recommend keeping handles similar per room - whether from the same range, a similar colour or material - otherwise it could look a bit busy.

More decor inspiration can be found on my Bedroom Pinterest board.

Necklace Storage

Free-standing hooks have become the new jewellery box in recent years - they not only display your favourite necklaces so you remember what you have, but they're great for grab-and-go mornings. There are lots of stylish takes on the trend, from shabby chic to modern copper.

While I love these pretty solutions, I still find they take up essential getting ready space and are partial to a topple or two. To avoid this but retain the concept, I purchased a wall hook in the Cox & Cox sale and fixed it to my bedroom wall. Space is saved, tangles are avoided - plus it makes a pretty wall feature out of your necklaces:

TOP TIP:

Divide your necklaces onto three hooks:

1. Statements (space for bulky jewels)

2. Regulars (go-to favourites that work with most outfits)

3. Others (when you fancy a change)

For more jewellery storage ideas, take a look at my Bedroom board on Pinterest.