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.

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. 

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Craft Storage

I love IKEA hacks as they're a creative way to challenge a product's intended use. The ones I've seen online are true genius. You can also alter items to fit your taste / home style better (like this idea).

This quick trick is one of my favourite hacks: turning an IKEA STENSTORP plate shelf (new version can be found here) into the ultimate craft storage. Ours is fitted onto a wall in our home office and stores fabric, wrapping accessories and jars of buttons and ribbons. It's the perfect storage solution as it reminds you what you have, everything is easily accessible and essential surface space is kept clear.

DISCOVER MORE IKEA HACKS:

Follow Maison Bailey on Pinterest for more home office ideas on-the-go.

Key Hooks

This simple IKEA hack will make your homelife so much easier. No more lost keys or misplaced grab-and-go essentials. Simply fix hooks underneath an IKEA MOSSLANDA picture ledge (only £4.50), fix it to a wall and voilá!

Its depth is shallow enough not to worry about bumping into it as you dash by, plus its hallway location offers L the perfect spot to place his daily necessities: watch, wallet, travel card and change for coffee, ensuring nothing is forgotten pre-exit. While most of my essentials stay in my handbag, I like to keep a to-do list and a pen here as it reminds me of plans, projects, bills and birthdays as I walk by.

TOP TIP:

Ensure the shelf doesn't look out of place by adding a picture or mirror above it. We have a wedding venue print my sister S gave us, as we have our mirror nearer to our front door where there's better light.

Safety shout-out: Avoid placing keys and precious items right next to doors and windows as they can be spotted and grabbed by the wrong people looking for opportunities! We keep ours much further back into our hallway.

Like this IKEA hack? Find out another way to use an IKEA rail to store garden shoes.

Garden Shoe Storage

This quick trick will ensure your back door floor area is kept clear and that your garden shoes are easy to grab and go. Simply use an IKEA FINTORP rail and hooks (£10 in total), fit it to the side of a cabinet near to your back door and hang your shoes on it!

Cheap, quick and useful.

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