There’s something so satisfying about a good home improvement project, especially one that sets the stage for a fresh new season. As we gear up for spring, we tackled the project of removing the the wooden platform in front of our studio-office and replaced it with a sturdy new one. This simple but impactful update looks great and improves the safety of our workspace. Out with the Old The first step? Saying goodbye to the worn-out, weathered boards that had seen better days. Over the years, exposure to the elements had taken its toll, leaving some of the wood unstable. We carefully measured the existing deck to ensure our new structure would match the same dimensions and utilize the existing concrete footers—saving us time and effort. Planning and Prepping Once the old boards were gone, it was time to plan the rebuild. We took precise measurements of the frame and spacing of the joists, then put together a lumber list. We used pressure-treated lumber and exterior grade deck screws to build the replacement platform. A trip to the Lowes later, we had everything we needed. Now, onto the fun part—building! Building a Stronger Foundation Here’s how we put the new platform together, step by step: Using a chop saw (miter saw), we cut the pressure-treated boards to the exact measurements needed for our deck. We laid out the new boards, spacing them evenly with deck board spacers for proper airflow and drainage. Using exterior-grade deck screws, we secured each board in place, ensuring they were flush and level. We used a homemade jig to ensure that all of the screws were evenly spaced and aligned. We carefully hauled the platform from the building space to our studio/office and using the existing footers, installed the new deck. After a weekend of work, our refreshed platform was complete—solid, stable, and ready to handle all the foot traffic and inspiration the season brings. Adding a Touch of Spring Of course, no space is truly complete without a little charm. While we wait for our hydrangeas and spring bulbs to start blooming, we’re adding a cheerful pot of pansies to brighten up the area. These cold-hardy flowers are perfect for bridging the gap between winter and spring, adding an instant pop of color and life. Looking Ahead From Rotten to Refreshing – Rebuilding Our Studio-Office Deck We are so excited that we were able to rebuild our studio-office deck and take it from rotten to refreshing. With the deck project complete, we’re ready to dive into even more creative endeavors. So, if you’ve been eyeing an outdoor project, consider this your sign—it’s the perfect time to get ready for spring! Stay tuned as we share more seasonal projects and inspirations in the coming weeks.
Projects
The Ultimate Pantry Organization Project
Add to cart $5.00 Pantry Checklist A Fresh Start For The New Year… Have you ever opened your pantry and felt overwhelmed by the clutter? After the holiday rush, ours was a disaster! Between baking marathons, holiday feasts, and extra guests, our pantry had become an unorganized mess. Determined to start the year fresh, we embarked on the ultimate pantry organization project—one that would make it easier to find and store items, prioritize healthy eating, and create a system that the whole family could maintain. This pantry organization project was designed with four key goals in mind: Better Organization – Making it easier to find and store pantry items. Maximizing Space – Determining what was taking up the most room and solving the clutter issue. Easy Maintenance – Creating a system that everyone in the household can follow. Prioritizing Healthy Eating – Ensuring healthy choices were front and center. The Step-by-Step Process Want to refresh your pantry like we did? Follow these steps to transform your space into a functional, beautiful, and easy-to-maintain storage area. Plus, check out our downloadable Pantry Organization Checklist for a step-by-step guide to help you tackle your own pantry refresh! Step 1: Assess Your Needs Who uses the pantry? (Children, adults, guests?) What are your storage priorities? (Healthy eating, bulk storage, entertaining, overflow storage?) Will the space be used for more than storage? (Food prep, small appliance use, staging?) Step 2: Empty the Pantry Completely Take everything out—yes, everything! Place items on a large surface so you can see what you have. Step 3: Deep Clean the Space Vacuum and wash the floors. Wipe down all shelves and repaint if needed. Assess lighting—adjust or add lighting if necessary. Consider electrical needs if using the space for appliances (butler pantry setup, coffee station, etc.). Step 4: Sort Everything Into Categories Entertaining Storage Staples Snacks Baking Bulk foods Perishables Overflow Small appliances Serving bowls/platters Step 5: Purge & Prioritize Wash all containers before refilling. Check expiration dates and discard anything outdated. Cull items you no longer need or use. Prioritize the contents of each category—what do you actually use? Step 6: Create a Smart Storage System Position frequently used items at eye level for easy access. Place less frequently used items on higher shelves. Store heavy items on lower shelves to prevent accidents. Determine if you have too much in a specific category and adjust. Step 7: Repurpose Additional Storage Space Move large or seldom-used items to a better storage location (e.g., meat slicer, induction plate, drink dispensers, cake stands, etc.). Step 8: Use Cohesive Storage Bins & Labels Invest in heavy duty shelving, matching bins and containers for a streamlined look: Sterilite Large & Deep Bins Sorbus Large Clear bins Oversized Storage Containers Label each container to make it easy to find what you need. We used a Brother P Touch Label Maker and purchased Extra Brother P-Touch M Tape Cartridges. Use clear containers for bulk items like flour, sugar, and pasta. Anchor Hoking 1 Gallon Jar with Lid Anchor Hoking 2 Gallon Jar with Lid Anchor Hoking 1/2 Gallon Jar with Lid Anchor Hoking 3 Quart Jar with Lid Bulk Food Storage – Airtight Storage Set – Small, Medium, Large and Tall Set (24 pieces) Final Thoughts A well-organized pantry isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about efficiency, ease of use, and making healthy choices more accessible. With a thoughtful approach to storage and organization, maintaining an orderly pantry becomes second nature. We have made it easy with our ultimate pantry organization project guide. Ready to tackle your own pantry project? Grab our Pantry Organization Checklist to guide you through each step. We’d love to hear your best pantry organization tips in the comments below. Happy organizing!
