On The Prowl

The first step to any successful project is a plan.  But sometimes coming up with that plan can be the hardest part.  (Time out...my power just went out.  Ok back on now.)  Just last week I shared these dreadful pictures of our mudroom with you...

Since then I have been pinning, browsing and thinking a lot about what would look great but also tame the shoe explosion.  My first route was completely practical.  Search for shoe racks that hold a bunch of shoes and aren't to ugly.  I found a couple of things I didn't mind like this shoe cabinet on Overstock



It is a little pricey at $230 but holds 20 pairs of shoes, which is more than most this size, and has doors to hide some of the mess.  So although it is lacking in the style department it will still remain on the list as a back up plan. 

As I continued to look I kept being drawn to spaces like this

and this



In spite of the color theme what I really like is the real furniture look.  Not the storage cabinet look in the first option.  I also really liked the idea of an armoire.  Something with a couple of drawers for gloves, scarves, hats and some doors to hide the shoes behind.  As I was sitting thinking about this very thing I was suddenly struck by brilliance (well, it was brilliant for the next 60 seconds or so).  I jumped up from my chair, grabbed a tape measure and raced upstairs.  Does anyone remember this...

It used to sit in our Master Bedroom until it was moved into the spare room until later needed.  Well my thought was wouldn't this be perfect!  Add some shelves, some new handles and of course refinish the entire thing but...oh so sadly it is to big.  Bummer.  Total bummer!  Wouldn't that have been perfect.  And not to mention very cheap. 

So where does that leave me?  It leaves me on the prowl.  I am a lion stalking its armoire prey and Craig's List is my jungle.  The size I need is very specific which makes the task that much more challenging, but I am optimistic that once again Craig's List will pull through.  And I figure I may even find similar but different inspiration along the way. Maybe a dresser will work or some kind of kitchen cabinets.

Are any of you needing to organize your entry way or mudroom?  If so there really is great inspiration on pinterest.  Here are a few more of my favs!