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A new year often means a reset. Setting new goals, intentions, starting with a fresh start. Having an organized approach to any part of your life can help tremendously.
I connected with a fun group of very talented ladies on Instagram where we each shared one organization tip, trick, hack, or DIY over eight days to help kick off the new year. It was that extra little push to get me started on a project I've had on my DIY project list for quite some time. A display for my collection of cutting boards.
I have an affinity for wood cutting boards... almost as much as fun mugs {I digressed} and I LOVE to keep them on display. However, "display" for the longest time meant on my kitchen counter, and let me tell ya I cannot stand a cluttered counter {another organizational project that will take place over the next couple of months}.
I didn't want to spend much on the project. At the end of the day, I only spent $27 out of pocket, and here's how:
Project List {items on hand}:
Scrap beadboard from a previous bathroom project
Paint from our dry bar build Sherwin Williams color Peppercorn
Poplar wood {scrap wood}
Liquid nail, screws, nails, spackle, and caulk, wood glue
High-density foam roller
Foam brush
Craft paintbrush
Project List {items purchased}:
Three (3) MDF trim pieces from Lowe's Home Improvement - used Gift Card I received as a birthday present (no out of pocket cost)
2 - 8' x 1.5" MDF trim
1 - 6' x 1.5" MDF trim
1. Find a space that you can utilize. Any wall space could work or if you have an island you can use the side(s) of the island {that's what I was originally going to do} until I decided I needed more space and I wanted to showcase the new serving board my Dad handmade for me.
Here's the space I decided on. I toyed with a few other ideas for this space for a couple of years but I'm so happy with the cutting board organizational display.
2. A solid foundation is key. Any project you want to endure the test of time requires good prep it's the key to any good project. Sometimes the prep work can take as long if not longer than the actual project. Luckily this one wasn't the case. I removed the chalkboard, which was hanging with velcro command strips making the removal super simple, and removed the baseboard. I then cleaned the surface with Mrs. Meyers All Purpose Cleaner and let it dry.
3. Measure twice, cut once! I wanted to frame the space to give it a more finished look. I measured from the floor to the bottom on the moulding {because I was removing the baseboard}. From there I had to decide on the trim size that I would be using. Here comes the math part {BTW my worst subject by far}. I hope I don't lose you on this one.
I had already purchased the wall mount bar and that was 16" in length. The width of the area was 25". I subtracted the length of the bar from the width of the space (25" - 16") leaving me with 9" of area. I then divided the 9" in half leaving me with 4.5" to play with on each side for trim. So I went with a 1.5" wide trim piece that would give me leave me 3" on each side.
4. Powertools can be a gals best friend! Time to start cutting the materials to size. I cut the trim to length to fit the two outer sides first, I then had to notch out a section of the baseboard so the trim would sit flush against the wall using my Ridgid multi-tool. Once that was done I installed the outer trim pieces with a few dabs of Liquid Nail and my Ryobi nail gun. Next, I measured the inside space between the outer trim pieces to make the cuts for the bottom and top trim and installed them the same as the outer trim. Now it was time to cut the beadboard, I cut the boards so the beads were horizontal using my Ryobi circular saw. I secured each piece with Liquid Nail and the nail gun {just like the trim).
Time-lapse video of beadboard install
5. Let's add some color! Again, prepped the surface. I filled in all of the nail holes and gaps with spackle and caulk then wiped down the space to make sure it was clean and dry. Next, I taped around the trim to make sure the paint didn't bleed onto the floor, wall, or cabinet. I used scotch blue masking tape with plastic and Frog tape.
It took approximately three coats {allow the paint to dry in between applications} of paint using a high-density foam roller to cover the entire space and then I used a foam brush and tiny paintbrush to fill in some of the small spaces the roller didn't cover.
6. Figure out your spacing. My Dad had given me a beautiful handmade serving board in the middle of this project {thank goodness it was before I installed the rods}. I knew that it needed a special spot on the wall, I started with the spacing with the serving board in mind. I made a ledger shelf out of scrap wood in the garage and stained it {check out a previous blog post of mine on how to make a ledge shelf}. Once I knew where the shelf was going to sit, I spaced the first hanging bar at the top of the space keeping in mind how low the cutting boards would hang, and then the second one bar bearing in mind the length of the remaining cutting boards and where they would fall on the wall.
I measured 3" from the inside left side trim piece this is where the edge of the rod would be secured and made sure the spacing was the same on the other side (3" from the inside of the right trim piece}. I then placed Frog tape on the beadboard where I would be screwing in the bar {this protects the surface and gives a space to markup when pre-drilling holes, which is what I did next. {I always suggest pre-drilling holes it makes it easier and smoother when installing - acts as a guide for the screws to follow}. I then secured the left side of the bar, used the level that came with the rods to ensure the right side of the rod was in the appropriate position and level, pre-drilled, and installed.
7. Step back and admire your work! The best is when design and function meet.
Sometimes finding time to build something yourself or even get organized can seem like a herculean feat, and that's ok! There are experts out that that can help with all of it. I've used Thumbtack before to help connect me with the experts in my area when I'm short on time or the job is just outside of my scope of bandwidth. Thumbtack has experts in all areas from home organization, painters, carpet cleaners, caterers, landscapers, etc. You can get free quotes online and read all of their reviews!
I mentioned I connected with a great group of ladies on Instagram to share eight days of organizational hacks, tips and tricks. You can check them all out here, I promise they will not disappoint!
Katelyn - @apopofyou - Dinner Planning Menu Board
Joleen - @beaus_and_belles - Baking Pantry Organization Tips & Tricks
Megan - @meganreillydiys - Mancave Organizational Tips
Nicole - @thehobbyhome - Keeping your household running smooth
Kaleigh - @nestled.together - DIY Shoe Organization Wall
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