Green For The Mini

Yesterday was such a beautiful early spring day, and I took advantage of the weather to take Little B for a long walk. We wandered into the newly remodeled upper west side Housing Works. The store looks great, and they seem to have doubled their space, but more importantly, check out this wardrobe!!!

I realize that on first glance it may look like any old slightly beat up 80 year old (give or take) piece, but it is the perfect size, shape, and layout to turn into an awesome baby station. Plus the exterior is plain enough that it could fit in with just about any style, from modern to victorian, so if your short on space you could put it in the livingroom or master bedroom. How would you turn this into a baby station? you might ask, so I will provide an answer. The wardrobe is split into 3 sections, the second 2 are open to one another but have 2 doors. The small section already has a few drawers, and shelves. Add some bins, like these:
from GUS*, and you have clothing and toy storage. In the larger section remove the bar and add a second shelf to the one that’s already there. Either have a carpenter do this or its pretty simple diy if you like that kind of thing. Mount the first shelf at 36″ high (from the floor) and the second shelf 6-10″” below that. Put a strap on changing pad, or even just this organic wool puddle pad, on the upper shelf, wala! its a changing table. More storage containers on the lower shelf, for diapers, washclothes, etc. These Komplement storage boxes from IKEA would work,

or just use some old shoe boxes. Add a narrow ledge above the table (available at many stores, or make your own with some L-brackets and a piece of wood, 4-6″ deep should work) for potions & lotions, a lamp or sconce (you will need to drill a whole in the back for cords) leave the space below the table open to store larger toys, or put a toy bag underneath, which you can pull out at the end of the day to collect stray toys. I love this one from Nest:
You could take this whole idea even further and decorate the interior, paint it, add decals, photos, art, whatever took your fancy. Once it’s closed it reverts to a grown up piece of furniture, the style of the exterior doesn’t suit? Paint that as well. When the kid gets older you could turn it into a homework/craft station, they could even take it with them when they move out, a great piece for their first place.

I love taking vintage pieces (especially wardrobes, extremely versatile) and turning them into something else. Not only do you get a one of a kind, your also saving something from the landfill. I even once grabbed a wardrobe, just as it was about to be dumped from the truck next to , when I was at the local dump with my Dad getting rid of some yard waste. $40 and some elbow grease later, it is a beautiful kitchen pantry in my friend’s 1882 Victorian home.