{DIY} Another Galvanized Pipe Curtain Rod

Hey there, friends, and happy November! Yikes...that means the holidays are practically upon us! It's time to start baking with pumpkin <i>(like my favorite <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/11/fall-foods-2-ingredient-pumpkin-cake.html" target="_blank">2-ingredient pumpkin cake</a>!)</i>, and watching the sale ads for Christmas gift ideas. I'm determined to stay ahead of the game this year, so I can actually savor the days. Yeah, I like to dream big.<br /><br />A few weeks ago, I showed you the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/breakfast-room-curtains-take-2.html" target="_blank">new curtains in our Breakfast Room</a>, which we're totally and completely smitten with. Part of the adoration has to do with the curtain rod we whipped out for them. The previous rod <i>(used for the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/06/breakfast-room-adding-drapes.html" target="_blank">original  pink curtains</a>)</i> was being held together by <strike>classy</strike> electrical tape, because we had it stretched wider than it's intended use. So when it came time to hang <a href="http://bit.ly/17ezELL" target="_blank">the new curtains</a>, we needed to address the rod situation, too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/diy-another-galvanized-pipe-curtain-rod.html" title="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes" height="734" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7460/10075503265_bff4975b46_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I know it's hard to gauge scale in photos, but this window required a whopping 110-inch rod...not exactly cheap or easy to find. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">TWSS</span> The window itself is 71-inches, but I like the curtains hung high-and-wide<i>. </i>So I pulled an old trick out of my hat, and made them with galvanized pipe. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/diy-another-galvanized-pipe-curtain-rod.html" target="_blank" title="Hi Sugarplum | Galvanized Pipe Curtain Rod by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Galvanized Pipe Curtain Rod" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/10597111674_66ee06b351_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I know, you're thinking, <i>"Dude, didn't you just do those in your son's room? Nice recycled post."</i> But don't be hating yet! While the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/08/diy-galvanized-pipe-curtain-rod.html" target="_blank">original style of galvanized pipe curtain rods</a> worked well in his room, I wasn't going for the industrial look in the Kitchen. But it's hard to beat the sturdiness and price of galvanized pipe, so I switched up the parts and assembly for a more traditional rod.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{Supplies}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 ~ 1/2" wide pipe, longer than your window <i>(Home Depot will cut and re-thread pipe free!)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 ~ 3/4" <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FPCD6Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000FPCD6Y&linkCode=as2&tag=hisug-20">Floor Flanges</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=hisug-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000FPCD6Y" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /> <i>(the 3/4" represents the diameter of the opening)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 ~ 3/4" x 2 1/2" nipples<i> (the 2 1/2 represents the distance from the wall to the rod, so that's at your discretion)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 ~ 3/4" tee joints</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 ~ 1/2" end caps</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Yep, the rod is a different size than the parts...we'll get to that.  </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/diy-another-galvanized-pipe-curtain-rod.html" title="Hi Sugarplum | Galvanized Pipe Curtain Rod by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Galvanized Pipe Curtain Rod" height="415" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/10597351193_4a5ff6530a_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I didn't really want these to look like galvanized pipe, so I sprayed everything with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001VOCYI0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001VOCYI0&linkCode=as2&tag=hisug-20">oil-rubbed bronze</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=hisug-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001VOCYI0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />first <i>(pipe included)</i>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/diy-another-galvanized-pipe-curtain-rod.html" title="Hi Sugarplum | Galvanized Pipe Curtain Rod by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Galvanized Pipe Curtain Rod" height="423" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3790/10597095455_7a083e0453_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />You'll want the rod to extend a few inches beyond the brackets, so consider that when determining your flange placement.<br /><br /><i>Tip: use anchors to hang flanges because the pipe + curtains are pretty heavy.</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/diy-another-galvanized-pipe-curtain-rod.html" title="Hi Sugarplum | Galvanized Pipe Curtain Rod by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Galvanized Pipe Curtain Rod" height="550" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5528/10597094835_ae5098396f_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I hate to spring this picture on you, but you need to see that the next step is screwing the nipple in to the flange. Proceed with snickering. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/diy-another-galvanized-pipe-curtain-rod.html" title="Hi Sugarplum | Galvanized Pipe Curtain Rod by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Galvanized Pipe Curtain Rod" height="674" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/10597350103_25f9629b0f_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Next screw on the tee fairly tight, but the final position should be parallel to the floor.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/diy-another-galvanized-pipe-curtain-rod.html" title="Hi Sugarplum | Galvanized Pipe Curtain Rod by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Galvanized Pipe Curtain Rod" height="487" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5512/10597102526_0864a650c9_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />It took too many hands for this next step, so I wasn't able to photograph it. Basically you need to thread the pipe through the tees...so hold the pipe in the middle and place one end through a tee, sliding it through until the other end is able to go in the opposite tee. This is why our pipe is skinner than the mounting hardware. I may or may not have figured this out the hard way. Proceed with your blonde joke. End caps give it a more finished look, and keep the pipe from sliding out of the bracket. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/diy-another-galvanized-pipe-curtain-rod.html" title="Hi Sugarplum | Galvanized Pipe Curtain Rod by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Galvanized Pipe Curtain Rod" height="715" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7442/10597348343_16f76df1f5_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />The threads are sharp, so you have to be careful with the pipe to keep the paint from scraping. I used a black Sharpie to darken the screws in the flange, too.<br /><br /><i>Tip: make sure your curtains are on the rod </i>before<i> threading it through the tees.</i> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/diy-another-galvanized-pipe-curtain-rod.html" title="Hi Sugarplum | Galvanized Pipe Curtain Rod by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Galvanized Pipe Curtain Rod" height="695" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/10597349173_8a34471290_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/diy-another-galvanized-pipe-curtain-rod.html" title="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes" height="636" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3783/10075596993_aa7d479a3e_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The pipe is so sturdy, no middle brace is needed, giving it a really clean line. I think they look pretty similar to <a href="http://bit.ly/1aWZ3MK" target="_blank">these</a>, but longer, and at a fraction of the price tag. I'll proceed with patting myself on the back.<br /><br /><i>Update: Some have asked about the cost of supplies...a 10-foot pole was $14, and the remaining parts were around $25. Not too shabby, right?! </i></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/diy-another-galvanized-pipe-curtain-rod.html" title="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes" height="672" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/10075537966_85d61e9c05_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/diy-another-galvanized-pipe-curtain-rod.html" title="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes" height="758" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5487/10075501765_da1637504f_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">What do you think of our new curtain rods? Would you have guessed they were galvanized pipe? Fifty points goes to the person with the best nipple comment or blonde joke. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />BREAKFAST ROOM TO-DO LIST<br /><br /><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/05/breakfast-room-evolution-plans.html" target="_blank">The Befores & Evolution</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/04/big-phat-kitchen-update.html" target="_blank"><strike>* Paint the room </strike></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/06/breakfast-room-adding-drapes.html" target="_blank"><strike>* Add drapes</strike></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strike><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/breakfast-room-curtains-take-2.html" target="_blank">* Add better drapes</a></strike><br /><strike><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/02/family-room-adding-matchsticks.html" target="_blank">* Hang matchstick blinds </a> </strike></div><div style="text-align: center;">* <strike><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/05/breakfast-room-laying-down-rug.html" target="_blank">Add rug to define the space and bring more color</a></strike></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strike><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/breakfast-room-unified-set.html" target="_blank">* Finish painting the chairs</a></strike></div><div style="text-align: center;">* Do something to the Fig basket so it's not so matchy with the bar chairs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(moved it to a new room)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">* Consider amping up the drum shade</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(oops, did this, forgot to blog about it)</i></div>

{DIY} Another Galvanized Pipe Curtain Rod

Hey there, friends, and happy November! Yikes...that means the holidays are practically upon us! It's time to start baking with pumpkin ...

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{Breakfast Room} The Curtains, Take 2

Our <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/search/label/breakfast%20room" target="_blank">Breakfast Room</a> is one of many areas in our house being updated, and for all practical purposes, the Project List for the room was complete. But something kept nagging at me about the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/06/breakfast-room-adding-drapes.html" target="_blank">pink drapes</a>. They were fun and unexpected, two of my favorite things when choosing decor, but the dark color seemed to suck the light from the room. And our newly painted <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/dining-room-pink-there-it-is.html" target="_blank">pink Dining Room</a> really clashed with them. We eat dinner as a family every night around this table, so getting the room right was a priority for me.<br /><br />A few weeks ago, I took advantage of a big sale and ordered <a href="http://bit.ly/17ezELL" target="_blank">these drapes</a> from West Elm. As soon as I opened the package, I knew they'd be perfect.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes" height="758" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5487/10075501765_92c52c2ddf_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />They are airy enough to keep the room bright, the chevron brings in some fun pattern, and the gray color is soothing and blends well.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes" height="672" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/10075537966_3c0ef386d4_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />And the view from the Dining Room is less abrasive against the pink walls.<br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/10075537436/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes" height="611" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/10075537436_9af8ee94d4_o.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes" height="769" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/10075501125_b154db75d2_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Here's the view from the adjoining <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/search/label/Den" target="_blank">Family Room</a>....the drapes complement that room as well, so it's a more seamless and cohesive transition between rooms.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes" height="784" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5534/10075502855_7c8906c1f1_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes" height="704" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5476/10075535986_413ff3b39c_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes" height="588" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5454/10075501535_7353d84852_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I would have shown these to you sooner, but as soon as I took the old drapes down, I realized I needed a new rod. And of course I DIYed it...details on that coming soon. It's a slightly different take on <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/08/diy-galvanized-pipe-curtain-rod.html" target="_blank">these Galvanized Pipe Rods</a>. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/10075457734_cfc52d23d2_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I'm still patting myself on the back for this custom 110-inch rod! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">#TWSS</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes" height="636" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3783/10075596993_fa538b53e2_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes" height="698" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7388/10075503565_69691248e2_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />And how can I not show a Before and After....here we are with the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/06/breakfast-room-adding-drapes.html" target="_blank">original pink drapes</a> I made...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/9609221688/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Makeover by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Makeover" height="687" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/9609221688_90a80a988b_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />And after, with the new, less in-yo-face ones. Which do you prefer?? <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes" height="734" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7460/10075503265_8fa68f6e25_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Here's how we stand with the project list for the room. Have you ever taken so long to complete a room that you had to make over your makeover? </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">BREAKFAST ROOM TO-DO LIST<br /><br /><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/05/breakfast-room-evolution-plans.html" target="_blank">The Befores & Evolution</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/04/big-phat-kitchen-update.html" target="_blank"><strike>* Paint the room </strike></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/06/breakfast-room-adding-drapes.html" target="_blank"><strike>* Add drapes</strike></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strike><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/breakfast-room-curtains-take-2.html" target="_blank">* Oops, add new drapes</a> </strike></div><div style="text-align: center;">* <strike><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/05/breakfast-room-laying-down-rug.html" target="_blank">Add rug to define the space and bring more color</a></strike></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strike><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/breakfast-room-unified-set.html" target="_blank">* Finish painting the chairs</a></strike></div><div style="text-align: center;">* Do something to the Fig basket so it's not so matchy with the bar chairs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(moved it to a new room)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">* Consider amping up the drum shade</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(oops, did this, forgot to blog about it)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Haagen-Dazs has chosen me as DIY brand influencer for their "<a href="http://www.hdmoment.com/">Moments for Me</a>" campaign, which encourages us to create spaces that allow us to cherish everyday life moments. </i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>They provided me with the gift card to purchase these new-and-improved drapes, but my opinions on them are all mine. I'm so excited to be part of such a positive campaign!</i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>This is not a sponsored post. </i></span></span></div>

{Breakfast Room} The Curtains, Take 2

Our Breakfast Room is one of many areas in our house being updated, and for all practical purposes, the Project List for the room was compl...

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Updated Family Command Center with Martha Stewart's New Wall Manager

Hello friends! I hope you had a lovely holiday weekend, and celebrated with friends and family. In addition to Easter, we celebrated our birthday girl with a fun and colorful Art Party. I'm sorting through the images, and hope to share it with you this week. But today I've got another organizing project, using a super cool new Martha Stewart product, and a phat giveaway to share with you!<br /><br />I love the early days of a newly organized space in our house. It's new and exciting, and everyone does their best to keep it straight and put things in their designated spots. That was the case when we took this blank wall and empty corner...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/6790338396/" title="IMG_0157 by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0157" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6790338396_eb95bf3563_o.jpg" width="324" /></a></div><br />And <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/03/organized-family-drop-spot.html" target="_blank">created a drop zone for our family</a>. But you really need to use a space in real life for a while before learning what works best.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/6798452588/" title="IMG_0221 by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0221" height="687" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6798452588_ecb609cde3_c.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />From time-to-time, it's good to revisit these areas and make adjustments so they continue to live up to their full potential. Because if the organization isn't functioning for you, then it will just become another clutter zone. Such was the case with our little kitchen nook... most of it was working great, but the corkboard became a dumping ground for loose papers, and the wall basket was constantly being bumped because it was too close to the edge of the wall.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">So when Martha Stewart asked me to try out her new <a href="http://goo.gl/xilsm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery Wall Manager</a> system <i>(well, </i>she<i> didn't, but I guess her people did, so virtually the same, right?!)</i>, I hoped it would help us better utilize the space. The first step is to gawk at all the cool components, then decide how you want to customize your wall.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8569156568/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer" height="432" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8569156568_550420437c_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />In true Martha fashion, this system is genius... and fool-proof. Each board has a built-in bubble level, so it won't end up wonky on the wall.<br /><br /><i>(Keep reading to enter for a chance to win your own Martha Stewart Wall Manager!) </i><br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8569156516/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer" height="551" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8569156516_e8d97af5d7_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />The bases also have notches to help you align them with each other, either vertically or horizontally. Little sticky pads hold them in place, while you hammer the provided finishing nails in the designated holes.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8568058959/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer" height="614" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8381/8568058959_26c595a81d_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Then you snap the fronts to the base, and voila... wall system!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8568058907/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer" height="695" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8568058907_7ee4043c13_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />The modular system allows you to customize them to virtually any size wall, in any room. It's perfect for utilizing vertical space, and not cluttering up table and desk tops.  If not for my light switch, I'd have loved to add the wall calendar board. I love how functional it is, yet still looks clean and stylish.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8569156362/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer" height="676" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8569156362_33960e74d1_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8569156328/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer" height="744" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8569156328_871ca87d86_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />The accessory board allows you to add shelves, caddies, drawers, and even clips and hooks. Simply snap them on, in any arrangement that works best for you.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8569155764/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer" height="676" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8374/8569155764_a4fc121924_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />The cork board is nice and deep, so pins push all the way in.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8569156276/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer" height="774" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8087/8569156276_f097e80a7b_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />The dry erase board is also magnetic, so it pulls double duty.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8569155920/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer" height="570" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8569155920_5d232b7b39_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8569156218/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer" height="691" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8569156218_705413c3fc_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8569155990/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer" height="671" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8569155990_41c62bd6a8_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />The accessory boards hold up to 10 pounds each, so there's plenty of room for all our essentials.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8568058679/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer" height="673" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8568058679_e0c678134e_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8568058387/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer" height="637" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8568058387_734e5654e9_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />The original bins and charging station are still working great for us, so I built the new Wall Manager around them. You can choose between white and graphite, and everything is available in-store or online at <a href="http://www.staples.com/martha+wall+manager/directory_martha+wall+manager" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Staples</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8569156120/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer" height="650" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8088/8569156120_4a5dea953b_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8569156024/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Family Command Center using Martha Stewart Wall Organizer" height="562" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8569156024_eabaaa2079_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8531427449/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Giveaway by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Giveaway" height="179" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8377/8531427449_d43d1b4d1b_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>UPDATE: This Giveaway is now closed...the winners have been notified! Thank you!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Avery wants to hook you up with your own Martha Stewart Home Office Wall Manager!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just leave a comment telling us how and where you would use the Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery Wall Manager products, and one lucky duck will <b>win $100 Staples Gift Card!</b></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Rules: </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: ""#SweepstakesEntry""; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are <a href="https://www.blogher.com/creating-your-organizational-oasis-sweepstakes-official-rules">available here</a>. This sweepstakes runs from 4/1/2013 - 4/30/2013. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Be sure to visit the <a href="https://www.blogher.com/martha-stewart-home-office-avery-wall-manager-review-giveaways">Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery brand page</a> on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!</i></span></div>

Updated Family Command Center with Martha Stewart's New Wall Manager

Hello friends! I hope you had a lovely holiday weekend, and celebrated with friends and family. In addition to Easter, we celebrated our bir...

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{Breakfast Room} Dipped Chairs

How about that Daylight Savings Time?! I know I'll love it eventually, but right now, I'm cursing the lost sleep! The upside of more daylight, is more project-and-picture-taking-hours...so I can't wait to get cracking, because my project list seems to be breeding!!<br /><br />Last I left you on the Breakfast Room, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/04/big-phat-kitchen-update.html" target="_blank">we'd painted the walls and ceiling</a>, <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/05/breakfast-room-laying-down-rug.html" target="_blank">added a rug</a>, and <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/06/breakfast-room-adding-drapes.html" target="_blank">hung some bright new drapes.</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/7267944520/" title="may2 062 by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="may2 062" height="650" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7267944520_457fdc4681_b.jpg" width="483" /></a></div><br />A definite improvement from <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/05/breakfast-room-evolution-plans.html" target="_blank">where we started</a>....but we still had the issue of the crazy chair party. I'm a fan of mis-matched table and chair sets, but having two styles of chairs, and three different tones, just made the small room feel cluttered.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/7267944618/" title="may2 064 by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="may2 064" height="650" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/7267944618_ca59ba630f_b.jpg" width="461" /></a></div><br />So I finally drug the remaining three unpainted chairs to the garage, and gave each a quick hand-sand...just enough to take some of the glossy finish off. That got old after about <strike>2</strike> 10 minutes, so I  wiped them clean and gave them a thin layer of spray primer.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8540632246/" title="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs" height="683" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8109/8540632246_43ddbb5137_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br />Next came three thin coats of Rustoleum Heirloom White in Satin. I think it's the perfect white for indoor furniture...bright, but not cold or stark, and warm, without being creamy. I smoothed any rough spots between coats using a very fine sanding block. The first chair I painted in the yard, and went through an entire can of paint because of the wind. After that, I moved back to the garage, which preserved the paint, but made a hot mess of my floor. #firstworldbloggerproblems<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8539528097/" title="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs" height="772" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8539528097_d47181d6a5_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Then I decided my chairs needed fancy feet, but being the <strike>slacker</strike> stellar blogger I am, I forgot to take pictures. But basically, once the chairs were dry, I taped off the legs, measuring up from the floor so they'd all have the same size socks, and brushed on a few coats of Farrow & Ball Bowler Hat Blue.<br /><br />The paint is actually a souvenir from <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/05/trip-report-ghent-brussels-final-leg.html" target="_blank">this trip</a>...we picked it up because it was a limited edition color Farrow & Ball created especially for the Musee Magritte Museum in Brussels. It's inspired by the colors frequently used by Rene Magritte in many of his famous Bowler Hat paintings, and now adorns the walls of the museum. So not only are the blue socks cute, but they remind me of a special trip with Mr. Sugarplum.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8540632578/" title="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs" height="825" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8540632578_84fec3cd76_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />If we tire of them, it will be simple enough to spray over.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8539528381/" title="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs" height="825" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8099/8539528381_a398981270_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Since the chairs get so much use, I let them cure for days longer than usual. Then I sanded the corners and edges where they'd naturally show wear. That way when they do chip, it will look intentional. Or that's my backwards thinking anyway.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8540632540/" title="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs" height="558" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8540632540_fe8111f187_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8539528307/" title="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs" height="767" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8243/8539528307_30d656b8e0_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />We added matchstick blinds to these windows, too, since the room is connected to the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/02/family-room-adding-matchsticks.html" target="_blank">Family Room</a>. It really helps to unite the two spaces.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8539528341/" title="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs" height="825" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8539528341_90c4b8e091_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />It's crazy how much brighter the room feels now that the chairs are unified. Having them all white takes up less visual space, too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8540632284/" title="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs" height="765" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8540632284_4630df796a_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Here we were before...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/7250554968/" title="5-15 060 by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="5-15 060" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7250554968_8e5d14c458_z.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />And now, after only painting the chairs and dressing the windows. Oh yeah, and I tacked some ribbon on the drum shade, leftover from the drapes.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/8539528267/" title="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | White Breakfast Room Chairs" height="761" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8539528267_2ba8b8f6b1_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I'd say the Breakfast Room is thisclose to being done! Except now I'm having second thoughts about the pink drapes. I guess that's what happens when it takes a year to complete a room makeover. Did you tackle any projects this weekend, or are you still recovering from the time change?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">BREAKFAST ROOM TO-DO LIST<br /><br /><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/05/breakfast-room-evolution-plans.html" target="_blank">The Befores & Evolution up to now</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/06/breakfast-room-adding-drapes.html" target="_blank"><strike>* Add drapes, hang them high and wide to really showcase the window</strike></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">* <strike><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/05/breakfast-room-laying-down-rug.html" target="_blank">Add rug to define the space and bring more color</a></strike></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strike><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/03/breakfast-room-unified-set.html" target="_blank">* Finish painting the chairs</a></strike></div><div style="text-align: center;">* Do something to the Fig basket so it's not so matchy with the bar chairs</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Consider amping up the drum shade</div><br /><br />

{Breakfast Room} Dipped Chairs

How about that Daylight Savings Time?! I know I'll love it eventually, but right now, I'm cursing the lost sleep! The upside of more...

Read more »