Work Room / Entryway Planning

One of my favorite features of our new apartment is the “screened-in porch” area (it’s not a screened in porch, it’s a room. I don’t think my property manager knows what a “screen” is. Hint: it’s not made of drywall). Unfortunately, the very first thing I did when we moved in was get spray paint all over the floor. I’m slowly learning what my limits are in this room. We have a “backyard” area, but it’s for everyone. People walk back there, sit back there…. And I don’t want to spray a piece of furniture and leave it outside. I thought I would save myself the trouble and just put down cardboard and spray inside. But the paint particles flew into the air and, a few hours later, settled on the floor. I tried using acetone to  get it off, which works. But it will take a TON of acetone to do this whole floor. And I don’t think my brain cells can handle inhaling that much acetone. No matter how many breaks I take. And then I tried using chemical paint stripper on my cedar chest redo. Which is what that yellow stuff is, because that stuffed dripped everywhere. It was disgusting. Never again. It’s a mess. Well, yesterday I decided to organize this room. And then I made up a game plan. Let me show you what I have to work with and then we’ll discuss ideas. My gardening stuff. It seems I won’t really be needing this, so I’m not sure what to do. I may give it all to my mom when she visits. She loves plants. The cardboard is for spray painting. I put whatever I’m painting on a box, drag it outside, spray, and drag it back in. HUGE pain, but it works. Generally. This is what the room looks like from the back door. French doors go into the living room/office area. This is how I’ve been “organizing” my paint. 😛 I found these dresser doors and I was going to do something interesting with them (like add legs and put them under the bed or something). Now I’m not sure. Maybe I could use them in here instead. I was in the middle of cleaning, which is why the garbage bag is there. I moved one of my lawn chairs outside. I haven’t decided where to store those fold-up chairs, yet. And that seat frame is part of my dumpster chair updo, that I’ll probably reveal next week! Now, let me show you the tiny bit of organizing I did yesterday.

That was basically it. 😛 I have ideas, though!

• Get another set of metal shelves. They’ll both hold gardening supplies (since I do a little gardening) and craft supplies.
• Put a deep freezer between the two shelves (under the window). Zach and I have been wanting a deep freezer for a while and I’d love to get one before winter rolls around.
• Peg boards! Use them to organize tools.
• Paint the floor? I’m renting, but I’ve already destroyed this one, so why not? Alternatively, I could get a cheap area rug. Then at least looking at this room wouldn’t make me feel nauseated. (This floor really is irritating me.)
• Build a small work bench.
• Put a rug in front of the door.
• Places to put scarves and coats (we’ll get to this.)
• Somewhere to store shoes.

OK, as for the scarves, coats, and shoes…this room is multi-purpose. I use it as a work room, Zach uses it as an entryway. So a small area for removal of muddy shoes and the like would be a good idea, I think.

I attempted to draw a picture, but my scanner won’t scan and then flash crashed when I tried to make it in PicMonkey (I think my computer has about had it). So I’m giving up. Maybe I’ll edit this later to show you what I mean.

ETA: I decided to open both French doors so you could see the room completely.

It’s not bad, it just needs a new system. 😛

What are your thoughts on my changes? How do you feel about painting a floor you’re renting? I’m still totally undecided, so leave your ideas in the comments! Maybe something will inspire me. 🙂