Scroll down to see a full supply list of everything that we used to create this space.
Last summer, we tore out the bar in our basement.
Not that we have anything against bars, but ours had mold in it.
Gross.
It also had a bunch of other problems, including a sink that seemed to drain directly into the ground under our house. (???) It really had to go.
So we talked about it, and decided to transform this corner of our basement into an art station/storage area for our kids, which could grow with them, and eventually be used for a homework area.
We started by designing our storage area:
Art supply storage
First, we installed a set of cabinets along the wall where the bar used to be.
The microwave is pretty much there for the sole purpose of making popcorn on our movie nights. 😉
We actually store a ton of stuff in these cabinets, including our toy rotation system, which you can read about here.
These 2 cabinets are dedicated to our kids art supply organization. Here’s what the top cabinet looks like now:
This is basically where I keep everything that I don’t want the kids to get into by themselves. Like the paint.
I keep our paint in these huge squeeze bottles, which is a little less messy than anything else I’ve tried. 😉
Here’s the bottom cabinet:
The ultimate preschool planner
Dozens of colorful planner pages to help you stay organized as you teach preschool at home:
- 4 different planning page options
- Weekly theme planner
- Schedule planner
- Evening, morning, and preschool routine planner
- To do list, library check-out list, supply list, notes page
- 2 choices of calendar pages
In this cabinet I have slime making supplies, a few craft sets, and our box of craft supplies.
The art desk
Around the corner from the wall with the cabinets, we used IKEA Alex drawer units to create a long desk with lots of storage for all the rest of the art supplies.
Since our kids are still so little (4 and 6) we bought these bar chairs at a thrift store, and spray painted them white. They are the perfect height for them.
As the girls get bigger, we’ll switch these out for regular chairs.
We also spray painted a pair of wooden crates for completed artwork. One where the kids can put papers they want to keep, and one where they put things they want to recycle.
Guess which one they always put their completed projects in? Haha!
We also installed a shelf above the tabletop to show off artwork.
Inside the drawers
This desk is full of extra storage, which I love!
All of the girls’ art supplies are organized in one of the units, leaving two more units for my husband and me to use. Here’s what their drawers look like:
My work space
The ultimate goal of this space was to create not only a work area for both of our daughters- but also for me! (Although, since then, this space has been taken over by my husband who has been working from home… but one day I’ll get it back!)
All we needed to add here was an office chair, and a little cabinet to hold our printer and paper.
Here’s another view where you can see the whole corner:
I love how this area turned out. It sure beats the moldy bar, and it’s been a great spot to let creativity thrive!
Hopefully you got a few ideas for your kids art supply organization project too!
Happy organizing!
-Laura
Project supply list
Here’s a list of most of the supplies we used to create this space.
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you choose to click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Furniture
Cabinet unit: Lowe’s – Top cabinets (2) Lower cabinets and drawers (2) Tall cabinets (2, different widths)
Desk: Ikea – Alex drawer units (3) Linnmon tabletops (2)
Shelf: Lowe’s – Wood bracket shelf (2)
Favorite art supplies
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Do A Dot Art! Brilliant Colors 6 Pack… | $20.99 | Buy on Amazon |
|
DOODLE HOG Washable Crayons 36 Colors… | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
|
Sax Non-Toxic Giant Tempera Paint Cakes… | $22.69 | Buy on Amazon |
|
Melissa & Doug Sticker Wow!™ 24-Page… |
$10.49 |
Buy on Amazon |
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Ariel says
I love how organized you are. My next house project will be organizing all our arts and craft supplies. You had some great ideas.
admin says
Thanks! I’d love to see how your project turns out! 🙂