I just found this incredible blog: Knock Off Wood. Ana, has designed some of the most wonderful furniture plans! If only I could have found her a few weeks ago instead of trying to figure out measuring and plan making on my own. After looking at many of the plans she has available I think I can adapt and combine some of them to work for me. Now I'm even more excited about this project! So as soon as the weather cooperates I can start construction. :) The one danger of finding this site is that now I want to build sooooo many more pieces! In fact I think I'm going to start with this one Entry Storage Bench/Shelf System. I will need to change the size of course though since my little nook by the front door is a considerable amount smaller. Here's the before photo.

Notice the total chaos with coats, shoes, bags, etc. I thought briefly about tidying it up before snapping the photo, but then that wouldn't show how desperately we need some sort of furniture in this space. So here ya go, my messy nook behind the front door. :)
And hopefully the next sunny day I get I'll construct the shelf and bench and have an after photo for you. I hope this is THE beginner project I need to get me psyched up for my grander project for the kitchen. Hmm, now should I paint it white (my first thought) or stain it to match the chest that is on the left bottom corner in the photo above?

So I've come to the realization that I like stamping and crafting in my kitchen more than in a separate craft room. So I've taken measurements and drawn up plans to build a custom cabinet/workspace along a long wall in my kitchen. I have been searching for something that will work for me for months, however the closest thing I've found was a system from Ikea which costs $2500 for all that I want and still it wouldn't be completely meeting my needs/vision. This is the first attempt I've ever made at something this large scale. I mean I was the one girl who took wood shop in middle school instead of home ec. and all, but still this is huge including 20 custom made drawers! And it must look nice seeing as how it will be front & center in my kitchen. I really hope this turns out nicer than the nightmare I'm envisioning.