Bathroom Shelf

I know most people are decorating their homes for Christmas...I have only just decided that it's time to finally decorate and settle into the apartment after 3 months. What can I say? It takes me a lot of time to get used to changes!

The question, of course, is where to start?!
I decided the bathroom was the easiest. I needed to make a place where I could get ready easily in the morning. The challenge I was having was that there was no counter space to work with...the other reason? The kids' toothbrushes had fallen into the toilet one too many times...and while toothbrushes aren't expensive, REMEMBERING to buy FOUR of them at a crack wasn't my favorite activity, either.

















Of course I saw the cutest idea on Pinterest here...and decided to copy. ;)





I LOVE the look of the rough boards, but didn't think it would go with the existing colors that well. PLUS, I had trim and some boards on hand so this way there was no cost involved.








First, I took 1x4s and cut them to the same length and screwed them together to make a bottom and a back; and "L" shape. Then, I cut trim to go around 3 sides of it.

I nailed the side trim to the first 'L' shaped set.















I decided that in order to make it easier for myself I'd mount the shelf to the wall, then add the trim.















Once the front trim was nailed on, I painted the shelf. I waited until this point so that I could cover the nails with paint...I admit that doing the "L" shape earlier would have been easier, but it wasn't a big deal. I used regular craft paint I had in the apartment and did three coats. Once that was dried I sprayed the entire thing with Clear Polyurethane (don't worry, I opened a window first!)to add to it's durability.















I added some Mason Jars to the inside to hold toothbrushes, toothpaste, and puff-rounds, plus all my little extras. The inspiration piece had dividers...I decided not to do dividers as I didn't want to limit myself to what would fit where.
















Now, not only does it give the area a customized look, but I have an easier time getting prepped for the day...not to mention there have been no toothbrushes that have gone toilet diving since I set this up. Now, THAT is awesome!