Drop Zone Makeover {Back to School Organization} Before & After

It’s back to school season! It’s the perfect time to re-think the “drop zone” to organize back packs, shoes, coats…all the things that get unloaded when walking in the door. 

before and after back door drop zone area makeover

As a part of the Lowe’s Creative Ideas team, one of this month’s challenge options included a back to school organization theme. Since my sister is still recovering and her little one will be  starting pre-school in a couple of weeks (AND her birthday is right around the corner),  I surprised her with a 6-hour back door entryway makeover. 

Here are the before pictures: this little space just wasn’t functioning well as an organized drop zone with storage options. 

back entryway makeover beforeback entryway makeover beforeback entryway makeover beforecoat rack before

First up, we emptied the area then I freshened up the walls with paint to give the space more light and a bigger neutral vibe. I used Valspar Signature (Paint + Primer). Color is silver leaf. Isn’t it pretty? Just a touch of a gray-blue tint. Best part? It covered up the raspberry-painted paneling in just two coats. 

back entryway makeover beforeback entryway makeover beforeback entryway makeover before

While the paint was drying, I assembled the furniture consisting of a storage bench and cubby shelves. I even had a helper…

back entryway makeover before

Once the paint was dry (use a fan to speed along the drying process), I added some coat hooks for back packs, coats and hats. Using a level (and screwing into the walls studs/using wall anchors) to secure the coat racks.

Since the previous window treatment on the door wasn’t a good fit, I replaced the curtain on the door with a new roman shade.

Once more, the before when opening the door…

back entryway makeover before

After… 

entryway after at diyshowoff.comentryway makeover "after" at diyshowoff.comentryway makeover "after" at diyshowoff.comentryway makeover "after" at diyshowoff.com

 

Then added in some pretty accessories and wall art.

entryway makeover "after" at diyshowoff.com

 

And now…the room feels bigger, fresher, prettier.

entryway makeover "after" at diyshowoff.comentryway makeover "after" at diyshowoff.com

My nephew started adding his shoes to bins and hanging his backpacks the minute we finished up. No more hunting for lost shoes and his backpack is ready to go. He also grabbed his ‘camera’ to take a few shots of his own. 

entryway makeover "after" at diyshowoff.com

My DIY and photography assistant for the day…entryway makeover "after" at diyshowoff.com

I’m considering incorporating a cork board for displaying his papers and drawings to the basement door. A project for another day. 

Get the look!

Fresh & Fun Drop Zone Design Board @diyshowoff

DIY drop zone makeover at diyshowoff.com

I received a Lowe’s gift card to put towards this challenge. Opinion and above idea is 100% my own. More DIY ideas at Lowe’s Creative Ideas or follow Lowe’s on InstagramPinterest and sign up for the Creative Ideas magazine and app.  

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