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. 

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. 

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. 

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

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…

After… 

Then added in some pretty accessories and wall art.

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

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. 

My DIY and photography assistant for the day…

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!

• Storage Cubes
• 3 – Cube Bench
• Inspirational Decorative Canvases {yellow and gray} 1 – 2 – 3
• Light Filtering Roman Shade {driftwood} 
• 4 Hook Mounted Coat Rack
• Beige Fabric Bin
• Beige Fabric Milk Crates
• Succulent Garden
• Valspar Signature Paint + Primer {Silver Leaf/eggshell finish}
• Limited Editions self-adhesive Decorative Hearts
• Garden Treasures decorative pillow
• beige floor mat

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 Instagram, Pinterest and sign up for the Creative Ideas magazine and app.