Pregnant with our second child [1], my husband and I realised that staying in our two bedroom home meant that we'd have to transform our toddler's bedroom into a space he could share with his baby brother. Suddenly, every square foot mattered more than ever. Our son's closet is pretty tiny, and the room could only accommodate one dresser. To help us figure out a smart layout and the best storage options, we turned to Decorist [2], an online interior design company that helps you decorate your space virtually for a flat fee. Briana Nix [3], one of Decorist's elite interior designers (and a mom of an adorable baby and toddler herself) helped us design a beautiful, organised shared kids bedroom [4], addressing our storage needs along the way. While there are so many design ideas I love, this clever hack that combines a dresser with an over-the-door closet organiser to make a discreet yet functional changing station might be my favourite.
We placed a dresser [5] ($589) on the wall next to the closet door and set a Keekaroo Peanut Changer [6] ($130) on top of the dresser. Instead of giving up the top drawer of the dresser for storing nappies, wipes, and toiletries, I knew I wanted to use it for the boys' clothes. I filled it with these Ikea SKUBB drawer organisers [7] ($6 for a set of six) and hung an over-the-door storage system on the closet door to hold nappy changing necessities.
This Easy Move Adjustable Basket Organiser [8] ($50) has high review ratings for good reason. It can be wall-mounted or hung over a door and can store everything from cleaning supplies to pantry items, and in this case, nursery essentials. I loaded it with nappies, wipes, nappy rash cream, medicine cabinet items, dummies and receiving blankets, and the closet door still closes like a charm.
When I need to change a nappy, all I have to do is lay my baby down on the changer on top of the dresser and open the closet door to grab everything I need within arm's reach. I love that it doesn't take up an inch of storage space in my dresser or closet shelves.