By Kathryn Weber

A new, well-organized closet filled with shelves, drawers and baskets is a great idea, and most systems can be installed in a weekend

A new, well-organized closet filled with shelves, drawers and baskets is a great idea, and most systems can be installed in a weekend

The one person who's usually responsible for decorating, organizing and designing in the home is Mom. But, why not surprise her with some of your own decorating magic? These projects were all chosen with Mom in mind -- and will ensure that your gift lasts longer and is more appreciated than a trip to the spa or a bouquet of flowers:

1. Give Mom a gorgeous closet makeover.

Like the commercial that shows a screaming women looking at their friend's fantastically organized closet, your mother will gasp when she sees her new closet installed. Most home centers carry closet organizers, and there are online planners to help you get started. Check out closetmaid.org, easyclosets.com, and ikea.com.

2. Install slide-out cabinet drawers.

Rather than making Mom bend down, slide-out drawers make everything stored in kitchen and bathroom cabinets much more accessible. Find sliding-shelf kits at your local home center or hire a service, such as shelfgenie.com, to do the work for you.

3. Glam up Mom's dressing area.

If she has to stand up to put on makeup or brush her hair, why not give her a dressing table? You could install a custom table made from stock cabinetry and mirrors in the corner of a closet, or try refurbishing an antique. A vintage dressing table can be updated to help Mom feel pampered.

4. If Mom can't stand the heat, get her out of the kitchen.

An outdoor kitchen is a terrific gift that will help Mom stay cool all summer long and save time on kitchen clean-up. While you're at it, add a kitchen garden with some herbs, lettuce, and cherry tomatoes.

5. Create a special space just for Mom's activities.

If she loves to scrapbook, sew, or do beading, carve out a special place for her to work. If Mom's a gardener, build her a potting bench and fill it with tools and bags of soil. If she runs a business using her laptop, why not convert that rarely used dining room into her own home office? Make space just for her and she'll love you for it.

6. Fill Mom's world with flowers.

If she loves the outdoors, take an unused corner of the yard and create a meditation garden. Add a bench, flowers and a water feature so she'll have a quiet spot to read a book or just relax.

7. Make Mom's nights more romantic with a canopy bed.

You could simply buy one but they're easy to make, too. About.com's interior decorating site spotlights a number of different canopy bed styles and projects at http://bit.ly/kx2qZ2.

Or try a model made entirely out of plumping pipe at http://tinyurl.com/3bjok3q. Soften the design with romantic draping and curtains.

 

Available at Amazon.com:

Cut Your Energy Bills Now: 150 Smart Ways to Save Money & Make Your Home More Comfortable & Green

It's Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living

Sean Conway's Cultivating Life: 125 Projects for Backyard Living

 

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Home & Garden - Sure-to-Please Home Decorating Ideas