Easing back into projects after the holidays with this super simple upgrade to a surprisingly utilitarian piece: a Cosco step stool/chair in our kitchen. There are vintage versions of these chairs, but this model is a newer one that we got when kids were too big for high chairs but too small for regular chairs. They served their purpose so well, we ended up getting two. I had always planned to unload these when the time came, but turns out the flip up chair seat/step stool function is pretty useful. So useful that I’m permanently keeping them in their once temporary homes: one in the pantry and this one at the kitchen desk. We sit at the desk often and use the steps daily to reach high shelves or boost up little kitchen helpers.

The white vinyl chair cover had long ago been ripped to shreds so I was happy to get a little wild for this easy recovering. I’m not generally a pattern person, but I really liked this print (scrap piece on ebay was $4) and figured it was easy and cheap enough to change when it becomes too cutesy for me. I went all old lady on this things and covered the seat in fabric and clear vinyl. So first foam, then fabric, then 10mm vinyl. I’ve never worked with vinyl and it took a bit of pulling and manipulating to get it taut around the corners, but I got there in the end. So granny, so easy!

  

Sometimes, especially when unmotivated, I like to approach house projects like you are supposed to approach debt: pay off the smallest one first. And this was the least I owed my house! Second easiest even got tackled: thoroughly cleaning up the desk drop zone. Which means that yesterday I went through the literal bags of schoolwork that have been staring at me from the desk since last June…

Hope your space is enjoying some January organizational tail kicking too!