Have you ever faced a boring home organization task and wished you could make it more exciting? That’s exactly what happened to me when I realized I needed to tackle my chaotic spray paint collection. Instead of settling for a standard storage cabinet, I decided to challenge myself to create something unique, functional, and fun. In this post, I’ll walk you through how I took a simple storage project idea and turned it into a fun solution that might inspire your next project idea.
Before diving into the project, I took stock of my situation. I had about 75 spray paint cans scattered around my workshop, making them difficult to organize and access efficiently. I didn’t want to take up any additional floor space, and I needed to be able to easily search through and grab individual cans. With this in mind, I started brainstorming creative solutions that would go beyond a basic boring cabinet.
At first I thought about using unused space next to my bandsaw, creating a drop-down storage system in the exposed ceiling joists. It’s a lot of unused space and would do a great job of hiding the cans out of sight when not needed. But I also noticed the basement support beams that are scattered throughout my workshop that can not be moved.
What about making better use of unusable space that can’t be changed? Plus it would always be at hand. After considering these options, I settled on the idea of creating a circular storage system around one of the basement support poles. This approach would maximize space efficiency and add an interesting visual element to my workshop.
To bring my idea to life, I used 3D modeling software (Use my Fusion course to learn now!) to design the components, a 3D printer to create custom parts, and a laser cutter for precise wooden discs. The design process involved several key elements: creating a base that could be easily assembled around the pole, designing spinning shelves to hold the spray cans, and developing a modular system that could be expanded as needed. One challenge I faced was figuring out how to make the shelves removable while still being stable. I solved this by creating interlocking pieces that could be secured with screws.
With my prototypes ready, it was time to put everything together. I started by attaching the base to the pole using hose clamps. Next, I assembled the rotating shelves, gluing the 3D printed pieces to the wooden discs. Finally, I stacked the shelves onto the base, making sure each level could spin freely. During assembly, I realized I had underestimated the number of cans I needed to store. It’s not a huge deal, I can make more storage, but take it from me—count your cans before you start a project like this!
The finished product is a unique, cylindrical spray paint organizer that makes efficient use of previously wasted space around a support pole. Not only does it store my spray cans more effectively than a traditional cabinet, but it also adds an interesting visual element to my workshop. I was able to think outside the box and turn a boring task into a challenging adventure, leading to a pretty fun solution. By setting constraints and embracing creativity, I was able to create a custom solution that perfectly fits my needs.
While this specific project might not be for everyone, the principle of making mundane tasks more interesting can be applied to many aspects of home improvement. Whether you’re organizing tools, planning a garden, or tackling a cleaning project, think about how you can add a creative twist to make the process more enjoyable and the result more satisfying. Remember, the goal of DIY isn’t just to save money or time – it’s also about learning new skills, solving problems creatively, and taking pride in your living space. So the next time you face a boring home task, ask yourself: How can I make this more interesting? Now go make awesome stuff!