I have wanted a bar cart for the longest time. I was picturing a gorgeous rounded art deco or mid-century piece, but – even if the budget stretched to an antique – we simply would have nowhere to put it.

My brother-in-law’s partner is a keen painter and when we were admiring the latest piece in her studio recently I spotted the cute Ikea Råskog cart she used for her art supplies.

Not long after, I spotted it on the Ikea website for a steal ($49 down from $79) and immediately raced down to snap one up.

It makes a great bar cart for a small space. The middle shelf is adjustable so we could fit the tall bottles on the bottom shelf and glasses on the middle shelf.

We certainly don’t need hard liquor on hand on a daily basis (we’re mainly wine/beer drinkers) but it has freed up almost an entire cupboard in the kitchen. And you know how excited I get about additional storage space!

I’m also happy that the original mid-century anodised ice bucket that I inherited from my late great-auntie now has a suitable place to be displayed out in the open instead of shoved at the back of a cupboard.

I would still love an antique bar cart one day, but I didn’t hesitate about buying this for the same purpose as it’s such as versatile piece I know we’ll always find a use for it. We’ve already discussed an artists’ trolley and a bar cart, but how about a mobile craft station, bedside table, bathroom storage, cleaning supplies storage or perhaps its advertised use: extra kitchen storage?

Til then, I think I can feel a cocktail party coming on…

What do you think about bar carts? Do you have one?

How has your week been? I’m struggling a little after too many late nights so thank goodness for the weekend.

I had another post planned for today but then the folks at Layla Grayce gave me the heads up about a great competition that I thought you’d love.

Pin photos of your dream living room for a chance to win a $1,250 shopping spree towards the Gabby range at Layla Grayce! The boards will be judged on originality, creativity and adherence to the rules. You have until Friday 19th April (midnight US EST). Happy pinning!

How to enter:

• Join Pinterest.com, and follow Layla Grayce and Gabby’s Pinterest boards
• Launch a new Pinterest board, and name it “Layla Grayce/Gabby Dream Living Room.”
• Fill this board with at least 10 pins – a minimum of 5 must be pinned from our Gabby Pinboard
• Tag all pins on the board #laylagrayce and #gabbydecor
• When you’re done, click here to submit the board’s URL and be entered to win!

Read more information on the Layla Grayce pin to win contest.

P.S. Speaking of Pinterest, I had my business and blog pins all under the one account. I thought it was a bit confusing having all the wedding-related pins for my business customers jumbled up with photos of inspiring homes and organised drawers! So I’ve now separated them out so make sure you follow my Akimbo account as well as the original Atypical Type A one. Feel free to list your own Pinterest account in the comments so we can share the pin love.

Today is an exciting day!

This marks my first sponsored post, which means I’ll be able to bring you bigger and better content and other awesome things like giveaways for YOU!

Can I get a WOOT WOOT?

Now, high-fiving aside, let’s get down to business. I love shopping for home decor at Target so I was delighted when they asked me to share my picks from their Massive Home Sale.

MY WISHLIST

It was hard narrowing it down but here are my picks for decorating and storage:

1. Artificial succulent in white glazed pot – The perfect way to add some greenery for brown thumbs like me.

2. 3-drawer white entertainment unit – Such a good-looking and practical piece that won’t break the bank (no, really, you won’t believe the price!).

3. Kenwood kmix toaster – Cutest toaster ever? I say yes. Check out the rainbow of colour options.

4. Wiltshire wooden pepper mill – The timeless, classic shape is made contemporary in white.

5. Woven placemats – The natural material and ‘abstract’ woven pattern will allow you to mix’n'match your colourful tableware.

6. Citronella candle in glazed pot – A citronella candle that you’ll actually want to put on your outdoor table.

7. Rattan photo frame – This casual, textural frame is simply made for your favourite beach holiday snap.

8. Potted artificial orchid – A potted white orchid has been on my wishlist for literally years. The beautiful blooms and sculptural form will look at home in any style of home.

9. 46-litre white storage container – You would think a plain white plastic storage box (not clear, not with garish bright handles) would be easy to find but I have been searching forever. My search is over – huzzah!

10. Green collapsible storage cube – The perfect little toy cube for your little one’s cubbyhole bookcase. Best of all, if your needs change you can simply fold it up until you next need it.

11. Chenille jacquard blue & green cushion – My favourite colour combo at the moment – can you tell?

12. Stripe weave chenille throw rug – Personally, I’m hanging onto the last days of summer, but let’s be honest: it will start to chill soon so get ready with a fresh throw rug.

13. Bamboo waste paper bin – You say waste paper bin, I say storage for umbrellas or toys.

14. White glass electronic bathroom scale – Finally, a bathroom scale to suit your white minimalist bathroom.

15. 4-piece towel pack green – If your towels have seen better days (I know mine have), freshen up with a fluffy new set.

So many kitchen appliances, home decor, wall art, tableware and bedding items are discounted as part of the Massive Home Sale, which ends on 20th March. If you can’t get to your local store by then, did you know they now have an online store? Music to my ears.

GIVEAWAY

Target have kindly offered a $40 voucher to one of my readers. To enter, simply leave a comment saying what is on your home wish list.

Entries close Thursday 21st March at midnight (Australian Central Daylight Time). The winner will be selected at random and announced next Friday 22nd March. (Sorry, open to Australian residents only.)

Enter now, good luck!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. Thanks to all who entered!

This post was sponsored by Target. Opinions are my own.

My goodness, I have so many ideas and half-finished projects that I would love to share with you, but sadly lack the time to do so right now. I’m completely swamped with work (in a good way!) so blogging has had to take a back seat.

I did manage to squeeze in a quick lunch break today though, in which I read the latest issue of Adore Home. Now I want to go online shopping and arrange a colourful vignette instead of getting back to work this afternoon. Oops.

Read it here (free!).

Andrea Smith print via Hardtofind.

I had so much fun virtual shopping for this month’s guest post on Houzz. It’s all about brightening up your home for spring with affordable accessories.

Read it now!

I have to say I think my favourite type of makeover is actually a makeunder.

Take this now-gorgeous living room, which has been stripped back to highlight the architectural features and beautiful floorboards.

The owner actually revamped the entire house, so check out the full story and all the pictures over on Design*Sponge.

It is well and truly winter in my part of the world, so this month’s guest post on Houzz is all about creating a warm and cosy home.

Read it now.

I turn green every time I see homes with beautiful joinery, especially window seats. But now I discover you don’t have to buy a house with existing built-ins or spend an arm and a leg on bespoke carpentry, you can do what this homeowner did and build your own cute window seat!

It turns an awkward space into a perfect cosy reading nook with extra storage, and so sophisticated too. I love how they’ve tapered the sides so it’s comfy for your back.

See the full story and instructions back on Design*Sponge.

Curbly via Honey & Fitz

Babies seem to require an awful lot of stuff that is only needed for a short time. Here is a clever way to repurpose your growing child’s change table. Give it a coat of paint, add some castors and liberate your spirits and cocktail glasses from the cabinet to set up your very own bar cart. No one would ever guess its original use.

Freckle Ottoman from Lark

I had great fun finding 20 ottomans and footstools for this month’s Houzz Guest Pick.

Take a look and tell me what you think!