bali2- i thought the same thing at first, but think maybe this is one of those 'im-speaking-to-u' posts.. and if it doesn't speak to you, it's meant to be overlooked.

some ppl need a reminder that if they clean up their crap and pare down a lil, the beauty tht was meant to be can shine thru!

me, three! I was expecting something with a bit more pizazz...

In-the-wall shelving would be effective, in term of space and enthusiastically appearance.
If budge restraining or space behind the wall won't make it possible, try box-less shelving, for more natural light flowing through, make it feel "breathable".

Honestly, that wainscot is so nice that I think the best thing is to leave this corner empty! :)

It might not be practical for them, but I second the "leave it empty" opinion. The mirror/key holder is fine.

While it's an improvement - I think that shelf there just doesn't work against the dark wood because it makes it look cheap. Maybe painting it white would help? Or install a shelf above the wainscoting if you need somewhere to lay something.

I second painting that shelf a color. Maybe contact paper on top?

Another one for 'leave it empty'. These two wood colours don't go together well. And another one for in-the-wall-shelving above the wainscoting. White shelves with white baskets.

You forgot to replace the switchplate ....

I love that mirror!!

On the other hand, I think a little vintage table would look a lot better than the shelf that's there. As mentioned before, the light wood looks cheap up against that lovely dark wood.

I actually think this is a great post. The solution to the problem was very simple and so doable.

The plant seems too tall and narrow. Since everything else is tall and narrow (the table, mirror, space) I think a shorter, rounder plant would be a great addition.

I think the shelf would be cute in the same yellow as the mirror.

I really don't understand why people feel the need to be so snarky with their comments. Clearly this shelf is a necessity for the homeowner, so just eliminating it would cause more problems than it would fix.

Can't we all try to be just a little nicer to one another?

Put the cube elsewhere and add a taller plant.
If the Cache-Pot for the plant has the same colors as the mirror the corner would be an eyecatcher.

Hmm, I was going to also suggest a corner shelf for the floor, but then I wondered what type of bins would work for the oddly-shaped shelves. So, whatever works best for you, Kate.

(P.S. I hope you slimmed down the area, not slimed... ;) )

there is something so fun and Memphis about that mirror and the lovely goofy little plant out of a David Hockney doodle... why not paint the cube in wild stripes and colors to keep the game going?

Changing the wall art, covering the phone port, brightening with a mirror, adding a convenient key hook, and decluttering...a few little things really improved the corner.

Some people can only afford cube shelving or it has to fill a spot while we wait to find that perfect (and affordable) matching table.

I'm confused by the suggestions to move the shelf elsewhere... if it's really that ugly, won't it just uglify the new spot as well?

I don't think we need to be rude to the person whose corner this is, but at the same time I think we're all a bit tired of the "I cleaned up!" before/after posts on AT.

It's improved considerably, and the new arrangement may feel more cohesive when seen against the entire room. Either way, those gorgeous walls and doors look rich and elegant!

I wouldn't really care about the way the shelving unit looked if it wasn't on a design website. How does this merit a post?

Someone pointed out before that people need not be so snarky and that perhaps the owner can only afford the storage cube. This is fair enough but don't those things come in all shapes/sizes/colours? Could the owner not have tried to find a more suitable one. Or if they don't, should a design site not feature a more jazzed up cube?
I actually don't take issue with the owner so much, but more with AT. Tidy apartments make all the difference, sure.. but honestly, that's preaching to the choir. I'm getting very tired of seeing posts that feel like a game of "Spot the difference" I honestly had to look twice.

Really don't like it when posts go missing. If you're going to get rid of one, then get rid of those that refer to it also. I think the number of negative responses indicate that this is maybe not worthy of an AT post. Perhaps this AT editor could work harder at trying to find truly inspiring makeovers--rather than those that are commonsense, and that any of us could do.

Love the mirror! Wish I could find one just like it.

Use those paint talents on the shelving unit next. And consider a cheap swap out on the light switch. I like the pop of yellow on the found mirror- good change!

And AT- I hope you stop deleting posts that are in no way inflammatory, just opinionated. I like it here, but I don't like that.

I honestly treated this as a "what's the difference" visual game they have in newspapers and tabloids.

I was scrolling up and down trying to figure out what was changed other than taking some stuff off the top of the shelf.

This was pretty hilarious.

Ok, something contstructive:

Get rid of that awful orange sippy cup for a vase.
Paint the shelf another colour. Maybe even something bright.
Or paint it a nice slate grey to play with the grey in the mirror.
Get rid of the plant altogether. Those lucky "bamboo" things belong in a Chinatown mall.
Change the switch to a silver one.
Paint that wall a separate colour even.
Maybe get a different piece at the door like a nice table with a change bowl and a little framed photo. That shelf is hideous, I'll admit.

Look around on craigslist. I am sure you can find a really cute and wooden shelf to replace the laminate one.

lame

Instead of deleting the 20 comments that pointed out what a disaster that melamine cabinet is or that no one cares about tidying up posts, maybe you can just delete this whole before and after post.

Hey don't delete it! Some of us aren't designers and appreciate the simplest tips. Doesn't just about everyone have some spot in the home that just needs what she's done here??!!!

Maybe someone can launch apartmentcleaning.com for those who appreciate simple tips in tidying up.

@hag: Yes, every home has a spot that could use straightening up!

I don't think the Closetmaid brand of storage stuff is nice enough looking to have such a prominent location in the home. Especially such a nice home! At best, the faux bois birch looks out of place next to the dark wood wainscoting and trim.

A wrought iron corner baker's rack would look great there!

Point taken earthworm! But what I enjoy about this blog is the constructive criticism given by readers on a strong, creative post --and on a weaker one. Even a weaker one generates some helpful tips. And I couldn't imagine having to come up with a great post every week!

I know I'm commenting a little late here- but geesh. This post wasn't about her shelf. It was about the mirror. You know- The mirror found on the street and made useful and pretty for zero dollars.

And don't be so harsh on the corner shelf. We all have that random corner (or counter or closet) that could use a little interesting kick. Or a nicer shelving or a new paint color. I think the author was brave to show us her "struggling corner" that got a little pick me up. everyone should be a little nicer.