Fun with Fabrics | March 3, 2017

It’s the perfect time of year to incorporate some new life into our drab surroundings! A super easy way to accomplish this is by adding some new fabrics to our existing pieces:

-If you have a piece of furniture that you don’t want to toss, but you hate the look of, simply reupholster it with a fun new fabric! This instantly transforms the look and feel of that old, outdated piece of furniture.

-For a smaller, but also an effective project, add some new covers to some existing throw pillows. Throw pillows have a way of changing up the look of a room without breaking the bank!

-If your current window treatments tired looking, get some new ones made up by choosing a fresh, new fabric – an instant room makeover!

Small changes with new fabrics can bring new life to an “old” room. I would love to help you create a new look for an entire room, or a worn out piece of furniture, or getting new fabric for your window treatments. The process is simple: we select a fabric, and then the seamstresses and re-upholsterers I work with do the rest! If you just want help selecting the fabric, I can provide you with high quality fabric at a great price.

When you are ready to make a visual change (big or small) let me know! The possibilities are endless with fabric!

Think Spring! | February 20, 2017

Tired of winter?  I know I am!  The gorgeous weather the past few days has me ready for spring! To me it feels like this winter has been going on for way too long.  I’ve lived in the snow tundra of Minnesota/Wisconsin most of my life so I should be used to winters dragging on until at least April.  Don’t you love the feeling of springtime when colors start popping up everywhere?!  In order to help me get through the next few months, I’ve decided that I need to take action and try to incorporate some of that color into my world that my soul is longing for.  I can’t control what is going on outside, but I can control what is going on inside my home!

After a few trips to my local Michaels and Pier 1, I’ve made some small subtle changes in my home’s interior that bring happiness to my sad soul.  The color green makes me feel especially happy and expectant of spring.  Right now you can get some great deals on artificial plants and succulents (there are some out there that look so real…its hard to tell the difference) that will help to give you the feeling that life is being restored to the earth through the gloom of winter! I added a few greens (some real and some artificial) to my centerpiece displays and also scattered them throughout various spots around my home.

 

Whatever room I go into, there is a reminder of what is to come, and it instantly makes me happy  Try transforming your home today, it will change your mood and help you make it through until the real stuff starts popping out of the ground.  Think Spring!!!

 

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January Q & A | January 20th, 2017

Q: I want to put white cabinets in my kitchen, but my baseboards and door trim are oak woodwork. Could I still have white cabinets or would that clash?

A: White cabinetry in all white kitchens has become so popular in the past few years due in part to home remodel programs. This look is clean and streamlined. It is very easy to see a popular idea or trend and want it in our own spaces. Sometimes though, what works great in someone else’s space isn’t directly transferable into our own spaces because of existing conditions. (This is why it can be great to have an interior designer help you to achieve the look you love!)

To answer your question…can white cabinetry be paired effectively with different colored baseboards/trim in your kitchen? Yes. This kind of contrast could work very nicely. Giving attention to the shade of white paint, the color of your backsplash, countertops and cabinet hardware can help to create a cohesive and clean look.

In the end, it is up to YOU- It is your kitchen after all!

January Q & A | January 6th, 2017

Each week we will answer a question submitted by you! Click here to submit your own question

Q: Who is your ideal client?

A: My ideal client would be someone who understands my role as an interior designer.  An interior designer proves a service to make their client’s space beautiful and functional. The client doesn’t need to have what they want figured out yet, I am ready to help them with that! I will be up front with them throughout the entire process and stay within their budget (which is decided upon at the beginning of the design process).

 

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Color Selection | October 27th, 2016

 

Choosing a new paint color for your space doesn’t have to be rocket science, but it can easily feel like it! Whether you are looking for a freshened up space or a drastic new look, here are some practical tips to keep in mind when trying out new colors But if you are just looking for an easier way, give me a call and I’d love to set up a Color Consultation for you!

 

 

 

Less is More

Have you opened up a color fan deck lately?! While the possibilities are endless, you need to remember less is more! Endless possibilities can quickly translate into decisions that are harder than they need to be. In most spaces, colors one spot up or down on a fan deck will not make a huge impact on your space. If you are selecting sample colors to put on the walls, make your decisions easier by making sure there are several spaces between the colors you select if they are on the same card.

Location, Location, Location

When putting samples on the wall, put them in several locations around the room so you can see the difference in how they look between the natural and artificial lighting in your room. Then go with the color you like the most across the various lighting.

Remember, the depth of a color will change based on its surroundings. Pictured below are the same paint samples, on two separate walls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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To Re-upholster or Not to Re-upholster? That is the question…

One common question that I get asked all the time is, “Is it better to upholster my existing furniture, or is it better to just get new pieces?”  While the answer may seem to be just toss the old and get the new, the real answer really depends upon several factors:

1.      Cost – how much is too much?

2.      Bones – What is on the inside of the piece?

3.      Value – how important is the piece to you?

4.      Look – how much of a change do you want to make in a room?

Cost: Most people think it will cost less to just re-upholster their old pieces.  However, I always explain to my clients that depending upon how much work needs to be done on an old piece, it could actually end up being more expensive to re-upholster than to just buy new.

Bones: If your piece has “good bones” (meaning the framework, springs, and bindings are in good shape), I would go ahead with the re-upholstery.  On the rare occasion that the cushions are also in good condition, you probably are better off just selecting a new fabric for your existing piece rather than tossing it and buying new.  Re-upholstery is most likely the route for you if everything on the inside is in good condition! If the piece is literally falling apart from the inside out, toss it.  It will cost you way too much to bring it back to life.

Value: There is one condition under which I would suggest you re-upholster even if there needs to be substantial work done on the inside of the piece, and that is if the piece of furniture has a lot of meaning to you, such as a family heirloom.  If the piece is totally priceless to you; therefore, everything should be done to make it look great again!

Look: Let’s consider this scenario: You are redoing a room in your home and you are thinking of replacing everything. You keep debating about whether or not you want to re-upholster an old arm chair from the 60’s that you have had forever. What do you do? It all comes down to what kind of look you are trying to achieve. Even after you get some new fabric on the piece, will it really fit with everything else? There is not a definitive answer for that either. Personally, I like mixing old and new pieces (I think it adds character and interest to a room), but sometimes the old style is so far off from the look of all the other pieces, that it looks out of place if left in the room. For example, sixties style furniture has a very retro look and I don’t think that particular style would fit very well with the very traditional furniture pieces that you are purchasing for the space.

A project that I recently finished had the homeowner and myself looking very closely at the all these variables in the decision of whether to re-upholster existing pieces, or just purchasing all new. The decision to eventually re-upholster wasn’t an easy one to come to.  When it came down to it, the some of the existing pieces were actually the best ones for the space (low profile, deep seating and very traditional in style).  The fabrics that was chosen to do the 2 loveseats and 2 arm chairs were in deep jewel tones (playing very nicely off the existing antique wallpaper and all of the other antique furnishings throughout the space).  Throw pillows in pheasant prints and hounds tooth plaid were added to bring some character to the pieces.  Some of the extra detailing on the love seats included piping in a deep green suede fabric (the overall body was done in a rich green/gold fabric). The arm chairs were done in a deep forest green velvet fabric and skirted in gold colored bullion.  In addition to the re-upholstering of 4 of the pieces, there were a couple of new pieces added: a dark leather sectional, and a tufted caramel colored leather ottoman with antique brass nail head trim.  In this project the old and new pieces came together flawlessly, mixing in very nicely with all of the antique pieces and overall authentic look, of this very traditional Victorian home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Has all this talk of redoing spaces with new or re-upholstered furniture got you thinking of a project you would like to get to? Give me a call today to set up a design consult, and let’s discuss your project!   

 

Inspired by Color | White | September 2, 2016

 

Now more than ever people agree that a room bathed in white ins simply beautiful: rugs, window treatments, furniture, even paint and trim color.  While many of us would love this look, it’s not very practical.  But, we can add some bits and pieces of white into our homes to capture that fresh and clean summertime feeling that the color white brings.

 

I have always associated the color white with summer.  As a child, I remember watching my mom hang the crisp white sheets, fresh out of the washing machine, onto the clothesline and watching how the breeze would blow the sheets back and forth.  Then at night, falling asleep to the fragrance of fresh air that was captured in the fabric of the sheets.

 

Now when I see beautiful, white draperies being tossed about from a light breeze on my windows, I get that same feeling I had years ago! It instantly takes me back to the carefree days of summer.  There are so many beautiful fabrics available to create beautiful white drapes for your windows.  Linens and cottons will give you a very casual, carefree look.  While there are many pre-made options available as well, I prefer to select a fabric first and then have that fabric created into exactly what kind of look I want.  My clients appreciate the attention to detail that customizing something specifically to their home brings.

 

One area where you can use white in abundance is in the bathroom.  Feel free to use it throughout, as much or as little as you are comfortable with.  On a recent project I did just that!   I used white Carrara subway tile on a vanity wall and on the shower walls.  The floor was a black and white Carrara tile.  The custom made cabinetry, and wood trim was all painted white.  I incorporated some color to balance out the white and not let it become too overwhelming.   The overall effect was stunning, and a fresh, clean look was achieved!  Check it out in more detail here.

 

Inspired by Color | Yellow | August 26, 2016

 

The options for incorporating yellow into your home are endless, but you need to be careful of the varying shades that are out there.  Yellows run the spectrum of bright and tangy to tame and mellow.  If you are picking objects that are bright and tangy in color, use these sparingly.  Too much of this color can completely over take a room.  The smarter choice is to select shades of yellow that are mellow and more subdued in tone.  These are more pleasing to the eye and will give your space a calming feel.  I have selected some fabrics that will help you create that calm feeling while still giving you fun pops of color to scatter throughout your home. 

 

 

An easy option for adding color would be at a table setting. I think the art of table setting has gone by the wayside.  We, as families, are so busy that we rarely have the time to set a beautiful table, and enjoy a meal together.  Try some fun yellow placemats and cloth napkins to instantly add some fun to your meals. Believe me, I’m all about convenience, but every once in a while, gather some beautiful fabrics in different shades of yellow, (ex: placemats, cloth napkins, table clothes) and get everyone together.  I’ll bet your mood will be instantly transformed.

 

Then there are always throw pillows!  Throw pillows are the easiest and least expensive way to try an unconventional color in a room.  I selected two options that will work in almost any setting (who ever said gold wasn’t considered yellow?).  I look at gold as the sparkly fun version of yellow.  Try some gold mixed in your throw pillows on a sofa, accent chair, or as part of your bedding ensemble. Gold can be used effectively throughout the year – it’s not just for Christmastime!  My other option shows a more subdued shade of yellow which is nice and calm.  Both of these choices can be used alone or together!

 

Remember, you don’t need to use a lot of yellow to create the feeling you get from the color; just a little bit will help to give you that summertime feeling!

 

Inspired by Color | Orange | August 19,2016

 

Is there really any color more fun than orange?  Orange is a warm color that can instantly bring a smile to your face and is a citrusy reminder of summer.  It is amazing to think that such vibrant color can be produced in nature!  Flowers especially display that vibrant beauty. Fabrics often capture that outdoor beauty and make it easy and accessible indoors:

 

You can start with a cute repurposed side chair. I found a fun bright colored, striped pattern to use for the seat. The fabric can easily be attached by pulling up the existing seat, removing the existing fabric, placing new fabric over the seat, stapling the raw edge of the fabric to the bottom of the seat, turning the seat right side up, and gluing the bottom of the seat to the wood chair frame. Once your reupholstering is done, choose one of the other gorgeous fabric options that I have included to make an adorable lumbar throw pillow to add to the chair.  As you can see, it’s so easy to create a fresh focal point which can add a bit of whimsy and vibrant color to any room.

 

 

If you don’t want to go quite as far as creating a new piece of furniture you can simply add some candles in various shades of orange to a space.  The fragrant, tropical scent which many candles give off allow you to imagine you are sitting in a field of flowers on a sunny summer day… what could be more perfect than that?!  Soy candles are especially delightful and burn much more evenly than regular candles.  I like to mix orange colored candles and candles in orange colored containers together. By also including some elements like this rustic wooden crate container and distressed metal star, you have very easily added a bit of fun to any table display.

One of the paint colors that I have chosen to coordinate with the fabrics is Benjamin Moore Fiery Opal.  This color would be a fun color accent on a wall.  It leans more towards a terra cotta rather than a tangy orange.  Thus, toning down the shock level a color like orange can bring to a room.

Use the color orange in either a big or small way, just use it! Your indoor space will be a lot more fun because of it – no matter how it is incorporated, it is sure to put an instant smile on your face!

 

Inspired by Color | Green | August 12, 2016

Green = summer. Everywhere you look there is some shade of green!  We start looking for signs of it in the spring, and as the days go on the color becomes more rich and abundant. It’s only natural that we would want to bring the color green into our homes to hold onto that summertime feeling of the outdoors.

If you have a green thumb, and you have success keeping indoor plants, great! You’ve got your look covered.  But, for those of us who like the color green and feelings that come from seeing green scattered through our homes, here are a few ideas to get that feeling without they worry of maintaining a house plant or two:

Like red, green is a color that should be used with a bit of restraint.  I personally love the look of distressed furniture painted in green.  That reminds me of the outdoors; wood, leaves, and grass!  Adding that one piece of furniture or a couple of throw pillows to a room, you have brought the outside in.  The burlap leaf throw pillow pictured to the left brings the best of outside into your home.  Scatter a few of these throughout your family room for an outdoor feel.

Accessories and accent pieces are another easy way to bring green inside.  One of my favorite options are topiaries.  A little pot, or a few bowl fillers can help you create that fresh feel to a room.  I like to cluster groupings of various shapes and sizes through the home in order to accent the color green throughout.

If you are bold enough, you could even add some wallpaper with a bold pattern to a powder room, small bathroom, or simply one accent wall.  like this bold palm leaf pattern (pictured left). Finish the look in the space with a fun, chunky framed mirror and an interesting light fixture!

If you are using wallpaper on a smaller scale to bring your green indoors, you will be able to enjoy the feeling that you get when you go outside in the summer every time you enter that room.  Or, if you are simply adding throw pillows, real plants, artificial topiaries or bowl fillers, you can keep the lushness of summer in your home all the way through the fall.

Inspired by Color | Blue | August 5, 2016

Summer and water go hand in hand –  neither one can really stand alone. The many colors that water takes on can span the spectrum from light blue all the way to deep blue, and every shade in between. The color blue can be calming and soothing, or when the shades get darker they can take on a dramatic, powerful feel.

Colored glass in varying shades of blue can bring the refreshing look of moving water into our homes.  Colored glass can appear in accent pieces, lamps, and glass wear as an example.  Because of their transparent feature, we get the same feeling like we do looking into a pool or lake…the glass captures the movement of the water.

To add a dramatic feel to a room, try painting a navy blue accent wall. Or if you are feeling brave, do a whole room in a dark shade of blue.  If you prefer to use lighter shades of paint,  using a lighter shade will definitely create a more soothing and relaxing mood in a room, than a deep blue will give you.  The lighter the shade of blue used in a space, the larger that space will appear.

 

 

Furniture is another way to incorporate blue into a space.  Accent chairs, and also area rugs, in various patterns and shades of blue, are a great way to add a bit of color.  Draperies in blues (especially dark blues) added to neutral walls can also create a sense of drama without committing to a dark blue paint.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades of blue. You will love the results no matter what sort of look you are going for.  From a calming oasis all the way to dramatic spaces, the options are endless!

 

Check out this featured project to see how you could use fabric, paint or furniture to incorporate blue: 

Fabrics can be applied to give us that same feeling of the movement of water that glass does. In the pattern that I chose,  there are many shades of blue, and the  random pattern gives it a feeling of movement.  I recently used this fabric for a client in their guest room.  The homeowner wanted a comfortable, and peaceful room for her grandchildren when they stayed overnight.  I used this fabric on the duvet cover for the new distressed gray metal finish trundle bed. 

I pulled in different shades and textures to be used on pillow shams and throw pillows which coordinated with the duvet fabric.  The fabric was also used on a custom made roman shade.   I chose a soft green for the walls and pulled everything together with: new carpet, light fixture with a linen shade, table lamp (base is made of blue sea glass with a linen shade, scripted metal wall art, custom made night stand and linen cabinet in a distressed gray finish, and the existing trim, closet doors and bedroom door were painted white. 

The feeling that you get when you enter the room is one of relaxation and calmness – just what the home owner was looking for!

 

 

 

Inspired by Color | Red | July 29, 2016

I love the color red! I always associate it with summer. Red is bold and might be overwhelming if used too much in one area. Little pops of red used in your interiors can make every day just a little bit better! A few of my favorite rooms to use red in are the kitchen and the family room.

If your kitchen is large enough, you could paint an accent wall red. On a smaller scale, incorporate a piece of furniture painted red like a bench or accent table.  I like to use the color red in my table settings.  Adding some dishes in red, mixed with white ones can give you just enough color.  I also like adding accent pieces and linens with color into the mix.

There are plenty of fabrics that have pops of red.  I would definitely use these for some cute throw pillows for a window bench, or on a sofa in the family room.  You could also get some really fun cushions made out of these fabrics to add a bit of fun to your kitchen chairs.

If  you pull in just a few bits and pieces of red, you can enjoy the color without committing to long range design changes!

 

 

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Cement Tiles | May 14

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What are they? 

Cement tiles, specifically referring to encaustic cement tiles, have been around for hundreds of years and have gone in and out of popularity.  Early in the 20th century, they were often used in high end flooring. Recently, these tiles have once again seen a rise in popularity due, in part, to their use in the various remodels portrayed in today’s home improvement TV shows. Consumers are rapidly searching for ways in which to incorporate these beautiful and unique tiles into their remodeling projects.

The definition of “encaustic” from Merriam-Webster (2013 edition dictionary) is “paint made from pigment mixed with melted beeswax and resin and after application fixed by heat.”  One of the reasons that these tiles are so special is that each one is hand made! Their unique patterns are created through the use of a metal mold (which looks like a very detailed cookie cutter), adding layers of Portland cement (either white or gray) and finely ground minerals, and applying a hydraulic press.  The hydraulic press can be applied in one of two ways, either by a hand process or by an electric hydraulic press.  The tiles that are created through the use of an electric press tend to have a more consistent appearance because the pressure applied is always the same.  While this process does provide more consistency of appearance, those tiles created through the hand process are just as beautiful!

Where can they be used?

Due to the involved manufacturing process of cement tiles, their strength is undeniable, and they can be effectively used on floors as well as on walls.  The wide variety of colors that these tiles come in gives consumers endless options for incorporating beautiful colors and patterns into the design of their floor or wall applications.  Because of the many designs available it’s easy to incorporate them into your next project.  Try using them as a focal point on a back splash, or for adding some pizazz to a kitchen or bathroom floor with a creative border laid out in cement tiles.

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High Point Market | April 15-18

High Point Market was fantastic and did not disappoint again this year!  The market was brimming with new ideas and inspiration.  We are so excited to begin working  with our customers and incorporating all of the new ideas, products, and concepts that we learned about into their projects.  It’s a really exciting time to be apart of the design community.  Here are just a few pictures to show you what market had to offer this year:

Kitchen Lighting | April 7, 2016

We can be creatures of habit, but we can also crave change. When thinking about updating the lighting in your kitchen or dining area, are you more likely to update the kinds of lighting you have with a new look (more or less the same) OR are you ready to think outside of the box and add different kinds of lighting to your space?

When it comes to lighting in your kitchen and dining area, there are multiple types of lighting to consider. Most of us know that the “basic” overhead lighting is necessary, but there are other types of lighting that will go beyond to add layers of light to make your space feel updated and functional.

There are typically 4 types of lighting used in a standard kitchen with attached dining area:
1. Overhead lighting
2. Task/under cabinet lighting
3. Pendant/bar lighting over an island
4. Table lighting for your eating area

Overhead lighting can consist of recessed lighting which is strategically placed throughout the kitchen to provide for adequate illumination throughout the space. You could also use flush or semi-flush ceiling lights – typically one or two are used in a standard size kitchen.

The light used over the sink area would also be considered overhead lighting. You could use either a flush mount, semi flush mount, or pendant to illuminate this area. This would have a separate switch from the rest of the lighting used in the space.

 

 

Task or under cabinet lighting is used to illuminate only the work area under the cabinets. This provides direct lighting to an area which would otherwise be too dark. This type of lighting would be operated on an independent switch from the overhead lighting. A nice feature with this type of lighting is that you can effectively light the working area when all other lighting is shut off.

 

 

 

Pendant or bar lighting (shown above) is used over an island to help give that area the correct amount of light. Depending upon the size of the island, two or three pendants are usually sufficient. The same rule of thumb would work for a bar light as well (usually three lights spread out across the island, attached together on one lighting fixture).

 

Table lighting for your eating area is dependent on the size of your table. A light fixture that is too small will not give you enough light and will looked dwarfed compared to the size of the table. A fixture that is too large will over shadow the table and diners may accidentally hit their heads on the end of the fixture upon rising from their chairs or sitting down.

This type of lighting usually consists of some type of chandelier or rectangular bar light. I think it’s a good idea to have this on a separate control as well. A dimmer switch gives you the flexibility to control the mood you want to create.

A well thought out lighting plan will make your kitchen more functional and allow you to fully enjoy each area of the space individually or as a whole!

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Counter top Materials | March 31, 2016

“I’m ready to install a new counter top in my kitchen…there are so many options!  How do I choose the correct one for my space?”

Choosing a counter top material is going to be one of the more important decisions you make in a kitchen remodel. To make an informed decision you should understand the materials you are working with and how they line up with your needs. For example: what is your overall budget for the remodel and mow much are you willing to allocate to the counter top? Is durability more important in your decision? Or is appearance your first priority?   Let me help you weed through some of the most popular materials.  With all of the choices available, here is a breakdown of how they compare in cost, strength, and appearance:

Natural Stone (Ex: Granite & Marble)

Cost: While everyone would probably love to have a granite or marble counter top, the cost of these two materials is going to be quite a bit more than a solid surface (manufactured) counter top.

Strength and durability: Granite and Marble are two of the strongest materials available for counter tops.  They are virtually indestructible if maintained properly.  Both are extremely hard stones. Granite will not be susceptible to acidic substances, nor does it weaken from water or moisture. However, both do need to be sealed to help maintain their strong properties.

Appearance: Granite natural stone, and in that regard doesn’t have a consistent appearance throughout.  But in my opinion, that is what makes it so beautiful and sort of a gold standard in counter top material.   Also, there are no two slabs that are exactly alike. Marble has beautiful veining, making it a very unique feature for your kitchen providing an elegant and sophisticated look. Both marble and granite can be honed to a gloss finish. The seams of these counter top slabs can be seen, but these can be minimized depending upon the skill of the installer.

 

Solid Surface (Manufactured, Ex: Corian)

Cost: This is your best bet if cost is your main priority.

Strength and durability: Solid surface material is not as durable as granite or marble.  However, if any part of it becomes damaged, you can get it repaired by a qualified technician pretty easily.  This product does not need to be sealed.

Appearance: Solid surfaces offer a consistent appearance throughout the product.  Also, it can be applied seamlessly offering no gaps.  However, its appearance is typically more matte like.  Many color options are available.

 

Quartz (Engineered stone)

Cost: Can be close in price to a solid surface counter top.

Strength and durability: Quartz is extremely durable.  These counter tops are made up of 90% stone- like materials, and 10% cement- like binders.  Also, quartz does not need to be sealed.

Appearance: Quartz is engineered in almost any color, and its look is very consistent throughout.  Also, it can take on the look of granite.  It can be honed to a gloss finish.  Similar to a natural stone, this product can show seaming; but if installed well, the appearance of seams can be minimized.

All of the materials that I have covered have pros and cons, you just need to decide which features are most important to you and go with that!

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Easy Updates with Color | March 23, 2016

One of the most frequent questions that I am asked by clients is “How can I change the look of my room without spending a lot of money?”  Here are a few simple steps that will help you go from boring to beautiful:

1. Change your paint color– If you currently have a deep color on your walls, go lighter with a neutral tan or gray.  If you’ve been living with muted colors for a while, add an accent wall in a vibrant color. Or, if you are up to it, do the whole room in the bright new color!
2. Add an area rug– Area rugs can pull a room grouping together in a snap! Find one that pulls in your new wall color.
3. Try a new lamp– A different type of lamp can change the feeling of your room.
4. Incorporate some new throw pillows– Scatter several new throw pillows in bright colors on your furniture. Remember, however, to stay within the color scheme of the new paint and area rug.

 

It really doesn’t take much time or effort to give your room a whole new feel and look.  By implementing these few steps, you can get the quite a bit of change for not a lot of money!  Give it a try for your next weekend project…you’ll love the change!

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Beautiful Architecture | March 17, 2016

I love detailed architecture! On a recent trip to the Florida Keys, I come across many beautiful old homes and churches unexpectedly tucked away down side streets. The Keys are a place where time slows down and where the architecture of the older neighborhoods recalls a grander time in the construction industry. The architecture shows the exquisite detail given to every element of construction.

As a designer, it’s important for me to make each interior design project unique and specific to each client. After all, we aren’t all the same! We all have different likes and dislikes, so why in the world would we all want our homes look the same? That’s why I find the attention to detail in the exteriors of homes in the Keys so fascinating. It’s so interesting to me when homes are constructed to show some kind of personality. Features unique to one home aren’t the same features attached to another home which stands right next door -no “cookie cutter” homes here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By changing just one feature of the overall design (like in the photo below of the window detail and the photo below of the fence detail), you can make your home unique. The window detail on this home was what turned an ordinary design to something special. The fence, which ran across the front of this home was the one unique feature that turned an otherwise run of the mill home design into something that reflected the owner’s influence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The beautiful churches in the Keys also displayed charming details.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While the majority of us will never live in the Florida Key, we can be inspired by their architecture to make our own homes reflect our lifestyles and personalities!

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Kitchen Organization | February 25th, 2016

With the season of “spring cleaning” almost upon us, let’s talk about getting your kitchen organized! Here are a few examples of how you can make the best use of the space that is available in your kitchen:

Pots, Pans and Lids: We all have acquired several different sets along the way, and discarded pieces from each of those sets… leaving us with many mis-matched items. Turn this mess into a functional organized space by designating a drawer for just the pots, pans and lids with dividers to keep everything in its place.

 

 

Plates: Have you ever thought about putting your plates in a drawer instead of a cupboard? It can be done, and it can be very effective! Pegs can be adjusted to fit the sizes of your plates and hold them steady while a drawer is opened and closed. You can take out one plate or the whole stack with ease.

 

 

Spice Rack: Everybody has a cupboard full of spices. The ones in the back are forgotten about and new ones are purchased in their place. We don’t even realize we have 5 containers of ground pepper until we empty the entire cupboard and find them hidden in the back of everything else. A pull out spice rack can eliminates that problem! whenever you need something, simply pull out the entire rack, and you can see exactly what you have.

 

Knife Storage: Wouldn’t it be great to have a drawer devoted to all of your different knives? That way, you don’t need to have a bulky knife block on your counter taking up space, especially if you have limited room available. Each knife fits snugly and safely in its own compartment, and all of your knives are completely accessible whenever you need them.

 

 

Canned Goods and Pantry Items: This is another area of your kitchen where pull out drawers can become your best friend! No more digging to the back of a cupboard for that one canned item you need. With pull out drawers, everything is accessible and right where you need it.

 

These are just a few examples of how kitchens can incorporated better organizational methods for the items that are stored there. If you want to explore the possibilities available in your current kitchen, give me a call – I’d be happy to help you organize or create a more functional kitchen to accommodate your lifestyle!

 

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Closet Organization | February 9, 2016

We love to use our closets for just about everything… they are the best places to stash our stuff away and forget about it. We are all guilty of it, but there is a better way! Here are some great tips to organize your closets. From a beautiful large walk in to a small hallway closet, these tips can be applied to whatever kind of closet you may have:

1. Make time: First of all, commit yourself to the task by blocking off a few hours to concentrate on solely your closet. Depending upon how disorganized the space is, it’s easy to get distracted and move onto something else. But if you focus and push through, you will be so much happier with an organized functional space when you are done!

2. Find containers: Gather up several baskets, or containers, of varying sizes to collect the smaller items that are cluttering up the area. Michael’s has a great selection of baskets and decorative containers at reasonable prices. Grab a new set of hangers – this will make the area look more uniform and more organized. Just getting a few new items will actually make this whole process a lot more fun! Make sure you also have three cardboard boxes on hand when you start.

3. Sort: Label the three cardboard boxes as follows: one for things to keep, one for things to donate, and one for things to toss. As you are removing each item from your closet, place it in one of the three boxes. This will help to keep you motivated to stay on task as you see the progress of organizing and thinning everything out.

4. Donate and delete: Once everything is out of the closet and sorted into boxes, put the” to donate” box by the door (or better yet, in your car) and the throw away the “to toss” box. Remove them from the area! What you don’t see, you won’t be tempted to return to the closet.

5. Organize what is left: Then start going through the “to keep” box, and if you are honest with yourself, this should contain the least amount of items. Assemble your decorative boxes, or baskets and put them to use! Use one to gather up winter items: hats, mittens, and scarves. Use a container for shoes like flip flops and sandals, these always become lost and separated in the bottom of the closet (pairs can be clipped together with binder clips).

Hang up any coats, or jackets on your new hangers. Group them together by heavy coats, spring coats, jackets, rain coats, etc.

Lastly, take that “to donate” box to your favorite charity – you will be helping others while also helping yourself get organized!

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Home Office Organization | February 1, 2016

Happy New Year! The holidays are over and it’s time to get back in the swing of things – it’s time to get organized!

If you are anything like me, there is always something around the house that needs your attention. Whether it is a room to update, or just a room re-organization, there is just always “something”.  Since the New Year seems to bring on those good intentions toward our home projects, we might as well take advantage of our enthusiasm and get some work done!

This week I am going to concentrate on the room/area  of the home which really needs some organization this time of year – the home office.  With tax season coming up, there is no better time to get an area, or a room set up as a home office space.  Every day I receiving mail that is designated toward my taxes, and want to make sure it doesn’t get lost!

 

Here are a couple of ideas to help you create organize your home office:

Designate:  Pick an area or room, if you are able, for your home office space.

Declutter: In your designated area, clean out, donate, throw away, and sort so you can start fresh in the new space. Whether it’s a corner or a whole room, this will feel great!

Speaking of fresh, if you are designating a room for this space…add some fresh paint!

Design & Decorate: Make the space your own! If you’ve taken the time to declutter a space, make it something you will enjoy:

• Consider having some kind of furniture that can be used as a desk, and a chair.
• Also important is the appropriate lighting. A task lamp should be added.
• A cork board – you can get creative with this by getting an old frame, painting it, and placing it on the cork.

Divide & Conquer: Use divider trays to catch incoming mail items, and things that are ready to be filed away. Use a filing cabinet, if you have the room.  Decorative storage boxes and wicker baskets also provide filing options.

 

Be determined to keep this space organized! It is important; after all of the work you just did – to keep that area free from other household clutter. It may just be one area that has been organized, but keeping it organized as your home office is a great place to start!