Sanity for Spring?

My secret to sanity this Spring is to declutter and gain peace of mind.  This idea is huge for me, since I love to stay active and keep samples and items with character, then find time to refurbish.  I also keep things that I can transform into something else...DIY projects  are great.  My garage and office/guest room became cluttered to the point where I felt stressed. Can't have an extra guest room with containers of"keep it" stuff piled there.  So I embarked on a journey that not only gave me space, but peace of mind at having recycled, donated and provided useful materials that will help those in need.  Goodwill & Dell have a fabulous program for E-waste and I donated home improvement supplies to agencies that provide homes and apartments locally.  Even my clothes went to help someone who needs a work wardrobe. My top 5 tips that I hope help you:

1. Unworn clothes

If you’re like me, you're holding onto stuff in case it comes back in style one day.  Shoulder pad jackets that I loved for the fabric now begin to haunt me.  "I'll get them tailored" was my mantra.....for 5 years. If you haven’t worn something in the past 12 to 18 months, you likely never will. Donate or try selling it  online. Spring is a good time  to analyze your cold-weather wardrobe. If you haven't worn it during the last season chances are you won't wear it again.  There are women's shelters that need supplies and organizations that collect business attire to help women dress for success.

2. Office supplies

If your desk is filled with dried-out pens and White-Out bottles, you should acknowledge that those things are never ever coming back from the dead. For me, it was colored pencils and markers from design school.  Yep, they still work, but haven't used them in ten years,  Hook up with a local art teacher since they often buy supplies for their kids with their own funds.  The random boxes of paper clips, extra stationary and other goodies went to the animal shelter resale shop to raise money to save lives.

3. Expired kitchen items

This was a bit funny.  I divide and store pantry staples and things like pasta, rice and oatmeal since I buy in bulk and save, right?  Not if they go bad.  I found things in the pantry and even the freezer from 2008.  Not worth eating. Spices get clumpy and smell "off" and I actually found 2 of a few since they got 'lost' in the back cabinets and I bought duplicates.    I have a compost pile - albeit small - so quite a bit went there.  The rest I had to toss.  Lesson learned...don't buy too much or it's wasteful.  

4. Books

If you’ve made the swap and now do your reading on a Kindle or tablet, you may have tons of books you’d never even consider opening. Ironically my Kindle is now defunct since I use my iPad.   But even if you don't have a device, consider donating books you've already read. Sort through your favorite books then give the rest to your local library, charity or shelter.  I'll keep my Sue Grafton series for now, but the chance that I'll read those books again is slim.  All the others are likely to give someone else the pleasure of a good read. 

5. Garage clutter. 

From paints that I won't reuse to finish products that are older and toxic, to fertilizer or insect sprays that I've found safer alternatives for, my garage cabinets were purged for my health and the health if the environment.  There are safe ways to dispose of all of those things.  In San Diego - http://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/miramar/hhwtransfac.shtml  I've watched neighbors pour that stuff in the sewer. Don't.  Local paint stores are now required to accept old paint. They also charge a recycling fee when you buy new paint so take advantage and purge what you won't use again. After a few years that paint won't even look good when you try to touch up. Unless you do a lot of faux finishing it's just going to take up space and get old. Tools and yard equipment that I either upgraded  or don't use - love my new Dewalt cordless nail gun -  went to shelter resale shops and Goodwill. Someone will love my Craftsman corded power tools and have a blast doing DIY projects! Open paints and wood scraps did go to Refurbish San Diego.  Habitat for Humanity is great for hardware, nails and screws and building supplies. 

Lynn Morris, IIDA, Allied ASID, NKBA, USGBC

Past Director of Communications ASID

Design Principal | Touch of Tradition- Home

7313 Carroll Road | Suite D

San Diego | CA | 92121

619-669-8871 mobile

760-633-4474 studio

www.tot-home.com

De-clutter and Organize

It's a new year and a great time to purge, organize and make the whole year easier. Like everyone else, I have lots of 'stuff'. Some collected, some gifted, some purchased.  I think I have more than I need and certainly more than I want to take care of. My solution?  Make a New Year's Resolution that I WILL keep; organize and purge. Sure, I can create more storage. I can build my own cabinets, buy shelves and add a closet system in my guest room.  Is the cost to do that worth the items?  I think not. 

So..... what to do and how can it help you out?  Here are my ideas!

1. Clothes  Do you hold onto things in case it comes back in style one day? Don't. When it comes back you'll likely need new accessories, pieces to complete the look, and maybe even tailoring. Try starting with items you haven’t worn in the past year; I donate most everything but there are many places to sell designer items. While you're getting things in and out of the closet, reach for those things first and put them aside until you have a small collection....then away it goes.

2. Papers If you haven't read a newsletter or magazine before the next issue is out, you likely won't so give it away or recycle it.  Today, publications keep archived issues on line so you can refer back to and digitally save an article.  While you do need tax-related materials you likely don't need the monthly credit card statements. How about going paperless and get statements and receipts emailed to you?  

3. Electronics I have power cords and adapters for things I don't own anymore. You might too. Recycle them as E waste and clear out that drawer.  Do the same with old monitors, cell phones and other electronic gadgets. 

4. Unpaired items  My husband has socks that have lost their pairing partner.  They, along with plastic storage lids without their matching storage containers (and vice versa) and bed linens that don’t belong to a set are all candidates for removal!

5. Pantry Items. Believe it or not, cereal, cake mixes and pasta DO expire. I had vitamins and supplements with expired dates.  Same with cake mixes and canned goods.  One thing we rarely look at are herbs and spices which, like mine,  probably had time to go bad since you never really used them anyway.











6. Makeup Makeup does expire and mascara collects bacteria over time. Same with lipstick and eye pencils. Ditch colors you don't use. Its a good way to update too; I love to add one new color for every three I toss and it really does de-clutter my bathroom drawer. 

7. Kid stuff   As precious as your children's arts and crafts projects are, consider saving only the very special ones. When the art is whimsical and fun it can be framed and hung in a playroom or hallway; multiple boxes stored in closets aren't useful and visible.  A fabulous way to display drawings is to decoupage onto a dresser, stair riser,s or the back of a bookshelf. 










8. Books  If you’ve made the switch to a Kindle, Nook, tablet or Ipad, you may have books you won't read. Even if you don't have a device, consider eliminating books you've already read. Sort through your favorite ones, then donate the rest to your local library, charity or shelter,   The chance that you'll read those books again are slim to none, so give someone else the pleasure of a good read.

9. Holiday Decor  If you collect items for holidays, it's a good idea to sort through periodically to remove broken or damaged things, be sure you still love them, and pare down to what you really need.  Storing seasonal items is always a challenge.  I found that I don't do themed Christmas decor, so keep a clear glass and two colors to mix or to rotate.  It was such a pleasure to give away what I didn't really need as gift tags, to Goodwill, to the local Senior Center, or to young couples who are just starting out. 

10. Bedding and towels  Having switched to white towels so I don't have to worry about which bathroom they are for, I sometimes have to ditch a towel that simply doesn't come clean, is threadbare, or that no longer has hand towels or washcloths. There are many places to recycle them.  Even bed linens get worn over time. If you change your color scheme you really don't need the old ones hanging around. As I can afford, I switch to high thread count and all cotton - organic is soft and durable - that my older bedding gets donated

. 

Clutter buster ideas for a fresh fall start!

NEED A GIVE-AWAY GUIDE FOR STUFF?  Here are some tips. Always remember that it's OK to take baby steps. Using bins with  labels such as "KEEP", "DONATE", "DISCARD" , "RECYCLE" also helps you stay organized.

1) PAPER. Your fear - if you put away the stack of paper it will be forgotten. Does the stack get you to take action or get bigger? Keep those papers in a wicker basket or decorative paper box. That serves as visual reminder but keeps it out of sight. Inserting labeled file folders - TO DO, TO PAY, TO FILE, etc.. - might help! 


2) GIFTS   Your best friend gave you a vase for your wedding, grandma left you a table when she passed on. Even though you don't like it, you feel if you don't keep it, it's disrespectful.  NOT TRUE.  Since the true meaning of a gift was to celebrate an event  or to honor a memory, the memory is more valuable than the gift. If someone else who gets it, enjoy it, that's more of an honor.


3) FUTURE VALUE  Worrying that something you have will be valuable again is very common.  Check eBay, do a Google search, or use an appraiser to learn the true value.  It's worth knowing that many items need original packaging to retain value.


4) EXPENSIVE ITEMS  You hate to discard those $300 shoes but it's been years since you've worn them.  If items 'hang' around because you feel guilty about what you spent...consider how much better you'll feel when  you know they've gone to someone who will enjoy them fully!


5) MULTIPLES  Having multiples of some items (a favorite shirt, accessories, costume jewelry, suitcases) that you don't use but "may need one day" is common. When they overload your cabinets, closets, and garage and become obstacles...try this.  Take them from the space, put them into a bin and put them elsewhere for six months (or a year if you REALLY think you need it). If you still haven't used it then, take that bin to a local donation center. You didn't miss them, and it's likely you never will!

De-clutter now for a more organized 2012.

We all have 'things' that we need on a weekly - often daily - basis. They're functional but oh so unattractive.  How to hide them is always a creative challenge. Try these tips.

1. Charging station:  Charging phones, I-pods and the like is a must! If you can hide the cords and chargers,  it will neaten your space. Many console tables and nightstands have power outlets behind them. If they have a drawer, drill a small hole in the back and mount a power strip inside the drawer. Run the power cord through the hole to the outlet. Plug in your devices, close the drawer and everything's out of sight. Some devices produce heat, so don't leave them in too long - most need 2 hours to fully charge.  If that's not an option, use a basket on a shelf and tuck them away! 

2. Mail storage: Whether it's in an office or left in another room, this 'clutter' element is much-needed. Out of sight can often lead to forgetfulness.  Create a permanent space with an attractive letter sorter, decorative box, or even a pretty folder. The simple habit of always placing it in the same location 

3. Keys, wallets and change:  Your partner come home from work, their pocket is full...after unloading keys, change, a money clip and other paraphernalia, there is a pile of stuff in the kitchen, entry...somewhere. Hiding in a drawer is a reasonable idea, but a more practical solution is a small box or flat canister that works with your decor and is easy to access; on the kitchen table, on the counter, in the entry, or by the bedside.

4. Toilet paper:  One of the simplest and aesthetically pleasing storage solutions, for those small baths without room for a cabinet, is a lidded box sitting on the toilet tank. Where possible, a great wall-mounted cabinet will hide many rolls, cleaning supplies and hand towels. If you don't have a tank, add a small glass shelf and then your pretty storage box or basket.

5. Laundry:  Some homes have a laundry room that hides baskets and sorting. If you don't have a dedicated space, try something other than a wicker hamper...how about making an old dresser into a laundry hamper by  joining the drawers together and creating ONE deep one?  Can you hinge it out as well?  This takes a bit of doing, but if you can update and re-purpose that old dresser it can serve as a great hallway piece...add a lamp and art...voila.

6. Toys:  A great idea for toys is a dual function ottoman/storage cube. They are inexpensive ($50-100), come in squares and rectangles, the cover is light enough for most 5 year olds to lift, and they can be used as seating.

3 Bedroom updates with photos and directions.

Need to refresh your bedroom? With so many products and options available which do you choose?  Here are three bedrooms with directions for making the changes.  

  

    

Some simple changes transform this casual bedroom into a sophisticated guest retreat. The walls, once a pastel green, were refreshed with a light blue hue, and the white ceiling became a soft blue. Crown, base and doors moldings remained white. Adding a transitionally styled iron bed frame was the most significant change.  Draping inexpensive sheer fabric (less than $15 per yard) over the frame creates a soft, inviting place to sleep. Instead of the two-drawer nightstand, an end table - the same height as the mattress - provides a landing space, shelving for books and a clock, and its new open style fills the void next to the bed with just the right element. Adding a deeper toned area rug beside the bed rather than in the center of the room makes the room seem more open, and is better underfoot for guests. White big box store bedding, a yellow throw and brightly colored pillows in blue and complementary orange, finish the bed. Lighter artwork, all in the same transitional versus cottage style, refreshes the space and provides the finishing touch.

While this room looks significantly different, there are some shortcuts to be considered.  Purchasing ready-made shelves from a discount store, and tying them together with molding, is the largest change. They create a headboard with storage, end table function and additional space for lighting. Warm tones of beige on the wall and an area rug in the same hue, provide a warm backdrop for the new white trim and doors.  The doors, while hinged French doors instead of sliding wooden doors, can be created without the expensive price tag. Using reclaimed doors from a salvage yard is one solution, sustainable and cost-effective.  Another is to apply molding over inexpensive mirror squares to a slab door. Hinges are required here since the added dimension would not allow the doors to slide. Bedding remains white, but as with the accessories, the addition of blue accents, is the ideal contrast to the beige and white. A simple wooden bench completes the transformation.

Re positioning the bed in this space was key to the change. In front of the window, the bed took up less space in the room and the open weave headboard does not restrict light from entering.  The walls went from pale yellow to a deep ivory. Blue was the accent color in the 'before' space and became the feature color in bedding, bed drapes and pillows. An inexpensive "found" headboard separates the window and bed and enables pillows to be propped up, adding dimension and texture to the bed.  A Roman Shade lets more light in than the prior sheers and is tailored and neat.  The bed drape was constructed by nailing MDF trim to the ceiling, and applying the fabric at all four corners.  The large scale damask fabric contains the ivory wall color and a soft blue that is used again in the tailored bed skirt. Ivory bedding is ideal for many spaces, and maintains the neutral backdrop to keep the small bedroom from looking crowded.  Adding a bolster pillow in a solid blue with ribbon trim, and a patterned blue lampshade, completes the transformation.

Small space design - open plans are great!

With the advent of apartment living, builders chose to separate rooms. The resulting apartments had multiple small rooms and long narrow hallways connecting them. Today, with the need for more effective function and the desire for more space, open floor plans are desired. My clients in New York and Philadelphia love their neighborhoods but realized that their spaces were all too small.   How did we accomplish the remodel to get maximum living space and functional privacy?

1) Create private spaces first. Bathrooms and bedrooms need walls.  Whether they are solid, sliding closed as needed, or other partition walls, these spaces were first to be determined. Glass walls that can become obscure with the flip or a switch are a great way to accomplish privacy yet maintain an open feel.

2) Make things function in more than one way.  Creating walls with cabinet storage on one side and shelves on the other provides separation. Since they don't reach the ceiling they maintain the open feel of the space. Keeping surfaces clear and providing function below - roll out stools, cutting surfaces or other features - helps.  Dual duty structures include bench or ottoman seating that also provides storage and rotating partitions - as in the bedroom/living room wall that flips for using the television in either space. 

3) Raise things up. In high-ceiling apartments, elevating spaces defines them as separate functional areas. You can place furniture or carve out storage space under raised sleeping or office areas.

4) Lighten up.  Literally.  Carefully selected layered lighting along with mirrors, can completely change the apparent space. Be careful with what the mirror reflects!  Dress windows lightly but don't sacrifice privacy. Remove interior doors when possible to create a floor-through impression. Use glass inserts to brighten spaces if walls must remain.

Favorite decor for June

I love to change accessories seasonally, especially when I prepare to use outdoor spaces for eating and entertaining. Here are some great finds for indoors and out to start your summer fun!

1) Lighting. This is a nice departure from traditional metal lanterns. Made of glazed ceramic, these lanterns can be hung, placed on a surface, and strung along the eaves of a covered porch. The light is soft and diffused and looks great against the tabletop or wall. From Pottery Barn.

2) Furniture: This is a great bench from Ballard Designs. It's scaled right for a narrow hallway or the foot of a bed.  In black and ivory, it works with most traditional decor. 

3) Planters: A treat from Horchow, these are incredibly nice and lightweight. Most poly planters are matte and in solid colors. These have a realistic ceramic-looking glaze and are light enough to move the pots around as your plants grow or the sunlight changes.

5) Accessories.  For summer, I love to introduce coral and cream. The seaside motif is a bonus since I think coral reef patterns are timeless classics.  These pillows are from WS Home. The wooden beads on the sand dollar pillow are really nice, and I do use them on a covered patio where there is no direct sunlight. Check out the pillows with a Seaside theme for other colors and patterns you may love.

 

6) Entertaining:  This is a fun set for any style home.   I'm the hostess that puts the condiments in individual bowls so I never put the remainder back into the bottle. These are brightly colored, look like the right size for a party, and they can be used year-round.

7) Tabletop: From Kim Seybert who is an extraordinary designer of luxury table linens and napkin rings. Since coral (the organism) is indicative of seaside and summer, setting the table with these napkin rings is both seasonal and elegant. Paired with all white dinnerware, you can be flexible with napkins or table runners.  Available in multiple bead colors.

Five clutter excuses and their solutions.

We all collect, are gifted, inherit and gather stuff. At some point, taking care of it, storing it, and even looking at the stuff can be tiresome. Clutter happens rather easily but when it gnaws at your peace of mind, costs money when you buy short-term fixes, and takes time from your life..it's time to take care of it.  Here are some great how-to's for helping you move on ....

1) PAPER, PAPER, EVERYWHERE.  You fear that if you put away the stack of paper on your counter, they will be forgotten and bills won't get paid. Keeping the stack is a perception of order but not real order since the stack gets bigger but the organization does not change; now your stack includes bills, clippings, invitations and more but hasn't been touched. We all need reminders of things to do.  Keeping the papers in a pretty wicker box (or whatever suits your style) nearby will be a visual reminder of their presence. 

2) GIFTS   Your best friend gave you a vase for your wedding...your grandma left you a table when she passed on.   It's not your style but you are concerned that if you don't keep it it makes a disrespectful statement.  NOT SO.  We all get items from people that we love and respect. The true meaning of the gift was to celebrate an event in your life or to honor a memory. The item shouldn't be associated with the memory. Your duty is to receive the gift and thank the giver...not to keep it forever. The solution is to give/donate it to someone else who will continue to enjoy it.

3) FUTURE VALUE  Worrying that something you have kept will be valuable again is very common. The internet can be a great source for finding its value.  Check eBay, do a Google search, or even find an appraiser. For items that are valuable, consider having a professional appraisal...often done at no charge when an item is sold through them.  It's worth knowing that toys, figurines, etc... NEED to be original packaging and in pristine condition to be worth selling.

4)   EXPENSIVE ITEMS  Those $300 shoes were a great buy but it has been years since you've worn them.  If items 'hang' around because you feel guilty about what you spent...consider how much better you'll feel when the weight of looking at what has become an expensive dust catcher, is donated or sold (Ebay?) to someone who will wear them out!

5) MULTIPLES  Having many of one item (this applies to clothing, accessories, costume jewelry, suitcases... everything!) that you don't use but "may need one day" is normal. However, when they overload your cabinets, closets, and garage they become obstacles.  You fear that they may be useful 'down the road'. Aha..since you have NOT used them, take them from the space, put them into a bin and store them elsewhere. If in six months (or a year if you need it) you still haven't used them, bring that bin to a local donation donation. You didn't miss them, and it's likely you never will!

If your desire to de-clutter is hindered by time and motivation, take baby steps.  Rather than tackle the whole closet, garage, etc... in one day, pick a corner, and complete just that area.  Keep bins with easy to read labels "KEEP", "DONATE", "DISCARD" , "RECYCLE" and when the bin is full - take care of it.  As your spaces become clean and neat, your treat will be to dress them up as you like! 

Build it in or not? Storage and shelving solutions.

Simple construction with 8 x 10 boards can be DYI.

I love to collect things. My clients love to bring back memorabilia from trips. When you have a variety of collectibles, you need a place to store and display them. Do you purchase shelf units or have them custom built? 


The answer to that question has several facets:


1) What is your budget and time frame? You can purchase and install a less costly product, faster than if you order custom shelves. 

A great ready-made shelf unit that looks great against a wall or as a divider.

2) What are the dimensions of the space? If the area to cover is challenging - a niche or unusual configuration - a custom unit may be the only option. If you have a large wall to cover, ready-made may fit perfectly.

Fully custom for the TV and storage with touch-latch doors.

3) Is there a style and finish you need for the space?  Store bought items are better left in the finish they come with...painting melamine is difficult and the durability is low. If you love the color options from a store then try that  route first. If you need a specific stain, grain, style and paint color, custom is the better option.

Store bought, hung differently- WOW!

4) What is the expected life cycle of the shelving?  While I disagree with throwing away any unwanted furniture, a short life span in shelving for a child's room may be better addressed with a non-custom option.  If you consider long-term use, custom is a viable option, particularly when shelves for this application need to be durable albeit adjustable as the child grows.

You can purchase pre-made modular units and fit them together in a custom design. To further customize pre-made shelving, add moldings to tie them together and them to tie them to the architectural details in the room.

Custom but worth it

Floating shelves are easy to purchase but challenging to install, so be prepared to do it right or hire someone who can.  No one wants a shelf to fall from wall.  

Ready made shelves installed by the homeowner - NICE!

If you have experience, AND THE TOOLS, you might try your hand at fabricating shelving from hardwood.  When you have doubts about doing more than handing over a credit card, even assembling some of the store-bought versions may be too challenging. 

Fully custom to conceal the TV  and uniquely sized books.

Whatever you opt for, I hope that these images inspire you to design the best shelving system for your space.