How to... The List!

The question...where do I start?
The answer...the list below!


1. Budget

This may seem silly to even mention, however, I have been amazed at the number of clients that contact me AFTER they have made unwise purchases.

2. Needs/Form and Function

Spend some time determining how the space will be used, the floorplan, and who should be involved in the discussion.

3. Color

Color is SO important when designing a space. You should consider natural lighting, artificial light as well as the weather. Yes, the weather. If you live in a region that experiences many gray and gloomy days gray might not be the best choice for a wall color.

4. Style

If you are not sure what your style is, visit google or magazine photos to get an idea of what speaks to you. If you are on pinterest, pin photos and then look for trends in what you pinned.

5. Clean

Make sure you start with a clean space. Declutter and organize before you begin a new design.

6. Redesign

Redesign is an economical way to create a new room. You are able to create a refreshed space spending a minimal amount of money or no money at all!

7. Price

Take the time to do some online window shopping. Price out what you want and where and how to spend your budget. It is awful when you realize that you have spent most of your allotted cash on the wrong items.

And there you have it! This is how to get started. If you are looking for additional decorating tips I just happen to have a book to help you with that! See it right there on the right column? You can purchase it on my website or on Amazon. 

Happy Easter!

Faith and Decor

Last week I did a presentation for high school girls of faith. They are looking forward to graduation and then college.  With that brings excitement, joy, some sense of fear of the unknown and adult life.  This of course applies to all of us. We all can have a sense of excitement, joy and fear of the unknown regardless of our age or stage in life. With that in mind, we discussed how to create a space that invites the spirit. A few of the ideas we discussed:

1.Surround yourself with images of your faith, be it artwork, sculptures or quotes. They serve as a visual reminder of what makes us strong.

2. This does not have to be expensive. You can be create your own artwork by being creative.

3. Keep a journal of your spiritual experiences. This will be a gift to you when you find yourself in a difficult time. Choose a color and style that brings you joy.

I shared with them my list of steps in creating a beautiful space. Check back in to see that complete list!

How to Tidy up your Space

Let's talk organization. Is this something you are constantly working on? I, like about 3 million other folks just purchased The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I have not read the entire book yet but two tips I have grabbed onto in the first 25 pages or so, is storage is part of the problem! A little here and a little there organizing is part of the problem! As I contemplated this, I must say I agree. As some of you are aware, OrganizeDesign is a service I offer my clients. This service just might evolve in time.

It is time to be more thoughtful in the "tidying up" of our spaces. We have been a society in search of stuff. It has come to define our "success" and our accomplishments. How silly! Our success and accomplishments are in how we treat people, our beliefs and our faith.

I look forward to reading and implementing the ideas in this book. Have your read it?

How to...

How to curb an obsession: First admit you have one and two decide if you want to curb it.

I am obsessed with pillows, rugs, curtains, pitchers and cake plate/stand. As I have said before I love to change my home seasonally, so most of these items are necessary...right? I have light, medium and dark colored curtains, pillows and rugs. This makes it so much easier to change things up.

I cannot explain the cake stand and pitcher obsession. I might need some therapy for that one! What is your obsession?

Planning for Change...

There are lots of things going on this week. New services to add, possible name change, {business, not me ;)}business planning, blog posting, social media updates, possible products to sell, presentations...SO much to think on and plan for in the future. All these things are keeping me focused on what I can control instead of what I cannot. (ie house selling)

UPDATE:My second book has been through its final edit and is now waiting for a cover. Hopefully that will happen today. Book three, more of a booklet really, is a quick look at home staging tips. It is complete and ready for printing. The fourth book is, at this point, just in my head. It will soon take shape and plan to have it ready for purchase by this time next year, if not sooner! Big things are happening and I am grateful for a supportive community of family, friends, and business associates. What is on your agenda today? Whatever it is, enjoy!

Here's whats new...

Two amazing artist friends just purchased an art gallery, and I was honored to assist them with the redesign of the space. Today is their opening day and I could not be more excited for them!

My friends are CrAzY talented, don't you agree?! And yes, that is a piece of cardboard on the right side of the picture. It was a place holder as we did the wall gallery of their beautiful copper art.