Remodel, Replace, or Simply Organize?

I love renovating kitchens and baths and creating new spaces by selecting new furniture and finishes.  It is the best case scenario to be able to start the process of organizing a space when everything is stripped down to the bones.  However, not everyone is unhappy with their environment and sometimes all a client wants is a little organization to keep their memories in tact.

Recently, a good client's mother was displaced due to the impact of hurricane Sandy.  Her beautiful condo sits on Long Beach, NY where the views are amazing.  I too would be anxious to get back into a home that literally overlooks the beaches with no other homes to distract from these amazing views.

That's where I come in.  Can I manage to overlook the need to remove and replace?  You betcha!

 

Not every space is going to be ready for the cover of House Beautiful, Elle Decor, or Dwell magazine but that doesn't make a living space any less desirable for the client who simply needs a designer to come in and make their small storage areas more functionally organized.

 

What's the wish list?  Organize the closets, the kitchen, the bedroom closets and armoires, bathroom storage, and get all of the items to fit so that they can be easy to access, stay organized, and look good.  It's not a small task!  Take all of your items out of your storage spaces and see just how much stuff you really have.

Quite a few shopping trips were needed for organization bins, hangers, pullout kitchen storage, and bathroom accessories.  I'm laughting because the folks at Home Goods and the Container Store now know me by name.  Although I have made purchases from additional retailers, these two stores have provided the most appealing and wide variety of solutions that fit the functional aesthetic that I needed for this space.

Anyway, let's not talk about shopping and take a sneak peak of the bedroom armoire storage solution for this hip and stylish traveling woman who recently turned 80.  A variety of light weight bins were placed to house jewelry and cosmetic travel bags, It's important to remember the extra weight of the bins once they are filled.  Labeling the bins creates a visual reference for the items to be found...and more importantly placed back into their new home.  Plus, those amazing Command hooks added well needed hanging storage that does not damage furniture or walls; yet, they provide visible storage areas that are easy to reach.

So many more storage solutions are in the works so stay tuned for more space updates at this amazing beach side condo!

 

 

 

Spring Into a Dose of DIY Sources

Spring is in the air and refreshing your space is never so easy for those who like to do-it-yourself!  Whether you are shopping on-line or visiting your favorite hot spots, a few good finds can make your space feel like new.

One of my favorite on-line sources is One Kings Lane.  A few good pillows offered by Color Spectrum may land you a warm, cool, or neutral color that adds that pop of tangerine orange you crave, a hint of your favorite beach location, or simply a neutral new pattern to update your space.

Area rugs are another great way to bring patterns, colors, and updates to a room.  Even outdoor spaces can be brought to life with an indoor/outdoor rug.  Joss and Main may catch your eye for some great selections and prices that give you a dose of color and gets your mind out of your winter cave.

Keeping on trend with nature inspired prints add a spring to your step.  A pattern that has a lot of colors can provide the jump needed to coordinate a wide variety of bright colors in your space. Clip your ideas onto your favorite sites (e.g. Pinterest, Houzz, or make your own Mood Board).

How about a bright blue floral or coral print with a few pillows or accessories?  Ah, Spring fever...I love it!  You can't go wrong this year with black and white or a hint of metallic.  The focus is the pattern and where the attention is within your space.  Safavieh rugs available at Guilt are quality pieces at affordable prices.  Besides, who doesn't need a little guilty pleasure now and then.

Speaking of a little guilty pleasure, Spring entertaining always adds to the memory banks.  How about a few brightly colored accessories?  Replace or add to your social world and enjoy entertaining with friends and family in style.   

Now it's your turn!  Gather a few good ideas on-line or take make a trip to your local store and see what's you can find.  If you want to support artists, Etsy is a favorite hunting site and if you prefer to hunt in store, set aside a few hours and go to Home Goods. 

 

If you have any other locations or finds, please feel free to share.  In the meantime~Happy Hunting!   

 

Need a little more assistance?

If you need a bit more design planning for your space, a little virtual design assistance could be the next step for our do-it-yourself fans. 

Getting a dose of design help is made a little easier with a little collaboration between your designer friend and a few weekends to spare to turn a design dilemma into a new space. 

Photos Sources:  One Kings Lane,  Joss and Martin, Guilt, Dwell Studio, Antrhopologie, Etsy,Home Good Location, Pinterest