Designing with Color

Designing With Color

Color is a crucial part of any interior design project. It impacts a person’s mood and sets the tone for a room. Using color in decorating means you need to understand what feelings it evokes, and this often takes practice. 

Many people fall back on neutral tones for their interior decorating projects. The simple colors go with everything and won’t evoke strong emotions. Unfortunately, sticking with beige, taupe, and other neutral tones can also make a home seem drab and impersonal. 

Decorating with color can seem less intimidating when you start small with a single room or an accent piece. 

Open Up a Space with White Walls

Whites with blue or grey undertones brighten up dark rooms and gives the illusion of more space. It is an easy way to redesign a room, without worrying about choosing a bright or pastel color. 

Consider painting the walls and ceiling white in a dedicated movie projector room. The space will look brighter and more welcoming making you want to stay and watch movies with friends and family. 

Stay away from whites with yellow bases. It will give the room a warm feeling, but it will also make the space seem smaller. 

Use a Color Wheel

Picking complimenting and contrasting colors isn’t always easy. Novice home decorators often stick with colors in the same family to avoid clashing. This method works fine, but you are missing out on style and texture. 

A color wheel is a handy tool you can find at any paint or home improvement store. Spin the wheel to see which colors go with your primary one. Did you know reds and blues mix great together? You get a feisty feeling red that is soothed by calming blue shades. 

Brighten Up a Small Bathroom

Not all bathrooms are spacious, especially ones designated for guests. The small space is also a great place to start experimenting with color. 

Try adding bright-colored wallpaper above the railing. You can find peel-and-stick wall treatments that go up in minutes without using messy paste. Painting the lower walls to compliment the wallpaper will give the small area a fresh, new look. 

Don’t be afraid to add accent colors. Look for bright-colored towels, soap dishes, and dispensers. If you want to be adventurous, switch out your white toilet seat for a colored one. 

Use Dark Colors to Shrink a Large Space

You don’t want to paint the walls a dark brown in a large room unless you have plenty of large windows. The goal is to make the space seem cozier, not give it a cave-like feeling. 

Replacing light-colored furniture with darker pieces will also help anchor a room, along with adding floor-to-ceiling bookcases. Use a mix of books and decorative objects to fill the bookcase, it will add more dimension to the room. If it’s possible, place the bookcases against the wall opposite the doorway. It is another way to anchor a space. 

You can also use dark colors in smaller spaces if your goal is to create the illusion of a cozy boudoir. This tip works great in confined bedrooms, especially if there is plenty of light. 

Don’t Forget About the Exterior

Don’t forget to include some of the colors used inside on the home’s exterior. You don’t need to repaint the entire house, but you do want it to compliment the interior. 

Sometimes adding colored pots to porches and walkways is enough to bring the house together. 

Decorating with colors can be daunting, but it gets easier with practice. When you are ready to update your interior, contact Krystin Krebs Interiors and get started on your decorating project with a free 15 minute discover call. 

How to Modernize your Outdated Home

How to Modernize Your Outdated Home

Does your home feel ugly and outdated and have you been worrying about how much it would cost to make it more modern and attractive? Then you have a problem that plagues a lot of homeowners whose homes are ten years old and above.

But the problem that most homeowners in this situation have is they assume that updating the home means them doing a major overhaul of its structures. The reason they think this is because most owners have no idea what makes a home feel outdated.

An older home is like a vintage car; what makes it valuable also makes it a problem. Everyone who owns a vintage car wants to retain the frame of the car and everything under the hood in as original a condition as possible because that is where the car’s value lies.

But other than the body, chassis, and engine, owners of vintage automobiles will change many other components to make the vehicle better. They will replace the old stereo, instruments on the dashboard, and the upholstery to make it more comfortable and modern.

The same thing applies to an old house; there is an allure that comes with old architecture. And the older a home gets, explains East Bay Management, the more value is attached to its style and design. However, to be functional, many of the other aspects of the home need to be updated.

The features of a home that really date it are things like wall designs, plumbing fixtures, door hardware, lighting fixtures, flooring material, furniture, and window treatment. These are the features of the home you should be focusing on.

In this article, we explain how you can get started on your journey to making your outdated home beautiful once again. The goal of this guide is to give you an idea of what direction you should be looking, so you can formulate your own ideas yourself.

1.    Start with a clean slate 

The first thing to do is to clean and declutter your home. There will inevitably be things that you acquired over the last few years that you no longer need but which still take up space in your home. By getting rid of things that crowd your spaces, you can see the home with fresh eyes.

2.    Fix damaged walls

Bedraggled wall surfaces contribute to the overall unattractiveness of the home. If you try to change the appearance of your home without addressing the damage to walls – nail holes, gouges, scrapes, or general unevenness – the outcome will be less than satisfying.

3.    Create your design concept 

Without a plan to follow, your choices will be incoherent and the elements of the design will not tie together. After you clear out the stuff you don’t need, you will be able to look at what’s left with a critical eye. It will be easier to create clear objectives for your entire design effort.

4.    Update your floors

Many older homes have their floors covered completely with carpets. But this type of flooring in homes is no longer popular. If you want to have carpets, it is better to limit them to an area of the living room or the bedrooms. If the home has hardwood flooring, it should be refinished.

5.    Repaint your home

A fresh coat of paint is the easiest and most affordable way to give your home an immediate facelift. But the colors you use should be modern hues and used in a way that highlights the home’s best features. In addition to the walls, kitchen cabinets should be repainted or refaced, if repainting them will not deliver the best results.

6.    Create more room

Large overstuffed furniture pieces choke a room and make it look smaller. They make moving around hard and block airflow and unwieldy furniture can make a room feel less relaxing. When replacing or rearranging your furniture, the goal should be to create the appearance of an open floor plan.

7.    Light it up

Poorly lit rooms feel small, gloomy, and uninviting. Lights should be deployed as illumination and décor. For the best results, the lighting scheme should include lights on different levels. There should be floor or table lamps, overhead lights, and lights at intermediate levels. Along with the lighting fixtures, light switches and power outlets should be changed.

8.    Replace outdated hardware

Sleek door knobs, cabinet pulls, kitchen, and bathroom faucets make a statement. When these minor details are old and dated, they make a poor statement. Replacing old hardware with modern ones will breathe life into an otherwise dated bathroom or kitchen space. To get an even better effect, sinks should also be replaced with new models that match the improved hardware.

9.    Update the window treatment

Heavy drapes cut out the light and make rooms look smaller than they really are. Removing the window treatment altogether will throw the space wide open. But if the idea of bare windows seems a little too much, use window treatments that are simple and will not cramp the space in a room.

There you have it, 9 easy tips on how to modernize your outdated home.

Getting Accustomed to Your Downsized Home

Many consider moving to a new home to downsize. However, with the rising housing costs across the state and the stress of making arrangements, this proves to be a tough feat for most.

Just because you’re living in a smaller dwelling doesn’t mean that it has to feel smaller.

Many contractors are skilled at designing structures that utilize your square footage in the most efficient way possible. Windows and skylights especially will give your environment the illusion of a much larger space. This will make the room feel more open and roomier. They also add value to your ADU, which you’ll surely be thankful for when the time comes for you to sell your property.

Finally, communication is the best way to overcome any tension that may build living in a smaller space. It’s normal to feel unaccustomed at first. This may put pressure on you and your spouse, but it’s important to talk through these times and set guidelines.

Space Planning Tips for your Small Space

Whether you live in a 300 sq foot “apartment” in Manhattan or 900 sq foot home in San Francisco housing a family of four, you can live stylishly and comfortably in a small space. All it takes is a few steps and dedication to utilizing every single inch you have. Check out these tips to maximize a small space and give your home more breathing room.

“Make sure to be precise as to the function of each area within the space. Ask yourself questions about how you use the room. For example, do you need storage for kids toys? Is a sectional a necessity or will a sofa and a chair be fine? Would a round table be a better fit for your dining area? Asking these types of questions will help you identify your specific problem areas — and viable solutions before you start to purchase furnishings, which will ultimately save you time and money.

Don't immediately assume that a small-space issue is a bad thing—it can be an opportunity for a great design moment to be really creative! In small spaces, storage is key, so make that a priority.

Mirrors

Using a mirror creates the illusion of a bigger space by reflecting what’s already there. Don’t be afraid to put a mirror in an unconventional space! Fun frames will serve as decor, or an unframed mirror seamlessly blends into the wall and will enhance the magnifying effect.

Go Vertical

There are tons of tutorials out there about DIY shelves and other wall-mounted storage units. Find a few favorites and get crafting! Having extra shelving or space to display knick-knacks will provide you with more valuable real estate on your side tables and counters. Or even better, use wall shelving as temporary desk! Think Vertical! Exploit the often under-utilized space between the tops of furniture and a room's ceiling with hanging or high-mounted elements. Take bookcases and cabinets all the way up — it'll make the room feel higher.

Use Color Carefully

While color is a fun way to spice up your home, in a small space it can quickly become overwhelming. Stick to a few splashes of bright hues (colorful books, bedding, or rugs are fun ideas) and keep everything else neutral.

Don’t Loose Yourself

In a small space it can sometimes feel like there’s not even enough room to let your personal design style show. Fix this problem by paying attention to the little details in your house that allow you to express yourself. Vases of flowers in your favorite colors, a vintage tray, or a mini-gallery wall of your personal photos can help. Constant and deliberate editing of your home will be a must.

Ditch the Media Table

A media console is the biggest space waster in a small living room. Mount your TV on the wall or above a fireplace and you'll regain necessary floor space.

Opt for Pocket Doors

Pocket doors with glass windows allow for shared light to flow throughout the space while also creating separation. And even better, they slide right into the wall when not being used, taking up much less space than swinging doors.

Keep It Neutral

Calm, even-toned rooms fool the eye into thinking they're more spacious than they are. Make sure to add a variety of textures to keep the space from falling flat. Consider painting a low ceiling the same color as the walls, especially if there are uneven ceilings or obtrusive ductwork.

Use Bigger (But Fewer) Furnishings

It may seem counterintuitive, but outfitting a small space with just a few large-scale pieces (rather than a mishmash of pint-size furniture) can actually make it feel grander. Resist the urge to push all of your furniture up against the walls. If you create space behind the furniture, it makes the room look wider than it is.

Play With Scale

There’s no need to use pint-size furniture and decor in a small space. The key is choosing a few statement pieces that will really draw the eye. You can use regular-size furniture and large-scale art; you’ll just need to use fewer pieces in the room overall.

Keep It Cohesive

There are only so many things to look at in a small space, so make sure they all fit. Stick to a limited color palette, whether it’s light and airy or dark and dramatic. Looking at items with an editor’s eye will help make sure pieces really belong and keep the space from becoming cluttered.

Keep the Floor Clear

You need space for the essentials, but even the most perfectly decorated small room doesn’t work if you can’t walk in it. Try floating pieces, such as shelves and nightstands, to keep the ground clear of obstacles and create space for extra storage beneath if needed. Opt for sconces and wall lights rather than floor lamps.

Hang Drapes Higher

Hang drapes as high as you can to give the room “breath-ability” and to make to room feel taller, larger, and more open.

Keep furniture off the walls

One of the easiest small apartment ideas to manage is to keep all furnishings drifting towards the middle of a room rather than against walls as the space will come off as cramped and uncomfortable for no good reason.

Creating a Comfortable Media Room in a Small Space

Media rooms and home theater rooms are becoming more and more popular these days. This may be a result of the recent pandemic, or the fact that the prices for media room components have come down from the stratosphere and are now affordable on almost any budget. And just because you may live in a tiny home or have a small space doesn’t mean you have to do without this popular feature. Being a minimalist doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy that big screen experience in your tiny space. Sacrificing square footage doesn’t mean sacrificing style.

by Krystin Krebs Interiors

Media Room Location

As they say in real estate, “Location, location, location”. Because space is at a premium in a tiny home or room, one of the first decisions you need to make is where to locate your media room components. It will be important to be able to control both light and sound and to be able to “tuck away” the required components when they are not being used. It is not uncommon these days for tiny houses to have a second bedroom. If your home has this extra space, it can be designed for multipurpose, a media room that can be converted back into a bedroom when needed.

Audio-Video and Electronic Components

The  first important consideration will be TV or projection screen size. You will not always want to be forced to sit in the “front row” craning your neck, or to need a good pair of binoculars to enjoy the show. Space availability will determine the sizes you can use, as well as the number and location of any speakers. While a wall-mounted TV may work, a retractable projection screen may make the conversion back into a bedroom more feasible.

If you decide to go the projector route, consider purchasing what is called a short or ultra short throw laser projector. These types of projectors can be placed on a low table only 18-24 inches in front of the screen, as opposed to a regular projector that requires 12-18 feet of distance from the screen. Using a standard projector in the typical tiny house may mean locating the projector out in the yard. 

Instead of having four or five speakers located around the space, consider using a sound bar for your audio. They are not as great as true surround sound speakers but they occupy much less space. They install easily and require minimal wires. Sound bars will not create true surround sound, but they perform better in the smaller rooms that you will be placing them in. And some of the newer models come equipped with their own wireless subwoofer.

The last component, although an important one, that you need for your small-space media room is an A/V receiver. There are compact A/V receivers that are great for all forms of media, from streaming TV shows, movies, or music, and that will fit nicely into a small space. These compact models lack none of the features found in their larger relatives.

Small Space Media Room Furniture

Available space is naturally limited, so furniture options must be taken into account. You will still need comfortable seating so a love seat that can be converted into a bed is one great option. Of course you will need someplace to set snacks and drinks, a small end table or two will fill the bill. And then you will need that low table in front of the screen for your short throw projector to sit on, if you decide to go the laser projector route.

If you would like help in setting up your small-space media room, we are here to help. At Kystin Krebs Interiors, we specialize in designing small spaces that are both beautiful and functional.

5 Ways the Corona Virus will reshape Home Design Forever

When schools and businesses began shuttering in March of 2020, many families found themselves scrambling to accommodate telework and remote learning in the spaces their homes afforded. The continued emphasis on social distancing has impacted home design, as people look to create interior – and exterior – spaces conducive to spending more time at home. Let’s take a look at some of the ways the pandemic is reshaping home design.

by Krystin Krebs Interiors

1. Welcoming foyers and mudrooms

Foyers are seeing a comeback in terms of functionality, as people look for ways to create a physical buffer between the outside world and the inside of their houses. To keep everyone healthy, shoe removal upon entering may no longer be optional, and some may also use a small entryway table as a sanitation area. In addition to disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer, the foyer may also host a UV-C sanitizer for car keys and phones.

2. More brass, copper, and bronze

Again, we see functional design elements incorporated in homes that help with health and cleanliness. Metals with inherent antimicrobial properties are being included in high-touch areas, such as door handles and drawer and cupboard fixtures. Topping the list is copper, which boasts antiviral and antibacterial properties.

3. Smart home technology

Smart home tech has come a long way since The Clapper helped residents activate their lights with a simple clap of the hand. These days smart home technology is sought after to keep high-touch surfaces sanitized. Touch-free faucets, voice-activated light switches, and smart hubs that control the thermostat and home security are more in-demand than ever.

4. Flexible indoor spaces

Unsurprisingly, people are looking to transform their home interiors now that they’re working and learning from home. While open space plans were popular for a long time, people are currently looking for enclosed spaces that ensure quiet and privacy to work. In fact, HomeLight’s Q3 survey found 76 percent of agents reporting that home remodeling was on the rise in their markets, in direct response to remote schooling and work. 

Spare bedrooms are being transformed into functional home offices, and playrooms are being remodeled into virtual learning environments. Finished basement areas hold many possibilities, from additional office or learning space to fully outfitted home gyms. These areas are also being decorated with versatility in mind, with people ditching traditional desks for decorative side tables.

by Krystin Krebs Interiors

5. Emphasis on outdoor spaces

San Diego realtors will tell you – outdoor spaces are in high demand. It’s not enough to live near a park or other green space these days, as these areas are becoming increasingly crowded with people looking to escape the confines of their homes. 

Today, people are not only looking for homes with outdoor spaces, but these areas are being used more than ever before. Outdoor kitchens are hot, and patios are perfect for entertaining. In short, people are looking for ways to separate their telework from their home life, in addition to entertaining safely. 

The exciting part of the pandemic’s influence on design trends is that many of these trends are rooted in functional design; functional design has staying power. And for that reason, it’s likely that many of these pandemic trends are here to stay.

Wall Paint Tips for Small Spaces

If you're painting your home, choose paints that doesn't contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's), which give off gas as paint dries and hardens over time. Sherwin Williams introduced a line of zero-VOC interior paint that also incorporates a new technology to reduce VOC levels in the air and to eliminate indoor odors from pets, cooking and smoke.

If you are remodeling or build a new house, consider using CertainTeed Gypsum’s AirRenew Essential IAQ wall board (construction material that makes up walls in your home). It cleans the air by capturing VOCs and formaldehyde, converting them into inert compounds.

By selecting the right type of paint, you can lower the toxins the air and create a more healthy environment.

What colors do you feel comfortable surrounding yourself with?

You might really like colorful accent walls in other people's houses but you wouldn't feel comfortable living with that. Or you might love the look of all white walls but you might need color to feel cozy. Think about what colors you might enjoy seeing everyday. When it comes to paint I suggest sticking to three colors throughout your house. One finish for your trim; , one color for the majority of your walls in dry areas, and color on walls that you want to draw attention to (wall at the end of a hall or your fireplace, etc).

Home decor is often viewed as simply a matter of aesthetics -- what looks attractive. But proponents of color psychology believe that the colors you use to decorate your home can have a profound effect on the emotional well-being of you and your family.

"Color is a universal, nonverbal language, and we all intuitively know how to speak it," says Leslie Harrington, a color consultant in Old Greenwich, Conn. and a noted expert on the use of color in residential and industrial decor. "What color you paint your walls isn't just a matter of aesthetics. It's a tool that can be leveraged to affect emotions and behavior."

If you like the idea of using color to create an emotionally healthy home, color consultants say you should first consider the primary function of each room. Next, pick a predominant color. Although it can't be proven scientifically, color consultants say some hues work better than others at encouraging certain activities. Need ideas? Here's a room-by-room rundown of the colors believed to work best in each of the most important rooms of your home, and the moods they create.

Living room and foyer paint colors. Warm tones like reds, yellows, and oranges, and earth tones like brown and beige often work well in both the living room and foyer, because they're though to stimulate conversation. "These are colors that encourage people to sit around and talk," says Kate Smith, a color consultant in Lorton, Va. "You feel the warmth, the connection with other people."

Kitchen paint colors. Color consultants say that if you have fond memories of spending time in the kitchen when you were a kid, it might make sense to recreate the color scheme in your grown-up kitchen. "If you grew up in a blue-and-white kitchen and have great memories, blue and white may be the best colors for you and your family," says Smith.

If there's no particular paint scheme you remember fondly, reds and yellows can be great colors in the kitchen as well as in the living room and foyer. But watch out if you're watching your weight: in addition to stimulating conversation, color consultants say that red may prompt you to eat more, if only subtly. "If you're on a diet, you might want to keep red out of the kitchen," Harrington says, adding that the restaurant industry has long recognized the appetite-stimulating power of red decor.

Dining room paint colors. Because it's stimulating, red decor can be great for a formal dining room. In addition to encouraging conversation, it whets the appetites of your guests. "If your dining room is red, people may think you are a better cook," says Harrington.

Bedroom paint colors. The bedroom is where you go to relax and reconnect with your partner. Cool colors -- blues, greens and lavenders -- can be great choices here, because they are thought to have a calming effect. The darker the hue, the more pronounced the effect is believed to be. "Reds tend to increase blood pressure and heart rate and stimulate activity," says Harrington. "Blue does just the opposite. That's why we think of it as calming."

What if your teenager has a few ideas about how to paint his or her bedroom? In the name of family harmony, it probably makes sense to let your teen pick the paint -- within reason. Harrington says she let her own daughter pick a wild paint scheme for her room -- with the proviso that her daughter would repaint it white when she moved out.

Bathroom paint colors. Whites and warm colors have always been popular choices for bathrooms, in large part because they connote cleanliness and purity. But nowadays the bathroom is used not just as a place to wash up, but also as a private retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Says Harrington: "Most people feel comfortable with blues and greens and turquoises because these colors give a sense of being clean and fresh -- and calm."

But spa colors in the bathroom make sense only if they flatter you. "When you look in the bathroom mirror, you want to look great," says Smith. "If you would never wear a particular color, don't paint your bathroom that color. That's a recipe for disaster."

Workout room paint colors. "Reds and oranges can help you move," says Harrington. "But they can also make you feel hot." For this reason, blues and greens may be better choices here. Harrington says that yellow-greens and blue-greens may be the best choices because, in terms of color psychology, they're "happier."

Home office paint colors. The name of the game here is productivity: the faster you complete work-related tasks, the more time you'll have to spend enjoying family and friends. And color consultants agree that green can be a great choice for a home office. "Green is the color of concentration," says Harrington. "It's one of the best colors to be surrounded by for long periods of time."

Below is a list of different types of paint finishes and their best use:

Flat Finish - 0 to 5% gloss. A paint with a flat surface that does not reflect light and generally used on ceilings and walls of formal rooms. Flat finishes are usually non-washable and cleaning is not advised. Great for ceilings.

Matte / Velvet Finish - 5 to 10% gloss. A durable paint with a flat, non-glossy finish usually used for walls. Matte finishes can endure light cleaning, but heavy cleaning is not recommended. Also a good option for ceilings.

Eggshell Finish - 10 to 25% gloss. A durable paint with a low sheen and gloss reminiscent of an eggshell. Eggshell finishes have a slightly higher sheen level than flat, and clean better than flat finishes as they can endure moderate level cleaning. A good option for walls.

Pearl or Satin Finish - 25 to 35% gloss. A durable paint with a smooth, velvety gloss texture. Satin can be used in high traffic areas because it can hold up to heavy cleaning and light scrubbing, and is most often used for doors, windows, and other trim.

Semi-gloss - 35 to 70% gloss. Paint with a semi-gloss finish goes on smoothly and has a nice gleam without being too dramatic. Trim, doors, windows and cabinets are the surfaces most often applied with semi-gloss.

Gloss - 70 to 85% gloss. Gloss paint has a has a shinier finish than semi-gloss and is popular for trims, doors and cabinets. However careful attention should be given to prep work and undercoats to create a smooth surface for glossy paint.

High-gloss - 85% gloss and higher. This highly luminous sheen has the greatest amount of gloss and looks almost like plastic. High-gloss paint certainly offers durability and washability, making it ideal for cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom. The reflective surface of this paint finish really exaggerates imperfections, so prep work is important to a clean polished look.

Lighting Tips for small space design

Small spaces can often end up feeling dark due to small or nonexistent windows. Make up for the lack of natural light by adding plenty of light sources in every room, from the kitchen to the bedroom. Combine striking ceiling fixtures—either a pretty pendant or elegant flush mount, depending on your ceiling height—with sconces or table lamps for a cozy and bright atmosphere. when it comes to serious small house interior design, every inch matters, so make the most use of your space with wall-mounted extras and lighting to free up space on tabletops while setting a mood with smartly placed lighting fixtures on your walls for added drama.

Lighting is so crucial in a room. Some lighting can make a room look green and sickly while others can make a room warm and bright. Knowing the difference between these types of lighting will help you decide what light bulb to use in each room. 

 There are mainly four types of light bulbs: Silver Bowl, Soft Pink,  Round Candelabra, and the Edison bulb. 

Silver Bowl: Has a metallic finish on the top half of the bulb which helps soften the light, which is a great solution to overhead exposed bulbs.

Soft Pink: Just like it says- it gives a soft pink glow which makes everything look warm. Perfect for mood lighting the living room, dining room and bedroom.   

Round Candelabra: These are perfect for making an outdated chandelier look modern.

Edison: These lights have a visible filament and rustic glow. They work best in a light that has an exposed bulb. 

How to Organize and Declutter Your Home: Why Clutter is Causing Depression

Now that the holidays over, it’s time to focus on a new year and new beginnings, and what better way to start off the new year than with a clean slate- literally!

Check out my e-book HERE on Amazon for only 99 cents!

Here is what you will learn from this book:

• How to Start

• How to Make a Schedule

• How to create a check-list

• How, What and where to store important information

• Ideas on how to start organizing and keep organized

• How to clean up

• How to create a command center (and even involve your kids- if you have any)

UCLA once did a study on the affects of clutter in a room called “Life at home in the 21st century”, this study was based on a groundbreaking, four-year, ethnoarchaeological CELF study conducted in 2001-2005. What they found was that a staggering number of possessions and an array of spaces and furnishings that serve as the stage for multiple family activities can tell us a lot about who we are as a society.

The results were astonishing! The cluttered homes caused as much stress as postpartum depression based on their cortisol readings. Think about that for a moment…the clutter was literally causing depression. As the clutter begins to pile up, your stress levels raise as well. If you don’t do anything about the clutter, eventually you will have a mental break point. A point at which the stress becomes too much to bear, and you give into depression and loose all motivation to clean up the clutter that is causing your stress induced depression. Only furthering your depression deeper. It’s a loose-loose cycle.

So how do we stop this cycle? Read my book “How to organize and declutter your home” to learn all the steps you can take to creating a life of freedom from clutter and depression.

Does your house feel like cluttered chaos? Do you feel overwhelmed or chaostrophic in your own home? Getting your house organized can be overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you separate what you need in your home from what you want in your home? There are many steps to getting organized, but this e-book will guide you through the whole process one step at a time. You will work at your own pace, and accomplish one goal at a time, and before you know it, your entire home will be organized and clutter free! Each step is tried and tested, by me, to get your home organized and help keep it that way without making it feel like you are carrying the world on your shoulders while trying to juggle every aspect of your life all at the same time.
Your home reflects how you see yourself, and now is the time to let your brilliance shine! Now is not the time to let what other’s think get in your way, you are on a mission! A mission to show everyone (or perhaps just a disapproving mother-in-law) that you’ve got a beautiful home and you did it all by yourself (This e-book can be our little secret!). Maybe you just moved into a new place and need help organizing each room, or maybe you have been living in your house for years and are finally fed up with the dysfunction of your space- no matter your reason, I am glad you are here, and I want you to know that I can help.

Check out my guidebook How to Organize and Declutter Your Home

How to Decorate Your Home for the Holidays Guidebook

Have you read my guide book “How to Decorate Your Home for the Holidays” yet? It’s a small little guidebook that will walk you though some unique and creative ways to decorate your home for the Holidays!

Decorating can be the most overwhelming part of design because there are so many options, and so many ways to go wrong. What you need to decide is what style do you really want? Sometimes even deciding what your style is can be the hardest part. Don’t worry, I am here to help guide you, no matter what holiday you celebrate.

Art Tips for Small Spaces

Have you ever thought about what kind of art would look best in your room? Or maybe you are trying to decided between several art options for your space. Let me give you a little advise:

• Personal art (photos) are to remain in personal spaces: bedrooms only.

• Pick two to three types of artwork; photography, oil, paper, acrylic, etc.

• Now pick 5 colors that you like (I usually suggest one cool color (blue,green,purple) and one warm color (yellow, orange, red) along with 1 additional cool or warm color, and two neutral colors.

• Find art work that has only the colors you have chosen and that are the type of artwork you have chosen. By doing this, you have created a color scheme for your home.

• It is usually best to have neutral colored walls where you plan to hang your art, unless your artwork is only a neutral color (Neutral, Black, Grey, White, etc.).

• Your frame is arguably one of the most import parts of your artwork. A rustic wooden frame can make a room feel casual, while a silver leaf frame with a double white matte can make a room look elegant. If you choose to get your artwork professionally framed, tell the framer what feeling you want your home to have- this will help him/her narrow down what options will best fit that feeling. And of course- consult a designer!

Why working with an Interior Designer on your Small Space is Crucial

So you have a home project, and you are considering hiring an Interior Designer, but do you really need one? It will all depend on what your goals are for your home. Interior Designers Usually Offer the following services:

• Site assessments & design programming

• Space planning

• Product & material research

• Product & material selections

• Appliance & equipment selections

• Plumbing fixture selections

• Project administration

• Order management

• Delivery & scheduling

• White-glove installation

• Coordination with Allied Professionals & Consultants

• Exterior residential designs

• Site plans (based off existing survey)

• Permit plans (Existing & Proposed)

• Partition & furniture plans

• Detailed kitchen & bath plans

• Construction & demolition plans

• Power & communication plans

• Reflected ceiling plan

• Interior elevations

• Detail & section plans

• 3D perspectives in colour renditions

• In-house shop drawings (a specialty)

• Specifications

And often times designer will even offer smaller services like paint selection, etc. for a small fee. Each person has a different goal for their home, some people don't like making decisions like these, so they hire a designer to cover all aspects of their project.

Other people would like to be involved through the entire process and would even like some DIY projects. You will want to know at least how much you would like to be involved in the process prior to hiring a designer. Based on your desire to be involved will affect how much you need a designer.

Are you designing your small space for someone who is ill? Consider these design choices.

Many people have started to build their small spaces for loved ones to live in. For some people it’s so their aging family members can live nearby, for others, perhaps for a health care provider to live in. Whatever your reasoning is for wanting to add a small home to your property, there are solutions for you.

I have created a “Healthy Home” series where we will walk through several crutical things to consider when designing or remodeling your small space for someone who is ill, or could likely become ill.

The topics we will cover will be:

1. Furniture Choices. Believe it or not, furniture choices can make a huge difference in someones mobility ability. For instance, if a bed is too low or too high, it can be difficult to get out of for someone who is ill.

2. Air Quality. Did you know that the air inside your home is likely to be 2-5 times more polluted than the air outside your home? Why? Building materials, furnishings, finishes, and household items like cleaning products emit toxins that negatively impact the air you breathe creating poor air quality.

3. Water Quality. Just like air quality, water quality is vital for your health. Whether you have municipal water or well water, it’s likely that your water contains chemicals, bacteria and/or heavy metals.

4. Tips on cleaning and decluttering your home, for your safety. We often are even tracking in unkown chemicals into our homes through shoes which collect outdoor pollutants like pesticides, heavy metals and bacteria, and if you don’t stop at the front door, these pollutants will be tracked all over your home. Put a chair or bench in your entryway to encourage your family members and your guests to sit and take their shoes off as soon as they enter your home. 

Furniture Tips for Small Spaces

Let your lifestyle determine what colors and fabrics you choose. For example, I have a large, hyper dog constantly climbing on the furniture. If I brought home a white suede couch, it would be torn apart and stained in minutes. If you have kids or pets, stick with dark colors and stain-resistant tough fabrics like linen or tweed. 

Stick to neutral colors for your bigger and more expensive pieces. Save bold colors for décor pieces. 

If you like firm sofas, look for one with traditional coiled springs. If you want a softer feel, go with zigzag coils. Before you buy, take off the cushions and press down on the base of the sofa. The coils should push down and spring back into place immediately. 

Look for firm cushions with a removable cover matching on both sides. Firm cushions hold up better over time. Fully covered cushions cost a bit more than ones with the pattern on one side and a plain white or tan backing, but they’ll last longer and wear evenly if you can flip them over every few months. Find removable covers that are easily washable.

If you have pets or children, you know they can be messy, and you need a fabric that can hold up to some serious wear and tear. You will need a fabric that is easy to clean, and won't show stress or stains. Below is a list of fabrics that will do just that, and are perfect for sofa upholstery:

● Synthetic Fiber (ultrasuede, microfiber)  is great for almost any family. It's synthetic so the sun won't damage it, but it is also durable and is easy to clean. 

● Leather or faux leather (especially distressed) is great for hiding scratch marks and makes for an easy to clean surface, especially with any spills that might happen.

● Outdoor fabrics (ie. sunbrella) are designed to withstand a lot of abuse and are often already chemically treated with stain repellents so spilling won't be an issue. Since outdoor fabrics are often made of synthetic fibers it also will resist fading from the sun. 

Designer Tip: Read the fabric labels! You’ll want a fabric with a W for cleaning, which means soap and water- one of the easiest ways of cleaning.

Designer Tip: It's also best to choose a small pattern to help hide any dog/cat hair and to hide any permanent stains.

Designer Tip: Pick a fabric color that is close to your pet’s hair color to help camouflage the upholstery.

Cleaning Tip: There are also many fabric protector options such as scotch guard which help repel stains.

How to determine what makes good furniture can be complicated, and lets be honest- it can be a costly mistake if you buy the wrong kind of wood or material. Here is a guide to help you with selecting the proper type of wood furniture for your home.  

A little background: Wood furniture falls into three categories: solid wood, veneers, and particle board or composite wood.  

Solid wood furniture is typically more expensive than other types and looks great, but can be susceptible to scratches and water rings. Veneers have an inexpensive wood base covered by several thin layers of better-quality wood. Because of the cheaper core, veneers aren’t as expensive as solid wood pieces. Particle board and composite wood pieces are made from a combination of wood pulp, plastics, and resin, basically the scraps of the furniture world. These are the cheapest type of wood furniture and can look decent, but won’t hold up for decades. 

Open the drawers and cabinets. Make sure the drawer pulls all the way out, latches properly, and then shuts evenly. Make sure doors open, remain in an open position (instead of snapping closed while you’re trying to get something out of the cabinet), and shut again. Check the handles and knobs. They should fit tightly and not jiggle or turn. 

Look for wood joined at ends and corners, not glued or nailed in. Known in the manufacturing world as wood joinery, these pieces are studier and can take more weight. Check out Basic Woodworking Joints from Wood Magazine to see examples. 

The legs should be heavy, wood, and jointed to the frame of the sofa or chair, not nailed. Plastic, rubber, or metal legs don’t look as nice, can tear up your floors, and won’t hold up as well. Same goes for nailed-in wood legs. If you’re spending more than $1,000 on a sofa, look for one with a fifth leg in the middle. They provide extra support – you won’t find them on many cheaper sofas. 

Quality furniture can often take more than 8 weeks because quality furniture takes time to make. And most furniture that takes 8 weeks or more is made to order, creating a much smaller carbon foot print on the planet. Where as cheaper furniture is ready made and can usually be delivered with a week, and is often shipped from warehouse that is storing these items, sometimes for long periods of time. Who knows what could have happened to that furniture between the time it was made and the time it is delivered. 

Here are just a few helpful hints when selecting furniture:

Select three finishes that you enjoy. Do you like a high-gloss white lacquer? Or do you like dark walnut? If so, write a list of finishes you like. Now select three from this list and only purchase furniture in these finishes. Each room should have a mix of these finishes. If one room has more of one color, make the next room have more of one of the other two color options. 

If you aren't sure what finishes you like, go to a furniture store nearby and ask the sales person to tell you about the options they have available. I would suggest going to a store that will have more than one finish option for each item they show. For example Bassett Furniture, Restoration Hardware, sometimes Pottery Barn/West Elm/Macy's can have finish options. This should help give you an education on the types of finishes available in the market. From here, you will probably have a strong gut reaction either for or against each finish. Write these down, or keep a mental note about the ones you liked. 

For instance, were you drawn to oak finishes? Or did you not like the walnut options that you saw? Keep a list. 

From this list, note a light, medium, and dark option that you liked best. Use these as your three finishes to look for when shopping.   

Avoid these common furniture mistakes:

- too short or too tall nightstands

- too short lamps

- too many accessories

- under utilization of storage options

- too trendy

the list goes on, but these are some of the most common mistakes I see clients making. If you would like to better understand how to avoid these mistakes, check out my e-book "Everything You Need to Know About Interior Design" on Amazon and you will get every little "secret" I have on making your home mistake-free! Click HERE for my e-book.    

As part of my “Healthy Home” series, I wanted to address the furniture that you put in your home. Whether you are looking to remodel, new build, down size, up size, or just re-vamp your existing home, furniture can play a large part in the design and health of your home.

Often times furniture can contain formaldehydes or brominated fire retardants. Which, while the intention of using these chemicals is designed to preserve the furniture, they can also produce a toxic off-gas which can be hazardous to your health. In addition to this, wood finishes are often covered in veneers or other finishes that have toxic off-gasing. While someone with good health might not see any affect, someone who is unhealthy or more prone to becoming sick (due to illness, allergies, or older age, etc.) might see some affects on their everyday lives. For example; a lower immune system, coughing, sneezing, allergies, etc. This issue is exhausted even more when we add double pane windows (designed to combat noise) to our homes, which essentially seals in these toxic chemicals into our rooms where we sleep at night.

There isn’t a solution to every problem, but one small step towards a solution is to select materials for your furniture that are natural, which are far less likely to cause any irritations.

Storage Tips for Small Spaces

When you live in a small space, fitting in everything you need is difficult. So trying to fit everything in and making it look cute is an even bigger challenge. But that's also what makes small space design so much fun. Whether you live in a studio apartment or want to get more out of a tiny room, these small space design ideas will make it feel so much larger.

Most think small spaces need small furniture, but that isn’t always the case. Smaller pieces can actually make the space look off balance and create an awkward feel in a room. Using large rugs where most of the furniture can be placed on the rug is a great way to make a small space feel more open.

Part of the fun of living in a small space is the creativity it requires. Got too many clothes stuffed into your closet? Go hunting for some cute roller racks and start using your clothes as decor! Make your rolling bar cart do double duty as a nightstand when you’re not entertaining. Build cubbies into the underside of your bed to hold shoes or books. Or, get a modern day Murphy bed that tucks away when not in use. Brilliant. And Be Selective! You don't have to display everything. After all, nothing makes a room feel smaller than clutter.

1. There are many storage solutions that can have multiple functions, such as the bed below from Design Within Reach, called the Nest Storage Bed. It not only functions as a bed frame, but it also is a great place for hidden storage. This way your space won’t look messy or cluttered, and only you will know what’s hiding under your bed.

2. Perhaps you love your bed, and don’t want to replace it? No problem! Consider using under bed storage solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing such as these modern weave under bed storage baskets from West Elm.

West Elm Modern Weave Underbed Storage

3. There are even multi-functional furniture options such as this urban sleeper sectional sofa from West Elm which, as you might have guessed, converts from a sofa into a bed, saving you tons of space by having a bed that can fold into another piece of furniture, but it gets even better- the chaise that creates the sectional L shape, also has storage built-in, perfect for bedding!

West Elm Urban Sleeper Sectional

West Elm Urban Sleeper Sofa

4. Ottomans are also a great versatile piece of furniture- they can be used to sit on, put your feet up on, and this upholstered base storage ottoman from West Elm can even convert to a coffee table!

West Elm Upholstered Base Storage Ottoman

5. Coffee Tables are often one of the most underutilized pieces of furniture in a home as they are usually thought of as functional, however few are utilitarian like this Industrial Storage Pop-up Coffee Table from West Elm. Its converts from a coffee table into a dining table for two, AND it has storage! Now you’ll never lose that pesky remote again!

West Elm Industrial Storage Pop-Up Coffee Table

HEALTHY HOME TIP:

As part of my “Healthy Home” series, I wanted to address the furniture that you put in your home. Whether you are looking to remodel, new build, down size, up size, or just re-vamp your existing home, furniture can play a large part in the design and health of your home.

Often times furniture can contain formaldehydes or brominated fire retardants. Which, while the intention of using these chemicals is designed to preserve the furniture, they can also produce a toxic off-gas which can be hazardous to your health. In addition to this, wood finishes are often covered in veneers or other finishes that have toxic off-gasing. While someone with good health might not see any affect, someone who is unhealthy or more prone to becoming sick (due to illness, allergies, or older age, etc.) might see some affects on their everyday lives. For example; a lower immune system, coughing, sneezing, allergies, etc. This issue is exhausted even more when we add double pane windows (designed to combat noise) to our homes, which essentially seals in these toxic chemicals into our rooms where we sleep at night.

There isn’t a solution to every problem, but one small step towards a solution is to select materials for your furniture that are natural, which are far less likely to cause any irritations.

How to Style Your Small Space

HOW TO STYLE BOOKSHELVES

This is one of the most Frequently Asked Questions I get! Here are my suggestions:

If you have multi colored books, you could organize them by color to give a fun pop to your bookshelves. 

Try grouping objects together. Display a collection: collect objects that are the same color, style, or shape and place them together in a group. Its best to group it in odd numbers (3,5,7,etc)  Place objects together based on size; the tallest in the back, the medium height in the middle, and the shortest in the front.

Layer Objects- Placing a vase on top of a book with a picture frame is a great way to layer objects. Or placing an orb with a small box on top of a stack of books is also a great way to layer objects. Regardless of how you choose to layer objects, just keep the rule of odd numbers in mind.

Arrange objects by size- When you arrange objects on a shelf, arrange them in groups by height. The tallest objects should almost visually connect (think of it like a connect the dots that move like a snake back and forth up the bookshelf)   

When styling a coffee table keep the following items in mind: 

Something Living- Adding a small plant give the coffee table a great texture.

Something with Height- if you don’t have an object with a little height, try adding some books underneath to give it that volume.

Have a tray- whether it is holds your stack of books or it holds your “something living” it adds a nice grounding center to your accessories.

Have a candle- it not only looks nice, but if you light it, it will fill the room with some delicious scent of your choice.   

Use any of the following style tips to design your nightstand:

Have A Table Lamp or Pendant for light.

Something to hang on the wall (no larger than half the size of your nightstand).

Artwork- framed and leaning against the wall next to the lamp.

Small stack of books laid on the table with a small candle ontop.

Something Living- Adding a small plant give the coffee table a great texture, placed next to your stack of books.

Healthy Home: Light Quality

Light Quality and a Healthy Home

Humans have an internal clock that runs on roughly a 24-hour cycle and is controlled by the tones and levels of light received. This is called your circadian rhythm, and it is based on the schedule of the sun. The type of light you are exposed to at different times of the day can affect how you feel throughout the day and how you sleep at night.

Bad artificial lighting plagues most office buildings and many homes. Plus, many of us spend our day without seeing natural daylight at all.

What are the impacts of bad lighting?

• Not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep

• Lack of energy and productivity during the day

• Headaches and distraction from glaring light

• Decreased happiness from lack of exposure to natural daylight

Your body wants bright light in the morning to suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone in your body that aids in sleep. In the evening, your body wants low levels of warm light and then darkness to start creating the melatonin again.

Natural daylight is the best way to keep your circadian rhythm on track, but if you can’t get natural daylight throughout the day, artificial light aligned with nature’s clock works also. You want your circadian rhythm on track so you can get restful sleep and have energy during the day.

How to Improve Light (and Sleep) Quality in Your Home

Opt for shades instead of curtains: You want to enjoy natural light during the day and reduce energy consumption. But sometimes sunlight can overheat spaces or cause glare which leads to discomfort, distraction and stress.

To control the sunlight, choose translucent shading devices instead of heavy, opaque curtains to allow natural light in while controlling glare and overheating.

Choose warm, orange-colored lights for your bedroom: Put orange colored light bulbs in your bedroom reading lamps to help your body transition to a sleep state.

Add blackout shades to your bedroom windows: Block outisde light at night with blackout shades. You want total darkness in your room to get the most restful night’s sleep.

Healthy Home: Water Quality

Water Quality and a Healthy Home

Just like air quality, water quality is vital for your health. Whether you have municipal water or well water, it’s likely that your water contains chemicals, bacteria and/or heavy metals.

If you want to find out what’s in your water, have it tested through a local lab or water treatment company. You can go to your state’s department of environmental services website to find out how to test water in your area.

What are the impacts of poor water quality?

• Gastrointestinal illnesses

• Reproductive issues

• Neurological disorders

• Increased risk of cancer (especially if well water is contaminated by naturally occurring arsenic and radon)

How to Improve Home Water Quality

Filter your drinking and bathing water: It’s important to use a high-quality water filter to reduce your exposure to the pollutants found in most water supplies. Consider installing drinking water filters at every level of the home. If you want to have easy access to healthy, great-tasting water, add under-sink filters to an upstairs bathroom sink or a basement wet bar sink.

Remember, your drinking water isn’t the only water that needs to be filtered. Bathing water is important to filter so that you aren’t inhaling and absorbing contaminants as you bathe. Here’s more on why you should consider getting a shower filter to protect your family from chlorine and other water contaminants you don’t want in your healthy home!

Healthy Home: How to Clean

A small house will get dirtier a lot faster than a large one, and it’s important to make your home feel welcoming, tidy and well…clean! Keep a duster around and do a whole house vacuum a few times a week. The good news is with fewer square feet comes fewer carpets.

One thing you really should look out for is avoiding harmful chemicals in conventional cleaners by choosing plant-based options instead. Many regular house hold cleaning products have toxic chemicals in them that we are often spreading throughout the house, without realizing.

We often are even tracking in unkown chemicals into our homes through shoes which collect outdoor pollutants like pesticides, heavy metals and bacteria, and if you don’t stop at the front door, these pollutants will be tracked all over your home. Put a chair or bench in your entryway to encourage your family members and your guests to sit and take their shoes off as soon as they enter your home. 

Here are some steps you can take to make your home a more healthy place:

• Use vinegar instead of bleach, baking soda to scrub your tiles, and hydrogen peroxide to remove stains.

• Vinegar also removes grease and soap buildup.

• Need a window cleaner? Try diluted lemon juice or vinegar. Use borax to inhibit mold growth, boost the cleaning power of soap or detergent, remove stains -- even kill cockroaches, when sugar is mixed in.

• Vaccuum at least twice a week to avoid dust build-up (and save your lungs).

• You can even make your own homemade cleaners. (click the link to learn more).

Healthy Home: Air Quality

Did you know that the air inside your home is likely to be 2-5 times more polluted than the air outside your home? Why? Building materials, furnishings, finishes, and household items like cleaning products emit toxins that negatively impact the air you breathe creating poor air quality.

What can these products cause?

• Eye, nose, throat, and even skin irritations

• Headaches

• respiratory illnesses (including asthma)

• Increases risk of cancer

A truly healthy home can improve your energy levels, increase cognitive function, boost productivity, and decrease stress. Over the past 30 years we've unknowingly welcomed a whole host of artificial materials and toxins into our living spaces through paints, furnishings and flooring, while sealing up the house with double glazed (dual pane) windows. 

To reverse these affects, we must address some of the most important issues:

PAINT

If you're painting your home, choose paints that doesn't contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's), which give off gas as paint dries and hardens over time. Sherwin Williams introduced a line of zero-VOC interior paint that also incorporates a new technology to reduce VOC levels in the air and to eliminate indoor odors from pets, cooking and smoke.

If you are remodeling or build a new house, consider using CertainTeed Gypsum’s AirRenew Essential IAQ wall board (construction material that makes up walls in your home). It cleans the air by capturing VOCs and formaldehyde, converting them into inert compounds.

PLANTS

Many house plants help purify indoor air. Snake plants, spider plants and Boston ferns, in addition to ivies, lilies and palms are all great air purifying options by removing CO2 and toxins, and releasing oxygen in the room. These are especially important to include in your home if you have double pane windows and/or minimal air circulation.

NASA's Clean Air study ,which investigated the air quality improvements of introducing plants into environments has shown that there are many psychological benefits, including recovering from stress, recuperating from illness, and re-energizing.

VENTING

Good ventilation allows fresh air in and stale air out. Bad ventilation can aid the growth of mold, which needs moisture to survive, and is a major source of poor indoor air quality. Eliminating steam by turning on the bathroom fan before getting into the shower will significantly reduce the likelihood of mold growth in your bathroom. If you are in the market for a new bathroom fan, consider installing one with a humidity sensor. The fan will automatically turn on when it senses a high level of moisture in the room.

Another ventilation issue is the build-up of dust and toxin build-up. Vacuuming regularly and getting a high-quality air filter can also help collect dust for disposal and keep your air quality. Be sure to replace your HVAC vent filters often as well to help aid in keeping your air quality.