Unused

In my quest to simplify my life, I decided to clean house.  De-clutter.  Un-hoard.  It is amazing how much 'stuff' we amass over the years - whether intentional or un.  I started with cleaning out a drawer and ended with a month's worth of closet, basement, cabinet and clothes pitching.  Once complete, it felt like a giant weight off my shoulders.

The rule of thumb on de-cluttering is if you haven't worn or used an item in over a year - you don't need it.  Get rid of it - donate it to someone who will use it.  If the item has value, sell it and spend that windfall on something special.

People don't really understand my excitement when I explain how good it feels to accomplish a de-clutter until they experience it for themselves.  If it's an intimidating, huge task in front of you - start small and you'll see what I mean.  That feeling of even a small accomplishment like a drawer or cabinet, will get you through the rest.  It feels so good.

Painting

So you found your favorite paint color!  After painting the room and adding artwork and accessories, you step back and think .... hhhmmmm.... still doesn't feel complete.   This is where would-be decorators get frustrated because something is still missing.   Don't second guess your paint color - the secret to fixing is = your room lacks a black element.  Add something black and your room will feel complete.   Black could be an iron decoration on the wall, a cabinet pull on a door, a trim around the carpet or pillow, artwork frame, a speaker, a tv, a lamp or lampshade.  Possibilities are endless!   It's a simple fix and a major design secret.

Kitchen Advice

Renovation shows make remodeling look so easy.  I enjoy (and yearn for) hard labor, but the toughest part of remodeling is deciding on a design.  I have experienced some design regret in rooms that are now completely finished.  For instance, my five year old kitchen floor of white ceramic tile - I no longer like.  How green is it to rip out a floor every few years because trends and tastes change?  Seems wasteful.   {I'll be curious to see how soon people will be ripping out their wildly-tiled backsplashes in the next few years (months?).  Those bold design statements will get old fast.}

I believe the answer lies in what I call "updated-classic" style of design.  My tips of the trade are to research, research and still more research.   Collect photos of designs you love - for at least six months.  Revisit those saved images along the way and you'll be surprised to find that some of those selections no longer appeal to you.  Frightening, what if you had installed that?  Phew, that was close!  I have images I've saved and still wonder what I saw that I liked because I sure don't see it now.   

Classic doesn't mean boring - but there is a reason it's called classic = tried and true, test of time.  Good design never goes out of style.  Update it with color or small elements of surprise to keep it interesting.  I still promote doing what you love - just make it smart design.  Don't follow the trends just because they're trends.      

Interior Inspirations

How often have we heard the lectures about builder's beige?  Or keep it neutral for resale value?  Or don't put anything too personal into the décor?  People = enjoy your homes, showcase your creativity and live your lives.  When it comes time to sell, you can paint some rooms white at that time - but not until then.  In the meantime, do something special!   Truth is, the new owner will personalize and change everything you do anyway.  As soon as I got the keys to this house, I ripped out 3,000 SF of brand new white shag carpeting because it just wasn't what I wanted.  The previous owner wasted thousands of dollars at the realtors recommendation to 'update' the house to sell - - I just happened to come along after it happened.  I would have rather they knocked $2k off the price and let me do my own floors, which I did anyway.

A few years ago, my dining room ceiling was chocolate brown and I loved it!  Now it is sky blue.  For $20 in paint, I can change my rooms with the seasons if I want to.  I had a pool table in my dining room for many years and my realtor said people wouldn't understand the room.  My stance was that if people weren't smart enough to know it was a dining room - they didn't deserve to live in my beautiful house.  We all spend a lot of money on our homes - enjoy it while you're there!   Do what you love.  Worry about all that other stuff .... later. 

As Scarlet O'Hara said - "I'll think about that tomorrow!"

Brass?

If you have a house full of brass fixtures that needs updating, here's a simple solution.  No need to spend money on materials and/or labor to change them out.   Ready?   All you need is a paint brush and a can of black Rustoleum paint.  With a little time and very little effort, you can completely change the look of your door handles, hinges and light fixtures for about $9.  Even if you're not a fantastic painter, try it, you'll be surprised how easy it is to get that updated look! 

Wood Countertops

Trend alert - the most beautiful countertop is now warm and different.  Granite ok, but everywhere?