Author Archives: Karen

Homework Friendly Space

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Homework is no joke these days! At a recent Back-To-School-Night, my son’s chemistry teacher said the kids should expect an hour of homework every night. I’m sorry…say what? That’s one class out of 7 and some kids are in sports or clubs with practice and activities every day. I remember a similar night for one of my kid’s teachers in elementary school where a parent was asking why they didn’t have homework. Um…because they’re in first grade. Duh! Once the homework years roll in, there’s a lot of it and it’s best to get in some good habits early.

Finding or creating the perfect spot to do homework is easy but keeping that space clutter free can be the challenge. By easy I mean people have natural places they go to that’s comfortable or inviting, where they can be productive. For some it’s in the hub of the household – a kitchen table or the central island. For others (like myself) it’s a bright but quiet desk area.

Having bins or drawers or shelves near a favorite site for studying helps keep tools, papers and books handy. Being able to put everything away neatly and easily helps keep people like me sane. This article in Houzz has some fantastic ideas. My favorite is the sneaky shelf hidden under the kitchen island top. So clever!

If you have any great study spots, share them with us. We always like to see and learn new ideas.

Cozy Gifts for Anyone on Your List

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Holidays are filled with seasonal music, seasonal scents, seasonal sights and typically a seasonal credit card bill. Shopping for family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and host gifts to take to all the parties can get extremely expensive! And in a season of Marie Kondo teaching everyone to purge, gifts need to be useful or meaningful.

I love this article from Houzz with recommendations on cozy gift ideas. The best part about this list is that the recipients will feel pampered while receiving some lovely upgrades to their home environment.

 

I also found this other fantastic list of gifts under $20 that work for a variety of people in your life:   https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/holidays/cheap-stocking-stuffers

Wishing you and your family a relaxing and joyful holiday season!

 

Gray, Gray and More Gray

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I love it when I’m right! Nothing like having your design sense affirmed by a bunch of other professionals. Check out this article and the favorite grays used by interior designers.

#1 is my all time favorite and go-to gray. Ask any of my clients. Even the name Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams sounds inviting. As if that wasn’t enough, the list goes on to include my other top choices…#3, #5 and #8.

 

Gray paint on your walls adds a nice warmth and neutrality most spaces need. And the options today are endless. Stick with one of the grays listed in this article and you can’t go wrong.

Backyard Parties

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Most people are pushing for summer barbecues, but my favorite time of year for an outdoor party is the fall. Typically the fall means cooler days, cooler evenings, less pollen and less bugs.  Plus the weather is much more conducive to enjoying a fire pit.

Check out this fun article on how to create a great outdoor space for entertaining:

 

Inviting friends and family is the easy part so take a little time to figure out the details. Think about the flow of the space, add extra seating groups and make sure you have good lighting. Food and drinks are important but don’t forget about the music – Spotify has lots of great playlists. Definitely add in a s’mores moment if there are kids involved. Although adults will love this, too.

Your guests will be delighted and hopefully be inspired to host a backyard party of their own and invite you!

I Want That

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I love everything about this kitchen…literally everything! Look at the “before photo” and see where this room started. The transformation is beautiful and inspiring which all design should be (in my humble opinion).

Houzz does such a great job of exposing us to excellent design and ideas from around the world.

These homeowners in Atlanta, GA re-purposed some space to add concentrated storage areas and more windows. The vintage vibe of the tile mixed with the rustic woods adds warmth to the room. The lighting is a special surprise – swing-arm sconces in a kitchen? What? The custom hood pulls everything together on the focal wall.

This kitchen is a lovely gathering space for family and friends!

Guest Rooms They’ll Never Want To Leave

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Okay, maybe that’s not actually a good thing! My uncle once told me that 3 days should be your max stay when visiting someone. “Company is like fish. After 3 days they start to stink.” So if that’s your philosophy, then you don’t need to bother with this article.

Personally, I love to make sure my guests feel comfortable and welcome. Probably because this is how I want to feel when staying away from home. I also hate to bother my hosts with little needs like a fan or a hair dryer or an extra blanket. Makes me seem high-maintenance, which I might be, but nobody else needs to know that!

My favorite takeaway from this article in Houzz is the carafe of water! I’m always dehydrated from travel and this is such a thoughtful touch. And the full-length mirror would be super helpful. I’d suggest some fresh flowers to brighten the room, too. Check out some of the other great ideas that will make your guests feel well taken care of…

 

What Is A Vignette?

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And No, it’s not something you put on salad… A vignette is just a fancy term for what I like to call a “Moment”. I’m sure that really clears things up! As I walk through a client’s house I’m always quick to say “I love this moment you’ve created here” as I wave my hand over some table or mantle or chair. They typically look very confused. I assure them it’s a compliment.

A vignette is a variety of items placed together to create a focal point or an area of visual interest. The items are different in nature and size and scale and texture and purpose. But when put together in a grouping they compliment each other to create an interesting visual moment. There’s that word again…

If you’re interested in creating a vignette in your own space, check out this article with the ABC’s of how to pull it off.

Nursery Ideas

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This article from HGTV is full of the best, most calming nursery designs. I’ve always thought it strange to have a nursery made to be so girl or boy specific. What if you have more than one pregnancy? What if the ultrasound technician was wrong? What if you have twins or triplets?

I’ve always been a fan of the more neutral nursery…the grays, the khakis, the whites, the creams…such soothing palettes. Most time spent in a nursery is relaxing, napping, nursing, sleeping, reading, rocking or sleeping time for a baby. Active play areas can have more vibrant and excitable colors.

Whether you’re intentionally trying to create a gender-neutral space or a simply tranquil room, your baby (or babies) will enjoy a calming nursery design! Check out some of these nursery inspirations

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A Healthy Lifestyle

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The #1 resolution at the beginning of a New Year is always health related. I want to eat better, lose a few pounds, workout more, etc.  The question is: How will I set myself up for success? Personally, I’d like to hire a nutritionist, a chef, a trainer and a house-keeper as long as we’re dreaming!

Being a realist, I’d say let’s start with the resolution that will have the best impact…exercising. If we can get exercise into our daily/weekly life, then we will also mentally feel better. And that will encourage us to eat a more healthy diet. Soon we’ll be feeling so good that the motivation to maintain this healthier lifestyle will come much more easily. Once we have a new way of living our New Year Resolutions can modify to something really fun…like traveling more!

Now that you’re ready to workout regularly,  set-up a space in your home dedicated to exercising. This article is great for thinking through what your home gym should look like based on how you enjoy working out. Give yourself room to move around, mirrors, plenty of light and a view, TV or stereo to keep yourself entertained.

 

Outdoor Decorating for the Holidays

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My husband is known as a Clark Griswold in our neighborhood during this time of year. He LOVES outdoor decorating with the flashing candy canes, wrapped trees and bushes, deer family, santa with gifts and a huge snowman in the middle of the yard. One year we even had a Candy Cane Forest with Buddy the Elf in the middle of it. He says it’s “for the kids” and they do love it, but let’s be real…it’s just as magical for him.

Recently, my son’s friend was dropped off at our house and he complimented the outdoor display. He said his mom was feeling really good about hanging the wreath on the door that morning at their house…but now she was feeling super inadequate. We all had a good laugh!

This article has some good ideas. Checkout #8 – this blew my mind! Also, in #2, there’s a reference made to NOT turning your front yard into Disneyland, but I say go for it. Afterall, it’s for the kids!