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Monday, January 23, 2012

I Need Mine To Be Pretty!!


Do you ever find yourself wanting to do something, or at least kind of wanting to do something, and you can talk yourself out of doing it because of all the made up reasons that will give you an excuse to not do what really needs to be done?



(Oh My! In my dreams!)

For instance, like organizing your closet, but you convince yourself what is the point because your closet is too small, you don’t have matching hangers, pretty shoes boxes, or other containers to make it look like the image you have in your head.

Before you know it you have totally talked yourself out of doing anything productive, and feel like the loser of the day!!!



Now how would I even be able to relate to such a thought process?? Have you heard of the saying, “Been there done that!?”  Yes, indeed, I too have had these thought processes more than once, or twice in my life. In fact I would venture to say I am a master at this type of thinking from time to time.

I am a perfectionist at heart, and I once read that we perfectionist are the worst procrastinators. We feel if we don’t have everything we need to do the job perfectly we can not do it.





My one saving grace is I am  a relatively positive person so I will allow myself  a few days of this type of thinking and then I say, “Enough of this, now get in there and get something accomplished!” I then start to work with what I do have, I start being thankful I even have a closet, and clothing to put in it !! I start looking at this task  as another way of being a creative,  designing woman!

Sometimes it is hard to admit the ugly truth, but I want to share this with you all because I can’t imagine that I am  the only one who does this, or at least I hope I am not alone in this process!

Whew!! I am glad I got that out of the way! Now let’s get on with the reason for writing this post………

I had a little set back in the process of cleaning, and purging my closet due to a knee injury, but I am almost all better, and ready to get back to my closet.

While not being able to actively work on my closet I did a little more analyzing of myself (I know this surprises you all, that I was analyzing myself.) 

The one question that always crops up is, “why doesn’t my closet STAY this organized once I get it done?”

There are some obvious answers like:

  • I am being lazy, and undisciplined.
  • I have too much stuff.
  • I don’t have a place for everything.
  • I don’t have the proper types of storage for items.

While thinking about this in depth I discovered one more reason that might contribute to my closet not staying organized.........

I have to have visually pleasing elements around me. Even in my closet it needs to look PRETTY to me.

Last year I took the first step of making it pretty by having hubby paint it a  color of blue that I love to look at. I purchased some pretty boxes to store things in along with some garment bags to hold special occasion clothing, and sweaters. The problem is  I also have some not so pretty elements in my closet.

 I have some large plastic storage bins to hold out of season clothing, and some plastic shoe boxes. I know that sometimes it has to be practical, but I started to think of ways that I could make things look a little more pretty, or pleasing to my eye.

Before we start looking at some of attractive/pretty ways of storing items in our closets we all need to come to terms with what is our, organizational style type? I made these  types up, so there is no scientific data to confirm what I have claimed here just merely my own observations in my life.




The Stacker: One who likes things out in the open in stacks so they can find them, or not forget about them. They tend to add to their stacks happily until the stack falls over, and then their stacks becomes a mess!( You know who you are!)










The Thrower: This person will throw things in an open container more readily than they would if they had to open a box, and place an item inside the container. 
This is not a bad thing as long as the item actually belongs in the container. Where the problem can occur is when they just throw anything, and everything into any container just to get it out of sight.(Sound familiar?)









The Do it later: This person is a combination of a thrower, and a stacker, the problem with this person is they will store different categories of items in their stacks, or container.  They swoosh up messes, and just stash them. Out of sight out of mind is their motto.









Everything in its place person: This is the person that we all wish we were like. They will have the proper place, space, and container for everything in their life. ( I could almost hate them if I did not admire them so much!)



The reason it is important for us to understand our organizing style is that when we go to purchase a container, or organizing tool we  know  we will truly use it. Otherwise it will  be the pretty covered basket that is hidden underneath the stack, or jumbled mess of clothing, or shoes. We had good intentions when we bought it, but we are bound to fail because it did not fit our organizing style.

It would be pointless to buy a closed container for a stacker, or a thrower. They would just wind up stacking, or throwing things on top of the container. An everything in its place person will thrive using a closed container. They will take the time to open the container, and place items neatly inside,closing the lid behind them.

We can have different styles of organizing for different items, for instance you could love your sweaters neatly stacked, but you like your shoes in containers, yet your scarves will be thrown in an open container, but you know this about yourself so you will purchase the right container for the different articles in your closet.  If we do this I think it will be much easier for us to keep our closets orderly.

Now that we have an idea or our organizing styles lets look at some pretty/attractive ways to organize our closets…….



I wanted to show you this closet first because it is done on a budget, and in a small area. Yet it is still attractive, and functional at the same time. There are so many ideas that anyone with any size of closet could use.





By taking an old picture frame and painting it a pretty color it becomes a wonderful framework to hang jewelry. If you are going to hang your jewelry on a wall, why not frame it like artwork?!














































Did you figure out what organizing style you prefer for the different items in your closet? I know I have figured myself out pretty well.


Since the purging process is all done, and everything is back inside of my closet, I now need to figure out which containers I want to get to make it look just  a little more pleasing to my eye. 

Hopefully this will help me keep it in order for the next year.  To be continued………



“Enjoy the Process!” Of:

Cleaning and Decorating your closets!

Kathysue

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Posted by Kathysue at 3:30:00 PM 25 comments

Friday, January 20, 2012

Traditional Design Can Be Fun








How does one add a touch of whimsy to their design scheme if they tend to like a traditional more classic look in their home?

This is a question that I recently had to address since one of my design resolutions is to add a touch of whimsy to my home in 2013.

If you look up the definition of whimsy you will find some interesting adjectives used:


whimsy, whimsey [ˈwɪmzɪ]
n pl -sies, -seys
1. a capricious idea or notion
2. light or fanciful humor
3. something quaint or unusual

Since we are talking about design in our homes I like to think of it as:



1. Unexpected

2. Fanciful

3. Unusual

4. Fun/Happy, makes me smile












(Notice the light touch of whimsy by placing a scattered display of butterflies on the bed post of this traditional bed.)




Personally I prefer a room that has a classic base with just a touch of whimsy. Nothing that is too heavy handed, but just a light touch of the unexpected.



(If you are a dog love this is a fun, and whimsical way to show your love for dogs in your home.)

At first when I started looking for examples of a light handed touch of whimsy, I was having difficulty finding rooms that had applied this look in a tasteful manner.

I realize that what is tasteful to one might not be too another, after all design will always be subjective.



One of the first things we will need to come up with is which elements would we use to create a whimsical look. 






(This is a bit over the top for me, but I find it so fun, and creative. I had to share it with you all.)


You will notice that I also added  items I like for each of these categories. This will give us a good direction when looking for the additions to add to our homes. Your list may look  very different from mine.

Since I want a light touch I will be choosing elements in one, or more of the following categories: 




  • Color: Adding touch of bright colors, or a mix of black and white.



  • Patterns: Checks, checkerboard, bold stripes, polka-dots or scallops.


  • Artwork: Fanciful subject matter, over scaled, bold in colors,  or Folk art.


  • Area rugs: colorful, and patterned in one of the above patterns mentioned.

  • window treatments: possibly using a colorful pattern, fanciful shape, or trims.


  • Lighting: Whimsical shapes and/or colors.


All the above elements are items that I would feel comfortable adding a light touch of whimsy to in my home.





Often times we can add a touch of whimsy with a collection of items that we enjoy looking at. By using them en masse, or by using them in an  over sized scale, or a bright color they will have a whimsical look.




I am not a collector of any particular item, but I do think it can be very effective to use a collection to set a mood of whimsy.





With keeping this in mind  the next step for me was to make a list of items that I could possibly use to make a   display en masse, or to use one  over scaled piece.

My list consist of:

  • Signs, words/numbers, or monograms
  • Silhouettes
  • Globes/maps
  • Chalkboards 
  • Plates
  • Trays
  • Keys
  • Clocks




Once you, or I have these two list the fun begins!! Now we can go looking on line for inspiration, or even shopping if you have zeroed in on the look, and the element you want for your home.


I am now going to show you some images that feel whimsical to my own design aesthetics, and some that I just thought might be inspiring to you, my readers.



Color blocking  the books in your bookcase will give you  a touch of whimsy. It is also a way of introducing some fun colors to your basic color scheme.



It is always easy to add a touch of whimsy to a child’s room. The above image shows some fun and unique ways to add a whimsical touch. Notice the teddy bear heads with their cute bow ties. For some reason the bow tie make is cute rather than a bit macabre.

The scalloped book cases on each side of the brightly red painted desk is fun and fanciful. The over sized ceiling fixture and the large red balls in the room are another fun addition. The round element is repeated in the over scaled dots on the headboard. This whole room is a great study in whimsy.




When a simple item like a mirror is done en masse it can become more whimsical, or unexpected.



This image has a very light hand of whimsical touches. Notice the clocks, the letter on the wall and on the pillow. All are fun and a bit whimsical.

Since I tend to love a more classic, traditional looking room there is another way of adding a touch of whimsy. If you paint a classic piece of furniture a fun color it will take on a whole different feel……..



Someone has taken a classic Queen Anne table, and added a fun bright green paint. It now reads as  a fun light hearted piece rather than just a classic traditional piece. The fun look is furthered by the modern Lucite legs on the chairs which are covered in a bold patterned  fabric.



There are so many options in adding whimsy to a room and it is going to vary from person to person. I am finding fun and exciting ideas for possibilities in my own home by writing blog post for you all.

I am looking forward to finding more fun and inspiring ideas that I could possibly use in the future.

I hope that this post has given you all a few ideas to explore for your own homes.

“Enjoy The Process!” Of:

Adding a little fun, and whimsy to your home.

Kathysue

Posted by Kathysue at 4:46:00 PM 18 comments

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

What Colors Make YOU Smile?



After all the busyness of the holidays January is a hard month to get your,“Want-To!, and Get-up & Go back! in gear.”

My friend Delores of Vignette Designs wrote a post titled, “Blah, Blah, Blah!” I think the title says it all for this time of year.

For some reason I came right out of the gate ready to organize, and purge my home. Trust me when I tell you this is not my normal pattern for this time of year. I am usually in what I call a slump. This year it is a bit different for me I am still waiting for my slump to hit me. 

I have made some good progress in my master bedroom closet, but unfortunately I had a little mishap with my knee so it has slowed me down a bit. I am hoping this little set back does not make me lose my momentum.

Since this month, and part of February finds us all in a bit of a Blah, Blah mood I thought maybe it would be a good time to write a post about something we can all do to put a little zip in our do-dah!!!

I made a New Years Resolution for my Design life this year in a guest post on MS Design Maven Blog. I decided that I want to add more color, and whimsy to my home.


I am drawn to happy colors, and cheerful rooms full of light. If I see a room like this it will inevitably put a smile on my face.

I am sure I am not alone in the desire to have rooms in my home that will put a smile on my face. I would never assume to think that adding color in your home would be the end all answer to  the Blah’s, but I would venture to say there is , “A color” or a combination there of that will make you smile.



I am going to show you some images that made me stop, and grin when I first saw them. Maybe just maybe it might inspire you too.



I told you I was going to show you some light filled happy spaces. I am not advocating that you design a room exactly like any of the rooms I will be showing you.

However, I hope that you will study each image, and notice where the pops of colors are placed, and maybe you can apply the same concept in your own home.
In the above image I am noticing a couple of things that I could possibly do in my home. The large colorful piece of art is a wonderful focal point. Look around your home to see if you have a wall, or walls that you could add a cheerful piece of art.

How about pulling your favorite color up to your chandelier, and painting your light fixture a bright color. An easier less expensive solution is the colorful rug, poufs and pillows.










In the above image you will notice that the main elements are all in a neutral gray. One pop of bright yellow makes this composition smile. 

The simple flowers are just the right compliment to the yellow. I am sure we can all add some bright happy flowers to an end table, or an entry hall table. Think about finding a nice ottoman in a bright color to add to your neutral color scheme in a small dose.



I love this kitchen. I think this is a wonderful example of how the homeowner made an all white kitchen have personality. By choosing a bold pattern and colored wallpaper the whole room comes alive, even though it is one wall at the end of the room. 

This one wall probably only took about four single rolls of wallpaper. Depending on the cost of the paper you could do this very inexpensively. 

The other element that really adds to the style of this room is the use of the black trim on the roman shades. What the trim does is ground the wall and make it more sophisticated. An easy application with some trim on a ready made white roman shade and you can have another new addition to your home.



This image  is a wonderful example of a neutral color scheme that gets some life by adding two lovely turquoise vases. We can all do this!! Maybe it won't be turquoise in your home, but think of a color that makes you smile and use that color. Mine would have to be cobalt, yellow or lime!!!


Source: bhg.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest


Speaking of lime green, if you were to remove the lime green lamp from this vignette it would not have the interest that it does with it. Look for a lamp base with some color, and add it to a dull corner of the room and watch it come to life.



A neutral gray kitchen comes alive with two of my happy colors, bright yellow, and cobalt blue. If you think about it the only permanent items with color are the bar stools, and they do not look as if they were very costly. Lemons and tulips, and daffodils can all be purchased at the grocery store. Doesn't this make you smile.

We have seen so many neutrals and colorless rooms in the recent past. I have been noticing more, and more color emerging, not just in home design but also in clothing. I am so glad to see it available to the consumer.

I don't know about all of you, but I am definitely going to try, and add a touch of more color to my home in 2012!!

I hope this post has given you a slight nudge towards finding a color that makes you smile, and that you can think of your own method of adding it to your home.

What color or color combination brings a smile to your face?


"Enjoy the Process!" Of:

Creating a room that makes you smile!

Kathysue 

Posted by Kathysue at 1:00:00 AM 25 comments
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