When I arrived this room and walk in closet were crowded with many years worth of papers (personal, financial, you name it) mixed in with the genealogy papers. Together we set to the task of sorting through these papers and deciding what to keep, what to toss and what category the keepers fell into. We began working together in one room tackling the transformation of the guestroom into something more comfortable for guests and also creating a functional work space where this client could work on the computer and her family genealogy projects. The practice of Patience teaches us creative transformation in action. It requires a slow and steady approach but by sticking with it we are rewarded in the end! [Read more…]
Makeover Monday::His & Hers Walk in Closet
This was a case of a beautifully designed closet that just wasn’t functioning so well. Without calling in anyone to redesign the closet or purchasing anything new we made do with what they had and re-organized some things so that more of what was needed fit into the closet in a neat and tidy way.
Her Side (Before left: After right)
About 4 hours later (mostly working by myself on this project) I had this closet finished. On her side I sorted tops, bottoms and long dresses and jackets by clothing type and color. I re-located less used special occasion items to a second guest room closet, created drawers designated for specific items such as hats, jewelry, belts and lingerie. This freed up space for the client to use other bedroom furniture drawers for items that should not be hung such as sweaters, other knits and casual/frequently used items.
His Side (Before left: After right)
On his side I sorted full suits by season putting the warmer season suits to the front since we are shifting towards summer (at least here in the south). This client also has quite a collection of bow ties and suspenders which I hung on a multi section hangers (often used for scarves or pants). Again I sorted shirts and pants/shorts by type and color leaving suspenders attached to several pairs of pants in this case.
We got rid of almost everything on the floor and many of the decorative boxes and items cluttering up the shelves. We used the shelves for shoes (both in and out of boxes and drawer bins), bags, hats (on the top shelves) and photo albums. She liked keeping these albums in the closet but if she needed more shelving space she could remove them to another area in the future. The closet is a nice space to keep photo albums if you have the room and you can always pull out a few at a time to have on display in a more public room of the house.
Tip: Store items that are not needed often in the back of deep corner shelves in containers that are easily pulled out. For example shoe; a shoe shining kit. Label the edge of shelves so you know what’s hiding in the back of each.
Home office remodel makeover
This client recently began working from a home office and although the design of the room and built in desk are beautiful there were some issues with the functionality. The clients punch list included one part design and remodel and one part organization and efficiency. At our first meeting I took an assessment that included the following: [Read more…]
Organizing a Painting Studio
It’s always a dream job to get to help with Organizing a Painting Studio. I was excited to begin working with this artist and be able to help get this beautiful new home studio space set up!
The artist was not yet using the studio space so the project began by sorting items into categories for use and designating spaces and systems for organizing and using the space and materials. I also helped with furniture placement, to make the space both comfortable and functional when in use and for relaxing and finding Inspiration. After all, when an artist isn’t working in their studio, they should still LOVE to be in their space, so creating a relaxing and inviting environment is very important to the process!
Moving Monday::Where to Begin with Packing
Okay, it’s time for my weekly check in on our moving progress. I’m excited to share that the house is on the market and has shown a few times. It’s got to be kept spic and span which is a challenge in this state of affairs but it’s kind of nice! I’m enjoying having things looking neat and clean for our last amount of time here.
A few more items have made their way onto Craigslist and the flea market is behind us now. It was a wash out but we made a little money before it started pouring and the remaining non valuables went directly to donation. So, what’s the next step? Packing of course! When it comes to packing I wanted to share a little of my strategy. I have a list week by week of what I will be packing by category. I’m sure there will be a little overlap but it’s a plan and it creates weekly goals for our packing which will help keep us on track and feeling less overwhelmed.
- Pictures and artwork, especially personal photo’s (those came down before we started to show the house). Next, all the small artwork come off the walls. I pack smaller photo’s and artwork in medium size boxes with newsprint wrapped around each and bubble wrap or cardboard between them.
- Small decorative non function items. Otherwise known as Nicknacks:)
- Formal china, stemware, crystal and serving pieces. I’m not planning to do any formal entertaining before we leave so these things won’t be needed. We don’t have a lot of it but what there is will go in boxes this week.
- Any books I know I won’t be referring to.
By next week it will begin looking a bit more bare around here. This is the part I don’t like very much but I’m hoping to embrace the empty space and enjoy the simplicity of living with less.
Related articles
- Moving Monday::6 Week Countdown (hkpowerstudio.wordpress.com)
- Moving Monday::House Tour (hkpowerstudio.wordpress.com)