My Kitchen Remodel Part 1

I've owned my home for nearly 11 years. And during that time, we have remodeled every single room with the exception of the kitchen. In looking at our priority list, having a little more square footage always took precedent over a nice, fancy kitchen. Yet, no matter how small or big your house is, 95% of the time people seem to congregate in the kitchen. And thus, my dilemma. I love to entertain but I hate my kitchen. With everyone always wanting to hang out there, I just can't take it anymore!! Something has to be done!! The cabinets are cheap and old, we have pink counter tops and the flooring is cheap as well. I've held out on remodeling because I want that designer kitchen (of course!). But, in today's economy, we just can't afford my dream kitchen. So, the cabinets are staying (as cheap as they are) and we're going to repaint them and add some new knobs. The flooring will stay, but we are going to buy new Formica for the counter tops - no fancy paperstone or granite - but anything will be better than pink!

(my kitchen before the remodel - yikes!)

Luckily, my husband is very handy and can do most of the work. The bad part is that he's a perfectionist, which means more time and generally a little scope creep. Case in point: we weren't planning to rewire the room. But, after further inspection, the original wiring (circa 1921) was worse than we thought. Before you knew it, he's pulled out all of the lathe and plaster off the wall and is rewiring! It's great and probably needs to be done. However, this so-called "minor" update or refresh project is nowhere near being done!

(walls out getting ready to sand cabinets)

So, stay tuned for updates to this project. Our goal is to be done by Christmas (which means probably not until the first of the year!).

Oh, yeah -- and where is everything at while this project is being done? In our dining room, of course! (and other scattered places throughout the home -- which makes cooking really fun!)

The Thanksgiving Tree

If you are looking for a unique Thanksgiving decoration idea, try a Thanksgiving Tree! Last year, my friend introduced me to a decorated Thanksgiving Tree. A few weeks before Thanksgiving, she takes out her artificial tree (typically used for only Christmas) and decorates it with a Fall "theme". (that's her tree in the photo above) It's really simple to do - a nice, thick ribbon or sash, a bunch of picks (bought from Michael's or some other arts and crafts store), and some lights (her's comes pre-lit, even better!). I'd also recommend wrapping the base with a Fall-colored tablecloth to hide the base. Once Thanksgiving is over, simply pull the Fall items off and decorate for Christmas!

What a great way to get multiple uses out of your artificial tree!

Decorative Candle Sleeves - Why didn't I think of that?

So often I see things that seem like such an obvious idea, but yet I never think of them. Case in point: APA Company (an interior design firm in Seattle) has found an untouched niche in decorative candle sleeves for chandeliers. Now many of you might be wondering, what's that?! Most chandeliers have a cream or white wrap around the base of the light. Even the most expensive ones have this overly basic accessory. Luckily, APA Company has come up with brilliant designs to take this boring element of a chandelier and elevate it to new heights (literally!).

Here's an example of what I'm talking about:

BEFORE A CANDLE SLEEVE:

AFTER ADDING A DECORATIVE CANDLE SLEEVE:

The designs range from sophisticated and whacky, to basics and holiday. There's pretty much something for everyone. And, for those who get into holiday decorating (whether it's Thanksgiving or Christmas), these sleeves are easy to change and refresh, depending upon the season!

Most of the sleeves range from $12 - $21 per pair, depending upon the size. I've attached a few more images below of some of my favorites. For the full spectrum of offerings, you can shop directly from her website here: http://www.apacompany.com/

Perfect for that spooky Halloween party:

Beautiful touch for Thanksgiving:

Perfect for a festive Christmas celebration:

Making the Most out of your Decorating Dollars

In these tough economic times, how's a girl going to afford to redecorate sensibly? Many, many people are putting the breaks on their retail therapy and keeping their cash to themselves. And, I think we can all agree it's probably a wise thing to do. Living beyond our means is OUT; being financially responsible is IN!


So, how can you spruce up your space on a dime? By shopping for bargains and using items in ways that they weren't originally meant to be used. Sure, being frugal is more time consuming, but in the long run, it's so much more satisfying!

Here are just a few additional thoughts:

• Be patient - that object you lust for at Pottery Barn will eventually go on sale. I rarely pay full price for anything. Whether it's clothes, home decor, etc., it will eventually go on sale. And, the great thing about waiting for a sale is that often times the urge to buy it goes away. Or, even better, you find something you like even more for 1/2 the price!


• If you shop online, ALWAYS Google for coupon codes. Whenever I shop online at Garnet Hill or Ballard Designs, I always search for coupon codes via Google to see if I can get an additional 10% off, or perhaps free shipping. Unfortunately, I have never found coupons for Pottery Barn (cheap bastards!), but there are definitely other deals to be had elsewhere. Example: I just did a search for "Illuminations coupon code" and found a 20% coupon code from RetailmeNot.com. (by the way, Illuminations is having a 50% off sale on all of their Halloween items! Click here to check it out!


• Shop at thrift stores, Goodwill, or other similar places. Now that the garage sale season has pretty much ended, people are more likely to donate their unwanted items rather than hold onto them for a garage sale next summer. I especially love to get nice coffee table books and small accessory items there. Just a word to the wise: be weary about upholstered items - you just don't know what lurks in the depths of the cushions!


• Salvage yards are IN!! For those truly wanting to be eco-friendly, going to your local salvage yard to find treasures is not only good for the environment, but good on your wallet as well. I love purchasing salvaged stained glass windows and using them as wall art. You can find amazing light fixtures at bargain basement prices (just make sure they actually work!).

Below are some items I found on http://seconduse.com/ (but, you have to hurry, because the good stuff doesn't last very long!)

Really nice bench for only $45!!

Old wood interior door for $150!

Kitchen counter only $150! What a steal!

Mission-style chandelier only $85

Is it a dog kennel or a side table?

Bowhaus Dog Crate

Many people "crate" their dogs to help provide their pets with a sense of security while they are gone. Yet, if your' like me, you hate the look of crates and probably struggle to find a good place for them in your home. Let's face it, most of what has been out there are simply big, square boxes made of plastic or metal. But finally, there are more options for those who would like a more aesthetically pleasing look to their pet's crate. And, what's great with these new and improved versions is that many act as a side table in your living room or bedroom. Unfortunately, these cool crates can come with a big price tag. Most shown are at least $300, most in the $400-$550 range. But, if you are also getting a new side table, your probably coming out ahead.

Now that's something to Bark over!!

This one below is from "Dog Day Architecture" (http://www.dogdayarchitecture.com/) and is customizable. You can pick from 5 different finishes and 3 different latch styles. Priced at $990 for the large one.

Here's another one that can also be customized to fit your needs. It can be found on poshliving.com and is $660.

Here are some ideas - there's pretty much something for everyone!

This one can be found on petsquared.com

This one can be found on dogbedworks.com

This one can be found on shabbypet.com

This one can be found on petsquared.com

The Color Purple (in design!)

(photo from elle.com)

It seems like everywhere I look, purple is the color of the season. While we heard about this late last year and earlier this year, it's finally hit the retail market. What's great about purple is the depth and richness it can bring, and the right hue can be so luxurious! The hot trend is to mix it with gray. Gray is always a great neutral color, but when mixed with purple, it really becomes a sophisticated mix.

Here's a great example from Pottery Barn:

People often say that fashion and interior design inspire and follow each other. (what's first, the chicken or the egg?) This couldn't be more true of purple. If you are a fan of "Project Runway" on Bravo, then you saw the winning dress for Diane von Furstenberg's new line - a beautiful purple gown paired with a gray jacket!

Here are some other great examples of the breadth and variety you can get with purple:

Photo by Justin Bernhaut February 2008 (domino mag online)

Table Linens

Fabrics from Kravet

Maura Daniel's lamp

Is it time to "Flip" your own home?

If you're thinking of selling your home "someday" (say in 12-18 months), it's time to think of ways you can maximize the value of your home NOW! Just like those "flippers" you see on TV (the human-type, not the dolphin type!), you can increase the value of your home dramatically with some simple upgrades and some well planned redecorating.

In addition to my interior design business, I'm also a licensed Realtor. These two professions integrate well together. And, being a Realtor gives me many advantages in my design business. First, I have the opportunity to see many, many homes every week in every price range. I also watch the market closely - what sells quickly, and what doesn't. But more importantly, what distinguishes the home that sells quickly than the home that doesn't?

When everything else is equal (neighborhood, size of home, etc.), generally, it's the condition of the home. Updated, outdated, fixer upper? What's the current condition of your home? (be honest!) If you really want to sell your home for the most value you can get, here's just a few things to consider:

1. Start previewing the "competition"! A good Realtor should always know what's current on the market and so should their clients. It's not enough to peruse through the pictures online. You have know what emotional buttons a house has that will grab a buyer. If you don't regularly attend the open houses in your neighborhood, start doing it! Keep a folder of flyer's that you think were well done and/or of homes you think are representative of your own. Everyone, and I mean everyone, thinks that their house is one of the best in the neighborhood. Start looking around you - is yours really the best one?

2. In a declining market, people don't want to invest in a fixer upper, unless they can get it for a total deal, or they are a professional Flipper. If you are not interested in updating your home in a way that will help it sell faster, then you need to price your home accordingly.

3. Take the emotion out of the process and put your business hat on as a seller. People often say that real estate is an emotional process for people - both on the buying and selling side. And it's true. Most people end up buying a home based on an emotional connection they made when they saw the home. Sellers often get caught up in the emotion because of the sweat equity they put into a house or the fact that their 4 children grew up there. When, in reality, a seller should think more like a Flipper when it's time to sell their house. For Flippers, it's about money -- how much can they put into a home to upgrade it to get the maximum value of a home?

4. Know what home remodel projects to invest in and what buyers want when looking to buy a house. Everyone knows that updated kitchens will help a house sell faster than an outdated, ugly kitchen. But that doesn't mean you have to sink in $75K for a new kitchen either. Knowing what types of upgrades make sense not only for your budget, but for the neighborhood, will not only save you a lot of time and money, but also a lot of heartache!

So, what types of things can you do in the next 6 - 18 months to get your home "move-in ready"?

1. Consult with a Realtor and ask them to go through your house to provide suggestions. This is a free service most will provide to you in hopes that you will list your house with them when you are ready. To get the most out of the experience, keep an open mind and don't get offended if they tell you your wood paneling in the living room just has to go!

2. Paint. It's cheap and generally fairly easy to do. But, when thinking about paint, think neutral. What will appeal to most buyers?? Certainly not a turquoise living room! Buyers need to envision themselves in the house, which is why a nice neutral color works best. Some of my favorite neutrals: Devine Oat (Devine paint made by Miller; Benjamin Moore Lenox Tan; and Authentic Home's Camel (available in the Seattle area). Also, if you have painted trim work on the interior, re-painting it white will give it a crisp, clean look.

3. De-clutter. Yes, some of you need an early start when it comes to de-cluttering. Depending upon how much stuff you have, you may want to tackle one room at a time. Perhaps once a month, you pick a room and spend a day clearing out the junk you haven't used for 10 years. And, if you just can't bear to part with it, put it in storage. If you find yourself struggling or overwhelmed by the process, seek professional help! There are now professional organizers in every major city that can help you regain control of the clutter. A messy home does not sell quickly.

3. Make minor updates. Things like a new sink and faucet can do wonders for a bath or kitchen. And best of all, they don't cost a lot of money! If you have an outdated kitchen, consider repainting the cabinetry and/or buying new knobs and pulls. New light fixtures throughout the house can also help update the house.

This is a picture of the fireplace in my 1921 Dutch Colonial house. It had ugly brown tile and so we replaced it with hand-made artisan tile (while more expensive, for such a small amount, it was worth it). The wood mantel is original.

4. Not-so minor updates. As discussed previously, kitchens are a big draw for most buyers. Depending upon your neighborhood, it might be worth a $20,000 investment to remodel your kitchen. I doubt most people are willing to do that, so think about new countertops. Pink laminate counters are a huge turn-off! But, a nice granite-looking laminate gives you today's look for a fraction of the price! Bathrooms are also important to buyers. Not only are outdated bathrooms a turn-off, so are dirty ones! If your grout is so old and dirty that it no longer looks clean, consider replacing the grout and/or re-tiling. If the vanity is old, either replace it or repaint it. Again, new fixtures can go a long way, too. If you have the perma-ring around the toilet, get a new one. (toilets really aren't that expensive, but you should have a professional plumber install it!)


Here are just a few ideas from Countertop.com:

Mountain Passage Laminate (1843-45)

Kitchen Before:

Kitchen After with new counters and de-cluttered:

5. Lastly, don't forget about the curb appeal. Overgrown or non-existent foliage or a front door that's unwelcoming can make a house look so sad people just simply don't get out of their car to preview the home. If you have never watched HGTV's show "Curb Appeal", then TiVo it now! Consider it your homework. And while the projects they showcase are often fairly large in scale, it's a great way to get ideas. If your plants have grown so large that you can't see the house, trim them back. Or, if you haven't added any plants since your house was built 5 years ago, go to your local nursery soon so your plants have enough time grow a bit before you sell. Other things that add curb appeal: new door or freshly painted door, improved walk-way, lighting and outdoor furniture.

Here are a few examples from HGTV's site:

(love the shutters in the "after" photo)

So, bottomline: A little investment in your home now, can lead to much bigger and better pay-offs in the future!

Happy Remodeling!!

Getting organized for Back to School

By now, millions of children (and teenagers) have gone back to school. While most parents have bought all of the crayons, binders, paper, and backpacks, many don't consider how to create organization systems at home to keep track of the homework and endless amounts of paperwork kids bring home everyday. And, now that you have had a week or so (depending upon what part of the country you're in) to see what "Junior" has stashed into their backpacks each day, it's a great time to re-evaluate your organization systems at home.

For younger children where homework really isn't a factor yet, they still bring home many things from school. That prized piece of art from class, the field trip permission slip and even rocks they picked up off the playground! Managing the artwork can be a very touchy subject, especially since there's really no way to keep EVERYTHING! I recommend having a bulletin board where you can feature one or two of the week's art work, and then decide at the end of the week which pieces are worthy to for a scrapbook and which ones should be recycled. In my house, we have a family bulletin board where we keep key things like school lunch menus, phone numbers, and weekly art projects. (see below) Inside the door, each person in the family has their own folder for items, plus folders for bills and contact info.

For storing art work long-term, I highly recommend purchasing an acid-free photo or art box to ensure your precious memories are preserved for a long time to come! Exposures has many great options for this in a wide variety of colors and styles! http://www.exposuresonline.com/

For older children with homework, it's important to not only have a quiet, tidy area for doing homework, but an organized way to track due dates of homework projects. Of course, I'm not recommending that you be responsible for tracking your teenager's homework. However, provide them with tips/tricks, as well as a functional area, to be successful. For elementary-aged children, a kitchen table is a great place to work on homework. (assuming it's free of distractions - i.e. like a TV!) You can be close to them when a question arises and you might even use that time to work on your own homework (like bill paying, grocery lists, etc.).

For older children who prefer to do homework at their own desk or an office, there are many great options. As a professional organizer, I'm a huge fan of the Container Store. You can find everything from modular products to basic desks. But, the best part are all of the great accessories. When a desk is neatly organized, it makes homework go so much easily, and fun!

Here are just a few great desk ideas to help inspire you and your kids to have a successful school year. (plus: The Container Store is having a sale - don't miss the chance to get good deals on key organizing essentials!! see below for link)

Boys desk from Pottery Barn

Girls Desk from Pottery Barn

Desk and filing system from The Container Store

The Joy of Children's Rooms

One of my favorite projects to work on are children's rooms. You can really let your imagination go wild with kids rooms. Whether it's bright colors or funky patterns, the possibilities are endless. I generally stay away from overly "themed" rooms, especially those that are commercialized (i.e. Disney Princess, Winnie the Pooh, etc.). They get old, fast and it's difficult to transition them as the child gets older unless you completely re-do the entire room. Besides, I think you can still give your daughter the Princess room of her dreams without looking like you just made a trip to Disneyland (one of my favorite places, by the way!).

Here are two pictures to illustrate my point. The purple and green room below is my daughter's room. She really wanted Princess, but I couldn't succumb to the Pink and Disney logo everywhere. So, I broke out the paint brush and painted the walls, bed and dresser. (the latter two found on Craigslist!) There are splashes of pink and princess throughout the room, but it is subtle. The next room (the pink one) is very sophisticated, yet still very girly. I love the shade of pink - very light and airy.

McKenzie's Room

Pretty in Pink!

Another way to make a great impact in a kids room is with fabric. I LOVE the curtains in the green room below. The black and green contrast is super fun and something that could easily transition to an older child's room over time. (and I love the lamp, too - but you already knew that!) As with my daughter's room above, paint can open the door to so many possibilities. Whether you paint furniture, or fun dots like the ones below, it's a great way to personalize a child's room. These dots give the room a modern feel, whereas polka dots would make it more whimsical.

Of course, not everything has to be hand made or found through a designer. I really do love Dwell and Pottery Barn Kids for their ability to create a theme without going over the top. (to a certain degree) An example is the stripe feature in the blue room below from Pottery Barn. Stripes are actually much easier to do than you may think. I like the variation of widths on the one below.

For those interested in more a more Modern look and feel, you certainly can't go wrong w/ Dwell. And, they now sell versions at Target!! The key to doing a Dwell-style room well is keep the rest of the room simple. Don't over the accessorizing and you should be fine!

And, speaking of accessorizing, there's so many great ways to accessorize a kid's room - whether it's creative lamps, art or paint. I love "notNeutral designs" by wallcandy arts. It's especially handy for those of you who hate to paint but want to add a bit of whimsy to the walls.

In short, to create a fantastic room for your little pride and joy, here are some general rules to follow:

1. Don't over due a theme. If you have a jungle theme, don't have animals on the bedding, window coverings, rug AND as accessories. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing.
2. Have fun with color and don't be afraid to try something bold. Remember, it's just paint! It's a small investment to make and you can always re-paint.
3. Incorporate storage - let's face it, we can't help ourselves and want to give our kids everything we can. Unfortunately, their stuff accumulates quickly and you need great storage solutions keep things neat and tidy!
4. Create a room from the heart - make it a place both you and your child will love being in.
5. Lastly, have fun!!